Written by
Atanamar Sunyata.
Wadge’s
Grindcore Lu’au was the maiden excursion of J. Randall’s
Grindcore Karaoke label. I encountered the album shortly after a trip
to Hawaii, and I was struck immediately by its keen exegesis of
Hawaiian folklore, stunning surf-grind genius and incredibly awful
production. Despite its aural shortcomings, I managed to enjoy the
album immensely. Wadge’s new album,
Total Volcano Exploding, appeared
unheeded from the Pacific depths this week, answering our unspoken
island prayers. Lo and behold, the album was sanded and varnished
with malignant perfection by Scott Hull.
Surf and grind can only mate in absurd effigy; Wadge ensure that the
union is sufficiently ludicrous and entirely infectious.
Total
Volcano Exploding is a clinic in diverse and compelling riffage,
whether surfing hard, grinding grotesquely or meting out majestic,
traditional metal arcana. The vocals are deployed in a dissociative
array of styles, from piratical growls to Xenomorphic screams to King
Diamond style wailing. It all works perfectly.
Wadge wrap up their preposterous proposition with excellent
songwriting and piercing lyrics. If I could pay for
Total Volcano
Exploding, it would be worth every cent. Alas, it is only available
for free. If, however, you’ve got the balls, Wadge have got the beach
party.
[Go to the post to view the Bandcamp player]
