Rating: NNNN
Even though Japan noise/metal/rock/drone kings Boris have created a progressive body of work, the latest release from the prolific trio seems to be carrying baggage of the band’s recent collaborations with both Sunn0))) and Merzbow, in addition to further merging existing influences like punk and hard rock.
With all that going into the blender, Smile is remarkably diverse. The pacing changes from the psychedelic melancholy of opener Flower Sun Rain into quick, loud and messy punk/noise explosions before opening up the freak-out floodgates on My Neighbor Satan. Near the album’s close, the psychedelic insanity of Ka Re Ha Te Ta Sa Ki is a whirlwind of pounding drums, circular chanting, spasmodic guitar noise and violent soloing that perfectly exemplifies Smile’s fusion of panicky, heavy abrasiveness and lush, melodic and dreamy sprawls.
