I think I may have actually winced when I first found out that I would be reviewing this album. Back in February I was awarded the daunting task of reviewing a pretty lackluster solo album from this band's guitarist, Che Arthur. Naturally I didn't expect a whole lot from this release either. But while Arthur's album was about as average as it gets, this one (thankfully) ain't so bad. It's actually pretty darn good. These guys really pack a punch. Arthur's guitar playing even sounds pretty close to spectacular at times.
Musically it's like a melding of Shellac and Sonic Youth's respective dark sides. And much like their two most prominent influences, ABPK also knows how to keep their dreary post-rock leanings interesting (most of the time). The majority of the songs remain intense and dynamic from start to finish; though a few of the longer tracks begin to feel a little monotonous by the time they reach their home stretches. Overall, if you're looking for something dark, raw and thrashy, Lack and Pattern would probably be a pretty safe bet.
2.5/4
