Evil Blizzard’s name has passed through our mailbox before, but they’ve never landed on my turntable until now. It seemed about time to check out the weird sounds concocted by four bass guitars. Which is a shame as there are now only three. And they’ve added a guitar. OK, so technically, they lost a bass, gained a bass and then one of them shifted to guitar but… same same.
As a newcomer, I’ve no preconceptions based on their previous four albums so I can’t day how this has affected their sound. What I can say is that I’m equally appreciative and terrified of what I’ve listened to… about twenty times since I got hold of it. I’m not sure if I’m enjoying it, or scared someone will come and get me if I stop listening.
The one thing I can definitely say is that it’s unique. There are some definite influences – punk overtones, especially in the rebellious and generally simplistic lyrics. Electronica and soundscapes pervade and make each track sound… “big”. Synth rock for sure. Several of the tracks sound straight out of a John Carpenter film. The overall impression isn’t so much of an album made up of individual songs, but an overarcing piece of music. Unsettling, eerie music.
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Impressively, despite being very dark a handful of the songs kick up the pace a bit and are borderline upbeat. Don’t let that fool you though. One listen to the haunting lyrics and you’re back to looking over your shoulder again.
Against my expectation, Rotting in the Belly of the Whale had me listening to it over and over again. It’s more something I’d plop on at home when I’m doing something else, than put in in the car for a road trip (as much as I can’t really sing along as much as I’m worried it would turn my children into extras from The Shining), but I’d enjoy it when I did so. I’d like to hear what long-term fans think of what I assume is a noticeable change in sound. But for this new listener? Good stuff.
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Rotting in the Belly of the Whale is out on November 3rd
Header image by John Middleham
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Evil Blizzard: official | facebook | twitter | spotify | bandcamp | youtube
