Hypochristmutreefuzz – Hypopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia

On their debut full-length, this Belgian noise-rock band find plenty of ways to make a racket. Shrill guitar stabs, curdled synths, cacophonous drum blasts and alien drill noises form the building blocks of these ten tracks. But there are melodies, grooves and resonant production to give weight to the nightmarish palette. This group clearly cares about more than just shock value.

Hypopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia is a diverse, joyous album at points, one that uses range to its full advantage. Gums Smile Blood, for example, is a shadowy cut that eventually twists into a head-bobber, with a vicious guitar riff that plays like a fairground attraction gone haywire.

Some experiments don’t work as well. The band’s lead vocalist often takes on a half-rapped, half-whispered delivery that’s more goofy than horrifying, especially on Hypochondria when whining the lyric 'Boy, I’m a wreck but I’d rather be a gangster.' On Chromakalim, he mumbles his way through Twinkle Twinkle Little Star while referencing Cypress Hill's Insane in the Membrane; it sounds like a Fever Ray parody. From there, they move onto their best Swans and Rage Against the Machine impressions, all in the space of one song.

Clunky lyricism and clumsy choruses frequently get in the way. Hypochrismustreefuzz have a lot going for them already, but currently, their awkward presentation rings in your ears longer than the music itself.

Listen to: The Spitter