News
Drowningman – Busy Signal At The Suicide Hotline LP (Iodine Recordings)
In the late 1990s, the hardcore music scene experienced an undeniable period of creative vitality. Among the myriad bands that emerged during this era, few commanded attention and admiration quite like Drowningman. Hailing from Burlington, Vermont, this quintet swiftly made its mark with its distinctive blend of metallic hardcore, post-hardcore, and math-core. In particular, their […]
In the late 1990s, the hardcore music scene experienced an undeniable period of creative vitality. Among the myriad bands that emerged during this era, few commanded attention and admiration quite like Drowningman. Hailing from Burlington, Vermont, this quintet swiftly made its mark with its distinctive blend of metallic hardcore, post-hardcore, and math-core. In particular, their debut album, “Busy Signal At The Suicide Hotline,” served as an ambitious and boundary-pushing testament to their prowess. Now, with Iodine Recordings reissuing this landmark record to commemorate its 25th anniversary, it is an opportune moment to revisit its chaotic brilliance. “Busy Signal At The Suicide Hotline” captures Drowningman at the height of their creative powers, expertly weaving together a cacophony of sounds that defy easy categorization. With its chaotic, progressive, almost math-core-alike instrumentations, the album combines more aggression, energy, and power than anyone could chew in one sitting. From scratch to finish, this exceptional band navigates the spectrum of sonic extremes with precision and finesse.
One aspect that sets Drowningman apart from their peers is their unwavering confidence in their musical choices. The band fearlessly explores diverse terrain, infusing each track with a distinct character and sonic palette. An album highlight, the titular track “Busy Signal At The Suicide Hotline,” embodies this audacity as it seamlessly transitions between aggressive dissonance and serene melodic passages. Such eclecticism serves as a testament to the band’s ability to craft multifaceted compositions that inspire intrigue and captivate the listener. “Busy Signal at the Suicide Hotline” stands as a significant artifact in the evolution of the metalcore genre. Its impact can be felt through the countless modern acts that have drawn inspiration from the rich tapestry of the New England hardcore scene wherein Drowningman thrived. If you pay close attention, you can notice or hear how many renowned bands paid homage to Drowningman through their music, track or album titles, or even band names. With their fusion of aggression and melody, Drowningman helped pave the way for future generations of heavy music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre’s trajectory.
The virtuosity of the band’s members shines throughout the entire album. Simon Brody’s captivating vocals provide an imposing and emotive presence, anchoring the songs with commanding intensity. Javin Leonard and Daryl Rabidoux’s guitar work seamlessly blend dissonance and melody, delivering a wall of sound that envelopes the listener. Dave Barnett’s basslines lend a rhythmic undercurrent, complementing Todd Tomlinson’s dynamic and propulsive drumming. Additionally, the album boasts top-notch engineering by Joe Egan, mixing by Steve Evetts, and mastering by Dave Merullo, further elevating the sonic quality of the recording. “Busy Signal At The Suicide Hotline” remains a timeless album that continues to captivate long-time fans and those discovering the band’s groundbreaking sound for the first time. It exemplifies the band’s unique talent for blending aggression and melody, pushing the boundaries of metallic hardcore. As the reissue introduces a new generation to this seminal work, it also serves as a reminder of the enduring impact Drowningman has had on the evolution of heavy music.
The Iodine Recordings uplifted this mindblowing album on an entirely new level. Working with renowned audio engineer Jack Shirley, known for his work with Deafheaven and Quicksand, the tracks have been revitalized, attaining a newfound clarity that accentuates the intricate layers of sound intricacies. Furthermore, this reissue includes two bonus tracks originally featured on a split with The Dillinger Escape Plan, providing an additional glimpse into Drowningman’s early discography. Of course, the reissue includes an original front cover artwork, and you can pick it up in various variants such as orang blobe with black and red splatter, orange and black smash, half blood/half orange with white, orange neon opaque, and yellow vinyl. As you can see, there are plenty of options, and they all look marvelous. Therefore, head to Iodine Recordings for more information about ordering.
Source: thoughtswordsaction.com
