A LOVE OF SHARED DISASTERS

This debut album from Crippled Black Phoenix runs into the same problem that many other debut albums do, it is released at a point when the band is still trying to find their sound. After countless listens, this album still has me wondering to myself "What is trying to be accomplished here?" There are some straightforward rockers, there is a good 20 minute stretch of ambient noodling, and there are some vocals, chants and rollicking choruses.

Actually, looking past all of the mismatched sounds, this album is technically well done. Its saving grace, really. If you are a fan of all the different styles presented, you may find yourself taking a lot more enjoyment from this than I did. There is no denying the individual talent of each musician, and once they can all come together and agree on a direction the releases to come have the potential to dazzle. The track "Long Cold Summer", however, just has no business being on the album. The reason that it is so hard to make a fantastic album over an hour long is because there is always the possibility of wasted space, and that is all this track is. The worst part is that it is situated in the middle of the record and it really does suck the life out of the listener and make them not want to carry on with the ending.

Technically masterful, but essentially a poor debut from Crippled Black Phoenix with no direction and too much grey area. Look to the future for their brighter moments.