Review Summary: Slamming Gangster Groove is Back
PeelingFlesh is a band always on the grind. From 2021 - 2023 alone, they released 4 EPs, 1 split, and a demo of entirely fresh material. Yet still had enough creative juice left to make one of the best slam albums of 2024. According to interviews, they are constantly sitting on new material and this year is no different. PF isn't staying quiet with their new EP.
The original PF Radio was an impressive EP with cool uses of pinch harmonics, and not to mention one of their best songs, Set Trip. The sequel seems like a logical progression of The G Code, with it further leaning into their chopped & screwed influences. While not as sample dense, they still make up for it in sprinkling in some interesting riffs. Flesh Cathedral starts with a wild choir sample, and has some riffs punctuated by some nasty pinch harmonics. However, unlike PF Radio, they mostly stick to their typical style of slam. Very loud guitars, inhaled vocals, with pretty decent drumming. There are standout songs, but a lot of them are your typical PF mosh-pit slam songs. Which in this case, doesn't feel half baked at all.
With a band as consistent as PeelingFlesh, I feared that they would peak early and quickly stagnate. They are certainly taking their time to change their formula, but the little changes are welcome. This EP seems quite decisive, but this feels like it's for the big PF fans the most. I hope that these new ideas are more expanded upon in their next record, and try to evolve their sound outside of a handful of songs.
Recommended Tracks: Flesh Cathedral, Channel Zero, Holdin
