Friday 6 December 2013

Drugs Of Faith - Architectural Failures EP (Review)




Album Type :  EP
Date Released :  26/11/2013
Label : Malokul

Architectural Failures, track listing :

1). The Incumbent 02:49
2). Insanity 02:24
3). Paper Trails 03:06
4). Placing Bets 01:56

Bio :

Northern Virginia-based trio DRUGS OF FAITH releases the first new recordings to emerge since their 2011 Corroded album, with the  the freshly finished Architectural Failures EP. The band’s patented rocked-out grindcore approach here shows some brutally awesome dissonant tones and more expansive dimensions with a crushing metallic production courtesy of the sessions at Developing Nations with Kevin Bernsten (Full Of Hell, Inter Arma, Ilsa, Coke Bust) and final mastering by Scott Hull (Pig Destroyer, Agoraphobic Nosebleed). Architectural Failures will see release in mid-November as a one-sided 12" limited to 300 copies with a digital download via Malokul, the DIY label started by D.C. act Disciples of Christ.

Coming from co-founder Richard Johnson (Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Enemy Soil), DRUGS OF FAITH has endured since 2003, with a plethora of releases out via Poland’s Selfmadegod Records amidst several demos and compilation spots including Relapse Records’ This Comp Kills Fascists Vol.2. And simply put, they fucking shred

Review :

Washington DC's Drugs of Faith are strange, in a good way. It isn't strictly Grind that they play, and it isn't quite Hardcore. According to them it's Grindrock, or Grind n' Roll. Whatever it is it works really well, and at the end of the day isn't that all that we want from most things in life? I know I do.

I like when things work really well. Like a good microwave. Or oxygen.

'The Incumbent' grinds all over your face in a punkish way. Great way to start off this new 4 track EP, with some satisfying scrape. Plenty of chance for the kids to dance too, with some pleasing HxC timing. The riffs are suitably nasty though, like salt in a paper cut. And the bass is spread thick as well, loaded with calories and ultimately very satisfying.

'Insanity' is similar in style, mixing up its plan of attack to keep you off balance. The vocals are pretty clear (for this kind of thing), so it helps that they're delivered with conviction.

'Placing Bets' sounds like it's falling apart, but it's just lulling you into a false sense of security. More Grind to start, but the straight part at the halfway mark is pure slam fodder. It gets the blood pumping, and the fists raised.

I was absolutely unaware of DoF before 'Architectural Failures' landed in my lap, but now I'm fully on board with them and whatever it actually is that they do. All I know is that they pretty much kick ass, all piss and vinegar and a badass mix of buzz saw riffery and groove. Solid stuff from a solid band, check 'em out today.

 Words by :  Matt Fitton

 You can buy it here
 

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