Orthrelm - OV (New Album On Ipecac)

I really enjoyed that split release they did with Touchdown. The one with a zillion tracks was a bit impenetrable.

But really, they are a wonderous, incredibly unique duo.

Probably the best rock update of 20th century composition since Glenn Branca.

http://www.millionraces.com/Images/31GCover.jpg

I was looking for Ov, but this was in the used bin for $3, and Ov was only available new for $15, so I got this. It's not quite what I was expecting.

Here is what I expected - really psychadelically, sort of krautrockish repetitive metal. Sort of Lightning Bolt but darker, eviler. Like Lightning Bolt meets black metal. But also a little noisy and pretty droney. Long, continuous dronish tracks. Reference: more metalish Sunn O))) or Khanate or something.

And what I actually got was this - super short grindcore-ish tracks. It's more like Lightning Bolt meets Melt-Banana or The Locust or something. The average track length is something like 1-2 minutes. It's the opposite of droney.

So here's the question: will I be disappointed with Ov? Is it really similar to this earlier album, or did they change my mind and turn into what I expected them to be?

One thing that annoys me about the grindcorish album I have is how fragmented it is. They'll play a super-fast thing for about 2 seconds, pause in complete silence for 1 second, and then repeat. I don't like that stuff.

Orhtrelm was one of those really intense (I'm tempted to say near-perfect, but I won't) experiences -- I didn't have it in me to watch another set.

ok lol i posted this to that morrissey potential covers thread as a 'hilarious' 'joke' but then i thought 'why don't i actually listen to it' and it's AAMAAZING

currently 34 minutes in and this is just like wow thank you for making this record - it feels important and noble

allmusic review begins 'Few albums will test your endurance like Orthrelm's OV' but that is wrong wrong wrong baby because frankly this was a joy and a blessing to sit through - very easy on the mind, not one of those albums you gotta take breaks from because it's all too much (ahem fantomas i may be looking at you)

it's one of the best ambient albums ever made, i think. my definition of ambient. whatever. i love it.

also love it.

but my cat def seemed to hate it.

You should really hear Mick's solo album for Hydrahead called ANNWN. The project (him solo) is Ocrilim. It's even more ambient... but in a different way. Love that guy.

"'Few albums will test your endurance like Orthrelm's OV' but that is wrong wrong wrong baby because frankly this was a joy and a blessing to sit through - very easy on the mind, not one of those albums you gotta take breaks from because it's all too much (ahem fantomas i may be looking at you)"

looooooove this album, though I do agree with the endurance test aspect (which I don't think applies in the least to fantomas, who are a constant joy). its uber-repetitive to the point of insanity, which makes it both deeply involving and highly irritating. it's like having a swarm of bees trapped in your skull.

Fantomas, admittedly, varies in this regard. I think I sat through Delirium Cordia once. I think I sat through Suspended Animation once. I think I tried to sit through Director's Cut once. All have brilliance within, and plenty of it, but packaged uncompromisingly-to-downright-confrontationally.

OV was kinda soothing, as if the bees were making wondrous calming geometric patterns

Yeah, I still break this one out once every 6 months or so. What a great chunk of music.

I got into Orthrelm with the first white e.p. on Tolotta and was fortunate to see them live soon after. Also set up a show for them and Zombi on the OV tour. Mick broke a string about 12 minutes into OV and just started the whole thing over. So awesome.

The one time I saw Fantomas was an exercise in tedium.

I miss these guys.

N/M, they're still havin fun!: http://orthrelm.bandcamp.com/album/20012