TALLAH
"Matriphagy" (Earache; 2020)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Yeah, I'm not ashamed to say it: I had to look up the title of this album to see what the word meant. According to Wikipedia, "matriphagy" is "is the consumption of the mother by her offspring." Ugly, right? Well, so is the music on this album.
After a seventy-five sound effect/whispered intro named, appropriately enough, "Redacted," "Matriphagy" kicks off with a dissonant rhythm, coarse yelling vocals, and a noisy collection of musical instruments. And it doesn't change much from there. Despite the galloping pace of "Kungan," the bulldozer drive of "Overconfidence," and the eerie experimentation in other tracks, "Matriphagy" never really hooked me. Maybe it's not supposed to. Maybe it's supposed to simply clobber me over the head. If that's the case, it's hugely successful. Unfortunately, it's not for me.
This is one of those times, and there have been many, that I'll tell you to give Tallah a listen somewhere and see what you think. It's not my cup of tea but who knows? Maybe it's yours.
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/TallahPA/.
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 © 2008 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
