Battle of Mice - A Day of Nights

When sour human relationships are a minefield of uncomfortable and raw emotions, the need for companionship often drives many to some kind of socially-encouraged insanity and there has been much music born of this fact. The relationship between Josh Graham (of post-metal soundscapers Red Sparowes) and the ferocious demon version of Bjork (Julie Christmas of Made Out Of Babies) is clearly tumultuous, and the main drive of this album. Musically it is equally a clash between the Sparowes' vast sonic narratives and MOOB's caterwauling, juggernaut assault, but is somehow less satisfying than either of those individual entities. Its intensity is mostly lyrical and it is a difficult listen, but if you just so happen to have emerged from a tear-stained relationship, needless to say, it's not something you'll want to listen to right now. (Ali Maloney)