Customer Reviews

New Erections

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Locust isn't your average heavy music, it's swift, violent, and shocking. While yes, those are some general components of Heavy music; The Locust do it with such a surgical precision, it's almost unreal. And New Erections is a colossal expansion of this. What i've always found ironically surprising about their music, is it's actually like being attacked by Locusts. With so many sounds and noises spewing from all directions, it's proven to be far too much for many ears. But for those of us who warmed up to the attack, New Erections will prove to be quite the proverbial kick in the teeth. The Opening track is similar to a Science fiction creature rebuilding from the ground up, as it starts with a quick clamor, and start/stops until it's reached a full on sonic assault. The album as a whole is a huge seperation from what their known for. Taking obvious cues from their previous EP, The Locust find much bludgeoning in unhurried structure rather than broken glass tornado's of synth driven madness. The third track is a great example; as it begins with a classic Locust barrage of hazaradous grinding cacaphony, speeding into a minute's worth of aural damage. Then submits into a evil, plodding synth that gives way to a crushing description of your average American Dinner. Lyrically is where the album finds much of it's diversity. The lyrics are dripping with raw genius; cold blooded stabs at our hasty drive thru anchored culture. Sardonic descriptions of an apocalyptic wasteland, which is excactly how the album ends up feeling. This is the first album where much of the vocal's are done by the keyboardist. Even a singular track of his own "Scavenger, Invader" in which he describes a traffic jam from an insects view. His voice is perfect for the tone of the album, it's very bellowing and quite unsettling at some points. Once again, each musician is stunningly tight, Drumming that defies the laws of physics, Pearson's Bass Shredding, and those countless moments where you can't tell if what's blowing your mind is a Guitar or a synth track. New Erections stands unmatched as the most mind blowing release of 2007, and I doubt it will be topped. This is also an album that takes at least 4 0r 5 listens before it becomes unhealthy with it's addictiveness. Raw, Genius, And So diversely heavy. Like em or not, The Locust are one of the most important bands around, creating the most unique and shocking music for our generation. This music makes me very proud that I do not find talent in today's commercially accepted music (MTV, VH1). Overall, The Locust are kings of the undergound and are only getting better

Fav Tracks: Hot Tubs Full Of Brand New Fuel, Tower Of Mammal, We Have Reached An Official Verdict.

The Locust's sound has adapted drastically, once again, while remaining one of the most intense and passionate bands around. This CD is no exception to that progressive style. The Locust's vocal stylings have evolved from Plague Soundscapes and SSBL, but Don't think I mean they're "singing". I only mean the recording quality has improved along with the range of vocal..."sounds". Also, you'll notice almost every song is OVER 1 minute, instead of under. Some even pass the 3 minute mark! This makes for some interesting intros, transitions, drone parts, etc. I will warn that this album is not for the faint of heart or the pregnant, but anyone with an open mind musically can at least appreciate the tenacity and originality of probably the craziest band I've ever heard.

a little different than other locust albums, but definately a must.

most people don't like the locust when they first hear them. that's because they just don't get it. there's a lot going on with the music as far as melodies and tempo changes etc.

not music for the stupid masses.

I know many diehard Locust fans will say that they sold out and became mainstream when they released this album, but the truth is this was their most well-rounded album. Even though Safety Second, Body last is my favorite this one showed a certain level of dedication to their craft which the others did not. This wasn't a cookie-cutter grindcore/experimental power violence cd and I can't wait for their next one.

It's easy to replace in the name of progress
It's easy to replace in the name of progress
Wink wink, nudge nudge.

Obsolete fuel, so lobbyists pull an alternative mule
Insubordinate antique engine, spark superfluous discharges
Gaia is wounded, corny and spoon-fed
Groupthink banter resonates everywhere

Taxidermy, guilt ridden professors
Sneezing out all the answers
Do you want it sugarcoated?

Drunk cars in Brazil didn't have to foot the bill
The complaintiff states, "Not enough mistakes"

But it's OK, the EPA is a stepping stone
Before the end of Rome

It's easy to replace in the name of progress
Wink wink, nudge nudge.

when the locust hits, they hit HARD. they did that on their earlier releases by repeating the locust formula with ruthless efficiency. on safety second body last, they alternated between the old style screamcore/bash-your-face-off-the-wall noise spurts with their chilling keyboard soundscapes creating one long piece, rather than many 30 second fragments. the tension and release of this format made for an even more intense experience.

this album, however, is split more into traditional "song" structures (only one track is less than one minute). one can find hints of the verse-chorus-verse (key word is "hints") and moderately understandable lyrics. they've even slowed down their instrumentation for many tracks (AOTKPTA; Scavenger, Invader; Book of Bot), creating a much more accessible sound (compared against any of their previous works). thats not to say it isn't good; "The Unwilling..." is a perfect compromise. 3:53 (about the length of a traditional single) alternates between the good old locust sound and the new "slow" sound to terrific results. in fact, the entire album seems as though it is pulled in two directions, the locust's past works and their new "slow" format. (the locust:new erections::black flag:my war)

my conclusion? the reason the locust wrote such short songs was that they could say what they needed to say in 0:45. now it seems they have more to say, and, for better or worse, they want us to actually UNDERSTAND what they are saying.

the locust is a band that creates art. this album seems to indicate a new direction for the band, a direction that, although more accessible, is no less art than anything else they've done. time will show this to be their transitional album, with them perfecting the new format in the future.