Frownland

I like bob.'s idea of putting it in a spoiler tag if another album is being reviewed.

__________________

Studies show that when a given norm is changed in the face of the unchanging, the remaining contradictions will parallel the truth.

Trollheart

First of all, may I say how annoying it was that this was not on Spotify, despite God Bullies being there? So I had to go for YouTube, which is always a little frustrating. All right, that's that done, let's get to the meat of the matter...

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?
Interesting. I don't hate this.

2. What did you think of the opening track?
I liked it. The samples/speech were used well against the wailing guitar and galloping percussion.

3. What did you think of the next track?
Liked that too. Heavier. Almost metal at times.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions? (see note 1)
Hard to say as he went though so many different styles, but I didn't hate him, let's say that

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not? (see note 2)
Generally, mostly yes

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?
Better

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?
A lot of it reminded me of Matt Johnson's work

8. Did you like the instrumental parts? (see note 3)
Yes

9. What did you think of the production?
You know me and production...

10. Did you know of this artiste prior to listening to the album, and if so, did that foreknowledge colour your perception of this album?
I had heard bob talk about them, but had never heard anything from them

11. Is this, generally, the kind of music you listen to or not?
Not specifically, though it's not the kind of music I would avoid listening to either

12. Assuming you listened to the album more than once, on repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?
I think it improved with each listen

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?
I like the way you hear a nascent Zoidberg on “Creepy people” (Woo-hoo-woo-hoo-hoo!) Also “O ****”, “Act of desire”, “Red blood,” Sex, power, money” ... most of them really.

14. And the one you liked least?
“The Godfather moves to Arkansas, Part 1” and “All I want is my mamma”. Well, the really annoying speech part at the start, anyway. The other one is just all speech. **** that.

15. If the album in question is a debut, did that fact allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated? (see note 4)
n/a

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing more from this artiste, if you have not heard any of their other material?
Probably not. It was good, enjoyable but I wouldn't be actively seeking out more of their work.

17. Were you surprised by your reaction - positive or negative - to the album?
Kind of, yes. Bob is, or was known for his love of noise rock and I expected something a lot more abrasive to be honest.

18. Did the album end well?

Yeah, it did. Good closer. Could have done without the sample right at the end though.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?
Less samples, or others but used better. A lot of them seemed just thrown in there for the sake of it.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?
I really don't know. It was quite varied, so, you know...

Overall I'd give it a strong Like and maybe 7/10

__________________
Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018