The Body : The Crying Out of Things
Despite their prolific output, The Body still manage to deliver surprises. Now 25 years into their career, the Rhode Island noise/metal artists have cemented themselves as one of the most boldly experimental acts in metal, consistently pushing their limits and redefining our understanding of what heavy music can be.
From the folk tradition and instrumentation that formed their 2021 collaborative album Leaving None but Small Birds with Big|Brave, to the haunting ambiance on records like 2018’s I Have Fought Against It, But I Cannot Any Longer, Chip King and Lee Buford have demonstrated astonishing range throughout their career. On their latest Thrill Jockey-released album The Crying Out of Things—their eighth non-collaborative studio LP—The Body offer a diverse sampling of abstract noise that straddles the line between antagonistic and mesmerizing.
Opener “Last Things” is a strong example of this balance, beginning with a riveting drum progression and minimal vocals, punched up by tambourine, that eventually gives way to harsh distortion and screaming. While they’re adept at disorienting compositions, The Body’s ability to string chaotic elements into a cohesive flow has continuously been one of their greatest strengths. They aren’t the sort of act that just throws a bunch of things together for the sake of madness, but rather to create an experience elevated by contrasts.
On “Removal,” The Body embrace jarring distortion and dissonance, but do so through a dub-influenced production that’s catchy and vibrant. Or take “The Building,” which begins as a mediative, minimalist drone, only to switch gears toward the end for a predominant industrial tone.
Stylistically, there’s a wealth of sound on display throughout The Crying Out of Things; the atmosphere of “Careless and Worn” is reminiscent of the darkness of I Have Fought Against It, and the ferocious drumming and almost chiptune-like sound of “Less Meaning” feels aligned with 2016’s No One Deserves Happiness. The Crying Out of Things is abundant with musical versatility and technical structure which is stimulating enough for longtime listeners but provides a solid entry point for new listeners who want a broad sense of The Body’s sound.
Creating emotionally resonant noise music—immersive in atmosphere and feeling—is no easy task. Yet, for over two decades, The Body have done so consistently while continuously expanding upon their craft. The Crying Out of Things is a phenomenal representation of The Body’s artistry, and a reminder of their relentless drive for creative growth.
Label: Thrill Jockey
Year: 2024
Similar Albums:
The Body : The Crying Out of Things
Note: When you buy something through our affiliate links, Treble receives a commission. All albums we cover are chosen by our editors and contributors.
