This twofer from Undesiccated is of a different kind than usual. Why? you might ask. Well to begin with the single 'Monkey Branches' is the end of old Undesiccated while the full-length 'Antipodes' is the start of new Undesiccated. But not only do we witness this, we also see the band go from being a trio to becoming a duo, all during a slight hiatus.
'Monkey Branches' is intense beyond words, chaotic and schizophrenic in all of its 52 seconds. And this solitary composition is the definitive and perfect sending off for Undesiccated #1.
'Shaheed' brings back the grind insanity almost akin to Napalm Death with some serious hooks, warts and all. 'Genocidaire' is almost 70's trippy rock until the vocals enters the fray. Then it's full-on grind but ends spaced out. 'Bloom' is in your face menacing and brutal. The album ends with the secret "song": 'Super Secret Bonus Trash SHHHHHH'. In reality it is basically sounds you hear and there's probably more to it than what I know. Regardless, it's a very effectful way to end this album.
The album title, 'Antipodes', could refer to the plant life in the Antipodean area or it could refer to polar opposites...or the band could actually refer to both. After all, Undesiccated do play botanical grind with focus on all things botanical. At the same time on this release the songs are polar opposites. What I mean is Undesiccated have changed things up this time around. They don't play all out furious grind but have expanded their scope. Check out 'Moody', '(Thunderfoot) Deep In The Burl' and 'Genocidaire' where the music is mellowed out and wider turns are taken expanding their sound immensely. I've liked Undesiccated from the very beginning and have marveled at their progression with each release. This time, however, they truly knocked me off my feet because 'Antipodes' is bloody brilliant.
-Swedebeast
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