Wednesday 12 February 2020

ALBUM REVIEW: Today Is The Day, "No Good To Anyone"


By: Peter Morsellino
 
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 28/02/2020
Label: BMG



 

“No Good to Anyone” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. No Good To Anyone
2. Attacked By An Angel
3. Son Of Man
4. Burn In Hell
5. You're All Gonna Die
6. Orland
7. Cocobolo
8. Agate
9. Callie
10. OJ Kush
11. Mercy
12. Born In Blood
13. Mexico
14. Rockets And Dreams

The Review:

Today is the Day make their triumphant return with a glimpse into the mind of Madness. A diverse offering providing an intimate glimpse into the mental state of Steve Austin. It's beautiful, it’s ugly, and it’s goddamn fantastic. “No Good to Anyone” is a trip through the weird, with no shortage of brutal stops along the way.

The mix of sounds conjured on this album is astonishing. From the demonic cacophony of the title track to “Callie”'s mournful folk stylings, Today is the Day craft an eclectic brew of insightful tunes to keep the listener thinking long after the album's completion.  Burn in Hell” offers up sulking southern sludge in stark contrast to the pounding assault of “You're All Gonna Die”. The seventies doom riffing of “OJ Kush” stands against the haunting ethereal vocals of “Attacked by an Angel”. Almost every point on this album is balanced by a counterpoint. A contrast that keeps things fresh for repeated listens. 

Production on “No Good to Anyone” is as good as can be expected from a Steve Austin effort. Instruments and vocals shift throughout the mix, crafting an ambience that will stick in your head as you try to wrap your mind around it. Bass cuts through the mix effortlessly while Austin's vocals shift between a slurred drawl and a furious demon scream without shaking the listener from the musical experience. The drum mix stands out with an expertly produced low end, creating an interesting tribal effect. 

“Cocobolo” is a great example of all these techniques in perfect harmony. Swampy blues riffs morph into jamming stoner chords. Steve's voice shifts back and forth like only he can. Bass holds down the ensemble expertly, while the rhythm section offers up one of the best kick drum sounds I've ever heard.

“No Good to Anyone” offers up a diverse mix of jams that are sure to delight the most discerning of listeners.  While Steve Austin's past body of work certainly speaks for itself, this is a more than welcome addition. Give it a listen, get weird with it. Get mad, get sad, be grateful he's back.

“No Good to Anyone” is available HERE


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