Review – SHRINEBUILDER – “Shrinebuilder”

Shrinebuilder – Shrinebuilder
released October 27, 2009 on Neurot Recordings

I have not lost interest in Them Crooked Vultures, but the ‘Supergroup of the Year’ award goes to Shrinebuilder, hands down. If you’re outta the loop, we’re talking about Scott “Wino” Weinrich (Saint Vitus, The Obsessed), Dale Crover (Melvins), Scott Kelly (Neurosis), and Al Cisneros (OM, Sleep): collectively representing 100 years of sonic bedlam asylum!

The fear of incongruence is dispelled immediately, and is never in question as the album progresses. The bookends feature Wino on main vocals, with Kelly as a heavy highlight, but he also eases along with a smoky croon in 2 & 3, which compliment the music well and demonstrate the range Shrinebuilder encompasses. A rich Cisneros-Crover rhythm lures the listener through the mellow 3, amidst swirling psychedelic guitars. Al’s hypnotic chants and bass tone emerge strongly in 2 & 5, also indicating the intriguing directions this band may venture down. For the straightest, shortest, and most Wino-influenced, try 4.

Recorded in a mere three days and completely stripped of pretense, it’s an egalitarian exercise in spiritual sludge from four guys who probably already have––and deserve––your respect. It’s gonna make plenty of Best of 2009 lists, but something tells me this was made with greater purpose in mind….

FCC OK
Play all, but start with 1, *2*, *5*

01. Solar Benediction
02. Pyramid Of The Moon
03. Blind For All To See
04. The Architect
05. Science Of Anger

Rating: