SKULLFLOWER – Purity CD

Description

Matthew Bower seems to have become a bit of a provocoteur in the past couple of years, making cryptic allusions to mystic fascism via his frankly baffling blog. Enough in fact, to have the Facebook mob ensure that Skullflower now joins the ranks of those bands DELETED from the list of stuff it’s acceptable to like. I listened to an interview with Jon Ronson lately where he talked about this weird thing these days where there’s a zero tolerance in the echo chamber of social media for anyone making a mistake in something they’ve said, but also the idea that once someone’s said some bullshit, it only takes a few people to jump in on it for it to – to all extents and purposes – become FACT. I think having your own mind and opinion is pretty much one of the most important things a human being can ever do, and that’s why I entirely defend for example, selling say, Burzum records on this site. The world has become a black and white place, and you’re either defined as a good guy or a dirty fascist. I’ll tell you what, I’ve never met anyone who’s proclaiming loudest that they’re either who isn’t a complete and total CUNT. Still here? Aye, new Skullflower record. Well, it’s called “Purity”, so despite being over 50 years old and after all the accusations, Matthew still wants to give a kinda ambiguous, facisty-soundin title, but don’t worry there’s no hidden speeches by David Duke or that in there far as I can hear. Musically this is stellar. Opening with a 20 minute track of squalling guitar which could’ve been lifted from a mid-70s Les Rallizes Denudes gig, we have three lengthy tracks where synthesisers take the fore; it’s epic in scope, and has a cinematic, grandiose feel. The last and shortest track is some of the most beautiful, evokative material I’ve ever heard Skullflower come out with. So in summation: I think this album is great. Buy it or do not. If you choose to do so, it won’t make you a Nazi you fuckin dummy.