LUDDITE CLONE
"The
Arsonist and the Architect" (Relapse)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Luddite Clone marry death metal and noisecore into a short-circuit designed to maim at ten paces. Imagine your head in a quickly tightening vise and actually liking it - that's what "The Arsonist And The Architect" achieves in very quick fashion. It makes you wonder if it was all planned or if instinct is the primary culprit; regardless, what Luddite Clone have accomplished is the musical equivalent of an object splintering into many small, unrecognizable bits.
Melody is harder to find on this six-track mini-CD than it is to find a
black box of an downed plane at sea; but who needs melody when the maelstrom of pulverizing rhythms and spiked noise can raise
the hairs on the back of your neck. The overwhelming technical nature of Luddite
Clone is as impressive as it is awe-inspiring. The alternating pulverizing grind and bruising breakdowns is a
glimpse into what the fragmenting metal scene could become.
Death metal fans looking for something different will find a reason to rejoice with "The Arsonist And
The Architect" while grindcore fans can return to extreme music's visionary path with Luddite
Clone's attention to detail. The result is modern noisecore with a healthy smattering of
old and new influences. The austere tone actually adds to the band's aural assault.
"The Arsonist And The Architect" is an auspicious debut. Luddite Clone have already shared the
stage with Vision Of Disorder, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Reach The Sky and as this CD proves
the band is well on its way to carving a niche for itself in the crowded
grind/noisecore genre.
"The Arsonist And The Architect" was produced by Chris Badami.
Luddite Clone is Bob Raf on drums, Andrew Shearer on guitars, Kevin Hannum on bass, Ian Berkowitz on guitars, and Andrew Cummings on vocals.
For more information visit http://www.relapse.com/artist/artist.aspx?ArtistID=10062.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2006 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 18 Mar 2024 13:23:52 -0500
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