My first encounter with Dead Senses was via the ever reliable label Wax Donut's Day Old Donuts compilation which I had the privilege of reviewing for The Sleeping Shaman. A charity record raising money for the CDP Global Recovery Fund, it featured numerous artists covering 60's classics, with Dead Senses' own interpretation of The Exciters 'Tell Him' being an especial highlight.
The LA based outfit who formed in 2022 are Sal - guitars, Scott - drums, and Michael on Bass/Vocals/Loops and they have already managed to put out several recordings despite their short lifespan including last year's S/T EP (on Already Dead Tapes + Records) and two self-released demos; all of which can be found on Bandcamp. Having listened to Dreamless their full-length debut several times now, I am excited at the prospect of therefore expounding upon it further for your reading pleasure.
Right from the off 'Writhe' recalls vintage Tar and the Chicago Noise-Rockers intelligent blend of Shellac style dynamics with classic Proto-Punk songwriting ala The Stooges. Despite being one of three tracks to features lyrical themes dealing with 'the trauma of everyday life under late capitalism' (the other two being 'Preponderance' and 'Sight'), unlike say Rage Against the Machine, its far less lyrically didactic. Subtly crafted the track captures the true essence of alienation resulting from said capitalism rather than simply preaching, berating and frankly boring you to death. A brilliant start to the album. If like me you are sick of social media and its accompanying shallowness and narcissism, then 'Fake' is the track for you. A little harder hitting compared to the dynamism of its predecessor, Micheal sounds like he's pouring blood, sweat and tears with his Vocal performance. There are hints of Swans during their more aggressive moments such as on the by now classic Children of God record. Another winner. 'That's Amoré' is the album's shortest number at a mere 1:32 and as with later tracks 'Dreamless' and 'Skin' deals with the cruel optimism of dreams. There's certainly a darker Post-Punk and Deathrock vibe that feels lifted straight from the early 1980's and therefore an accompanying sound that deeply resonates with yours truly.
'Skin' adopts both the subtler, angular approach of Unwound along with the undercurrent metallic sheen of say Voivod to brilliant effect and 'Dreamless' is the unpredictable offbeat Math-Rock of Don Cabellero but one with a cool Queens of the Stone Age Stoner swagger injected along the way (back when that band was worth listening to of course). 'It Just Gets Worse' as the name implies is somewhat bleak sounding, musically reminiscent of say the pummelling Hardcore Metal of Helmet and Unsane. Fans of Head of David and Slab! should also take careful note too what with the post-Industrial touches, its that good. 'Preponderance' is a little faster, more orientated towards Punk-Rock which helps add some variety to proceedings in terms of tempo. 'Sight' sees Jesus Lizard influences coming to the fore, especially the David Wm Sims rumbling Basslines and overall creepiness factor. Finally there's the Cop Funeral Remix of 'Fake' which not only doubles the original's running time, but also allows more space for the track to breathe. Sonically its not too dissimilar to the tribal Industrial Psych Punk of Brazilians Deafkids, which is not the worst way to conclude the album I'm sure you'll agree.
The phrase less is more has never been more applicable than on Dreamless, which comes in at an incredibly slender nineteen minutes. Building on the promise laid down by the band's aforementioned S/T EP, this is an abrasive, challenging yet ultimately rewarding listen.
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