Everyone needs a reminder now and again waveriders. For some those reminders are work
related. Others require a gentle tap on
the shoulder to make sure they don't lose themselves to one pleasurable pursuit
or another. Speaking for myself, I
readily admit that from time to time a not so gentle admonition to listen to
music belonging to a genre I typically neglect is vital. If not for these suggestions I would miss out
on bands like Contrastic and their
newly re-released self-titled LP.
Alright, who wants to talk about grindcore? Ultra-fast songs, massive distortion, cookie
monster vocals...you know, the good stuff!
While I enjoy and have reviewed a couple of grindcore bands on this site
(Total Fucking Destruction and Beer Corpse spring to mind), by and
large I leave that genre to other writers.
Not this time however. Contrastic is simply too good! Not only are they good, they're weird as
well, and that makes them stand out from the crowd to my ears. What makes them weird? Good question.
Let's start at the beginning. Opening track "War Laws?" lays down
almost a minute and a half of what sounds like sinister midi music before the
actual band joins the fray. Even then
the song better fits the mold of sludged-up death metal than typical
grindcore. Only on the second track,
"Verschrottung Durch Arbeit", does the listener encounter the
expected blast beats. This pattern of
experimental track followed by more standard grind repeats throughout the
album's thirty minute run length.
The thing is...just when you think you know what to expect Contrastic throws a curveball your
way. Would you think proper piano
accompaniment would enhance a grindcore song?
Take a minute, literally, and listen to the song "Chopins Ulcerous
Colic". You might be surprised. Sticking closely to the piano theme
"Unattractive 'M'" features an organ for thirty seconds smack dab in
the middle of the track. "Sex With
Four Walls" begins with title-appropriate wah peddle work before
transitioning into a raging metallic whirlwind.
Waveriders this album originally hit the market back in 1999
or 2000. I would like to take this
opportunity to thank the folks at Horror Pain Gore Death Productions for
reissuing this marvelous album digitally and on vinyl. If not for their efforts I never would have
discovered this gem! Do yourselves a
favor my friends. Order a copy of Contrastic's self-titled LP and let the
grind move you.
-Penfold
Comments