Review by Rachel Jablonski
The American Black Lung has been receiving some press. The band from Tucson, Arizona is in the spotlight for their appearances on Warped Tour this summer, for the second year in a row, as well as for their upcoming sophomore release Sudden Departure of Vultures. Concurrently, working class Americans, whom the band may pay homage to in name, have also been in the news. The Associated Press reported last week (Wednesday, 27 June 2007) that Few Ky. Miners Get Screened for Black Lung:
PIKEVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Despite free government programs, only about 16 percent of Kentucky miners get screened for black lung, about half the national average for coal-mining states. Many miners avoid screenings out of fear of losing their jobs, The Courier-Journal of Louisville reported Monday. Miners must share their black-lung diagnosis with their bosses almost immediately if they want to receive state benefits. And if miners are found to have black lung, there’s often no safe place for them to work in a mine. That leaves many worried that their employers would find reasons to let them go. The results have proven deadly.
Unfortunately, as the article says, despite the health risks involved, many miners ignore their black lung sickness for fear of potential wrath from the vultures of corporate America.
Though America is not likely to see a sudden departure of vultures in the corporate world anytime soon, The American Black Lung will. Music fans will notice the groove-filled guitar riffs, rough garage rock sound, and hardcore punk-like vocals making up the band's latest release. Note: Do not mistake the raspy vocals of Diamond Rhino for black lung disease. The coarse vocal sound tends to be an atmospheric instrument rather than a medium to distinguish clear lyrical focus. The vocals add a rhythmic element that meshes well throughout the album. Each track on the album illustrates this trend, but a couple of tunes seem to stand above the rest.
“Behold the Mighty Galactus” begins the
album with an upbeat energy that continues throughout the disc. Engaging
guitar riffs, distinctive bass, and a drummer heavy on the snare rhythmically
compliment the rough staccato vocals. Background screams accompany the
chorus while the song maintains an up-tempo feel. “The Skyline Itself
is Alive” has an edgy, somewhat bluesy guitar riff that is easily
entrancing and will likely provoke unconscious head-bobbing.
The follow-up to the band’s debut album, ...And They Rode Their
Weapons Into War, Sudden Departure of Vultures is just over
23 minutes of noisy rock that takes some getting used to. However, after
a few spins the boisterous mesh of sound softens to listening ease as
the album hooks become more apparent.
See The American Black Lung on Warped Tour this summer!