Trephine Trephine
Public Guilt PG003 May 31st, 2005
By Jason Jordan
Maybe its just me, but I think its been a great year for metal thus far. Even when you slice away everything but the finest of instrumental releases such as Pelicans March into the Sea EP and Red Sparowess At the Soundless Dawn, its still been a riveting five months. The latest entry into the instrumental subgenre is the unconquerable Trephine (a.k.a. TrephineMD), who just recently witnessed Trephine drop to unsuspecting-yet-astonished audiences. Truly, Trephines musical abilities, songwriting proficiency, and catchiness will allow them to besmirch the collection of even the most stingy of metalheads.
Whereas fellow cohorts like Dysrhythmia and Behold the Arctopus are flimsy and spastic (though I like both), Trephine are grungy and seemingly possess inviting characteristics. Honestly, however, Goes to Hell, Mr. Wiggles (Part One) begins slowly, which means that if your interest is going to wane anywhere, itll be upon hearing the first two minutes of the opener. But, theres pure joy to be found after tolerating the low-key introduction. The riff-heavy Age of Reptiles is where the band really shine, and Dave Batovsky (auxiliary percussionist) adds subtle texturing to a group thats already damn good. The quirkiness doesnt end there, as Metal Detector ups the ante with its attractive, head-bobbing riff. Vocals would essentially be welcome in Resident Advisor, which is the most standard tune on the release. Again, theres enrapturing little leads to be found during the songs lucid moments. Adrenochrome is definitely methodical, but Goes to Hell, Mr. Wiggles (Part Two) is vastly different than the opening incarnation.
At forty minutes, Trephine is a good length for what it is. The quartet didnt get too ambitious with this outing, and their subsequent success should only bolster future output. I have no complaints. If you like music at all, dig up Trephine and rediscover whats so enchanting about this audible form of art.
8.5/10
Official Trephine Website
Official Public Guilt Website
Public Guilt PG003 May 31st, 2005
By Jason Jordan

Maybe its just me, but I think its been a great year for metal thus far. Even when you slice away everything but the finest of instrumental releases such as Pelicans March into the Sea EP and Red Sparowess At the Soundless Dawn, its still been a riveting five months. The latest entry into the instrumental subgenre is the unconquerable Trephine (a.k.a. TrephineMD), who just recently witnessed Trephine drop to unsuspecting-yet-astonished audiences. Truly, Trephines musical abilities, songwriting proficiency, and catchiness will allow them to besmirch the collection of even the most stingy of metalheads.
Whereas fellow cohorts like Dysrhythmia and Behold the Arctopus are flimsy and spastic (though I like both), Trephine are grungy and seemingly possess inviting characteristics. Honestly, however, Goes to Hell, Mr. Wiggles (Part One) begins slowly, which means that if your interest is going to wane anywhere, itll be upon hearing the first two minutes of the opener. But, theres pure joy to be found after tolerating the low-key introduction. The riff-heavy Age of Reptiles is where the band really shine, and Dave Batovsky (auxiliary percussionist) adds subtle texturing to a group thats already damn good. The quirkiness doesnt end there, as Metal Detector ups the ante with its attractive, head-bobbing riff. Vocals would essentially be welcome in Resident Advisor, which is the most standard tune on the release. Again, theres enrapturing little leads to be found during the songs lucid moments. Adrenochrome is definitely methodical, but Goes to Hell, Mr. Wiggles (Part Two) is vastly different than the opening incarnation.
At forty minutes, Trephine is a good length for what it is. The quartet didnt get too ambitious with this outing, and their subsequent success should only bolster future output. I have no complaints. If you like music at all, dig up Trephine and rediscover whats so enchanting about this audible form of art.
8.5/10
Official Trephine Website
Official Public Guilt Website