DWELLERS (Good Morning Harakiri) CD
Over the last seventeen years Small Stone Records has released a lot of excellent stuff, what makes it not possible for me to draw up a top-ten list, let alone a top-five. I am, however, sure that Iota's 'Tales' (review here) would be placed on the upper third of that imaginery list. For this reason, I was really looking forward to Iota's second album but unfortunately nothing happend. That is really too bad. All the greater was the joy when I received a promo of the debut album of DWELLERS as no one less than Iota main man Joey Toscano (guitar, vocals) is in the lineup of this power trio. Added to this are Zach Hatsis (drums) and Dave Jones (bass) who had previously been in Subrosa.
Firstly I was worried about the musical direction, but my concerns have been blown away within a few minutes. Though DWELLERS are a bit more straight forward, 'Good Morning Harakiri' (what a great title, especially in connection with the tasteful cover artwork) is dominated by Joey Toscano's bluesadelic, mind-bending guitarwork that is drenched in super crispy fuzz. Due to the strong rhythm section, he can really let out steam, so that most of the six tracks are five to ten minutes in length. His voice has similarities with Chris Cornell, but that isn't deliberate because DWELLERS live in their own psychoactive world.
This monster of an album begins with 'Secret Revival' and the explorative character of the music is immediately noticeable. I wouldn't be surprised if that track turns into a free-form jam during a DWELLERS gig, although I can imagine this could happen with each song of this album. 'Vultures' is another great track where the band displays their fantastic feel for dynamics. Joey Toscano's rough yet passionate voice is an integral part of the music as well as the earthy, rousing heaviness. Well, I can safely say that words never truly capture the greatness of 'Good Morning Harakiri', so that I am coming to an end now. For me, this is one of the first highlights in 2012. 'Good Morning Harakiri' is big, it is loud, complex and it pulls no punches. Please, buy before you die.
(KK)