Skatenigs - Stupid People Shouldn't Breed (90's Era)

Skatenigs Stupid People Shouldn't Breed

Skatenigs is a group that aptly covers the road map set forth by both Revolting Cocks (RevCo) and Ministry. Sure Skatenigs is very much in line with the feel or composition of both mentioned bands but the material never connected with me in large part because of the alternative spokes, with which at that time annoyed me. I don't hate alternative I just felt that it was being usurped for wider recognition with bands of that period, and I was very much evolving away from that area.

A lot of it I felt was in how obvious the group copied what was already done, yet it wasn't until much later that I began to understand why I didn't receive the material well. I had a real hard time connecting with the record Stupid People Shouldn't Breed as it felt more like a inclusive joke, covering a gigantic ego, exposing a stilted sense of disposable attitude, and being extremely pompous.

There is groove which harkens back to the disco era, but tends to meander a lot. Either I felt it was underdeveloped, or haphazardly put together due to time constraints. In a lot of ways this record made me feel awkward, and stilted.

Having re-acclimated myself to this record I still feel the same as I did then about its message or lack thereof, but the main component I will say here is there are a few decent songs, apt groove, and faux electronic drum beats, but as a whole seemed uncomfortable to get through. Thanks for reading.

B.

Portal - Vexxovoid

Portal - Vexovoid - (r) 2/19/2013

Portal - Vexovoid (Bandcamp)

This was a very strange experience for me. Portal is a band I have no knowledge about. Vexovoid is a record that pummels every sense in expectation, and perceived direction of familiarity.

What is known or understood about compaction of texture and composition is completely redirected into a mashed listening experience.

I have never heard something this dense that it takes a few listens to uncover bits and pieces of the work.

I am acutely aware of the direction extreme music needs to go, and while I do agree with the notion of challenging outside perceptions Portal pretty much covers this in large doses. Some may not agree, yet there is something very different in approach, and execution to what I've experienced here.

If there is one gripe I have it is this: the songs do blur into each other, there are intermittent variations of notes that string together with a kind of thematic overture, but there is a few areas that I think challenge the perception of design and execution. A lot this record is mangled, twisted, and heavy on distortion, which is expected from the listener to carve out their own understanding.

If I were to pick a single instrument to follow it would be the guitar because of the tonality shifts, and the near pulsation that weaves the songs into peaks and valleys.

Interesting listen if nothing else. Thanks for reading.

B.