Vincent Black Shadow is named after a motorcycle. This is appropriate, because listening to “More Deeper†is like sitting directly on an overheating engine. Adam Savage screams every song like he’s Howard Dean on the verge of losing his mind. In fact, about four songs in (on “Flash Rollâ€) he slows down (for about seven seconds), and we learn that he is actually capable of sounding reasonable. But it doesn’t last.
If you want to hear lyrics, this isn’t for you. VBS screams and snarls over one of the best punk bands I’ve heard in years, chainsaw guitars ripping, jackhammer drums pounding, and relentless bass thumping at a tremendous gallop. But this Baltimore 5-piece is so much more than punk. There’s Sabbath-style guitar work, with soaring solos (but Savage often shouts over them, too), vaguely psychedelic breaks, Iggy Pop riffs . . . And even cowbell!
For example, “Volume One†is so much more than just shouting. Under the anger is an ascending chord, playing off the vocal track in the odd sort of juxtaposition that made Black Flag so great. “Shamanix†goes through chord-and-tempo changes. “Wooden Kimono†does God-only-knows-what, but it’s fascinating to hear. It’s the albums brightest flame, but all the songs burn hot.
This is a short release (nine songs in about thirty minutes), but it’s all you need. By the time you’re done, you’ll need a cold shower and a nap. What a thrill.
On Heartbreak Beat Records and endorsed by Julian Cope’s Brain Donor band, I’m giving this grimey, indecent, lewd, and obscene album my highest recommendation: Check it out.
