With a cover that looks like an unfortunate loss of control in a primary school, what do we find in the third full length from Brisbane one man artist Snorlax (allegedly nothing to do with the Pokemon character) as they unleash black death torrent ‘Toxic Current’?
First off, I find the realm of solo projects some of the most intriguing and, at times, exciting in the business. To be freed from the influence of others is, at times, holistic and cathartic. The intro to this record, ‘Eclipse’ is a person sat down and planning….questioning how best to open this, quite frankly, pretty relentless chunk of blackened riffage out. Slightly mathy, highly dissonant and intertwined chords and lead lines is the answer! Then break into ‘No Fate’ with its hefty, chugging and twangy progression and the planning book has been successfully launched through the nearest open window…!
This is hard-hitting, aggressive but deeply enjoyable extremity that wears a veritable range of legendary old school tattoos. The latter day Satyricon edges of Manifestation, bleed into the weird acoustic nightmare of 1984 and then the bludgeoning deathscape that is ‘Insignificance’ takes centre stage and probably accepts the ‘best track on the album’ quite graciously. This is the strength that lies at the heart of the record.
Let’s not get carried away…’Toxic Current’ can at times lose a little direction but that is to be expected and, potentially, applauded when it come to the one man show. At times, Snorlax kicks into a dissonant death groove that suits them well, yet at other times they seem to get carried away, or stuck, within patterns that can become a touch repetitive.
However, there is so much to enjoy here and, at only 31 minutes, I can only leave positivity and praise – and the proviso that I will be in Brisbane in only a few weeks so any chance of a beer?
Best Paired With: A Friend Called Bobby, Being Kicked In The nuts, and winning at cluedo.
reviewed by Jaff.
Snorlax – Toxic Current is out now on Avantgarde Music.
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