BLACK HELICOPTER is comprised of members from two legendary Boston noise bands, KUDGEL and GREEN MAGNET SCHOOL. I have never heard anything by these bands, so I can't tell you how BLACK HELICOPTER compares to them. What I can tell you is that although BLACK HELICOPTER are often mentioned on stoner and hard rock-related sites, their slow, brooding noise rock is actually more in the postpunk-vein, with some sludge leanings. The majority of the song material is played in the same, plodding tempo and the songs get longer and longer as the album progresses. The rather bleak lyrics are all delivered in the same dry matter-of-fact-style by guitarist/vocalist Tim Shea. With a lesser band this could get boring very quickly but in this case all these elements combined help to create a gloomy atmosphere that's actually quite appropriate.

Let's take a closer look at those lyrics. As if the music in itself isn't already atmospheric enough, this is one of these rare cases in which the lyrics add a genuine extra layer to the whole thing. You see, the lyrics on "That Specific Function" are based on the secretly recorded ramblings of some nutcase that used to visit the convenience store of drummer Matt Nicholas' father. It's these tales of loss, failure, missed opportunities and perversion that give an extra emotional jolt to the already gloomy proceedings. From the creepy and disturbing "Bitch Move" to the blatant Misogyny of "Creme De La Bouche" to the hauntingly sad "Mousemeat", these are songs that grow on you, affect you and leave a stain. In fact, this is one of the bleakest and most depressing albums I've heard since LOU REED's "Magic and Loss" and STEVEN JESSE BERNSTEIN's "Prison".

"That Specific Function" is a fascinating, impressive, even (dare I say) important record. I have to say it took me a few listens to get into it, but after that it just doesn't let go. It hasn't left my CD player for the last few days, seriously. Forget those whiny nu metal kids and self absorbed emo nerds. BLACK HELICOPTER are the real deal. It's not exactly a pretty ride "That Specific Function" takes you on but it sure is a good one.

- Van Hoften

OFFICIAL SITE: www.black-helicopter.com

RELATED ITEMS: No related articles at this time.