Intronaut Void
Goodfellow Records GFR042 August 22nd, 2006
By Jason Jordan
Because it was a lengthy, outstanding EP, the reaction to Null was predictable, if not unanimous: we need a full-length. Well here it is in the form of Void, a 45-minute excursion into post-metal relayed by enthusiastic, multi-talented members who possess eyebrow-raising credentials. Related in one form or another to groups such as Uphill Battle, Anubis Rising, Impaled, Exhumed, and Phobia, Los Angeles-rooted Intronaut put forth a sound that siphons elements from heralded bands like Mastodon, Burst, The Esoteric, and Neurosis, which is utterly bizarre when pondering the members former and current musical endeavors. Perhaps more relevant than the previous statement, however, is the definitive value of the record in question, and after carefully weighing its numerous traits, there is but one conclusion to draw Void is the finest disc Goodfellow has released this year, and will most likely hold that title for the remainder of 2006.
Though it only consists of seven tracks, the album certainly doesnt skimp on length. As the name implies, A Monolithic Vulgarity is indeed monolithic, blasting through with double-bass galore and cymbal crashes aplenty not to be outdone by wiry melodious guitars. Intronaut have the ability to transition at will without succumbing to awkwardness or failing to provide an adequate segue to act as a bridge. First single Gleamer is downright heavy at times, while Dailor-esque acrobatics fill the background, and its at this point that the clarity of the production becomes a noticeable plus. The clarity of each individual instrument is remarkable, especially in regards to the cymbals, which are an essential component of just about any drumkit. Mastodon enthusiasts will embrace Fault Lines, the gruff vocals provided fit in nicely. And while Iceblocks may remind listeners of another band whose name also begins with the letter I, theres enough differentiation during the songs six and a half minutes to distinguish one from the other.
In spite of the praiseworthy characteristics that both Void and Intronaut display again and again, the former cannot be labeled a future classic simply because it blends in with prior efforts of other groups and doesnt propose anything remarkably original. However, this debut is arguably the epitome of the solid release: enjoyable in all respects with no major flaws. The four-piece apparently had no problem leaping the hurdle that was fan expectation after hearing Null, nor crafting and subsequently unleashing a modern, forward-thinking beast of an album that will devour innocent bystanders and guilty partakers alike. As far as Im concerned, in relation to Goodfellow, this is the year of Intronaut.
8/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official Intronaut Website
Official Goodfellow Records Website
Goodfellow Records GFR042 August 22nd, 2006
By Jason Jordan
Because it was a lengthy, outstanding EP, the reaction to Null was predictable, if not unanimous: we need a full-length. Well here it is in the form of Void, a 45-minute excursion into post-metal relayed by enthusiastic, multi-talented members who possess eyebrow-raising credentials. Related in one form or another to groups such as Uphill Battle, Anubis Rising, Impaled, Exhumed, and Phobia, Los Angeles-rooted Intronaut put forth a sound that siphons elements from heralded bands like Mastodon, Burst, The Esoteric, and Neurosis, which is utterly bizarre when pondering the members former and current musical endeavors. Perhaps more relevant than the previous statement, however, is the definitive value of the record in question, and after carefully weighing its numerous traits, there is but one conclusion to draw Void is the finest disc Goodfellow has released this year, and will most likely hold that title for the remainder of 2006.
Though it only consists of seven tracks, the album certainly doesnt skimp on length. As the name implies, A Monolithic Vulgarity is indeed monolithic, blasting through with double-bass galore and cymbal crashes aplenty not to be outdone by wiry melodious guitars. Intronaut have the ability to transition at will without succumbing to awkwardness or failing to provide an adequate segue to act as a bridge. First single Gleamer is downright heavy at times, while Dailor-esque acrobatics fill the background, and its at this point that the clarity of the production becomes a noticeable plus. The clarity of each individual instrument is remarkable, especially in regards to the cymbals, which are an essential component of just about any drumkit. Mastodon enthusiasts will embrace Fault Lines, the gruff vocals provided fit in nicely. And while Iceblocks may remind listeners of another band whose name also begins with the letter I, theres enough differentiation during the songs six and a half minutes to distinguish one from the other.
In spite of the praiseworthy characteristics that both Void and Intronaut display again and again, the former cannot be labeled a future classic simply because it blends in with prior efforts of other groups and doesnt propose anything remarkably original. However, this debut is arguably the epitome of the solid release: enjoyable in all respects with no major flaws. The four-piece apparently had no problem leaping the hurdle that was fan expectation after hearing Null, nor crafting and subsequently unleashing a modern, forward-thinking beast of an album that will devour innocent bystanders and guilty partakers alike. As far as Im concerned, in relation to Goodfellow, this is the year of Intronaut.
8/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official Intronaut Website
Official Goodfellow Records Website
