Dead Noise - 2009 Tour Tape

Self-Released, 2009

No blast beats here kiddos, but that doesn't mean this isn't just splendid. This politically charged four-piece (although I would have sworn they were a three-piece when I saw them), which hails from L.A., gives us a tape featuring ten tracks of crushing, raw D-beat, which despite being total Dis-worship has a completely refreshing sound as a result of one component of music which is often overlooked: atmosphere. Which is to say the atmosphere on this recording is completely disgusting, albeit in all the right manners, bringing visions of DIY grind and Gauze to my head. It works perfectly. It's noisy as fuck, crusty as fuck, but not too metallic, just how I like it.

The guitar work is pretty much what you would expect from this kind of release, it does what it has to do and that's about it, but the riffs are really just great. Crusty, fast, thrashy and completely distorted beyond recognition. The bassist really shines here and not because he's doing anything particularly special, but the tone is vicious. Raunchy but clear. The use of multiple vocal styles is very effective. Most of the vocals are pretty much a la Discharge, even the melodies bring that to mind, but every once in awhile you will hear wretched, noisy screams brought to you straight from the nether realm known as grindcore. Very vicious. The drumming bothers me. Its good drumming overall, as the fill work is pretty darn splendid, but I can't stand drummers who play D-beats like this. I simply prefer that cymbal to be hammering straight through the whole time, but most of you won't notice this, so it seems I'm really just searching for a complaint.

Let's face it. I'm not too fond of D-beat, I never have been and chances are I never will be. However, this is a tape I listen to almost daily, because it has so much more to offer (for example, the Crow cover is a nice finishing touch). It's disgusting! I love it! I will certainly be keeping up with this band's releases. On a side note, they are much better live and seemed pretty damn legit, if you worry about those sorts of things.

7.0/10

MYSPACE