Rating: NNN
When it comes to Steve Albini, I’ve always found his sense of humour more entertaining than his studio results, although I have to admit the drum sound he came up with for his latest clients, From Fiction, is actually quite funny. If you can imagine slapping a hunk of rope against a soggy cardboard box, that’s the sort of gently thumpin’ hilarity in store on Bloodwork (out March 21). That’s fine if you happen to be making a Kings of Convenience record, where any jarring percussive bump could harsh their mellow, but the conspicuous absence of a percussive punch on Bloodwork gives the otherwise aggressive Toronto attack unit an underwhelming wallop. However, From Fiction could be banking on a career cutting emo lullabies for teen soap soundtracks, so Bloodwork may be the perfect transition album.
Be quiet during From Fiction’s CMW set at Lee’s Palace Saturday (March 4).