Head On A Platter
Historical, 2024
8/10
The Los Angeles punks Carnage Asada bring plenty of energy to these 12 anthems, where the 6 members plant much diversity and substance to the affair.
The hard hitting yet melodic “Black Trench Coat” opens the listen with plenty of grit between the thick guitar from Tony Fate and Vince Meghrouni’s bright wind, and “Chinese Lady Aluminum Foil” swirls with George Murillo’s talking and singing drawing us into the droning mood.
Landing in the middle is the softer “Psychedelic Experiment”, where a distinct intimacy welcomes David O. Jones’ moody bass amid the cryptic storytelling, while “Norteno” is a quirky and playful moment that uses Steve Reed’s light drums and a mesmerizing rhythm as Murillo speaks in Spanish.
Further yet, the jagged and dynamic “Septiembre” is the album’s best and benefits much from the animated rhythm section, and “Blood Of Thorns” exits with cozy bass lines and busy bouts of experimental and insightful song craft.
The members of Carnage Asada have impressive resumes that include time in bands like Legal Weapon, Saccharine Trust and Alice Bag Band, and this ‘punk orchestra’ setting with trumpets and cello from Dave Travis makes for a very modern and artistic take on punk.
Travels well with: Danko Jones- Electric Sound; The Oxys- A Date With The Oxys