Early Graves - Goner
Rating
RIYL
VictimsTrap Them
Nails
His Hero Is Gone
Release Date
06/22/2010
Label
Ironclad RecordingsTracklist
1. Goner2. Faith Is Shit
3. Old Bones
4. Rot
5. May Day
6. Wraiths
7. Trauma
8. Give Up
9. Bastard Tears
10. Harm
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Two things that caught the attention of my inner music snob: Early Graves’ Goner is distinctly divided into an A-side and a B-side, and it was recorded in analog. The analog was a very good decision as it really fits with the retro sound the band is going for, not to mention a dual role as hipster bait. I also loved the blatant Minor Threat tribute in “Old Bones,” and their references to influences like Entombed and Slayer are pushing all the right buttons with me. So how’s the music? Suitably raw and furious, these guys have a simmering cauldron of rage done with an eye on the old school with ingredients like crust, early death metal, grindcore, hardcore punk of the early-’80s vintage, death ’n roll, and power-violence. The end result is a crazed punishment of the best sort, a heat-seeking missile aimed right at your delicate sensibilities.
In interviews the band has discussed how several of the members have undergone some significant issues within the past year or two, and you can definitely get the sense of some frustrated men blowing off steam in the most cathartic and violent way possible. I mean, this thing is pissed. It’s twenty-six minutes of unrelenting aural terror, a synthesis of several different subsets of heavy music into one ungodly monstrosity, with ideas like expansive melodies left on the porch to watch their buddies play baseball with a cannon instead of a pitcher. Once your ear-drums have been blown apart you’ll be on your knees begging for another round through a torrent of tears.
Of course, the downside to all of this is that very little room is left to mix some more diversity into the stew; with so many influences playing on a band one would think that this wouldn’t be the case, but the combination is so seamless we’re left with the majority of those twenty-six minutes spent in the same gear with little differentiation. Obviously this was intentional, and in that sense Early Graves have more than hit their mark - they’ve obliterated it - but as a transcendent piece of art Goner unfortunately doesn’t quite make the cut. Put this on when you’re in a foul mood, destroy some shit, and then put it away for the next time you need it.
--Jake Oliver
Comments
Boston, MA
Very cool release. I didn't realize they recorded it in analog; might be one to pick up on vinyl (you were right about the hipster bait). They are playing my fav bar in Boston but unfortunately its the same night I have Wolf Parade tickets. I would have loved to check out their live show.
You're an idiot
Stereo Typing
Please read my bullshit. I need attention.
Minnesota
Eh, I really didn't like this album at all. I much prefer their last album and the sound they had there. This feels kind of sloppy and haphazard.