Review Summary: Big Black managed to use their disgusting sounds and crafted it into a thing of beauty.
Have you've ever witnessed something that was so ugly that, in a weird way, it became
beautiful? As in it was so awful, so unappealing, but was crafted in such a way that you cannot help but find it amazing? I have, what I've witnessed was called
Big Black.
Big Black is a very ugly band, and for many reasons. With scratchy, metallic guitars and some of the filthiest bass you'll ever hear, Big Black created sounds made out of pure disgust, hate, and disease. Lyrical themes including abuse, murder, and racism only built apon the already disturbing and unapologetic noises that they've created. By 1985, the trio of scrawny men known as Steve Albini, Jeff Pezzati, and Santiago Durango already released three extended plays, becoming more and more popular in american underground music as time went on. So finally, in early 1986, they've released their first full-length LP, titled
Atomizer.
Atomizer is one helluva record, blazing your eardrums with no regrets. As mentioned earlier, Big Black made very nasty music, but the best part is the fact that not one track sounds the same on this record. From the sped up guitar screeches on "Passing Complexion" to the surprisingly appropriate organ piano on "Bad Houses", each track has its own unique tones. The most surprising moment on the entire record would have to be "Bazooka Joe", a song that deals with a veterinarian who suffers Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. The track is told through the point of view from the veterinatian's friend, and is very well done. When Albini moans
"You don't have to be alone, Joe!", you feel the agony in his voice.
When people say things like how Big Black were an innovative band, then keep in mind, there are very good reasons to it. Big Black managed to use their disgusting sounds and crafted it into a thing of beauty.
Atomizer is one of the coolest records I've ever listened to, and for that, it gets
5 ***ing stars.
