Review: DRY ROT - Subordinate EP

What an oddity this band is. In my humble opinion one of the best kept secrets of 2007. Unhinged, both on their recordings and in the live arena. An attempt to describe their sound: The deranged release of VOID, the spasmodic tempo changes and psychedelic dirges of UNITED MUTATION, the atonal fuzzed-out blues of BLACK FLAG... All these elements are present in this southern California band. Singer Drew Wardlaw's lyrics are cryptic and nightmarish, revolving around Subordinate's theme of enslavement and release through self-destruction. The six songs are interspersed with interview recordings that I at first thought were referring to the Manson cult. I'm fairly certain they're not but have been unable to place them with any other cult figure. A beautiful sleeve/booklet was illustrated by guitarist Jordan Darby. Christian imagery pops up and adds a mysterious undertone in contrast. If you're into the current wave of bands like SNAKE APARTMENT or PISSED JEANS, I can't recommend this highly enough, although DRY ROT are a band all unto their own. They're now working on a full length slated to be released on Parts Unknown Records sometime in 2008. With so many bands this format results in filler material or failed ambition that doesn't maintain perspective or outstretches ability. With the unpredictability of this band, I think it could expose something great that we've only had hints of so far.
(2007, Painkiller Records - http://www.painkillerrecords.com)

Track Listing:
A: "Skin Debt" "Trench Diggers" "Enslaved"
B: "Points Of Force" "Bind And Salt" "Release"