Somewhere between Dictionopolis and The Castle In the Sky you are sure to run into Dr. Kakophonus Asloudaspossible Dischord and his companion the Awful Dynne (haven’t seen The Phantom Tollbooth? CHANGE THAT!). Dr. Dischord and the Awful Dynne are noise fiends. Their stash of sound potions is endless. Want a jackhammer? There is a potion for that. Fireworks? Yup, got you covered. Little known fact is the Awful Dynne’s favorite noise potion is imported from St. Louis and it is called YOWIE.
The ingredients are a secret but it is rumored to include one part Tera Melos, a splash of Primus and a healthy dose of Battles.
Yowie is releasing their third record, Synchromysticism, via Skin Graft Records on April 21, 2017. They have been a band since 2000 so it would seem that a lot goes into making a record for these guys. The technical precision they champion must make creating an album a labor of love and grueling practice.
“Ineffable Dolphin Communion” opens up the record like a swarm of angry bees. Dr. Dischord may prescribe this for brain elasticity exercises. If you can sit still during “Absurdly Ineffective Barricade” you better get yourself checked out. The momentum feels like a boulder in fast pursuit à la Indiana Jones.
Often times instrumental music lacks the ability to grab attention. Something more of background music or a soundtrack to homework. Of course there are bands that have mastered creating an emotional experience in the instrumental rock world (Russian Circles, Mogwai, Explosions In The Sky).
Yowie is one of the most unique and engaging bands I have heard in the recent past instrumental or not.
Synchromysticism will engage and engross the listener. It will shake you to your core. Your brain will be treated like pizza dough. This is a must hear. Make sure to bring your shovel with you to a Yowie listening party. This St. Louis band has a knack for leaving jaws on the floor. Don’t be rude, scoop up your own melted mandible.
Rating: 4.5/5