Ayestrain
11-18-2007, 07:20 PM
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The band The The consists primarily of singer/guitarist/producer Matt Johnson, who started releasing records as far back as the late 70's. In 2000 he signed to Trent Reznor's Nothing label, and came out with this, his last album to date.
Being on Reznor's label is fitting for this dark, dense music, and he may have been influenced by NIN to add dirty distorted drum treatments and a general vibe of industrial grizzle to his sound on songs like "Boiling Point". Elsewhere, Johnson tries on a folksy, almost acoustic troubadour persona for songs like "December Sunlight", "Soul Catcher", and the Lennon-esque "Phantom Walls", which work mostly well for lightening up the dark mood of the album. But it's the almost psychobilly, claustrophobic sucker-punch punk of stuff like "VoidyNumbness" and "Salt Water" that leave the deepest impression on this album. "VoidyNumbness" (which was a single) in particular really kicks ass and is my favorite song on here by far. The berserk sounds he gets on this album are quite insane (but are sometimes overbearing as on "Swine Fever") .
All told, Johnson's output has always been rather uneven, and it's true on this release too. But NakedSelf is an album that rewards multiple listens nonetheless. Fans of dark rock and good songs done with an edge will be served well by this overlooked gem. At nearly 8 years since this record, we're long overdue for a new The The release too.
7.5/10
The band The The consists primarily of singer/guitarist/producer Matt Johnson, who started releasing records as far back as the late 70's. In 2000 he signed to Trent Reznor's Nothing label, and came out with this, his last album to date.
Being on Reznor's label is fitting for this dark, dense music, and he may have been influenced by NIN to add dirty distorted drum treatments and a general vibe of industrial grizzle to his sound on songs like "Boiling Point". Elsewhere, Johnson tries on a folksy, almost acoustic troubadour persona for songs like "December Sunlight", "Soul Catcher", and the Lennon-esque "Phantom Walls", which work mostly well for lightening up the dark mood of the album. But it's the almost psychobilly, claustrophobic sucker-punch punk of stuff like "VoidyNumbness" and "Salt Water" that leave the deepest impression on this album. "VoidyNumbness" (which was a single) in particular really kicks ass and is my favorite song on here by far. The berserk sounds he gets on this album are quite insane (but are sometimes overbearing as on "Swine Fever") .
All told, Johnson's output has always been rather uneven, and it's true on this release too. But NakedSelf is an album that rewards multiple listens nonetheless. Fans of dark rock and good songs done with an edge will be served well by this overlooked gem. At nearly 8 years since this record, we're long overdue for a new The The release too.
7.5/10