Don Caballero Punkgasm Review
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Many people would argue that Don Caballero does not deserve to have their name beings as there is only one original member and they had broken up. To add insult to injury the original member is the drummer.
But I personally beg to differ. There a couple of thing to consider before making that argument. Damon Che, the only original member asked the other two members if they want to have a go at it again and they declined. So Damon took it upon himself to get new musicians and put out records on Relapse.
A lot of reviews are drinking up large amounts of haterade and saying that The Don are not breaking any new ground and at times that may be, but Don Cab has always been what they are and that is instantly recognizable. To start “breaking new ground” would be something that wasn’t Don Cab.
I think what has happened is that the music blogs and indie press are too into Battles to really get into the new Don Cab record. Regardless it seems that some reviews didn’t listen to the album in it’s entirety because none of the reviews seem to mention that there is vocals on some of the songs which is a MAJOR DEPARTURE from standard Don Caballero faire.
This record does break new ground though with it’s addition of vocals and even a track with blast beats called “Slaughbaughs’ Ought Not Own Dog Data”. The album has heavy moments as well as noodly moments and everything in between.
If you are into drummers you will be in for a treat as Damon Che is one ofthe best underground drummers alive today. He can play any time signature without batting an eye while not sounding like he’s showing off at all.
Fans of the older albums will feel right at home on this release and this would be a decent starting point for new fans curious about mathrock. I give this album an 8 out of 10.
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Slaughbaughs’ Ought Not Own Dog Data
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May 26th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
“To add insult to injury the original member is the drummer.”
-The central focus of DonCabs music is their drums/drummer. Damon Che is the force and driving energy of the band and the music they produce.This is obvious if you have any knowledge of their music, or musical theory. Thats what distinguishes it, it being a “math rock” (stupid) band or just DonCab.
“I think what has happened is that the music blogs and indie press are too into Battles to really get into the new Don Cab record”
-This is baffling and fallacious, and most certainly not true.
“it seems that some reviews didn’t listen to the album in it’s entirety because none of the reviews seem to mention that there is vocals on some of the songs which is a MAJOR DEPARTURE from standard Don Caballero faire.”
-Perhaps this departure is ignored because its unpleasant. Again, you’re not saying anything in this statement- you’re not even giving you’re opinion on these “new” juxtaposed lyrics. The “departure”, if it can be called that in this sense, is what it is.So?
This wasn’t an insightful review. Saying what something is, even when its done incorrectly, is no good. Talk about how it makes you feel.