Review Summary: I can't get enough of 'em!
Studio albums are typically held together by a certain theme. Usually, the tracks on an album are chosen because they’re all connected, whether it be musically, thematically, or whatever. The same cannot be said for the discography of
godheadSilo, though.
godheadSilo is a noise rock band composed of two wonderful dumbasses from North Dakota: Mike Kunka, the bassist, and Dan Haugh, the drummer. Their 1994 debut,
The Scientific Supercake L.P., is unfocused, loud, and entertaining, making for a very accurate representation of the band. A majority of the recording is composed of quick-paced yet sludgy numbers with enough studio dickery to even the thing out. Tracks like “I Love U...nicorns” and “Bereft Rescue Mission No.43” contain bass thicker and heavier than a slab of concrete, while “Birthday Sandwich” is a somber, yet headache inducing number in which the bass squeal and moan in a rather upsetting tone.
What makes the sounds of godheadSilo so enjoyable and addictive is how weird and unique it is. It’s like if you were to combine styles of alternative metal, indie rock, post-hardcore, and stoner rock in a blender and forgot to leave the top on. It’s a complete sludgy, mushy mess that’s way too addictive for its own good.
Speaking of messes, this album is practically a wreck: scattered across the album are short little “studio fun moments” that have literally nothing to do with the band, from a twenty second loop of a guy proclaiming his love for large phalluses to a 10+ minute amp feedback session. Admittedly, some of these weird fuckaround tracks can be pretty cool to hear, such as “Two Peanuts Are Walking Down The Street”, an intense little piano jam that brings the
Halloween movies to mind, however in the end they simply serve no real purpose to the album.
Another thing I’d like to point out is the record’s production. Now, since godheadSilo are a drum and bass duo, it’s only natural for the bass to be in the forefront, however whenever I listen to this recording I can’t help but think that the bass ends up drowning everything else out. The distorted vocals feel quiet in its presence, and the drums could've been louder during the mixing stage.
Nevertheless,
The Scientific Supercake L.P. acts as a great introduction for good ol’ godhead. It’s weird and charming and maintains enough replay value for any fans of the noise punk genre. These guys definitely had some great ideas during their heyday, but what makes them standout was the fact that they put “have fun” on the very top of their to-do list.
