BLUE OX
Holy Vore
SELF-RELEASED
Minneapolis pit-starters bring a sense of fun to their ferocity
What pushes Blue Ox beyond similar bands worshipping at the altar of d-beat giddy-upping, bowel-rumbling low-end and the Venn Diagram Of Riffs comprised of Clandestine, Satisfaction Is The Death Of Desire and Jane Doe is the energetic fun looming in the background. The Minneapolis quintet’s third album may administer the musical equivalent of kerb-kickings and solidobject beatings, but it simultaneously feels like a boisterous night down the pub; it would be no surprise if slamming opener It Doesn’t Work and the fuzzdrenched circularity of Imploding Lazarus included raging keggers and live laugh tracks buried deep in the mix. Furthermore, the bearish vocals, screaming guitars and staccato riffing of Fly By Blight showcases Blue Ox’s ability to give sonic violence a sense of levity, providing a unique dimension that’s rare in these dark and serious days. ★★★★★★★★☆☆