Groundbreaking debut kicks ass, takes names
After more than two years since its first appearance, the debut album of Boston’s experimental rock outfit Irepess has finally made its way onto an official record label. Now part of Translation Loss Records’ diverse family, the band is prepared to offer itself to the world. Serving up eight purely instrumental tracks of rambunctious and vibrantly expressive sounds, including everything from introspective melodies to spastic rhythms and crushing guitars, Samus Octology is likely one of the most innovative albums to hit the rock underground in years. Call it post-rock, experimental, psychedelic, or just plain mind-blowing. Whatever useless label you decide to assign Irepress, one thing remains certain: you’ve never heard anything quite like this before.
With a sound that is as wildly experimental as it is accessible and downright fun, Samus Octology is a sonic rollercoaster of massive proportions. The album’s opener “Pah No” sets the pace, delivering cool grooves and delicate jingles that explode into aggressive bursts of chugging riffs and explosive drum fills, occasionally dissolving back into a peaceful state, only to repeat the process again. The rest of Samus follows a similar formula, though there is plenty of variation to keep your foot tapping and head banging until the very end. And as if that wasn’t already enough, the album allegedly synchs up with Steven Spielberg’s “The Goonies,” a movie that the band members adore greatly and incorporate into some of their live performances. Move over “Dark Side of the Rainbow,” there’s a new sheriff in town.
No matter what flavor of music you prefer, Samus Octology is an absolutely essential listen. Irepress’s impressive versatility has allowed them to gain followings from every corner of underground culture, whether it be rock, metal, or even hip-hop, and a quick taste of their sound will reveal exactly why. Do yourself a favor and give this album a try—whether you fall in love with it or not, you’ll nonetheless have gotten a firsthand look at why music will never be the same.
| Reviewer: Sean Butze Added: June 2nd 2007 |
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