Album Details

• Artist: Zach Hill
• Album: Astrological Straits
• Label: Ipecac Recordings
• Year of Release: 2008
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: hstisgod on 2008-07-23

I'm not sure if this is the same Zach Hill who co-released Shred Earthship, but bottom line is Astrological Straits has a pounding and content filled exuberance not found in most releases.  Due out August 12, 2008 on Ipecac, this LP has fondly familiar (yet unknown) riffs and of course only the most coarsening drum melodies available thusfar in 2008.  Hill may get him an energy drink deal for songs like Stoic Logic.  The energy never drops (much like the rest of the album) and his drum patterns get faster and stronger like an out of control predator on the prowl. 

       Now the fondly familiar riffs I was referring to; often times you'll notice a riff or a vocal insertion that rings bells.  Though you cant put your finger on it, give it a try.  For instance, track four Dark Art which approches with a deep drum intro and progresses into a fine repetitive enjoyment of hills and choruses.  I'd rather not make comparison's, instead I'll say this is the most unique project I've gotten my hands on since Book Of Knots.  For those who are simpler rock fans like myself, this album will enter the webbing of your top ten.  Just start easy and smooth (Keep Palm And Carry On, Dark Art, Hindsight Is Nowhere, Ummer Of Love), and the rest of the songs seem to blend like a story of sorts. Three and a half stars rounded up for its unique cuts.

Guest appearances including; Primus' Les Claypool, visionary guitarist Marnie Stern, Team Sleep/Deftones' Chino Moreno, No Age's Randy Randall and Dean Spunt, !!!/LCD Soundsystem's Tyler Pope, The Flying Luttenbachers' Jonathon Hicshke, Satori/RX Bandits' Steve Borth, the Advantage's Robbie Moncrief, and Hill's Hella bandmates Carson McWhirter and Josh Hill.

User Reviews and Comments

on 2008-10-02 SolitaryMan Said:

I've listened to this record maybe a dozen times since you first sent the rec, Brian, and I'm still having some issues with it. Mostly hit-or-miss for me. The sections where the spastic drumming overpowers the rest of the noise are too hard to digest for my tastes, but songs like "Dark Art" and "Stoic Logic" are just awesome. This is the sort of album, for me, where you discard the entirety and save the best tracks for a good mix. Anyone into extremely experimental, extremely off-the-wall free-form type stuff will dig the hell out of this album.
Rating: 7/10

on 2008-07-23 dscanland Said:

Cool, had no idea that Zach was up for a solo album. If you like this be sure and check out his "Ladies" bandmates other project, Pinback. Amazing as well featuring Rob Crow.
Not Rated