SINCEBYMAN „Pictures From The Hotel Apocalypse”

Music: Mathcore/Hardcore
Country: USA
Website: http://www.sincebyman.com
Duration: 39.21


Cool Songs: Emergency and Me, Quid Pro Quo Motherfucker, Photographer Ex Post Facto

This sophomore full length from Milwaukee Wisconsin (USA) act ‘SinceByMan’ is possibly one of the most difficult listening experiences of the year. Man, this is hard record to get your head around. They’ve never been the most ‘accessible’ of acts, but even compared to their complex debut, 2003’s ‘We Sing the Body Electric’, it appears that SinceByMan have taken it upon themselves to become an even more multifarious band. If ever there was an example of an album that requires ‘patience’ on the listener’s part, ‘Pictures From the Hotel Apocalypse’ is it.

Since the excellence of ‘We Sing…’ there has been a couple of line up changes within the ranks – gone are bassist Bryan Jerabek and guitarists Justin Kay, replaced by Eric Alonso and Brad Clifford. This new line (including vocalist Sam Macon, guitarist Kevin Herwig and drummer Jon Kraft) also released the ‘A Love Hate Relationship EP in 2004. With ‘Pictures..’ it appears that the now stable line has afforded ‘SBM’ with a tremendous confidence in their song writing and a willingness to take risks and explore at every opportunity. It’s very easy to compare ‘SBM’ to the likes of ‘The DEP, Converge and Refused’ – and essential they do venture on to the very same swings as that lot – however, unlike these bands, ‘SBM’ (and particularly on this new album) refuse to lock in on a groove; almost deliberately so. Understanding this, it is clear that ‘Pictures…’ is one very frustrating listen; and even more disappointing.

For me, ‘Pictures…’ asks too much of the listener. It throws in way too many curve balls (and these curves balls go at right angles) and technical flurries for its own good. The lost disappointing aspect about ‘Pictures..’ is that the melodic soulfulness ‘We Sing…’ is no longer a viable part of their song writing. Nothing sticks in the memory like before. Granted, fans of the band (and the genre) will revel in the bludgeoning technical math core workouts that this album evokes – twisted, angular, dissonant riffage, a swinging drum element tethered to a vocalist that screams and screeches his way to larynx obliteration – I can’t help but yearn for the ‘breathing space’ that was so evident on ‘We Sing…’ There just too much off-kilter rhythmic gymnastics on this new one to really appeal.

‘Pictures From The Hotel Apocalypse’ may very well be SinceByMan’s most defining album. Certainly the musicality and vocal dexterity of Sam Macon are all rather impressive. They have that innate ability to fuck with your head ad nauseum and the Dave Garner production adds an even more abrasive, dissonant edge to their sound. But where are the freaking songs?? In the process of becoming ‘time change’ experts and overt technical, progressivewizards, SBM forgot the songs! In the end, it’s just all too hard to listen to. An exercise in tolerance and patience guaranteed. I usually eat this shit for breakfast, but in this instance ‘Pictures..’ isn’t the most palatable of dishes I was expecting.

note: 5.7

Tracklist

Emergency and Me
Lactating Teens
Young America
Insider Lines
Match on Action
Binary Heart Attack
Quid Pro Quo Motherfucker
The Neon Wilderness
Invocation
Photographer Ex Post Facto