This is a digital format single, and part of a single-series - first began in 2013 -  which has been attracting some attention from the music press. Deathcrush is an Oslo-based Norwegian trio, comprising Vidar Evensen on drums, Ase Royset on guitar and Linn Nystadnes on lead vocals. Prior to that they toured extensively in Europe. The music was described as a playful mixture of hip hop, trash metal and noise rock, and the new style sound as pelvic noise sludge.

I suppose many first-time listeners would describe the sound as Alternative, because this normally encompasses a multitude of sins which cannot initially be categorised. Once the style becomes more accepted or common, it is given a sub-genre, and Alternative becomes the next weird concoction. The opening part of the single repeats the words, ‘This is just for fun,’ which leads you to question the overall purpose of the song. Have they written this song just so that it gets a reaction? Even if it’s simply, ‘What the hell is this?’ Perhaps so; certainly that strategy has worked for acts in the past. The pace here is somewhat moderate, the vocals almost robotic in nature. The middle section is faster and more thrashy, but still is rather reminiscent of a home recording sound.

As someone who dabbles with the drums, you would think I would prefer a prominent percussion, but that’s not the case. The drums are far too loud and up-front here, when they should be in the background, dictating the pace and mood without ever encroaching on the vocals and melody. The grungy guitar is far too low in the mix, sounding for all the world like you can just hear someone playing next door through the wall.

I’m a fan of many variations on Rock and Metal, but I’m afraid this just doesn’t work for me. I suppose it could improve with multiple listens, but would that be an improvement or simply like the last song you heard on the radio: not particularly good, but gets in your brain!

4

Ty Power