Crystal Methodist – “Split with Arno X Duebel”
Crystal Methodist is a band I’ve known for a few years as I remember them playing quite a few Midway matinee shows a few years ago.
They were a straight up, hardcore band and very good. I knew them to play short, concise, brutal songs that were often under a minute long.
And then a while later, I recall them becoming a local, successful fifties doo-wop show band, complete with costume changes and skits!
But now that I really think about it- I guess I’m confusing their musical life with mine, that happened in the early eighties.
But I’m sure of the fact, that they released one of the best albums I reviewed in 2016 called “Drear.” This was when the terms grindcore and power violence were new to me but I realized, then, that they were part of that new, potent crew that consisted of- Goolagoon, Exile, Neighborhood Shit and Horrible Earth. With songs that were, “short, brutal and hard- swift, honest and uncompromising.”
They had to take some time off due to an unfortunate accident their drummer had, but now they seem to be back in full force.
Me, I’m drinking too much, have a bad case of rosacea and I’m greatly disheartened by my recent cut from The Patriots practice squad.
But this band is doing much better than me.
Meaning- there sure is much music here that is short, brutal and hard but more importantly, true, emotionally real and worthy.
Me, I’m drinking too much and the hemorrhoids are smarting.
But enough of me- let’s listen to this soothing, soft rock and enjoy!
After a short test by the National Emergency Broadcast System, “Mass Manipulation,” enters with a slow, fuzzy, doom, industrial vibe- suggestive of a condemned fellow walking down death row. When the drums kick it in, it still moves slowly, like a large animal taking its first, unsteady steps. But then all mayhem breaks loose and what follows sounds like a quick hold-up at a convenience store. “Radicalized, weaponized, divide and conquer. Manipulate fear, all schemes and lies, they’ll point you to someone to hate.” So true how the old folks are trying to lead us all astray, but the young are too bright and aware, nowadays, to fall for that nonsense. This song is fierce and ferocious and full of righteous anger; and also potent, powerful and purposeful making it a great song.
“Getting By” moves like a steamroller full of anger and adrenalin. It bursts open like a pipe busting but instead of water, venom and spite spews out. “No meaning to unearth, in this absurd world. I can feel a spark, but there’s nothing left to burn.” But this song will scorch your soul to embers in its’ forty-five seconds, in forty-five different ways, leaving only ashes in its quake.
“You are what you do, not what you say…Now it’s clear. Not a single word, means a fucking thing…know just what to say, to buy yourself in.” This song is called “Fraud” but it resonates true and real, not only lyrically but musically as well. Its’ impact is like an out of control eight-wheeler smashing straight into your heart.
With a tempo more at punk rock speed but aligned with hardcore/distorted vocals, “Dragged Down” moves along with a buoyant, aggressive beat. “Mind torn up, pulled through thorns, burning out, can’t think straight…No way out, just dead ends. Loosing time, dragged down again.” Towards the end of the song they bring the rhythm down, but it only increases the intensity and power as they drag this great song to a finish with a sound that may be, the sound of your soul being grinded away.
So Crystal Methodist are a pretty great band, probably one of the best we cover. One of the most cutting edge bands we cover, working in that power violence style, which is one of the most innovative styles we write about. And as long as the drummer can continue to stay out of harm’s way I expect more great stuff from them.
Much better than the reviewer who just reviewed them, who feels the need to expound upon his alcoholism and hemorrhoids. He’s obnoxious and a pain in the ass if you ask me.
But this young band is potent, swift and accurate- and can serve up your anger, with our current society and government, which I imagine your devouring, in a minute or less.
And if you’re young you should be angry. My generation has sold you out, I’m ashamed to be grouped amongst them.
But you’re surely bright and aware to know this, if your reading this.
So I feel I don’t even need to tell you how good Crystal Methodist is.
But hopefully, I already have?
(Slimedog)
