Human Waste Project
Electralux
Going to take a few liberties here, and review this little
beauty. I've been lucky enough to have an advance tape of the album
for a few months now, and with it's release imminent, it should be ok
to do this review. And it also means that finally, I should soon be
able to get a copy of a CD as my tape will probably be knackered soon.
A few of the titles may be slightly different in the final release. I
think some of the brief instrumental titles will get merged. Anyway,
the background.
If you like Korn and have everything they've done, then
you have a copy of Jon singing This Town with a band called Human
Waste Project. If not, then it's on the bootleg CD's and you should
search for it because it's incredible. That's how I found out about
the band. Much more, ie, history, I'm not so sure on. What I am sure
about though, is that they have the potential to be a great band. It
was obvious from that recording, the demo backed it up further, and
this is the real proof.
HWP are a band who share some commonalities with Korn etc, in the
power, but have more subtle moments. So if you like Korn, there's a
good chance you will like this, but if you don't then don't assume
that you won't like this. You may well do. It's different. Don't let
any prejudices rule reasoning. At times they remind me of Janes
Addiction, other times they are crushing. Kerrang! described them as
having elements of Rage Against the Machine and early Nirvana. They've
supported Suicidal Tendencies. So there in itself is a pretty diverse
mix, meaning that really, you've a good chance of liking this, if you
give it the opportunity. They manage to mix it all up, and still stay
interesting and not disappearing up their own assholes.
And Aimee's vocals shine throughout it all. She sounds great on
everything, whether it's a delicate trip, or the aggresive fuck you of
Powerstrip. A vocal for all occasions although I guess some people
will say they don't like them. Still, there seems to be a real passion
in the voice, none of the bland bollocks you sometimes get.
So, a quick run through this thing
Graverobbers from Mars - Aside from one of the best song titles of
the year, this is basically an intro which brings to mind Janes
Addiction circa the Ritual album. Eastern tinged, it just sets things
up.
Disease - That Aimee means it in her vocals becomes apparent
pretty quickly into this track. I'm just a girl, without
apologies. You soon learn that she mixes it. Great song.
Drugstore - sizeable riff, that reminds me of some of the moments
from the Lard albums, ie, simple, but damn effective. Difference here
is that it breaks up and go into other stuff, like most songs do,
unlike Lard who pound it through to the end.
Exit wound - just a cool song. Great vocal, sexy, you can here a
clip
here and read the lyrics to it here .
Catfish - this is just a brief instrumental interlude sort of
thing. Not much you can say about those sort of things. Some work, ie
Blind, Tool's latest, others don't. This does.
Shine is more evidence of the mixing up of vocals. Great chorus,
good song.
Hold Me Down - a really familiar sounding bass riff opens this one
up, I think the Wildhearts Naievety Play is the one I'm thinking
of. Heavy start and main riff, before a lighter effective chorus.
Electra - Slower, moody. Evocative is the word people use for this
stuff I believe. This is where the band show they can change styles
effectively. Really dreamy sounding vocal before the song builds to
the finish. Takes you by surprise after whats gone before. Also takes
a few listens to accustom yourself to the change, but worth it. One of
the slow builders.
Drowned - continues where Electra left off in terms of
mood. Reminds me again of Janes Addiction at times with an eastern
feel to it. Soon picks up the pace.
Interlude - another slower song. 2 out of 3. That may be the only
real flaw with the album, in that those after louder stuff will maybe
skip this middle section, saying that the album looses steam or stuff
like that. However, if you persevere, then you get your reward, and if
you skip, then it's your loss.
Powerstrip - many will jump to this. One of the absolute
highlights of the album. Heavy intro, bouncy, pissed off kinda
lyric. One of the best choruses on the album, this should be
outstanding live.
Spokejam - a little jam. See Catfish comment.
Spain - a familiar intro. This feels like maybe one of the more
commercial songs on the album, though I have trouble picturing it
being played on UK radio. Still, shows another side to the band.
Slide - powerful, catchy, fast and in possession of another great
chorus. Shows that the wah effect can be used and be effective, even
if Hammett from Metallica overuses.
Dog - track from the demo, slightly reworked. When I first heard
it on the demo, I was thinking Punkish sort of stuff. Now I think it's
got quite a bit more to it than that. It is a great song whichever way
you look at it.
Get With It - finishes the album with a great, heavy but simple
riff, and a laugh at the end that tells you that whichever way you
look at the album, from the dreamier moments to the intense ones, the
band still had fun, which is what it's all about.
So that's it. As you can tell, I'm shite at describing how songs
sound. Songs weren't meant to be described, they were meant to be
listened to, and that's what you should do here.
Sure, I have criticsisms. She Gives off the demo should've been
done, as should This Town, the track that started it for
me. Fortunately, the band have apparently been in the studio,
re-recorded This Town and it will be released immediately/summertime.
The sort of song which would sound absolutely wonderful on the radio,
and if you've heard it, then you know it has no chance. Still, they're
re-doing it, and more people should be able to get hold of it which is
the important thing. In order to spread the HWP. Watch out for this
band. And remember, the UK's a great place to tour :)