Bronto Skylift – The White Crow

They say a band is only as good as its drummer, and with that in mind Bronto Skylift could be an earth-shattering proposition. Technical proficiency is something this duo has in abundance, but like so many skilful instrumentalists, the desire to overcomplicate often overshadows the power of song. When Bronto Skylift harnesses their animal instincts and savage virtuosity they sound colossal. Eagle/Falcon is a face-melter, and Gameboy swaggers like it’s just wiped its arse with a dozen red roses – yes, it’s that prickly. There’s a lot to be said for making an ugly brain-baking noise and we could all do with our ears getting shot to shit from time to time; The White Crow delivers brutal, bowel-bleeding riffs and no shortage of chin-stroking ‘how do they do that’ moments but that’s where the fun begins and ends. If you hear with sensitive ears, this is not for you. [Alan Souter]