After catching Wolf Eyes in concert a few weeks ago (see previous post), I expected Human Animal to start right in with the pile-driver intensity of the band's live set. This CD is much more subtle -- it starts with two dark, textured songs that would be a fitting soundtrack to a stalker movie. Every sound though is carefully orchestrated and each sound builds upon the next so you know that the band is building to something. The intensity starts to build with the third track Rationed Rot and reaches its peak with the fourth track Human Animal. This song captures all of the anger and brutality of the band's live show. From this point, the band's intensity doesn't wan and the CD ends with an uncredited cover of No Fucker's "Noise Not Music".
The production on this CD is phenominal and it is perfect for headphone listening or for playing in surround sound. I continue to hear different nuances of this CD each time that I play it. It is somewhat amazing to hear how far Wolf Eyes' sound has changed since releasing Burned Mind. It is going to be very interesting to hear where they go from here.
It doesn't look like the band is back in the New York area anytime soon. Here are their upcoming tour dates:
Thu 11/02/06 Dionysus Discotheque (the Sco) Oberlin OH Raven Strain, Sick Llama
Fri 11/03/06 Cactus Club Milwaukee WI Sick Llama, Raven Strain
Sat 11/04/06 7th Street Entry Minneapolis MN Raven Strain, Sick Llama
Mon 11/06/06 The Loft Missoula MT Raven Strain, Sick Llama
Wed 11/08/06 Pats Pub Vancouver BC Sick Llama, Raven Strain
Thu 11/09/06 Crocodile Cafe Seattle WA Raven Strain, Sick Llama
Fri 11/10/06 The Rusty Nail Portland OR Raven Strain, Sick Llama
Sat 11/11/06 Bottom of the Hill San Francisco CA Sick Llama, Raven Strain
Mon 11/13/06 Echo Los Angeles CA Sick Llama, Raven Strain
Tue 11/14/06 Casbah San Diego CA Sick Llama, Raven Strain
Wed 11/15/06 Club Congress Tucson AZ Sick Llama, Raven Strain
Fri 11/17/06 Urban Lounge Salt Lake City UT Vile Blue Shades, Sick Llama
Sat 11/18/06 Hi Dive Denver CO Moonfog, Raven Strain
Mon 11/20/06 The Jackpot Saloon Lawrence KS Lwa, Raven Strain
Tue 11/21/06 Vaudeville Mews Des Moines IA Raven Strain, Sick Llama
Wed 11/22/06 Empty Bottle Chicago IL Raven Strain, Sick Llama
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Wolf Eyes - Human Animal CD Review
Posted by Mike at 10:24 AM