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Earlier this year Singaporean grindcore trio Wormrot released their second album ‘Dirge’ to critical acclaim. In fact, judging by some of the praise bestowed upon it, it may very well end up on several ‘best of’ lists at the end of the year. This assertion is not strictly limited to fans of grindcore either. Part of ‘Dirge’s appeal lay in its diversity, not only in terms of tempo, texture, and structuring, but perhaps of genre too. ‘Dirge’ was grindcore with a strong emphasis on the ‘-core’ side of things. Furthermore, its ability to switch things up gave it a definite sense of fun. No, seriously. Unfortunately, Wormrot’s new release, the ‘Noise’ EP simply doesn’t carry the same transcending qualities and levels of intrigue its predecessor did.
‘Noise’ is simply too singularly focussed and unwaveringly bludgeoning for its own good. Opener ‘Loathsome Delusions’ may utilise subtle shifts between d-beat drumming and blast-beats, and closer ‘Perpetual Extinction’ may briefly bring in Converge-esque, then thrash/punk influences; but generally ‘Noise’ is Wormrot’s most monotonous output to date. Of course this wouldn’t be too much of a problem if it reached the aggression and intensity levels synonymous with grindcore, but sadly it just doesn’t. Although the single guitar’s work here is impressive, relatively full-bodied, and occasionally entertaining, perhaps the inclusion of a bassist, or even just a second guitarist would beef things up a little and make it more effective, but that would merely be conjecture. Furthermore, the more one-sided approach that ‘Noise’ takes results in it being less interesting aurally, and perhaps more importantly, less engaging.
Wormrot have a lot going for them. They have shown their ability to seamlessly fuse grindcore with other genres; their ability to make the most of just one guitarist; their ability to have fun, but simultaneously make people take them seriously where they may not have done so otherwise. Unfortunately, much of this doesn’t happen on their latest EP. This is not to say it’s bad though by any means. Despite their lack of variation here ‘Noise’ still makes for a fairly accomplished, brutal, and enjoyable listen – it’s just not up to the high standards they have set themselves in the past. Let’s hope it’s just an odd blemish on an otherwise highly impressive discography.
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yeah this is actually a great EP, and if you like either of their previous LPs but don't like this, then you're full of shit
though this is still a good review
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
Comparative reviews neglect a releases individual and unique qualities. The EP should be judged on it's merit, not on it's contrast.
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@ Eclectist: I tried not to focus too much on just a comparison, but I guess that's always going to be a risk when you're aware of (and a fan of) a band's previous output. Even on it's own merits it's not great. The point I guess I'm trying to make in the review is that what made their previous two releases so enjoyable has been replaced by a style that's just not as interesting or effective.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off
Unfortunately, Wormrot’s new release, the ‘Noise’ EP simply doesn’t carry the same transcending qualities and levels of intrigue its predecessor did.
Hahahahahaha what the fuck is the difference? Good review though and I respect anyone who backs themselve up well.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
I did not notice a switch in style or a significant difference in output. However even if there is one that I neglected you have to recognize the EP as it's own separate attempt. So yea maybe it isn't as good as their two LP's (according to you) the reasons must stem from the EP and not from their previous releases. Material is best analyzed when a fan forgets entirely about any other works by the artist and focuses completely on what is being listened to.
Summary: It's best to focus on what is, rather than what isn't. Expectation are unfair.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off
Dude, I fully agree with that statement. However, in the case of this band, I don't think there is much difference between this and Dirge to really do a cross-comparison of the two. It's hard to forget Dirge when this could have easily been lifted off that disc.
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@Wizard: 'transcending qualities' can lead to 'intrigue' (if music has influence from more than one genre, or attempts to do something original, then it may well be more interesting), but the two can be separate. something can still be interesting without too much diversity.
@Eclectist: i agree, but i stand by my point that assertion that appreciation of a band's previous work (or even similar band's work) is going to be a factor in reviewing - at least subconsciously. everything you ever listen to will shape your reaction to other music, and so it is inevitable that a comparison will be made, at least implicitly.
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i call bullshit
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Who cares about the level of diversity in a five-minute release? It's just a few minutes of pure pummeling grind and it shouldn't be looked at in any other way.
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Haven't heard this yet but pretty sure it will be more than a 2.5.
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It's just a few minutes of pure pummeling grind and it shouldn't be looked at in any other way.
this pretty much
insect warfare lives in on in south east asia
| | | Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off
New Brutal Truth is best grind for me this year.
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looks like you're steppin on some toes here craig
| | | Album Rating: 3.0
do you not like grindcore?
I like this ep
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it's the fall of boss koala incident all over again
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well if you go into a grindcore ep looking for overwhelming diversity you may as well be looking in a butcher for carrots
it's well written though, pos'd to even out the negs - doesn't deserve those. :]
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well, not 'overwhelming diversity', but considering the variation on their albums before this i don't think it'd be unreasonable to expect a more diverse affair.
and cheers, man.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
I like it
| | | Album Rating: 1.5
good review, pos'd
grindcore is balls
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
i thought this tried to be a little different - has a few moments emphasising melody. really i think this is just a sample size offering of their usual quality.
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