From Venice, California comes a duo who are unrelenting in their desire and ability to craft some of the most ominous, intimidating, yet astutely melodic pieces of psychedelic instrumental rock. On ‘Fangtooth’, Movie Club have composed a record that is pulsating and tense, with ominous undertones that sometimes sound straight out of a horror film soundtrack. It’s never restrictive to a singular mood, with the omission of any lyrical content adding to the album’s ability to perhaps have a more broad based emotional appeal.
“We consider our job to be like painting with our instruments,” drummer Jessamyn Violet says. “We have to express everything through sounds and dynamics, letting listeners interpret their own meaning.” The latest project see the duo unravel the past year, sonically illustrating the numerous horrors, tensions, and the little victories that came with it. With some experts assisting the album’s conception and development you can be assured that it is tight, end to end. Movie Club collaborated with bassist Tim Lefebvre (David Bowie), had the final touches put on by mixer Mark Rains (Death Valley Girls) and had the project mastered by Brian Lucey (Green Day).
Opening with the heavy and ominous riff on ‘Badlands’, the band has you in expectation of a particular kind of hard and abrasive sounds. But immediately after, on ‘Underwater Highway, the vibe takes a more mellow and lackadaisical approach, albeit momentarily. Even on ‘Underwater Highway’, a powerful and overwhelming riff starts to take control but the backing electric, slightly subtle and easy-going, make the track an almost relaxing sedative till you’re jerked back by the heavy riff.
Tracks like ‘Ghost in the Machine’ highlight the duo’s capability to craft luscious tunes that are richly textured. The slow jam piece isn’t really relaxing, but it’s just a tempo down to make it all the more impactful.
Movie Club aren’t the kind of instrumental outfit meant to be heard in the background, they’re far from an ambient relaxant. On the contrary, Movie Club are all encompassing, unabashedly loud and aggressive, and filled with a raw edge that makes them intriguing to listeners.
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