Foetus: Flow
Jazzy interludes fade soon enough back into distortion land. Apt comparisons for much of the latter work include noise-masters Ministry and Nine Inch Nails. But even in the midst of relentless pounding energy, Foetus finds time to toss out a lyrical organ solo or chorale. On "Grace of God," he croons over swing rhythms, trading off with gospel vocal accompaniment, before heading into an orchestrated swing interlude. Strange? Yes. But somehow this combo fits together coherently into the overall Jekyll and Hyde configuration of Flow. The unifying element pulling things together is Thirlwell's dark lyrics. (From "Suspect": "in the shadow of the spectre/under the sword of damocles/well i have but one regret/that i have not killed you yet".)
From the standpoint of pure insanity, Flow is a brilliant masterwork. Listeners with a taste for law and order, or those who prefer not to peer over the edge, are strongly encouraged to look elsewhere. The rest of us can revel in our imperfections and indulge our restless energy with this disc.
Track Listing
Quick Fix; Cirrhosis of the Heart; Mandelay; Grace of God; The Need Machine; Suspect; Someone Who Cares; Heuldoch 7B; Victim or Victor?; Shun; Kreibabe.
Personnel
J.G. Thirlwell.
Album information
Title: Flow | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Thirsty Ear Recordings