Flattbush: Smash The Octopus (CD on Kool Arrow)

Band: Flattbush
Label: Kool Arrow
Title: Smash The Octopus

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Band:Flattbush
Title:Smash The Octopus
Reviewed By:Andrew Carver
Date Published:28/11/2003

Label:Kool Arrow
Format:CD
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One thing’s obvious from Flattbush’s debut, 'Smash The Octopus' — these guys are pissed off.

This may have something to do with the band’s prehistory. Bassist Riko Maniago and his singing brother Arman grew up in the Philippines, and the band (rounded out by drummer Ray Banda and guitarist Bradlee Walther) apparently takes its name from a 1960's social protest band from the Philippines that was silenced by force during the Marcos regime.

The leadoff title track, with its rapid fire drums, heavily overdriven guitar riffs, shouted vocals and revolutionary lyrics combines leftist fervour with metalcore and sets the pattern for most of the album. On the other hand, the speedgrind of 'Smash' is a little short on melody, and even those who agree with the band’s politics may be disinclined to listen to it twice.The band is far more effective when they slow things down as they do briefly on 'Kontra’tado'; and allow melody and message alike to emerge from the blur.

Similarly, Arman’s shouting sometime slips into inarticulate ululation; but when he’s at his most controlled, as in 'Question Authority', it’s evident he has considerable melodic vocal skills. A certain debt to Mike Patton of Mr. Bungle, Faith No More and Tomahawk is evident, and no doubt admitted, as he get a name check in the liner notes. Indeed, a brief snippet of 'Kontra’tado' had me checking the liners for Patton’s name in a possible backup singing role. It should also be noted that the band’s Kool Arrow label is run by Faith No More drummer Billy Gould.

'Smash the Octopus' is an okay album, but an addiction to speed and crunch makes too many songs sound alike. Flattbush evidently have the chops to make a more varied album; everyone would be better off if they did.

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Left-wing metalcore from Filipono four-piece with an over-reliance on "speed and crunch"

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Smash The Octopus - CD
Left-wing metalcore from Filipono four-piece with an over-reliance on "speed and crunch"

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