Running 10 minutes and thirty-eight seconds, “Didactic Flashing Antidote” is why I sought their upcoming album to review. The bridge in it is akin to walking the Seven Mile Bridge from Knight’s Key to Little Duck Key during the calm before a hurricane.
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In my Final Thought for my Godcaster’s Long Haired Locusts review, I wrote: “They are funny and intelligent, and this is their debut album. I cannot wait to see where they go because they have a sound I am drawn to.” While the follow-up is nothing I could have expected, the band pushes its willingness to explore and experiment to new heights.
Godcaster did not let me down. Running about forty-five minutes, the album highlights the more brutal, edgier side of the band’s potential. This is apparent immediately in “Diamond’s Shining Face.” Pleading guitars call out, “Save yourself.” It musically backs off into tempered anxiety for the vocals, but they share heavy emotional release during the chorus. Build, release, build, release. At three minutes and forty-five seconds, this is just the opener.
“Vivian Heck” continues the pressing feel. With another strong intro, I remember being drawn to Godcaster’s movements and changes. Their music is Frankenstein, a collection of parts sown haphazardly together. Yet, do not read that wrong. He is not a monster. The main body of this song was torn from the grave of the 90’s band Filter.
The third track is what won me over on my first listen. As I stated earlier, songs like “Didactic Flashing Antidote” are why I like this band. (Yuck. How fucking amateur of me.) Yet, please hear me out. I admit I am a little older than the band members and probably most of their fans. I might not be into the hammering guitar and loud vocals, but moments like the bridge in this song show their talent. The quiet intensity complements the loud, attention-drawing sound. It is the terrifying anxiety of knowing a monster is somewhere in the dark. Your heart beating through your chest. Then, they start another restrained build at the seven-minute mark. Restrained is the keyword. You are hiding, but you know the monster has begun its quiet stalk. This song is reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s “Careful With That Axe, Eugene.”
Then, “Albino Venus.” Beautiful. End side one of the vinyl.
“Deaths Head Eyed
Hawk Moth” is a perfect B-side opener.
Can I say The Grateful Dead and Godcaster in the same sentence? How many people are confused now? I am. It’s not the intro of “Draw Breath Cry Out,” which reminds me of Tim Reynolds. It’s not the change at the two-minute mark. It’s at two and a half minutes. Listen to it. Keep listening. Not nearly as long as the bridge in “Didactic Flashing Antidote,” it presents a totally different feel. Are you starting to see the complexity of this band?
“Pluto Shoots His Gaze Into The Sun” is another sweet song. The second shortest on the album, it seems they only have enough patience for momentary peace.
Ok. The last song, “Gut Sink Moan, reminds me of another band that lives in my top five favorites from time to time: Primus. Maybe you can hear it. Maybe not. Nevertheless, it also makes me think, “The bar is closed. Get the fuck out!”
Final Thought: You’re welcome. I took out about a thousand words and just gave you the review.
Final Thought #2: I cannot wait to see this band live. It will be loud, and I may look out of my element, but I’m not. I am just taking notes and absorbing the atmosphere. But who knows, I might forget why I am there and dance.
Favorite Songs: “Didactic Flashing Antidote” and “Deaths Head Eyed Hawk Moth”
Rating - 4/5 (This is only their second album. I’ll appreciate it and listen over the years because their masterpiece is still a couple of albums away.)