Well, I have already learnt what a weeb is and it’s only 11am. I have also learnt that Andrew Lee, the man behind Houkago Grind Time, is a massive, unapologetic and remarkably talented weeb. And thus, with a flurry of animes and Japanese manga, the fourth full-length from this pacey little project is born – the wonderfully titled ‘Sorry I Am Not From Japan’.
Packing nineteen tracks into nineteen minutes is a feat of ‘grindcorean’ proportions – though none of these tracks feel spontaneous and brief. All manage to have a beginning, a middle and an end, and tread the tightrope of grindcore whilst clinging onto the handrail of goregrind. Production, song writing and delivery are all spot on – which feels like an aside when dealing with such a plethora of wonderment.
Andrew Lee is from California (in the Ultra Suck Ass – in his words) but, as is clear from the magnificent title track, sometimes gets asked if he is from places that he is not from. And, from the following track, then gets asked where he is really from – with the customary chuckle only delivered by those who are as thick as pigshit.
He is also prone to ‘squeeing’ for no reason, lives and weebs in LA and feels obliged to give us time counts via tracks such as ‘This Album Will End In Three Songs’. All in all, this is possibly one of the best 19 minutes of your life just lying in wait for you. Pyon pyon pyon!!! (Andrew’s words again).
Best Paired With: An Unhealthy Obsession, Laughing Until You Implode And Not Being From Japan.
Reviewed by Jaff.
Houkago Grind Time – Sorry I Am Not From Japan is out now on Outrageous Weeb Power Productions/Obliteration Records.
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