Coilgun - Stadia Rods

I had the chance to see Coilguns live a couple of months ago. In anticipation of the gig, I tried to give their first full-length, 'Stadia Rods', a listen, but failed to find a source that would give me a chance to listen to the entire release. Although, based on their split release with Kunz, I knew that as long as the right back-line was available at the gig, I would be in for an experience that would be delivered through a wall of sound.

Their set lived up to every expectation and I walked away knowing that this would probably be the last time I would see them in such an intimate environment. My only disappointment, however, was that I had not made more of an effort to familiarise myself with the newer material. I purchased the vinyl a few days later and its arrival was met with my anticipation to see how well the new material had translated onto the record.

The album starts with a punch and even though you're only ten seconds into the album, you can already tell that the album is going to be a relentless assault. However, as the song eases into its middle section, it becomes apparent that the writing process included a degree of lateral thinking. Not only is each member technically proficient, but there is a willingness from each member to stray in and out of what would be considered unfamiliar territory for the majority of conventional hardcore/grind bands.

It is only once we arrive at the album's third track, 'In the Limelights', that we are given time for a breather. The track opens with a simple riff and is accompanied by a slow a steady beat. Over the next six minutes, while rarely deviating from the original riff, the track slowly builds itself up to a mighty climax that eventually engulfs you in a wall of sound.

The rest of the album continues in a similar vein, with a plethora of huge riffs, pounding and experimental drums, and an ever expanding amount of different time signatures that manages to keep you on your toes. A video was released for the song 'Zoetropist', which is the natural stand-out track on the album. Short, fast and heavy. Honestly, however, it has to be said that the album does not manage to capture the same intensity that was displayed during their live set, but I struggle to imagine a recording that could do their live show justice. So, although the album might not capture the same intensity as their live show, it is still a truly enjoyable listen, while also thoroughly intense in its own right. The songs aren't naturally catchy, nor were the ever going to be. But if you take the time to get to know the album, you'll find it to be a very strong and powerful offering. Although it commits itself to being a heavy album, it manages to offer more than enough innovative song writing, which, when combined with the well used dynamics throughout the album, is able to avoid becoming another one of those overly heavy, but disappointingly bland albums. A truly solid offering.

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