Flattbush - Smash The Octopus

  by Andrew Carver

published: 28 / 11 / 2003

---

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.

Track Listing:-

1 Smash the Octopus!
2 Better off Dead
3 Kontra’tado!
4 Question Authority
5 Foxhole
6 Napalm
7 Batas Militar (Salvaged Style)
8 Expose and Oppose
9 GMA Is a US-SOB
10 Death Squad
11 Pigs
12 LIC Total War (Low Intensity Conflct)
13 Red Light District

Post A Comment

---

Comment

Name

your name

Location

ie London, UK

Submit

Check box to submit

Adam Coxon
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson

Dixie Ernill
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart

Malcolm Carter
Marie Hazelwood
Mark Rowland
Nick Dent-Robinson
Nicky Crewe
Nige Nudds
Philamonjaro
Richard Lewis
Shirley Procter
Spencer Robertshaw
Steev Burgess
Steve Kinrade

Steve Miles
Tommy Gunnarsson
Zena Grieg