Showbread started out as a worship band in their hometown of Savannah, Georgia. As the members began to play harder music, they were basically kicked out of their church. Unlike many Christian bands out there, Showbread isn't subliminal about their message, and they actually mention Jesus Christ by name. But they in no way alienate non-Christian listeners, and many of the songs on this album deal with topics that Christian and non-Christians alike can relate to.
Anyway, biography aside, it's time to begin the actual review.
1. A Llama Eats A Giraffe (And Vice Versa)
The album begins with the sound of a phone being dialed, and then you're instantly thrown into an intro of shrill screaming and clashing instruments. The two vocalists seem to blend together, creating sort of a spazzy element to their songs, and it's apparent right from the beginning. 2:30 seconds into it, there's a relaxed breakdown, with vocalist Dies seeming to almost chant with a simple drum beat playing behind him. There is some quick synth at 3:10, and after another 30 seconds of screams the song ends with the sound of a chainsaw, leading to the next track. 3.5/5
2. Dead by Dawn
Track 2 is basically an ode to the Evil Dead trilogy. It begins with a cool chainsaw effect on the guitar. A back up riff on the guitar and some synth leads you into the first verse, which begins fairly mellow and quickens shortly after. After a build up, the pace drops at 1:30, and leads into a repetive chant of the song's title that continues to 2:18. The pace drops again, and after building up to a cry of "Hail to the king, baby!" The song reaches a close after another chanting of the song's title, and ends with static. 3.5/5
3. Mouth Like a Magazine
This is the first single off of the album. It's extremely catchy, and sounds a bit like the Hives... It's almost too catchy, and a bit repetive. At 2:24, theres a chant betweent the two vocalists that alternates betweens throaty sounding screams from Dies to shrill shrieks from Mobley. There's a little breakdown at 2:39, and the song closes with the chorus. 2.5/5
4. If You Like Me Check Yes, If You Don't I'll Die
The song begins with a catchy little guitar riff. The first half of the song is very fast and spazzy, with shrieks contributed from both vocalists. The song takes a very nice turn 1:27 in, sounding a bit like the Hives again. When you're expecting the song to end smoothly, you hit a wall of static and distorted shrieks. The instruments cease while the shrieks continue for a brief moment, and you experience a moment of silence before the next song begins. 3.5/5
5. Sampsa Meets Kafka
In Franz Kafka's famous novel "The Metamorphosis", Gregor Samsa awakes one morning to discover that he's turned into a giant bug. He's treated cruelly by his family, and he eventually dies of lonliness. This song is Dies one-line response to Kafka. It's the shortest song on the CD, and it's pure chaos. Very interesting. 3.5/5
6. So Selfish It's Funny
Track 6 starts out with a nice little synthesized drum rhythm, leading you into the first verse. The first half of the song is a bit like the other songs on the album, fast-paced. At 2:11, the tempo slows, and you're carried softly through the rest of the song. 3.5/5
7. The Missing Wife
The Missing Wife has a completely different feel to it then any of the songs on the album up to this point. Dies sings softly while a soothing melody is played on a ukulele. It's very soothing, very enjoyable. The track ends with very ominous feel. A woman's scream rings out, and you're catapulted into...
8. Welcome To Plainfield Tobe Hooper
Heavy synth. Simple, but fast. Very fast. Very catchy. Very nice. 4/5
9. And The Smokers And Children Shall Be Cast Down
This song one of the albums more beautiful songs. It begins with a synthesized melody, with Dies singing. It's fairly calming. At 1:15, the song errupts, with passionate vocals from both Dies and Mobley. The song sounds uplifting and horribly depressing at the same time, but continually beautiful. One of the best tracks on the disc. 4/5
10. Stabbing Art To Death
The first section of this song is very fast and spazzy. Dies starts singing at 1:53, backed by Mobley. There's another spazzed section of the song that lasts for around 20 seconds or so, with chanting by both vocalists. The coolest part of the song happens at 4:02, when Dies starts singing again, backed by distant guitars. It's very catchy. The songs reaches it's peak, when it's ripped apart as the tempo steadily decreases and ends with feedback. 4/5
11. The Dissonance of Discontent
This beginning of this song is insanely spazzy, with fast drums and high pitched squeals from both vocalists. The second half of the song has a haunted feel to it, with an organ being played in the background. The song ends with the sound of thunder and rainfall. 3.5/5
12. Matthias Replaces Judas
This another one of the more beautiful songs on the album. Dies exposes his true talent in this song, singing so passionatly as to almost being close to tears. Bagpipes (yes, bagpipes) bring the song to a close. 4/5
13. The Bell Jar
The albums last song is a very catchy, radio friendly tune. Dies stops to sing a little over 2 minutes into the song, accompanied by a very basic guitar melody and the occasional synthesizer. The song brings the album to a close nicely, and ends with a dial tone. 3/5
CONCLUSION:
Very nice album. The material on it is varied, and the most of the songs are very catchy. The Christian message in the songs is very apparent, but it isn't enough to sicken non-Christian listeners. You're going to either love it or hate it, but it is definetely with a listen. FINAL RATING: 3.5/5
