Druugg – Lost

EXAG’

Belgian grungey noise merchants Druugg come at us fried and wild with their first long player, Lost. It follows filthily on the heels of a few singles and allows their muffled mirages to expand with plenty of listener assault time.

Although the vocals erupt with an in-the-bag fury, the scuzzy guitars rife with distortion and dismay still exert a punky groove that sees the feet tapping. The thundering drums and heavy bass riffs try to protect the guitars as they are set alight, the riffs simple yet satisfying. They aren’t afraid to allow a little air into the proceedings either and in places the vocals sound as if they were recorded in the rafters, which adds to a slight sense of discombobulation.

The songs are generally relatively short and not a little sour, with the drums beating their way out of the room. I guess it is the same room as the voice flits around: at one point, back behind the drums; at another stood against the wall and in others, fleeing from the scene out of a broken window. He seems to inhabit a different character for each song and this adds to the album’s intrigue. The album is heavy; but different shades of heavy, with the songs often bass-led and the guitar providing various uncomfortable textures.

There is a pretty riff on “Feel”, but is the guitar out of tune? It is like the tape has stretched, but so far it is the calmest song even if the vocalist has become unhinged. The flurry of riffs and the slightly off-kilter vibe reminded me a little of overlooked New Zealanders Blank Realm, although the vocal disturbances and deep bass bark have a much harsher bite. The hurricane guitar scree on “Through The Waves” is lovely and all the more surprising as it makes its way through a long drifting intro that sucks you in.

A drunken ukulele, a twisted tape intro and some echo swamp guitar enhance the quick blast of pure punk, post-party joy that is “Danser Contre Ton Corps”, while the fuzz bass leads the attack on “Stay Away” as guitars scrawl and unfurl over the top. It is a heady mix, but one which is parked briefly on atmospheric closer “Rise”, which carries a cymbal shimmer and bass patter over guitars that are dreamlike and distant. We see another side of the group here briefly before the volume gradually increases. There might be the memory of a melody in there somewhere, but the smeared guitar textures do their best to smother it.

It is a great conclusion to a blistering and blasted opening salvo from Druugg. This would be a riot live, but for now allow this caustic cacophony to sear a place in your heart.

-Mr Olivetti-