Menu
Here's the great review from Phil of Estrume'n'tal's "Neander'n'tal". When he
says intense - he means it. This record is so intense it will scare the crap out
of the average person on the street. Yes - it is that good.
Estrume'n'tal Neander'n'tal
Label: Neander'n'tal GGR 1036 CD
By now you are used to the intense energy of Estrume'n'tal, but I think this is
the first album that has really gelled. I have liked all of their output, but
there's something much more compelling about this release. It's also much more
tiring. The shear intensity of it will wear you out.
Picks: Meteoras, Anda, Ramcharger, Poh Do Pau, Chapeuzim, Fuzzdido, Baguncela,
Redemption Surf, Neander'n'tal, Ments, Kraft, Palavra Cruzada, Sulvacation, A
Tampa Da Cumbaca, 13th, Kaes
"Meteoras"
Stinging whammy action brigs on a most disturbing and dangerous song. Grating
nervous energy that absolutely will not release you.
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Anda"
"Anda" is a loud and abrasive song with an oddly space-like chorus. At first, I
did not like it, but it soon won me over. Utterly intense and harshly beautiful.
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Ramcharger"
I think there's no doubt that when Gary Usher and Roger Christian wrote
"Ramcharger," it never occurred to them that it could sound like this. Huge,
guitar distortion abounding, and no let up in the intensity. Where the Super
Stocks used a delicate balance of sounds, Estrume'n'tal play relentlessly at
full tilt. Did I mention that it's huge?
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Poh Do Pau"
Monster stinging chord whammy... this song rips! I'm not sure what else to say
about it. Very fast, very loud, and very intense! When it's over, you'll need a
vacation.
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Chapeuzim"
Somewhat like sped-up Link Wray merged with Davie Allan, this song is on the
fuzz pedal all the way through. Large, and very powerful. At times, it reminds
me of Freddy Cannon's "Palisades Park."
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Fuzzdido"
This is big and plundering, with a circulating riff. Angry and square-wave dark,
with kindness peaking out of one corner. What did you expect from "Fuzzdido?"
Tranquility?
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Baguncela"
Oh my gawd! Insane, intense, panoramic... like a brutal invasion and you know
the end of the world is near! Really! Huge, and very dangerous.
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Redemption Surf"
"Redemption Surf" has this playful melody line that's at odds with the intense
assault of the delivery, which just adds to the compelling nature of the track.
A marvelous exercise in happy punk - sort of.
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Neander'n'tal"
The title track doesn't let up. Lowbrow grind from the Neander Valley? maybe
not, but it sure is mean.
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Cuida Vaca"
"Cuida Vaca" is a very punky instro with a classic eighties punk rhythm section.
Fast and dark.
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Ments"
The fluid melodic nature of "Ments" is juxtaposed against the compressed
harshness harshness of the band. Really cool, and a bit more dynamic than many
of Estrume'n'tal' recordings. I like this a lot!
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Kraft"
Kraftwerk's "Das Model" has been covered a few times as a surf instro. This is
perhaps the largest and chunkiest. Great fun.
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Palavra Cruzada"
The melody line to "Palavra Cruzada" reminds me of the Monkeys' "I'm A
Believer," but is divergent from it about half the time. Intense and very fun,
with lots of edge and power.
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Saida De Emergencia"
Sirens wail as "Saida De Emergencia" launches into a dark and menacing
situation. There's bad stuff happening somewhere, and you'll find plenty here.
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Sulvacation"
"Sulvacation" is more of a riff rocker than most of Estrume'n'tal's songs,
though the addition of the jaws harp and furious bongos in the break make it
very interesting and fun. Like a bronco ride at breakneck speed.
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"A Tampa Da Cumbaca"
A thick pulsing chord grind launches the circulating melody line. "A Tampa Da
Cumbaca" is pretty in an ugly sort of way. Fast, motion oriented, big,
distorted, and yet optimistic. Very cool!
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"13th"
"13th" is dynamic and powerful, and would drive up your speed on the freeway.
Trouble is everywhere as this throbbing monster assaults the tranquility. Very
big, and with a very serviceable melody line.
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
"Kaes"
This is very punky, very Toy Dolls-like, except of course it's not happy punk.
Furious thrashy fun with grand feedback and speedy riffs. My first listen did
not hook me, but on second go-round, I was a fan! Too fun, and those barking
dogs!
Surf Grind Instrumental Stereo
function doit(){ if (!window.print){ alert("You need NS4.x to use this print
button!") return } window.print() }
geovisit(); THANKS PHIL!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
