BATS - 2007 Cruel Sea Scientist

Band : BATS
Album : Cruel Sea Scientist
Release Year : 2007
Genre : Post-Hardcore | Mathrock | Progressive | Experimental

Tracklist :

1. Death To Kent Hovind
2. These Ones Lay Eggs
3. Nautilus Vs. Irish Ferry
4. Husband & Wife (Sliced Lung, Served Cold
5. Atom & Eve

Formed in the early part of the Pliocene age by complex molecules, BATS (featuring ex-members of Martha Washington) have spent millions of years developing their sound from a series of intermittent bleeps to the sexy sonic bullets they create today. 4 out of 5 BATS hail from Ireland's alpha-smoke- Dublin, while the other crawled his way on bloody knuckles out of the haunted town of Carbury, Kildare in the mid 1600's.
Cruel Sea Scientist is just a smidge unsatisfying, if only because it begs to last longer. Question marks remain over the group’s originality: both instruments and vocals sound a little too imitative of their influences at some points, whether it’s the Blood Brothers-like call-and-response routine and funky hardcore riffs, the Todd Smith-like spoken passages, but these inconsistencies will surely be ironed out over time and Cruel Sea Scientist will be remembered as a rough but eminently replayable slice of premium musicosity.

 

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BATS - 2009 Red In Tooth and Claw

Band : BATS

Album : Red In Tooth and Claw
Release Year : 2009
Genre : Post-Hardcore | Mathrock | Progressive | Experimental

Tracklist :

 1. Higgs Boson Particle
2. Gamma Ray Burst: Second Date
3. Credulous! Credulous!
4. Andrew Wiules
5. Lord Blakeney's Arm
6. The Cruel Sea
7. Shadow-Fucking
8. BATS Spelled Backwards Is STAB
9. Star Wormwood
10. Vermithrax Pejorative
11. The Barley

Red In Tooth and Claw is a brilliant example of young talent using advanced skills in their music. The Dublin quintet go up and beyond their previous effort in every way possible; creating an album that is fun, technical, interesting, and new sounding. Take a listen to album opener Higgs Boson Particle, which is basically a musical sampler of what’s to come, if you don’t believe me. The scientific lyrics, Rupert Morris’s harsh screams/ infectious singing, gang vocals, catchy guitars, and even some cowbell are all there and offering a new unique sound to post hardcore.

The uniqueness of the strings section is particularly interesting. The BATS’ string quartet is simply brilliant at coaxing the groove out of their respective instruments. Gamma Ray Burst: Second Date and Credulous! Credulous! are incredible back to back examples of this. With the former starting off with thick, dense chords before breaking off into a very interesting bass line and a catchy guitar riff (and that’s just the first 30 seconds!). But don’t let me fool you into thinking this is only copious amounts of wanking. Just listen to the short, compact riffs of Lord Blackeney’s Arm if you don’t take my word for it. Track after track the three guitarists and bassist intertwine flawlessly to create a plethora of complex riffs and rhythms that will have you begging for more. For me to point out all the interesting or technical parts of this album would be a waste of your and my time because it’s just something you have to hear to appreciate.

Although a wonderful debut this is, it still has its negatives (although they are greatly over classed by the positives). After repeated plays I found that the album does tend to drag a bit in the second half. I personally would rather have more of a good thing than less. Also, the initial shock I received when I first heard this has worn off with time, but that’s anticipated. The only track I don’t find above average is the closer The Barley. If they had just closed with Vermithrax Pejorative they would’ve had a stunning closer and they would’ve shortened their album length by 7 minutes. I’d love to see drummer Noel Anderson go out of his comfort zone a little more and try some more fills or solos but regardless he does a good job behind the kit; generally following the other instruments and keeping the beat.

An unforeseen gem of 2009, BATS redefine a genre with their latest release, Red In Tooth and Claw. There’s not a boring minute to be found on this almost 50 minute experience. From the outstanding scientific lyrics to the impressive technicality presented by all the band members, BATS are pushing the limits of what we know as post hardcore. A must listen for anyone who’s into hardcore music, and even for some people that aren’t. Red In Tooth and Claw will leave you screaming for some more cowbell.

 

 

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