Fistula
Goat
(Crucial Blast)
Extreme-metal bands and their fans love gory lyrics. Slayer and Cannibal Corpse keep things theatrical, but on their new EP, Cleveland’s Fistula tackle the all-too-real case of alleged rapist and murderer Anthony Sowell. The band cranks out ultra-distorted riffs over clattering drums; the vocals are an indecipherable howl of pain. Goat is a seriously ugly record, as befits its morbid and disturbing subject matter. The music is a buzzing, hostile roar. Samples of news coverage tell the story of sex crimes and the discovery of bodies (and body parts) in Sowell’s home. The dispassionate narration, bolstered by grinding riffs, makes the whole thing even more depressing and bleak. There’s no Cannibal Corpse-style shock value here — this is real death metal. — Phil Freeman
A Band Named Ashes
Circles
(self-released)
A decidedly retro vibe runs through the new album by these Akron-based progressive-folkies. The title track sounds like a solo Lindsey Buckingham cut from the ’90s, and the cello-driven “Breaking” has overtones of soft-rock balladeers Simply Red. Pristine vocal harmonies are the group’s strength. They sound like a virtual choir in “By My Side” and “Gonna Be King.” But Circles‘ righteous attitude is a problem. A Band Named Ashes occasionally approach the modern-folk sensibilities of the Swell Season (like in the elegant “Where You Belong,” the album’s highlight), but their attitude too often comes off holier than thou. — Jeff Niesel
This article appears in Jun 23-29, 2010.
Are you kidding me??? Holier than thou??? You better listen again, that album is AMAZING!!! A Band Names Ashes is the most down to earth and gracious group of people I have every met, so I do not know how they could ever come across any other way in their music. It appeals to all different age groups. I’m in my 30’s and know every word, as does my 11 year old daughter and 3 and 5 year old sons
. I know you are the music critic but I am the one buying the album. I think your review is really unfair and disappointing! I loved the album and was blown away by it, truly blown away. I listen to all different kinds of music and have not loved a CD like I love this one in a really long time. I encourage every one to buy this album and see for yourself, it really is AMAZING!!!
Completely disagree with the review! The members of ABNA are by far some of the most down to earth people I’ve ever met. The music is done in great taste and is what music should be..fun. I too encourage everyone to purchase a copy of the CD and see for yourself. I guarantee you will be singing along and will have the songs stuck in your head immediately! This is a great album from a great group of people. Congrats ABNA on a great first release!!!! I look forward to many more in the future!
I went to ABNA’s release show for this album. Not only was the Barley House packed, but people were standing on chairs in the back of the room to see these guys. Their album rocks! I was really surprised to see this review. I read the Scene reviews a lot, and agree with most of them. This one is pretty far off. I hope people still check out this album. It has lived in my CD player since I bought it. I absolutely agree with the other two comments that this band is extremely down to earth, and their lyrics show that. This album is fun and clever–lacking any sort of attitude. They have taken folk to a new level. I think the album shows elements of several different genres, and I find that extremely refreshing.
Clearly Jeff Niesel got caught up in the hype of the “Gonna Be King” title when he wrote the holier than thou comment! This album is packed with a variety of energized melodies that are tailored for many listening preferences by design. The melodies are harmonious and deliver a positive message that can be related throughout the spectrum of thier listners. Certianly not a group of brazen additudes here, just down to earth folks who love music and love creating music.
I am almost offended by reading this review. Maybe everyone has their own opinions and they are entitled to that, but I must say that ABNA is one of the most passionate and talented bands I have seen perform live in a long time. Their music is poetic and Nate’s voice is unreal- some what channeling Ray LaMontagne in new forms. The cello, the bass, all parts of this band make souls come alive as you cant help but drown within your own body, drenched in good-hearted music. I believe this album to be the best when you do nothing else but lay down eyes shut with giant head phones. I promise parts of you will come into being that you didn’t know you posessed. ABNA- keep doing your thing. You rock.
The CD has its highs and lows, but over all it is one of the best new releases i’ve heard in along time. Track 5 “Breaking” will be ABNA break through song. Keep up the great work ABNA. Best of luck.
Wow Jeff, you really outdid your self this time didn’t ya? Your major accomplishment in this review is how you’ve actually made me read your material without pounding on the back button. Not only have you mistaken their style, approach, message, and inspiration, but you’ve failed to recognize how this album fits in the evolution of prog. folk rock. I would buy this album 10 more time if need be. I hope for your sake that this review was a sorry attempt at gaining attention for your column.
Ur obviously a freelance writer…
in my days of getting to know musicians, few have come across as so genuine & humble & fabulously talented as the ashes gents & lady! a group comprised of true music lovers that in a society where most bands mold themselves to fit a specific air & trend, would never compromise their music or themselves to be anything other than what they’ve always been, a gifted family of virtuosos. sanctimonious? hardly. these guys are about as sincere as they get. this music is meant to be listened to with a grin on your face & a tap in your foot.
circles is sick. i dont know where all this holier than thou jazz is coming from
These musicians are some of the most talented people I’ve ever met. Not only that, but they’re also some of the most genuinely good-hearted people that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Anyone who has met the members of ABNA would testify that they certainly do not have ‘holier than thou’ attitudes. I am in love with this album and have not listened to much else in the month since Circles was released. The release of this album was a long-awaited and much anticipated day for the ABNA fans and followers, and I believe we were all very impressed and pleased with the way the album came out. But even with the success of the release party and the overwhelmingly positive feedback, the members of A Band Named Ashes have remained humble and kind. They’re doing this because they love it, and we love them for it!
How disappointing is it to expect a really great review and to have to read something as out there as this one. When I listen to Circles I literally get chills, and it gives me such a good and happy feeling inside. It moves me, and isn’t that what good music should do? I would encourage everyone to buy this CD because you will get the same great feeling I get when I listen to it! I have followed ABNA since it first started, and believe me when I tell you that they are the most appreciative and non assuming people you have ever met. They truly love what they are doing and have made many life sacrifices for it. It really makes me sad that when the reviewer could have hit it out of the park with this review he chose to go somewhere in left field and talk about some “Holier than thou” garbage. What a shame! Again Circles is AWESOME and I encourage everyone to listen to it and form your own review. I promise you wont come up with anything like this junk!
Obviously Jeff has never met the band. As far as the album, I think it is great.
You got it all wrong Jeff! Righteous and holier than thou?! As everyone else is stating this couldn’t be farther from the truth. ABNA is an amazingly talented band full of dedicated musicians whose passion for their music is obvious to all their fans. I think you need to clean your ears out and re-listen to truly understand their greatness!
I got my CD the night of the release party at Barley House …. I’ve already worn it out … played in my car, my house and even at work … so much so that co workers were asking where they could get a copy … Now I need a new copy …. grateful I can hear the songs online until I can catch up to them and get a another CD …. Your review is a little confusing … U like them? Don’t like them? I’ve followed them almost since day 1 and they sound better EVERY time I hear them. Breakin WILL be a hit … Totally confident they are going far … great group of kids! You better check them out live and see what their fans think of them !!!
Righteous and holier than thou? Mr. Niesel would do well to limit himself to reviewing music rather than attempting to analyze the artists who create the music, which he is patently not qualified to do. Most unprofessional of him…