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PYGMY LUSH is back with their latest record, Totem. In the past two decades since their formation, the Northern Virginia quintet have crafted their sound in and around the realms of noise rock where one moment things can be calm and ethereal, the next we can expect some hardcore and heavier riffs, in short one may not know what to fully expect come new release, yet one remains intrigued to hear more.
Totem is no different in that regard, but what stands out, according to PYGMY LUSH themselves, it’s a record that represents a range of emotions with songs starting out one way while shifting into something different by the time they end. “Eclectic” is one word they’ve used to describe the album, with also referencing the likes of BORN AGAINST and Brian Eno as inspiring the musical direction.
Whilst it’s fair to say no song sounds the same, it’s hard not to notice an underlying theme of 90s grunge and alternative rock within each track, whether as a soft presence in the background or as the focus, it’s a constant feature. And trust us when we say that’s a good thing. Opening track House Of Blood (Butch’s Monster) is an example as to why with things opening with those signature grunge riffs accompanied by low vocals, also revealing how the production of the album is more on the rough side as opposed to being polished. Elevating some of the punk tracks we hear later.
Another thing to notice is how the majority of the songs fall under the two minute mark, with the shortest song, Band-Aid On A Bullet Wound, only being a brief 48 seconds, yet it is far from forgettable with it’s fast, noisy punk composition and rough vocals, brought together by the sheer, chaotic energy that leaves you wanting to play it on repeat. Yet in direct juxtaposition is the longest track, Nonsensical Whimper, that clocks in at a whopping 13 minutes. A risk for any artist, but thanks to its ever-changing shift between something gentle at the start, where only acoustic beats and guitar are present, you can expect the build up to something satisfying as the full band slowly comes in and concludes the track into something of the psychedelic rock variety. An atmosphere of ethereal heaven and calm.
If that hasn’t intrigued you, the perhaps tracks that blend gnarly grunge riffs and punk structures, as heard in A Little Boy And His Bulldozer and A Famous Jock (The Rest Of Us), will interest you. Or how about some slower moments that captures feelings of loss and confusion as heard in February Song? Regardless, words can only go into so much detail for an album that speaks for itself. A stunning listening experience that covers the wide range of emotions and human experience, you can’t really go wrong.
Rating: 8/10
Totem is out now via Persistent Vision Records.
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The post ALBUM REVIEW: Totem – Pygmy Lush appeared first on Distorted Sound Magazine.
