Ape! “The Dirger” CD

"The Dirger" is the self-released debut full-length from Philadelphia/Newark/Delaware trio Ape!, released sometime last year (And I apologize to the band for taking three months to get around to writing about it!). Their list of influences includes Nirvana, The Stooges, The Melvins, Neurosis, The Jesus Lizard, Black Sabbath, and Kyuss, and that actually makes quite a bit of sense. The concise nine tracks in 35 minutes are more rocked out and energetic than the heavier side of the band's influences, but there's a really heavy, sludgy edge to the material that's more aggressive than the lighter side. So expect tons of thick, gritty riffing; noisy, fuzzed-out leads; distant vocals mixed back behind the instruments; hectic drum fills; some slower, darker runs that bring out a hint more dissonance or even some borderline "doom-y" atmospheres; etc. (Also worth pointing out is that on some level, "Weekends in the Abyss" is pretty much one of the most brilliant song titles ever.) The recording is completely awesome, too. With the vocals being placed so far back in the mix you're really able to pick up on a lot of the textures in the guitar tone, and since they're a trio the rhythm section is left with plenty of breathing room. There's a raw, natural feel to everything that fits perfectly with what these guys are doing. Good stuff.

Ape! "Dead on the Vine"

As always, make the grab if you like what you hear. It's actually cheaper to pick this up on CD straight from the band (with hand-screened artwork, no less) than it is to snag it from iTunes, so... why not!?

Get It

Ape! (CD)
iTunes (mp3)