The Smackdown Someone Has to Kill the Headwriter
Goodfellow Records GFR040 April 11th, 2006
By Jason Jordan
Even if Goodfellow arent always on the mark most recently, Spitfires Self-Help Im usually intrigued by their output. And once I stumbled on the utterly bizarre marriage of wrestling and Swedish hardcore that fuels The Smackdowns assault, I was more wary than anything. Someone Has to Kill the Headwriter, their sophomore follow-up to Calling the Spots, suffers from a number of ailments, and is ultimately not up to snuff with the rest of Goodfellows catalog.
Naturally, The Smackdown are a quirky bunch, but that just doesnt cut it here. Blending Swedish hardcore with unshakable rockabilly tendencies, they sound akin to fellow countrymen Selfmindead, Soapbox, and A Thought Crushed My Mind-era Blindside, though this five-piece are much faster overall. As energetic as they are, however, the 13 tracks of Someone Has to Kill the Headwriter only add up to 21 minutes, which is not what Id label a proper full-length. Still, when the group fleshes out the grooves rather than relying on Dillinger-esque instrumentation, even Hardys constant screaming isnt enough to derail the song. The Dave Mustaine Syndrome is an example as well as Irwin R. Never Changed the World, the latter borrowing the determined nature of Capricorns during its one-minute appearance.
With their emphasis on wrestling, The Smackdown will definitely turn some people away, but whats most problematic about Someone Has to Kill the Headwriter is that the music is off-putting due to the high-pitched incessant screaming, jumbled playing, and brief length. Aside from a few cute song titles and a handful of nice rhythmical patterns, Id call this a letdown coming from a record company such as Goodfellow. Like everyone, though, I suppose theyre allowed to have an off day. However, judging by a casual listen of The Abominable Iron Sloths debut, Id say theyre right back on track.
3.5/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official The Smackdown Website
Official Goodfellow Records Website
Goodfellow Records GFR040 April 11th, 2006
By Jason Jordan
Even if Goodfellow arent always on the mark most recently, Spitfires Self-Help Im usually intrigued by their output. And once I stumbled on the utterly bizarre marriage of wrestling and Swedish hardcore that fuels The Smackdowns assault, I was more wary than anything. Someone Has to Kill the Headwriter, their sophomore follow-up to Calling the Spots, suffers from a number of ailments, and is ultimately not up to snuff with the rest of Goodfellows catalog.
Naturally, The Smackdown are a quirky bunch, but that just doesnt cut it here. Blending Swedish hardcore with unshakable rockabilly tendencies, they sound akin to fellow countrymen Selfmindead, Soapbox, and A Thought Crushed My Mind-era Blindside, though this five-piece are much faster overall. As energetic as they are, however, the 13 tracks of Someone Has to Kill the Headwriter only add up to 21 minutes, which is not what Id label a proper full-length. Still, when the group fleshes out the grooves rather than relying on Dillinger-esque instrumentation, even Hardys constant screaming isnt enough to derail the song. The Dave Mustaine Syndrome is an example as well as Irwin R. Never Changed the World, the latter borrowing the determined nature of Capricorns during its one-minute appearance.
With their emphasis on wrestling, The Smackdown will definitely turn some people away, but whats most problematic about Someone Has to Kill the Headwriter is that the music is off-putting due to the high-pitched incessant screaming, jumbled playing, and brief length. Aside from a few cute song titles and a handful of nice rhythmical patterns, Id call this a letdown coming from a record company such as Goodfellow. Like everyone, though, I suppose theyre allowed to have an off day. However, judging by a casual listen of The Abominable Iron Sloths debut, Id say theyre right back on track.
3.5/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official The Smackdown Website
Official Goodfellow Records Website
