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On their third full-length, Minsk brew a swirling cauldron of massive sounds. It’s not unlike Through Silver in Blood. Both records fuse the anguish of early Swans with the crunch of Sabbath. Though Minsk are no Neurosis, the band is almost as adept at depicting the existential wasteland of modern man.
Minsk aren’t doing anything countless bands haven’t done before. They bridge the gulf between doom and psychedelic rock. Kylesa successfully accomplished this on their latest. Yet by slowing down tempos and repeating riffs interminably, Minsk are far more harrowing. This is most evident during their down-tuned sludgefest epics that can exceed 10 minutes. “Almitra’s Premonition” and “Requiem: From Substance to Silence” plod as if they will collapse beneath their weight. Both also feature random sound effects and Vangelis-worthy synthesizers to heighten the sense of disorientation.
Christopher Bennett’s monotone vocals also differentiate Minsk from their weed-loving brethren. While many bands forsake hollering in favor of gruff singing (Sleep, The Sword), Bennett approximates the simmering moan of Ian MacKaye. The latter portion of “Requiem: From Substance To Silence” demonstrates what Fugazi steeped in Blue Cheer would sound like.
Sanford Parker’s gauzy production obviates many details, yet lends an oppressive weight. Much of the drums disappear beneath layers of guitars. Though Minsk beg for an economy-minded producer (this album did not need an hour to say its piece), they have honed their skills well. Not many bands can mold a unique sound from the finer elements of Hawkwind and Neurosis. Minsk are on their way to achieving this.
Buy:
The End (CD)
Amazon (CD)
Amazon (MP3)
Relapse (CD, t-shirt)
"the band is almost as adept at depicting the existential wasteland of modern man."
"Minsk aren't doing anything countless bands haven't done before."
Surely that degree of redundancy dulls the potency of an existentialist aesthetic which I would expect rests of urgency and vitality?
Man, that's some tasty pick-me-up halfway through "Almitra's Premonition." This may convince me to get back into them. Nice review, Casey.
When I saw Minsk live last year, they bored the snot out of me. This, however, was surprisingly awesome. I gotta check the rest of this record out.
did you bring a tissue?
No, I didn't know I'd need one. But I did bring my middle finger.