---

There’s always a risk with music doused in what could be referred to as the “technical” and “complex”. It can often spiral off into a pompous display of instrument ability, as directionless as it is pretentious. Thankfully, Lafcadio have made sure that their latest release doesn’t suffer in the same way – Kibosh is a work of real compositional focus.

It’s an intense 28 minutes; guitars dipped in a satisfying organic crunch, vocals delivered with an almost genuine degree of lunacy, drums burdened with the daunting task of holding it all together. It’s music that refuses to stay still, with riffs diving in and out at dizzying speed, and the tempo shifting constantly around the unrelenting metallic psychosis. Unnerving though the music can be, it’s an experience that you’ll find yourself repeatedly coming back for.

And it’s tracks such as “Waldo the Silverfish” that justify this. Opening with a melody of deceptive warmth, you just know that its twisted, lullaby-esque simplicity won’t hold together for too long; and sure enough, it takes only a minute before the sweet atmosphere breaks down, and the darkness starts to pour in. It’s one of Kibosh’s highlight moments, as you find yourself poised with tension, waiting for the tenderness to self-destruct.

If there had to be a criticism, Lafcadio fail to bring a great deal of originality. With riffs carrying a jazzy discordance reminiscent of early Botch, and a vocalist arguably owing his style to Dimitri Minakakis of ex-Dillinger Escape Plan fame, Kibosh often ventures into territory that has been occupied by many bands already.

But as songs like “Fat Camp Panty Raid” brutalize the ears with its blend of dual-guitar dissonance and intelligent grooves, it’s unlikely that you’ll stop to care. Sure, it’s all over fairly quickly, but there’s enough frenzied activity crammed into Kibosh to have you hitting play again the instant it comes to a stop. Highly recommended.

---

Reviewer: Jack Chuter Added: February 10th 2008