Frantic, draining, spastic and rhythmic all describe the new album by Bullet Train to Vegas. After hearing their debut, We Put Scissors Where Our Mouths Are, no one will be able to honestly say it is unoriginal. To say that it's an enjoyable listen will be another matter. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy moments of this album, but the constant speed is just so draining that I felt ready for a nap after listening to it. The album has many great moments with great riffs here and there, but those great moments are few and far between, with a bunch of muddled guitar lines that bore for the rest of the album.
Staccatos and random switches to the beat of the music made me wonder if there really was any set pattern to the music. Most of the musical instruments are used more for a rhythmic beat, rather than a true melody. To be fair, the last song, "Some Goodbyes Last Forever" does have a melody, but it's the only song I remember having one. To have eleven songs on an album with no memorable hooks or melodies means it really isn't worth my time. Perhaps it's an interesting first listen, but to continue on is too much.
Being produced by Alex Newport (At the Drive In, The Mars Volta, Ikara Colt), I should have expected a way over done sound. Bullet Train does a good job establishing their sound, but does little else to try and be accessible to anyone who wouldn't normally like it. No attempts at any real hook are present and the lyrics follow a similar fury, with the song, "Feeding God to the Lions" sticking out as the most wrathful. "God was wrong not right. Let's feed him now the end, the end. We want the death the end. Stretch the banter legless. Remove the deity complex," was just a wee bit confrontational to say the least. Being is challenged is a good thing, but to be bullied leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
If the idea of a hardcore influenced dance post punk band sounds awesome, or if you'd love it if a less intense Blood Brothers album would come out, give Bullet Train a shot.
