Unwound - Repetition
Kill Rock Stars
Pillars of the post-hardcore scene, Unwound, released their fifth(?) studio album, Repetition, on this day in 1996. Produced alongside long time producer, Steve Fisk.
The post-hardcore/noise rock scene wouldn't be the same without Unwound. Every now and then you come across a group that aren't looked at as the most important, become the most successful or generally well known by well known standards. And yet they can be the group that pushes a specific sound and genre to its creative limits without venturing into obscurity and disillusionment. Unwound are, in my eyes, this band. They serve as a plateau of sorts. Their reigning in of dissonance, rhythmic groove and unique sense of song is hard to come by. Bands usually get lost in one of the aforementioned traits. Very few can maintain a healthy balance between them like Unwound can.
Repetition is the perfect showcase of a combination of visceral musicianship tied in with incessant groove. The pummeling nature of the rhythm section is met with an even more unforgiving guitarist in Justin Trosper. His gain settings were most definitely up to 11 for the recording of this record. You're not going to find more harsh, acerbic tones anywhere else.
'Sensible' shows another side to the band. A gentle, serene, even dream-like side. The use of sound effects during the track gives it a surreal edge while the rooted groove abides by Unwound's ability to please both the ethereal and tangible.
For a three-piece these guys know how to fill a specific sound. There's relatively little to no space left for add-ons of any sort. It can be claustrophobic at times and it only adds to the overall aggression and 'raw' feel. It can come across as under-produced but I to look at it as an artistic choice rather than a lack of something else.
Unwound are known for their expertise of opening and closing tracks with Repetition being no different. Message Received and For Your Entertainment rank up there with the finest tracks to ever be put to tape.
Is it me or does the cover art scream The Life of Pablo(?!)
April 9th, 1996.
