DROWNINGMAN

After several years of label-jumping (Hydra Head, Equal Vision, Revelation) and a fairly recent breakup, Vermont's DROWNINGMAN has found yet another home on Thorp Records and will release "Don't Push Us When We're Hot" on October 11. DROWNINGMAN stays just clear of being classified as a traditional noisecore act. There's much that's entertaining, musically stimulating, and downright comedic on this album.

The non-traditional song structures are there, as are the minor chords and spastic beats, yet everything is done in service to the song. Just as the vocals don't grate on the nerves (the case with some bands in this broadly defined genre),melody isn't left behind. Manic as the throat work may be, the semi-speak, smart-ass style interspersed with backing shouts couldn't blend any better with the band's musical amalgam. Rather than wandering aimlessly, the busy rhythm section offers much in the way of expressiveness, natural tone, and sonic coloration, played with a purpose that moves well beyond virtuosity.

The music alone is worth the price of admission, but it's the sardonic and thoughtful lyrical content enriched with pure comedy that makes the album. Ridiculously long song titles like "Yeah, You're Pretty, But Do You Think You'll Really Get Away With It" and "Luck, Love, Life Time Guarantees and Other Things Assholes Believe In" are priceless. There's much to absorb beneath the surface of titles like "John Cougar Mellencamp is the White Devil" and "Dude Status: Revoked". The former in particular, with its hilarious introduction by a recurring character, features intelligent content given emphasis through sarcastic delivery. Check it out: "The Bible belt won't save your soul and life does not just go on / 400 acres couldn't bury them, like 97 crosses on the courthouse lawn / No more James Dean, no more life goes on / Rain on the scarecrow, blood on the plow." The album is filled with this stuff.

"Don't Push Us When We're Hot" works on many levels, both lyrically and musically. If you've not had the opportunity to experience DROWNINGMAN, then start paying attention now. This one's a real joy.