GODFLESH / Post Self (2017)

The sparse press release info that preceded Post Self mentioned that lyrically the work would explore 'anxiety and depression, fear, mortality and paternal and maternal relationships.' Phew, heavy topics, indeed. But Godflesh is heavy music, so there's synergy at play. Despite that, parts of it are really quite accessible; the promised 'Post-Punk' influence is definitely there and is, for me, a welcome addition after the somewhat average A World Lit Only by Fire (2014) album.
In addition, the eloquence of Jesu, one of Justin K Broadrick's other musical vehicles, creeps in occasionally, functioning as a textured boon to the heaviness of pulsating bass, trenchant guitars and distinctive machine percussion.

Songs of Note: Post Self; The Cyclic End

4 universal slums out of 5

GREEN DAY / Greatest Hits: God's Favorite Band (2017)

This was originally a massive rant. But, that was dumb of me. Green Day make albums. Their (purely musical) Greatest Hits releases are an innately incongruous concept to the type of fan that I am. If you want to hear singles from (almost) across their entire career, by all means. Enjoy them in the way that works for you. I'm not pulling elitist hipster rank by relating the following, I'm simply giving thanks:

I've grown up with Green Day. I cannot imagine my life without them. It doesn't matter that Billie Hey-Ho's so much that I can no longer listen to (or experience) them live, anymore. It doesn't matter that I'll never be able to play like Mike. It does, however, matter that my friends and I are glorious perverts, cut from the same cloth as Mr. Tré Fucking Cool, himself. Whereas most of them prefer one era of their career to the other, I un-conflictingly adore them both. They're the only way I can comfortably engage with politics, because they always focus on the mental and emotional impact they have on those of us simply trying to make it day to day in this entirely fucked world.

I've edited the artwork to make a fully representative piece of visual iconography. And, I'm not even going to be giving a score. If I've learned anything from Green Day, it's that I can and should do whatever I want, while I can.

I suppose this is what unconditional love feels like.
This might be the first time god and I have something in common.

FASTBALL / Step Into Light (2017)

I suppose the most accurate way to describe this is as a collection of brief, somewhat experimental, aural pastiches. Though, there are some slight, thematic lyrical consistencies present to ever-so-gently reign it in. There are auburn Tom Petty highlights running throughout and touches of Dick Dale. The echoes of early Beatles can be heard, as well as some guitar glint and vocal hum honoring their Rubber Soul/Revolver era.

Regardless of its quality, I absolutely cannot recommend this to a newcomer. If you’re well attuned to riding Miles and Tony’s pleasingly ever more eclectic groove, however, this is the organically scintillating next step. It feels like they’re doing exactly what they want and I couldn’t be happier for them.

Songs of Note: We're On Our Way; Just Another Dream

3½ Rabbit Suits Quietly Shed in Room 1408 (or was it 302?) out of 5