Don't get mad at me. I'm not the biggest Botch fan.

The part I liked best about this record is definitely the little mini-zine that they probably used all the ink at the printer to make. Look, I was at college in a sunny place instead of battling the Teen Dance Ordinance here at home. I know I blew it. I went to about 1 show at RKCNDY, never went to the Velvet Elvis, and basically missed the whole mid-90's Seattle hardcore scene. Therefore, I missed seeing this band, the cornerstone of that scene, or at least one of the bands responsible for shifting it from underground to more mainstream. Not all the way mainstream, just sort of known. I didn't even go to the reunion/breakup show or whatever.

I think it's because I don't really like Dave Verellen's voice, at least on this recording. It's tortured and strained and somewhere between a roar and a screech. It doesn't really inspire me. All I can think about is the damage to his vocal cords. I get how guitarists and drummers could be very into this band, though. The double-bass drum and feedback onslaught of "Third Part In A Tragedy" is impressive. The dirty torture continues on the back side with more fist-pumping rage. Which might be another reason I can't get in to Botch. Being sad all the time I understand, but being all pissed off about everything doesn't speak to me. I think the point is catharsis, but don't us dudes have enough rage going on all the time?

The cover of "O Fortuna" to end the EP is the band's second best cover. "Rock Lobster" is, of course, the best. This cover is still pretty dark, angry, and mind-blowing. The explosions of percussion on the ones of several bars is perfect. I could use some modern production values on these songs to really hear all the details and I could definitely use some sing-along parts on this record, but I don't think that's the point. Which is why this isn't my favorite band. Sorry, Seattle friends.

If you like this review, you can buy me a coffee.