A literal barrage of guitar and drums pounds my senses, cacophonic
and precise. Intensity forces me to listen closer, and I sit back
and just let it soak in. By track three I am sold; there is something
here.
First off, let me disclaim Cinemechanica is not for the
weak palette, they broach a specific genre that combines math-rock
and hardcore. Like Drive Like Jehu before them, they thumb
their nose at musical convention and just create their music in
a chaotic atmosphere. Like Q And Not U they take turn-on-a-dime
guitar interactions to new levels by foregoing rote structures,
but still producing amazingly complex interchanges. Like Handsome
they push the drive to the edge of reason, but maintain enough
focus to make it work.
These guys are just talented, weaving in and out of melodies
and tempos effortlessly. As heavy handed as they get, they show
equal grace on delicate themes changing between multiple times
within one song without the normal wear-and-tear on the listener.
What makes it all work is the superbly divine hand of production
working the pieces into a coherent mass, light and airy here and
thick as lead there. Both guitars work like Siamese twins, intertwined
yet showing distinct personality that draw the main lines through
the songs. Just when they get too dysfunctional, they pull back
into a meaningful motif that sets up the next big change. Bass
and drums are the closest thing to a constant here. Bass perfectly
maintains a presence, which is amazing in itself, but on top of
that derives some seriously awesome lines that more bassists should
be playing. Drums correctly shape the momentum of the material,
quickly alternating concepts of fast and slow with seeming ease,
although I know better. Vocals, while sticking to a strictly one-level
stance, move the music with energy and determination creating
a perfectly blended piece.
The give and take is what ultimately takes my breath away as
the individuals sacrifice for the whole; instruments disappear
and rematerialize almost seamlessly, creating succinct gaps or
moments of clarity that are used nicely. Even the "instrumental"
songs are worthy in their own right for being driving and interesting,
creating a fully formed album. Overall, these guys are smart and
know what they are doing, and
they need to be heard.
-bishop
Track listing:
1) Yen
2) Antsinjapants
3) Brain Tarp
4) I'm Tired Of Paul McCartney
5) Take Me To The Hospital
6) Get Outta Here Hitler
7) Ruins Of Karnac
8) Bruckheimer
9) Orlandu
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