| Beginning with a barrage of gunshots and then exploding into a furious sonic onslaught, this record is like taking a hellride on the back of a bullet. Blistering recklessly toward its target on a wave of guitar, synthesizer, treated vocal, and beat Beat BEAT, THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL is like a virtual reality version of ATOMIZER (see Big Black) or even CONSUMER REVOLT (see also Cop Shoot Cop). It thrashes, it roars, it even retreats on occasion--pausing to reflect on its destruction (perhaps this bullet has a conscience). But it keeps pushing forward, toward its target, curdling into your ears and exploding inside your head. Dig the pain. |
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