The beginning of an agonising headache
Over the past year I have reviewed more CDs than I ever thought I could in a year. Most have been very enjoyable to listen to, but occasionally you come across one or two that don’t sit right on your mind; Video Nasties is one of these.
Giving their old punk rock status a sonic revamp, ‘Albatross’ is a mind-boggling four-track headache. Much of the music created is frantic, fast paced and a little aggressive. It is unfocused at times with the vocal side of things seeming out of whack in relation to the music and an underpinning of static and haziness, becoming pointless as it confuses a listener as it did for me.
At times admittedly there are a few points of interest where you believe things could actually get a little brighter. Amid the painful screeches of guitar on the title track there is a pleasant melody, unfortunately this lasts all of 45 seconds. I thought I may have found some hope in ‘Hearts and Bones’ as it grasps onto the less antagonistic side of the band with the music becoming more satisfying to listen to, unfortunately it is still not enjoyable.
After listening to the four songs I became a tad nauseous and dizzy. Just what you need for Christmas, the results of a night out boozing without actually having done so.