When Andy Williams and Jordan Buckley met at a Converge show I’m sure that neither of them would have imagined that the band they would go on to form would be one day recording with Kurt Ballou. After 16 years of being Etidiots the boys are back with their latest album From Parts Unknown. With our wonderful orator Keith Buckley yelling from the word go “Blow your fuckin’ brains out” you know this is going to be short sharp ride.
From Parts Unknown immediately throws you in at the deep end, anyone who liked their groove,bounce oriented southern style can leave that by the door. This album is quite possibly the heaviest they have been since the eponymous Hot Damn! and in good time too! Upon first listen I wasn’t blown away by the record, thinking it was a rehash of Converge obviously due to Ballou’s involvement in the recording but he very much took a backseat yet his presence and ideas are still there along with Buckley‘s vocals, the album has so much to offer. With mature song writing as song like the aforementioned “The Great Secret” stick with you. Keith Buckley‘s bitingly sarcastic lyrics are still here. As a gifted word smith, Buckley is easily one of modern music best lyricists from “Thirst” were treated to “They don’t love you, like I do,but I don’t know you, like them. But they don’t love you, like I do. They love you better, I know you best.” Being one of the examples of great turn of phrase on the record.
Whilst not only having excellent lyrics Every Time I Die like to have fun, its a well known fact. From Parts Unknown although the heaviest they’ve done is a fun record, the nostalgically titled “Old Light” which features the vocal talents of Brian Fallon, gives a sepia tinge that only The Gaslight Anthem singer can provide, whilst simultaneously complimenting Buckley‘s spitting vocals. Points for originality go to “Moor” a sombre sounding and quite experimental tune. With the low notes of piano playing and hearing “Pay no mind to the stranger in the 4am, he’s not the one we know” although sung with melody gives a very odd and slightly ominous feeling. W
hilst of course being injected with the signature Every Time I Die riffs half way through is definitely a highlight. Speaking of riffs, “El Dorado” makes you want to bounce around the room and well, party. With an almost Mastodon like riff in between the slide of piano keys, the fast paced riffing is frenetic but a welcome respite. But then the jewel in the crown is revealed. Although I did mention that FPU doesn’t have much groove there is one exception, ok maybe two, the groove of the ending riff of “El Dorado” is monumental. The award for all out heaviness has to go to “Idiot” though, with a 12 second long “Paralysed” vomitted from Buckley and a riff to make last release Ex Lives look like a tea party.
Every Time I Die have not only been a band that have consecutively put out fantastic records but are a band that refuse to settle for less. With each release we see a new facet, yet all the while retaining their signature style. From Parts Unknown is an absolute thrill ride, showcasing all the elements we know and love and yet, at the same time turning them completely on its head. We have most definitely been bitten by the party animal.
