Filter
Crazy Eyes
Wind-up Records / Caroline Australia
Release Date: 8 April 2016
Reviewed by Matt Bolton
Filter releasing their seventh album is something to get excited about. It’s the best music they have created in some time. The music is edgier, while still being hard hitting and catchy at the same time. The band is a force to be reckoned with on the stage and these new songs will be welcomed with open arms from the beloved Filter fan.
Opening track, Mother E, starts with Richard Patrick almost with a whisper that leads to a violent scream, showing the man has a set of lungs that haven’t aged since the band’s 1995 debut, Short Bus. Nothing In My Hands, is classic Filter, with a catchy chorus and industrial sounds that would please most Nine Inch Nails fans. Patrick shows his anger in songs like, Pride Flag. When he is not screaming he reminds me of Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction fame, another great 90’s band. The guitar solo on this song is stellar and the stomping guitar riffs of Oumi Kapila are backed up by the blistering bass grooves of Ashley Dzerigian and the drum work of Chris Reeve.
City of Blinding Riots, has a strong dance feel to it and the band mix it up nicely, even the catchy rock number, Take Me To Heaven, a worthy first single, reminiscent of Patrick’s, Army of Anyone side project with members Stone Temple Pilots. On, Head of Fire, the plummeting bass of Ashley stands out and Patrick’s vocals remind me of his good friend the late Scott Weiland on this one. Song, Kid Blue From The Short Bus, Drunk Bunk, with a reference to the debut in the title, is among many highlights on this release. The slow burner, Under The Tongue, grooves out to the final track, (Can’t She See) Heart of Fire, Part 2, with Patrick’s soothing voice winding the industrial ride down and what a fun one it has been. Like any good ride you will want to get on it again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRV51e753f8
