The latest installment by the Brian Jonestown Massacre, My Bloody Underground, successfully pulls the listener through a whirlwind of feverous noise samplings and classic Jonestown sounds. For first-time listeners, a word of caution must be given: Although Underground will earn a place in the hearts of long-time fans next to Methodrone, it is not for the faint of heart or Jonestown virgins.
The first song on the album, Bring Me the Head of Paul McCartney on Heather Mill's Wooden Peg,"" gives listeners a strong and classic Jonestown song with the dark and slightly monotone voice of Anton Newcombe, interweaved with the jangle of guitars and steady, simple beats in the background.
Following the opener is ""Infinite Wisdom Tooth/My Last Night In Bed With You,"" which echoes the first track's feel with its dark, melodic vocals, a style reminiscent of the 1960s psychedelic bands. The track is presented in a serene voice and has more of a rock 'n' roll feel with its faster beat and more complex guitar rhythms.
""Yeah-Yeah"" and ""Golden Frost,"" the strongest two songs on the album, pair together nicely. ""Yeah-Yeah"" is a slower, steadier song with simple guitars and a noticeable chorus. ""Golden Frost"" picks up where ""Yeah-Yeah"" leaves off with distorted vocals and a mass of sped-up guitars and percussion to create a perfect Jonestown drug-induced sound.
Throughout the rest of the album, the band's use of experimentation is demonstrated further in songs such as ""We Are the Niggers of the World,"" which consists entirely of a piano solo, and ""Black-Hole-Symphony,"" which delves into the world of noise instead of coherent choruses, verses or even guitars and percussion. ""Automatic Faggot for the People"" is another successful use of noise experimentation with clanging percussion and whirling guitars creating a tornado of sounds, engulfing the listener.
Overall, whether the band is experimenting with Icelandic lyrics or low-fi or demo-tape sound quality, the mix with classic Jonestown sounds creates an excellent album that will exceed listeners' expectations despite the band's long-running career. My Bloody Underground is an exceptional example of how albums can experiment with multiple sounds and styles and still create a track-list that brings listeners through a coherent journey that doesn't sound choppy or disjointed.
