MAN BITES GOD
10/06/04 Filed in: Review CD
The
self titled album, from the band of the same name,
encapsulates everything you loved and hated about
spelling bees, trailer parks, showers and awkward
phone calls.
The first album from the Melbourne based Man Bites God trio, or conglomerate of artists, is a stellar moment in the display of range and musical talent. Songs regarding killer bees, strap-on sex, sheet steel plating and mashed potatoes are all highlights of this marvellously recorded stereo album.
The intelligent use of complex conceptual subject matter can be witnessed in songs such as track 5, Justice wears a skirt wherein a mild mannered accountant by day changes into the crime fighting cross dressing superhero 'Lady-Man' by night. Other challenging rubiks-cube style mystery songs are evident in the deep, dark Better Gnomes and Gardens which empowers the forlorn folklorish downtrodden Gnome to fight back against the overbearing capitalist establishment of which he is helplessly a victim. In my mind, there are just not enough songs about devilishly angry Gnomes anymore. A highlight...
In contrast, the light and toned consumer anthem Sponsorship judges the mass market industrial mall complex with much ironic disdain. This song is also highlighted by the use of voice samples from the legendary Denzil Houson. Another figure of great value is ex-triffid Rob McComb, on track 9.
A valuable album - perhaps more songs about plate steel or alloy sheeting could make it better. Still, an excellent and exciting recording.
The Program
Gregory Mackay
The first album from the Melbourne based Man Bites God trio, or conglomerate of artists, is a stellar moment in the display of range and musical talent. Songs regarding killer bees, strap-on sex, sheet steel plating and mashed potatoes are all highlights of this marvellously recorded stereo album.
The intelligent use of complex conceptual subject matter can be witnessed in songs such as track 5, Justice wears a skirt wherein a mild mannered accountant by day changes into the crime fighting cross dressing superhero 'Lady-Man' by night. Other challenging rubiks-cube style mystery songs are evident in the deep, dark Better Gnomes and Gardens which empowers the forlorn folklorish downtrodden Gnome to fight back against the overbearing capitalist establishment of which he is helplessly a victim. In my mind, there are just not enough songs about devilishly angry Gnomes anymore. A highlight...
In contrast, the light and toned consumer anthem Sponsorship judges the mass market industrial mall complex with much ironic disdain. This song is also highlighted by the use of voice samples from the legendary Denzil Houson. Another figure of great value is ex-triffid Rob McComb, on track 9.
A valuable album - perhaps more songs about plate steel or alloy sheeting could make it better. Still, an excellent and exciting recording.
The Program
Gregory Mackay