All of the drama revolving around this album aside, 108's latest release (recorded in 2009) has all of the fury of what is (or was) a 108 record with a new found affinity for shorter and more spastic songs. In a way its a new (old) 108.
The albums title, 18.61 refers to a section of the Bhagavad Gita, yet lyrically speaking this record is much less related to Krishna conciousness then most of 108's other material. I'm assuming this is obviously because of former singer Rob Fish's decision to leave because of his choice to stop believing in the religion soon after the record was recorded. Whatever the case, what you get with this record is a very wild and chaotic sound. The songs play out as short blasts of anger on the brink of insanity. You can really feel the rage pouring out of your speakers. There is a lack of stucture that comes with 18.61, which defines the record. Short, loose, and schizophorenic are perfect adjectives to describe it. It has a way of making the record feel slightly unfinished but at the same time it's what makes it so unique and what draws you in. There aren't any real structures or patterns with these songs an each track stumbles into the next without any concern for order. The recording seems to reflect this style as well. The overall analog only sound is distorted and fuzzy and very in your face. The album finally collides on the last track "Early Funeral" a strange 5 minute acoustic song with distant, almost dream-like sounding vocals. It is a curious way to end a curious record.
If you like 108, you will like this record. Then again, the album is such a departure, you might even like it if you didn't like them before. Definately worth checking out. Whatever this band decides to do in the future without Rob Fish, I hope it's still this heavy, angry and different.
www.weare108.com
No comments:
Post a Comment