When you call your band The Faith Hills Have Eyes, you can pretty much do whatever the hell you want. And that’s exactly what this Madison, Wis.-based quintet does on the epically titled The Riffith Element. The band proves that it is, indeed, possible to effectively mix brutality and melody into a compelling 40-minute record that's both pulverizingly bleak and oddly restorative.
A perfect example of that dichotomy can be heard on “My Bong Water Is Blood,” which reveals that vocalist and lyricist Aaron Miller is capable of more than shouting. He can actually sing -- in a bluesy, grungy voice that lends an element of surprise to this track and many others on The Riffith Element. The dual guitars of Gordon Dale and Jeremy Wisdom also add depth and complexity.
What’s more, with clever song titles that often have nothing to do with their lyrical content -- “Obamas and the Papas,” “Meth Lab for Cutie,” “Dali Parton” and, my favorite, “Low Blood Sugar Sex Magik” -- The Faith Hills Have Eyes confirm they don’t take themselves too seriously. (Of course, you might have already figured that out based on their name.)
That said, serious fans of extreme music that doesn’t leave listeners feeling battered might want to open their ears (and eyes) to these guys.
Track Listing:
1. The Riffith Element
2. Obamas and the Papas
3. Dio de Janeiro … Larry King, The Punishment Due
4. My Bong Water Is Blood
5. Meth Lab for Cutie
6. Low Blood Sugar Sex Magik
7. Whitney Houston, We Have a Problem
8. Dali Parton
9. Juggalo Wild Wings
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
