Low Places have done much in a short time. Coming out of California with a style that is unlikeable to most and building on said style till it makes sense while still remaining well outside of the norm. The band go from lurching Eyehategod inspired pieces to what can be either powerviolence inspired hardcore or what sounds like EHG on a meth bender. The same grimy chilling feeling that EHG built around themselves and their music for years is the same that Low Places seem to embody. Most of the time the band reside in the second category employing fast distinct and disturbing bursts that leave little time to breathe.
However, this album opens with something of the first category. The nearly 8 minute opener "Opfer" stomps around with no vocals and all kinds of power. The at times noisy, and sludgy riffs move slowly like a mammoth chasing prey. This is something different for the band as no minute feels wasted or out place but even through the songs long running time feels like it won't end, but in the best way possible. This does little to prepare one for what is coming next the 3/4s of a minute speed burst of "Skeleton" a song that is short and beyond disruptive. Within the first 2 songs the band have captured what they do within their style in a fairly perfect way. the songs after that alternate, sometimes within the course of the song, between the two styles.
The recording is murky and gritty helping the band feel more dangerous and nasty. The instruments sound beyond over driven making it seem as though the band just cranked the eq into the red and hoped for the best. What happens to most bands that employ this recording style is what most would call a mess. Instead Low Places do this and it only helps the sound, pushing the band into sounding more desperate and fucked up than they would otherwise.
This record is a great starting point for those that are new to this band. Showing different sides of them without compromise or trying to be more likable. These same characteristics are what make the band one to watch in the future. Straying away from guidelines and building their own messy nasty style of hardcore makes for a band that may not be well liked in their time but rather one that will be remembered as being greater than the bands that stayed way past their prime and diluted their sound instead. Here is to hearing more from Low Places.
