To state that hyperbole and false statements of quality are hallmarks of the music industry would be stating the obvious. Additionally, the term “super group” is often thrown around too haphazardly. Just because a bunch of guys from bands that people dig form a side project doesn’t really mean a thing.
Well, the truth is that CORRECTIONS HOUSE have proven to be one of the best new bands in extreme music and their full length debut, Last City Zero, is an instant classic. The band is indeed a collection of guys from bands that people have dug for a long time: Mike IX Williams (EYEHATEGOD), Scott Kelly (NEUROSIS), Bruce Lamont (YAKUZA), Sanford Parker (MINSK) and Seward Fairbury.
Sonically, CORRECTIONS HOUSE is free form in the sense that the songs are not composed of a traditional band configuration (guitars, bass, drums) nor traditional song structures. Instead, the band are unbound in their sound - using layers of cold mechanical electronics, different brooding guitar and saxophone sounds, various vocal styles, and various other sound effects. The album explores experimental stylings and acoustic guitars in varying degrees. Some songs are sonically heavy like “Serve or Survive” and “Bullets and Graves” while others are stripped down like the title track.
Last City Zero is more of an experience than anything else and a spiritual one at that. The band’s atmospheric soundscape approach is absolutely potent. The feelings of desolation, desperation, and nihilism cannot be understated. What I’m trying to get at is that for many, Last City Zero will speak to them on a deeply profound level; a life changer if you will.
Bands like CORRECTIONS HOUSE don’t come along too often and the magic here is undeniable. Awesome. (Neurot Recordings)
