The Pitch: Finnish crust band Split Cranium returns with their intriguing new sophomore effort via Ipecac, featuring members of Sumac, Old Man Gloom, Converge, and Circle. FFO: Martyrdod, Morrow, Wolfbrigade
What I Like: I hadn't intended on doing any more full reviews this week, but something about this deceptively simple-sounding album kept me coming back. On the surface it's pretty much your typical D-beat driven crust, but Split Cranium add some very subtle atmospheric elements that really stick in my...cranium. It's the union of Motorhead with melodic synth work that we never asked for, but strangely works so well. Just listen to "Whirling Dusk" and you'll see what I mean. As put by Aaron Turner, "Jussi loves melody and I love dissonance and noise, so that is probably the healthy creative contrast that made this record what it is.” I'd add that Faith Coloccia's (Mamiffer) keys are the backbone that makes it all come together.
Critiques: No major qualms here. At 30 minutes this is a tight record that tries new things and doesn't overstay its welcome.
The Verdict: I'm The Devil and I'm Okay is an interesting album, especially within the world of crust. We get all of the usual energy and griminess of the genre, but with the added contrast of some truly sublime atmosphere. Definitely check out Split Cranium. They may be onto something here.
Flight's Fav's: Whirling Dusk, The Age of Embitterment, Blood Boiler
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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