Review: KYKLOOPPIEN SUKUPUUTTO - s/t LP

KYKLOOPPIEN SUKUPUUTTO translates to "extinction of the cyclops", and according to the band, is suggestive of the destruction of bigotry. Everything about KS, particularly with this release, their first full length, is suggestive that a lot of inspiration and hard work was invested. Recorded by themselves on a 16-track analog machine in their Tampere practice space, 12 songs and 28 minutes don't offer any reprieve. The first comparison that came to mind in taking in their sound was GAUZE. Now KS don't sound like GAUZE and aren't nearly as fast... but at times they have a similar mechanical jackhammer quality to them. A controlled chaos that's powerful and infectious; this isn't just noise and blinding speed but a unique array of chord progressions and tempo changes that is executed with precision. Perhaps that is also where I come up with a comparison to the Japanese legends. The results of this self-recorded effort are perfect; rawness can be well-engineered, mixed and entirely legible. Talented musicianship isn't hidden or muffled but is instead given a serrated edge to do even more damage. This isn't the ghetto blaster recording that has become so desirable with many bands of today. The bass tone in particular has a terrific filthy quality to it. The album's embossed illustrated sleeve and tediously-handwritten lyrics (sang in Finnish but also translated into English) make this one of the nicest-looking punk records I've seen in years. Subject matter is not relegated to cliché punk mantras; instead there is an evocation of nihilism, struggle and even hope that is, dare I say, poetic. Along with relatively new bands like KIELTOLAKI, KYKLOOPPIEN SUKUPUUTTO is leading a resurgence of great, perhaps even soon-to-be legendary Finnish punk bands.
(2007, Spild Af Vinyl - http://www.spildafvinyl.dk and Tuska Ja Ahdistus - http://www.elisanet.fi/tuskajaahdistus)

Track Listing:
A: "Kaikki valinnat Jäädytetty" "Yksi Mies, Yksi Valmistusaine" "Pintakosketusta Vailla" "Meitä Yliajetaan" "Mun Pää On Pommi" "Äänenvaimennin"
B: "1% Vai 100%" "M/T Drepanum '57" "Purkujätteen Valtakunta/Pyhäjärvi/Sanelukone 'MANSE'" "Tästä Puhutaan Vielä (Muttei Varmasti Kuunnella)" "Olen, Siis Olen" untitled