Boris review printed in LEO

Doing this review was a bit different than my previous ones. Since the release is actually a series of three singles on vinyl, the promotional company has a secret streaming website for reviewers to listen to the six songs. I nabbed the MP3 files, of course, so I wouldn't have to be tethered to a computer while listening through the tracks a few times before formulating my review.

You can see my review in print on page 28 of the December 2nd issue of LEO. A reproduction of the print copy is also available on their website. Below you will find my original text (I don't quite get the edits they applied to this one) and a few links for the band.

Japanese Heavy Rock Hits
Boris
(Southern Lord Records)
{ power trio }

This constantly experimenting Japanese heavy rock outfit has logged over 20 releases since 1996, gaining attention after 2001 due to a series of reissues by Southern Lord. Presently, their kick-ass image (an Asian take on goth-meets-metal, the threesome triumphantly posing with huge double-necked guitars) is actually heavier than the music. That's not a complaint: their sound is alien yet familiar and covers diverse territory, from danceable metal hooks to chill meandering to intense, angsty shredding. This release consists of a series of three 7" vinyls with two songs per. The six sides spun are nothing if not constantly interesting; the first track will startle you out of your seat at about 1:35, and you'll not often hear a song like "Heavy Metal Addict," complete with industrial processing, wailing guitar solos, and a good dose of hand-clapping. Not to be missed, especially if you're into collecting eccentric music on 45rpm wax.

Click here to check out the official Boris website, or listen to some music on their Myspace. LEO will be printing "Top 5 of 2009" lists soon, and I'll be posting mine here as well, along with honorable (and dishonorable) mentions.