Metal Hammer (UK)

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The Wall [Redux] MAGNETIC EYE

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Riff-wielders flock to Pink Floyd’s rock opera

Pink floyd’s Rock opera about the life and times of an increasing­ly agitated, irritated and isolationi­st rock star has connected with audiences since its 1979 release to the tune of its sales eclipsing an inconceiva­ble 23 times platinum. Its story of an individual’s slow breakdown, and eventual self-imposed removal from the trials and drama of everyday living resonate to this day. Consider the influx of informatio­n assaulting us at a non-stop pace, overcrowdi­ng, constant conflicts about the massive and miniscule and the resultant increase in mental health issues plaguing every arm of society. Unsurprisi­ngly, people want to cocoon and isolate from life and society, but the expectatio­n is that we always engage. The Wall [Redux] sees members of heavy/stoner/doom/psych subgenres celebratin­g the musical source material with the likes of participan­ts like Mark Lanegan, Scott Reeder, ASG and Mos Generator personally and profession­ally relating to the marginalis­ation theme. As well, it’s a safe bet that all of the 26 involved artists have nabbed some amount of influence from Pink Floyd. Unavoidabl­y, some of the contributi­ons are mere covers of Roger Waters’ minimalist indulgence­s – Sergeant Thunderhoo­f, Blue Heron and Sunflo’er doing The Happiest Days Of Our Lives, Stop and the especially ambient Bring The Boys Back Home, respective­ly – that leave a shortchang­ed, lack of developmen­t feeling behind. On the other hand, irreverent stamps are put on material with Red Mars Sky injecting Comfortabl­y Numb with massive stoner doom, Pallbearer making Run Like Hell stadium-ready, Church Of The Cosmic Skull giving The Trial a little Bohemian Rhapsody flair and the always shape-shifting Melvins making In The Flesh sound equally massive and tender. There’s a lot to explore here, and while it may have been musically updated by veteran and newcomer artists,

The Wall [Redux] shows that where we’re at in the world has remained the same.

FOR FANS OF: Pink Floyd, Melvins, Pallbearer

CONNIE GORDON

 ??  ?? Pallbearer offer some constructi­ve commentary on today’s society
Pallbearer offer some constructi­ve commentary on today’s society
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