
Released
1999
Label
Slipdisk Records
Reviewed by
Ben Didier
Contact
Slipdisk
101 W. Grand, 6th Floor
Chicago, IL
60610 USA
Last Edit/Update
16 Feb, 1999 |
 Supercoolnothing
Track Listing
1. I Fail Truth 2. Everyday Everything 3. Don't Pray 4. Keep Sleeping 5. Moutheater 6. Happy Pill 7. The Enemy 8. Machine Kit 9. Low 10. And I Go 11. Dead Weight 12. At the End
A new contract with Mercury Record's electro/industrial offspring Slipdisk has obviously brought a larger budget to the 16 Volt trio. "SuperCoolNothing" is a more mature release compared to 96's "LetDownCrush", and there is a variation in styles that usually comes with relaxed studio time; one of the perks of a major record deal. This disk attracted some faces from the uneventful NIN camp. Both producer Bill Kennedy and drummer Chris Vrenna enlist their talents on this release.
"I Fail Truth" begins by filling all expectations. It picks up right where their last disk left off with a crunchy clash of distortion clogged guitar, heavy hitting drums, and spit spraying vocals.
Eric Powell's voice alternates between harsh aggression and easy going melodies. No where is this more apparent than with "Everyday Everything". The verses are calm, almost spoken, but just as they switch to animosity the thick guitars join in to pick up the decibel level tenfold. This verse/chorus contrast is commonplace throughout the CD.
Powell claims that 16 Volt is a very computer based band, but they tend to do a good job of masking this with their guitars. There is a layer of electronics that adds a nice touch to the songs, but it seems to be a finishing touch rather than an indispensable element to the music.
"The Enemy" is an interesting look into 16 Volts take on the music industry, the ranks of which they have recently joined. This is one of the heaviest songs on the disk, and it radiates hatred. This kind of leaves me wondering why they willingly became a part of what they hate. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em- that's the best thing I could come up with. It's still a nice little irony to see the Mercury tag on the back of a disk featuring the lyric "fuck the record industry".
I suspect that 16 Volt is still picking up steam, especially considering their first large-scale tour is underway, but this release must be close to where they're headed. There is also talk of a "SuperCoolNothing" remix disk, which should be ready as soon as they can tack three more words together.
© Last Sigh
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