Pulling TeethThis Baltimore based band features members from several prominent bands from the region (The Spark and Never Enough and most notably Dom from the Slumlords plays guitar). These guys were brought to my attention a few months back when I received their demo for review (check the review section it's in there somewhere) and I was absolutely blown away. Well, after much anticipation their new album has finally dropped and I couldn't have been more pleased.
I wouldn't call this a full length nor an EP, so it was fitting they picked a 10". There is 11 songs in all, which is usually typical to a full length, however, all of the songs are short and sweet. All of the songs from the demo appear here (Sand and Cells, Bleeding Death and The Kids Are Not Alright).Not one breaking into the two minute realm. These guys manage to squeeze in some awesome Clevo influenced riffs in such a short time. It is also crucial to note how these guys can write a short and catchy songs yet have it sound heavy and tough as shit at the same time. Shit, at some points I was almost hoping they would elongate a riff or song but it's genius because it makes you that much hungrier to hear the next. Oh man, and the tapped leads/solos placed here and there only added to the sheer awesomeness of the album.
As great as the music is, the lyrics are equally impressive. It seems as if the first side of the record deals with the leaders of the people whereas Side B tends to deal with the followers. The opening track "Never Wrong" seems to deal with how Bush never admits to fucking up. "Prepare For The Worst", which is the best track on the album, is about how we rob the Earth of it's natural resources. "Heretic" is also another track about Bush, yes that is the second one but these songs are written much better than the average anti-Bush song, nor are they too blatant. "Vicious Skin", another one of my favorites, is a fuck you song about Osama Bin Laden, but like the Bush songs not overly obvious. That's Side A, now for Side B. "Our Downfall" is a song about being in denial about our current state in America. "Weapon Of Mosh Destruction" is essentially a fuck you to anyone that goes into a pit beating on kids half their size. The final track, was labeled Prepare For The Worst but should've been Sand and Cells, which was on their demo. Essentially, the song is about the plight of the working man. Now, I realize the themes aren't exactly groundbreaking but when you can be direct without being obvious, while at the same time using intelligent writing makes for a supreme listening experience.
They recorded this at Oblivion Studios with Mike Bossier and had it mastered by Visceral Sounds by Scott Hull, which I'm assuming is from Pig Destroyer fame. From the guitars to the vocals and everything in between this album sounds awesome. The guitars have an awesome tone that sounds thick. The bass has good presence and pounds away in the background, a very nice balance between treble and warmth. The vocals are spot fucking on. And the drums are clean and crisp.
Who knew ugly could look so damn beautiful. A-389 has done it again, one after another they put out amazing looking records. They have seriously become my favorite all vinyl label. This one has one of the best layouts I have ever seen. It was a great idea to display all of the lyrics on the back side of the record so that you don't have to bend this beauty. The artwork was done by Jeff Backman, who has also done artwork for the Slumlords. And this guy definitely has his own distinct style. The teal embossed PT emblem looks killer. The lone mistake was the last song on Side B was labeled "Prepare For The Worst", which was the third song on Side A, but hey shit happens. As an added bonus for those who pre-ordered this, it comes with a 20x30 poster insert of the artwork that is too awesome for words. Can't forget to mention the awesome teal swirl vinyl.
Rating: 5/5
Sections Worthy of Replay: Prepare For The Worst, Vicious Skin and Our Downfall
Synopsis: This will be the next band on the tip of everyone's tongue and if it isn't people should die, point blank. There is no filler whatsoever, no drawn out songs just unrelenting annihilation throughout with some fucking awesome lyrics. It has been a good year, lots of good releases but I'm going to say it now, this is my favorite release of 2006. Buy this record and others at A389Records.com. Snail mail: A-389 Records PO Box 12058 Balitmore,MD 21281. This record is 12.25, and for how much was put into it, it's a fucking steal.