Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 25/02/2013
Label: Pelagic Records
The fast pace of the album allows no part to overstay its welcome and its frequent twists and turns both confuse and enthral in equal measure, leaving a record that will unfold over time to the listener. Repeated sessions unveil more intricacies and hidden moments of wonder amongst the chaos of “Commuters”.
“Commuters” CD//DD//LP track listing
1. Commuters Part 1 (3:02)
2. Commuters Part 2 (11:35)
3. Hypnograms (1:53)
4. Machines of Sleep (2:49)
5. Plug-in Citizens (1:33)
6. Submarine Warfare Anthem (2:04)
7. Minkowski Manhattan Distance (6:46)
8. Blunderbuss Committee (4:09)
9. 21 Almonds a Day (3:23)
10. Flippists / Privateers (3:58)
11. Earthians (8:43)
The Review
Coilguns latest record, “Commuters”, kicks off as it means to go on. Insanely complex drum and guitar interplay and a shifting structure that boggles the mind, deranged vocals bellowing atop a shifting smorgasbord of odd metered riffs that will leave you feeling as though you need to break something nearby, very quickly.
After the initial punch to the face that the first track ‘Commuters Part 1’ brings, the band bring it down a gear with ‘Commuters Part 2’, showing a more atmospheric side as repetitive guitar lines drift under rambling vocals, bringing to mind the post-hardcore sound of At the Drive In or Unwound. It’s clear from these two tracks that Coilguns are a band who can cover a large amount of musical ground quickly and seamlessly. Throughout its 12 minute run time, the song lulls you into dreamlike haze before the final chaotic climax, lasting around 4 minutes. The song explodes, but carries on building in intensity until its final moments.
The fast pace of the album allows no part to overstay its welcome and its frequent twists and turns both confuse and enthral in equal measure, leaving a record that will unfold over time to the listener. Repeated sessions unveil more intricacies and hidden moments of wonder amongst the chaos of “Commuters”.
A standout of the middle section of the album is 'Plug in Citizens'. Imagine a more distorted Jesus Lizard playing a socially charged Ramones song and you might be close to what this short track brings to mind. Another mid album highlight ‘Minkowski Manhattan Distance’ features some Daughters like riffing amongst its hammer to face bludgeoning. The final three tracks of this release however, really bring Coilguns to a higher level. Blastbeats, huge riffs, atmospheric sludge moments and the continuation of a spellbinding vocal performance end the album on its highest peak. If this is a teaser of where Coilguns are heading they will make me a very happy man indeed.
All in all 'Commuters' is an outstanding release that blurs the line between mathcore, punk rock, noise rock and atmospheric sludge. If you’re a fan of Botch, Cult of Luna, Unwound, Every Time I Die or Dillinger Escape Plan you will find plenty to love in this release. I cannot recommend this highly enough.
