Review: Modder ‘Destroying Ourselves For A Place In The Sun’
I was kind of lulled into a false sense of security when I had my first listen to the third album from psychedelic sludge quintet Modder. The opening track, Stone Eternal, is slow, peaceful and almost serene at the beginning, however, about a minute in, there’s this almighty burst of energy that would awaken the dead from their graves.
It’s a furious barrage of soundwaves, with industrial fragments of pandemonium laced across each track to add a substantial weight to their brand of sludge/doom. The brainchild of multidisciplinary artist Mathlovsky, they combine heavy textured sounds and psychedelic electronics perfectly, and Mather is a bruising example which pierces your eardrums for nearly five minutes.
It is vociferous from the off, and they are unrelenting in their approach. With elements of post-rock slipping in and out, they offer a different take on the genre, and I smile around the midway point at the simple strummed guitar, which seems like an oasis of calm in the torrent of aural abuse.
The invasion of your senses continues with Type 27 as the Ghent five-piece showcase more of their talents. There’s a tender opening before they rudely punch you in the face with more brutality. The bass line in this song is filthy and a joy to listen to, as the guitars swirl around progressively through the speakers. It’s an enthralling and hypnotic track that gradually fades away but leaves a lasting impression.
a furious barrage of soundwaves, with industrial fragments of pandemonium laced across each track to add a substantial weight to their brand of sludge/doom…
That pace quickens at the start of Mutant Body Double with drummer Gregory Simons at the forefront. It’s almost as if he’s in perpetual motion at times, and with the bewitching bass from Maurice van der Es, they set the platform for what is the standout track. They truly hammer this one home as the music is uncompromising and cold-blooded.
There’s a different approach to Chaoism with a drum ‘n’ bass lick protruding through the drums and guitars. Being a fan of DnB, I applaud them for it, and the heaviness is something to admire. It gets a little confusing with the solo section, but the rapidness is still evident as they continue to shake the foundations.
The final track of this magnificent album, In The Sun, sees them experiment with more sounds that are designed to push their limits. The rhythm section is impressive, and the riff is all consuming. Lyrics, via a sample, appear for the first time, but do nothing to detract from the brute force and evocative atmosphere of the song.
It’s a punishing journey that Modder takes you on, but when you’re on it, you are destined never to leave, as this is a wonderful album that you’ll want to press repeat continually.
Label: Lay Bare Recordings | Consouling Sounds
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Matthew Williams
