Weekly Release Spotlight: Gay Witch Abortion
Posted on 2/16/2009
Gay Witch Abortion
Maverick
[Learning Curve]
The bombastic drums and ear-splitting riffs of Minneapolis' own Gay Witch Abortion have been enthralling the masses for years now. Only recently did the duo release their first album, titled "Maverick," out on Learning Curve Records. Sure, there's only two of them. But their record release show was at a strip club. And they played six out of seven venues in one day during the fabled 7/7/07 festival. Not to mention their blend of mostly instrumental balls to the wall juicy noise rock is the perfect elixir for whatever ails you. Give it a listen. At least you'll no longer wonder why they opened for "Army of Darkness" last month (the movie, not the mediocre California metal band).
The record gets right into it. From the first track "Down with Giants," the punishing drums of Shawn Walker and juicy guitar melodies of Jesse Bottomley assault the listener. "Girl Pop Soda" delivers more of the same building intensity that is prevalent on this disc. Odd sounds and animal samples are intermixed with actual music on the record (see "Group Think"), but that only adds to the auditory onslaught. Bottomley's vocals are sparse and serve as another instrument more than anything, the best example being the driving intensity of "Stain on the Floor." The production of the record is also worth a mention because it sounds huge! It's difficult to translate such an intense and dynamic live show into a bona-fide studio album, but "Maverick" really comes through in that respect. Plus, it was recorded at the Los Angeles via Minneapolis recording studio Seedy Underbelly.
If you're looking for something to impress your friends or get your neighbors to call the cops, you'd be hard pressed to find a better album that would fit both scenarios. The array of sounds that both Walker and Bottomley are able to elicit from their instruments is quite impressive. And the fact that they can make some excellent, heavy music while they're at it speaks volumes to the many reasons why "Maverick" and Gay Witch Abortion command respect. Just make sure to turn it up loud.
Stream: Gay Witch Abortion - Stain on the Floor
Written by Andrew Zoellner, Radio K volunteer.