Review Summary: Made Out of Babies rips their way into the metal scene with their debut release.
Trophy was the first album to come screaming forth from the outfit bizarrely named, and appropriately so, Made Out of Babies. Blending together elements of post-metal, post-hardcore and noise, trying to label a band like Made Out of Babies is inherently problematic. However, it’s safe to say that you’ll either love them, or find their music to be some of the most obnoxious sounding chaos you've ever heard.
Fronted by Julie Christmas, this Brooklyn-based group pulls no punches right from the get-go. Trophy was released in 2005, and signaled the beginning of a violently noise-filled reign of terror in the metal community. Everything about this album is calculated to evoke aural discomfort. From the abrasive styling and distortion of the guitars, to the groovy bass lines, to Christmas’ now-angry-now-singsong vocals. Made Out of Babies works their talons under your skin, and never really lets go.
Kicking off the album is a vicious track titled “Herculoid”. With its vocal styling and riffage reminiscent of the Melvins circa 1994, listeners can gauge whether or not they’ll enjoy the rest of the album straight from the beginning.
Two stand-out tracks defy the mold of the typical mid-album slump. The strategically positioned “Gut Shoveler” and “Sugar” are some of the best tracks on the album. In particular, “Gut Shoveler” sounds much like what the band would write and produce in their later albums. From the brooding intro, to the climaxes and chuggy, often dissonant bass tracks, to the eerie clean vocals proclaiming ‘All my life is for you my sweet thing’, this song is one of the finest Made Out of Babies has ever created.
The second half of the album is just as strong, with warped cuts like "Swarm" and "Wounded Rhino". If, on the off chance you haven’t heard this yet, stop reading right now, go find this album, and give it a spin. It’s well worth it if you’re looking for something heavy, groovy, and a bit off.
