For its all-important third album, Austin trio RICKHSAW BILLIE’S BURGER PATROL have, if possible, gone even more primal with Big Dumb Riffs. ‘Clowntown’ spot welds Bleach-era NIRVANA to PIXIES, while ‘1800EATSHIT’ plows grooves deeper than Ron Jeremy in the ‘80s. Tempos may slow from time to time over the course of this abbreviated album, but I’ll be durned if the syrup-laden ground ‘n’ pound of TAD and MELVINS might have been given a run for its money with ‘Peanut Butter Snack Sticks’.
‘Whip It Around’ follows suit, injecting a bit of HELMET to the point you can – if you clench your sphincter and twiddle the knobs on your ears just right – you can almost hear John Bainter’s high hi-hat. Picking up the pace a bit, ‘Body Bag’ makes me want to see this video shot on the Brooklyn Bridge ala BIOHAZARD’s immortal (and unintentionally funny at times) ‘Punishment’.
‘El Sapo’ gets my vote for most dumbed-down riff found here. Say what you will about ancient black metal, old school this, glory days that, this shit is positively Stone(d?) Age. The album’s climax, its ‘Stairway To Heaven’, if you would, ‘In A Jar’ is the money shot in the honey pot this goo-drenched album demanded, almost shoegaze…if MY BLOODY VALENTINE got drunk with SWERVEDRIVER and jammed into the wee hours. Strangely beautiful, actually.
You’re not going to get any deep thoughts, any witticisms on Big Dumb Riffs, but if you’re looking for a tasty treat from a good place to eat, wham, bam, your journey is over ma’am! Here’s your triple cheese with extra pith. You want fries with that?!
Review By: Lord Randall
RICKSHAW BILLIE’S BURGER PATROL
Big Dumb Riffs
Permanent Teeth