Review Summary: An acid trip serenade from an angel with a throat infection
Never has the word schizophrenic been more relevant to describe a musical piece. Some may see this as off putting, however, I and the sparse community of Monster Machismo fans agree that their eclectic, bizarre and occasionally senseless 5-track offering is a musical masterpiece for a new generation.
Everything from the cover art to the track listing to the album name should add up to create something horrendous. But it doesn't, miraculously. This album is best described as a musical diamond coated in dog ***.
'Moonshine Mashbomb', the first track, is Monster Machismo's best known song. Warping guitars, raspy vocals, nonsensical lyrics, incredible guitar work and complex time signatures. The basic recipe of Monster Machismo demonstrated in a reasonably accessible track for new listeners. I recommend 4:20-5:10 for some of the catchiest lyrics singer Dan Drake croaks on the whole album. 4.5/5
'Terrific Whistler' is a shorter, interlude-style song demonstrating Drake's singing ability. This track sets up nicely for the next with what I can only describe as a demonic sounding merry-go-round sample. 4/5
'Time Portal Fiasco' is up next. My personal favourite from the entire Monster Machismo catalogue. Just incredible in every way. After a strong double handed tapping session the song switches gears down into a mellow serenade from Drake, then just as quickly accelerates back into a beautiful set of riffs and an insanely good drumming showcase. 5/5
'Kiss Kiss Pessimist' shows off all 3 of MM's members musical ability more than any other song. The most polished sounding track on the album's highlight has to be the blinding guitar solo it ends with. 5/5
'Tisk Tisk' is the joker in the pack. Starting with Hey Arnold samples and ending with more of the same, it still manages to be beautiful with simple riffs and Drake's signature style of vocals and lyricism. 4.5/5
