Labels: Electric Human Project
Review by: Graeme Cunningham
Subtle>>adjective: So delicate or precise as to be difficult to describe.
That’s for the benefit of Shikari and Phoenix Bodies by the way. Neither band ever seeming to have stumbled across the term before, as they amply demonstrate on this snarling transparent red seven inch disk. But then could we have expected anything else?
Shikari’s two contributions see them thrashing around the floor, spit foaming from their mouths in that wondrous “One Eyed God Prophecy on Crack” fashion that they do so well. “Nieuwe politiek 1″ blasts the political status quo in the Netherlands and “Tijd was ons niet zo goed gezind” (or “time wasn’t on our side”) is a requiem for a friend who passed away. Bonus points in the bag for lyrical translations and song explanations. If I was the picky type I could perhaps moan about the quiet mastering level. But I’m not, so I will continue to simply turn up the volume.
Phoenix Bbodies open their side with a Muppet’s sample. More Muppet samples in Hardcore please. Ultimately though, this is just a cunning ruse because there is nothing furry or cuddly about the unholy racket Phoenix Bodies blast out. Without a twinkly break down in site, the two vocalists howl and regurgitate the contents of their black psyche over a shattering wall of guitar noise. The lyrics are excellent. Sarcastic pokes at modern living, “Toxic Shock Value Meal!” for example, featuring the immortal opening line “life is like a tampon commercial…”
This is out through Electric Human Project and as usual the artwork is nicely thought out. Both bands have stronger material, but if you like the sound of people grinding bricks into your ears to make gravel, you’ll enjoy this.