With two EPs, a split, and a movie soundtrack under their belt, Chat Pile’s much-anticipated first full-length, God’s Country, was released July 29 via The Flenser. The Oklahoma City sludgy noise rock quartet have been an object of affection amongst horror fans and heavy music lovers alike, writing some of the most horrific and punishing tunes out right now. Their album sees the act pushing even further into narrative consideration and the real-world application that makes their music so impactful.
Raygun Busch: It’s all mostly real-world based — even “Pamela” is an attempt to ground famous cinematic madness. “Why” is probably the scariest song on the record.
Stin: More than anything, we’re trying to capture the anxiety and fear of seeing the world fall apart. Raygun is especially talented at that, even if the lyrics are fantasy-based at times. I think that that specific type of anxiety comes through no matter what.
Through the group’s approach to their style, it is unflinching, unwavering, and unmistakable, from the e-kit drums played without a click to the in-house design work they do for all their releases to the subtle humor woven into their work to offset the seriousness of their subject matter. It has given them a trusty trademark and distinctive flair that has aided them in their rise thus far.
RB: It was borne from necessity, but it’s really the only way to do things, right? We’ve each been recording our own music since at least our teen years. There’s really no reason for anyone to ever pay someone to do shit that a computer has made pig-simple for the masses.
S: If messing around in bands for many years has taught us anything, it’s that you can’t rely on anyone else to share your vision or even show up to help when the time comes. I think we have a strong point of view, and the best way to express that is by doing as much of the process as possible yourself.
God’s Country is graphic, confrontational, and masterful in the art of storytelling. Sound palettes ranging from post-punk roughed up around the edges to sparse sound collage tracks with intimidating spoken word over it. The album examines homelessness, loss from shootings, new perspectives on classic horror story characters, and even smoking too much weed to the point you transform into a familiar fast-food monster.
With all the questions it poses about existence in this day and age, God’s Country really shows that existence, peril, and the horror that we live in day-to-day is less of a political question and more of a measure of humanity and morality. It is only fitting that they’re able to envision a different possibility for all of us if given the power.
RB: Tax or jail for the rich; homes, medical care, clothing, food and education for everyone no exceptions; and of course, upturn law enforcement and completely reshape the criminal justice system in America… term limits, no death penalty, releasing those from jail for nonviolent drug charges, etc.
Watch the video for “Slaughterhouse” here:
For more from Chat Pile, find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Bandcamp.
Photo courtesy of The Flenser
