shellac

Excellent Italian Greyhound

Genre: INDIE / ALTERNATIVE

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LP (Black Vinyl)

Boomkat Product Review:

Steve Albini's Shellac at long last return after an obscenely lengthy absence from the album circuit - their last full-length was released some seven years ago, back at the turn of the century.

"Excellent Italian Greyhound" apparently derives its title from the fact that drummer Todd Trainer does indeed own an Italian greyhound. While that might suggest that over the years of not recording the band might have been resting on their laurels somewhat, developing careers as a bunch of wideboys, any such notion is swiftly and firmly dismissed by the uncompromising avant-garde breakdown 'The End Of Radio' which ushers in the album. It's all held together by a pounding sequence of bass chords while drums shuffle around in the background, Albini's throaty growl hollering out chaotic exclamations left, right and centre. 'Steady As She Goes' is a distinctly more direct song, tapping into a primal rock & roll nerve. It's made all the more potent by the band's uncluttered approach to production (something which Albini in particular knows a thing or two about). 'Elephant' is a similarly satisfying jaunt, laying down some hefty riffs and wailing vocals. The all too brief 'Kittypants' is a piece of instrumental music that evokes Slint or probably more accurately Aerial M's 'Wedding Song No. 3'. It's one of the few instances of Shellac abandoning their post-post-punk fury and embracing their own inherent musical elegance as a unit. The most ferocious moment is saved for last, with the full-blooded assault of 'Spoke' marking all settings turned right up to eleven for a two minute burst of garage rock aggression. Well they certainly took their time going about it, but its pretty darn great to have Shellac back in operation as a recording outfit. Let's hope they don't leave it another seven years...

MP3 Release (9)

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Boomkat Product Review:

Steve Albini's Shellac at long last return after an obscenely lengthy absence from the album circuit - their last full-length was released some seven years ago, back at the turn of the century.

FLAC Release (9)

Play All FLAC Release (9)

Boomkat Product Review:

Steve Albini's Shellac at long last return after an obscenely lengthy absence from the album circuit - their last full-length was released some seven years ago, back at the turn of the century.

WAV Release (9)

Play All WAV Release (9)

Boomkat Product Review:

Steve Albini's Shellac at long last return after an obscenely lengthy absence from the album circuit - their last full-length was released some seven years ago, back at the turn of the century.

LP (Black Vinyl) (0)

Boomkat Product Review:

Steve Albini's Shellac at long last return after an obscenely lengthy absence from the album circuit - their last full-length was released some seven years ago, back at the turn of the century.