C.I.A Hippie Mind Control: Growing Old On A Dying Planet

Hailing from Eugene, Oregon C.I.A Hippie Mind Control are a two piece who, judging from their bandcamp page, appear to have been very busy indeed over the last 5 years or so, such is the amount of releases Chad (guitars, synths, samples) and Greg (drums, vocals) - yes, this is one of those bands where second names are not allowed… - have almost put their names to. Incorporating elements of death, grindcore, sludge and doom into their approach, I have to admit that right from the off, what hits you square in the jaw is the perfunctory sound all of this effort has been presented with. In truth, while that DIY ethos is perfect for this setting, this music needs some level of clarity to make sense of the barrage.

Vocally Greg is a throat shredder, and not quite using the more en vogue guttural growls makes the results feel more authentic, but it also leaves any chance of following the lyrics - which judging by the song titles have had some thought put behind them - virtually impossible. As you travel from “To The Patrons Of Our Cities� to the album’s title track via “Shedding Of Skin�, there’s no denying the intensity and honesty on show, but without any kind of hook to get you through, things can all become a little one note for my taste. What is interesting is that the album’s closing track, “Nightcall� is listed as a bonus cut and therefore it’s different aesthetic - I believe it’s a cover of the Kavinsky song - is no surprise, but for me the oddly synth meets sludge with pained vocals attack is actually more intriguing than what the main album presents.

It would be interesting to hear what some of the songs on Growing Old On A Dying Planet would be like with a more hard hitting, impactful sound, but in all honesty, as it is, this isn’t something I’ll be going back to.

Track Listing
1. The Nine Stabbing Of Ezekiel
2. Nightmare Believer
3. Infecting The Brahman
4. To The Patrons Of Our Cities
5. Fitness Express (Two Chords And A Mountain Of Lies)
6. Shredding Of Skin
7. Growing Old On A Dying Planet
8. Left Hand Path Through The Center Of The Storm
9. Nightcall (bonus track)

Added: May 3rd 2024
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: CIA Hippie Mind Control @ bandcamp
Hits: 133
Language: english

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