White Suns – “Waking In The Reservoir” – [Ug Explode]

Thurston Hunger   4/4/2012   12-inch, A Library

Part of the shrapnel from the recent UgExplosion welcomed at KFJC.
You know in action adventure films where the hero fights off
dozens of enemy combatants, drummer Dana Matthiesen is that guy.
While he’s “only” up against two guitarists here in this Brooklyn
trio, Kevin Barry and Rick Visser are armed to the teeth with
effects and slash and burn technique. But Matthiesen is undeterred,
hyper-slogging his way through the thrashier rock on the first
side. Barry harrow-screams vocals into the vortex, did I hear
“Victory in my stomach” on Harvest? The combination is visceral,
an alien busting out of your gut vibe. There is guilt in the mix
too, but it will not be atoned for, but atonally pummelled out.
When the onslaught parts at times, and the drums keep rolling
those moments are powerful. “Skin Deep” closes side A and veers
off the battering rock with a circular avalanche drum pattern.
Silence is now part of the weaponry. Halting false stops ratchet
up the tension.?? The flip side side is less of the thrash, and
more of the skull chiseling art-damaging sound. The title track
recalls Italy’s Starfuckers brand of rock concrete. At last,
White Suns leave you with “Bedsores” like the photos in the
artwork, on one hand cruel, stark and brutal but compelling
and a force of nature.

-Thurston Hunger