The Pitch: Portland-based noise rock/sludge group ILS lay down an EP that is equal parts vicious and hypnotic via P.O.G.O. FFO: Daughters, Jesus Lizard, Haan
What I Like: Instant love for these guys. Primed from my spiritual experience with last year's Daughters and Ken Mode albums, I was ready for more strange and hypnotic noise rock. And though short, Pain Do Not Hurt does not disappoint. "No Luck" makes for a hell of an intro with its sludgy, foundation-rumbling bass guitar and ferociously snarling vocals. While the actual singing on this album is more akin to the likes of Haan and Clutch, these demented screams could give both Greg Puciato and Mike Patton a run for their money. This dichotomy makes ILS the perfect band for rock and metal listeners alike; with an aesthetic that runs the gamut from psychodelic, desert stoner to metallic hardcore. Perhaps even more interesting is the closing track, "For The Shame I Bring," placing the extremity of the harsh vocals right alongside passionate, melodic guitar hooks for a conclusion that is intensely cathartic.
Critiques: "Northstar" is the only track on this album that I'm not a big fan of. The main riff is repetetive and kind of grating.
The Verdict: Pain Do Not Hurt is a surprising and satisfying EP that, despite its short length, proves the talent and potential of ILS. If you dig stylistically diverse noise rock and sludge, get in here.
Flight's Fav's: No Luck, It's Not Lard But It's A Cyst, Curse
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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