This album features a lot of thrashers, but there are a few metallish and/or mood songs, and one bluesy thang. The lyrics are very provocative, covering nukes, parents, society, genocide, computers, and in-scene backstabbing. It’s even got gut-wrenching liner notes by Malcolm X (no relation to Geza). Go for it.
Where does one draw the line between “different” and just plain “bad”? It’s subjective of course, and partially based on prior contact with a band’s music, which prejudices expectations to a degree. This new WHIPPING BOY album evidences a major departure from their previous ordinary thrash to a potpourri of post-punk, blues, ska, and droning. I can’t say that I like it, but I can’t say I’m being objective, either.
Over two albums, WHIPPING BOY has moved from straightforward punk into something a little less defined. Their latest has an air of mystery about it. The vocals have a number of influences, including BIRTHDAY PARTY, VIRGIN PRUNES, and PSYCHIC TV, but these don’t get in the way of the band’s changing progressions.
