Analysis Of Bison Kills | ‘Vantage’

In much the same way that the stomach can win the heart, good art will always please the discerning rocker. Analysis Of Bison Kills’ cover is striking from the start, hinting tangibly to post rock, promising a rewarding spin - and so it is. Coming from the slowed and very calculating side of the noisecore genre and working their crescendoes like they’re going out of fashion, they’re treading a well worn path at this stage. But it’s jolly good.

Opener ‘Honest Broker’, it must be said, falls on the wrong side of predictable. The sparsely given screaming vocals are a product of their genre, and there’s nothing too unique about the tune. Maybe they were getting that one of the way though. Because by the time ‘When Small Men Do Great Things’ starts its steady climb, and ‘For Whom It Serves’ takes over the reins, we’re into very interesting territory.

They combine genres well. One can hear for instance the lineage of King Crimson passing to Don Caballero in here, as well as the host of other bands returning to Neurosis - The Source - and remarkably, sections of some songs could easily be mistaken for our own Stand Up Guy. It’s uncannily close. It’s good though, and that’s the main thing.

Closer ‘Depth Is Earned’ is the easy highlight. It’s not often that drummers in this field really and truly push themselves (and no, clattering about like the big man after ten minutes build up ain’t hard), but our chap here does. The double bass workout here is thunderous, adding untold weight to the song’s climax. The genre needs more of it.

All in all there’s still a bit of tidying to do. They need just a scintilla of something else to set themselves apart from the million other bands doing this. Still though, it’s a dark and appealing listen that will appeal to fans of You Judas, Stand Up Guy, and other more considered hawks within the quiet / medium / loud / boom boom tish aaargh! firmament. Check em out.

3.3 / 5 - Ciaran Tracey ::: 25/09/08