Tau Cross
Tau Cross
(Relapse Records)
Tau Cross is driven by Rob “The Baron” Miller, vocalist and bassist of the legendary Amebix. Amebix took d-beat and crust to another level. They started with the heavier UK dirty punk sound like Discharge and GBH and turned it much darker, infusing elements from Motorhead and Venom. That collision of anger, low tuning, speed, and atmosphere propagated an entire genre of its own. Bands today, such as Tragedy and From Ashes Rise to Nails and APMD, who enjoy success, owe Amebix much gratitude. Even peers like Anti-Cimex, Doom, Extreme Noise Terror, Avskum, Infest, Disrupt most likely felt a revelation when they first heard Amebix.
Adding to Tau Cross’ pedigree, Miller enlisted Away (Michel Langevin) from VoiVod on drums. VoiVod can boast their status as legends, fusing metal into their brand of hardcore punk in the 1980’s as well. Coming from Canada, VoiVod released two stellar demos in the early years of that decade. Rounding out Tau Cross, Andy Lefton (War/Plague) and Jon Misery play guitars; the latter being part of Misery, who are OG’s in the crust genre.
Steeped in varied tangents of metal and punk, these four dudes unite to push new boundaries in aggression. Tau Cross deliver what you would expect from aged versions of this family tree. Their self-titled debut opens with “Lazarus”. Delivered in a raspy, Bathory sounding voice of ominous intent, Williams continues his reputation. The drums become the center focus for me. It pushes the songs and is the element which keeps your head nodding. The guitars are there to create the smoky atmosphere. The guitars are mixed low and settle on the boundaries of your ears. The drums push. The drums hook in the listener.
“Fire in the Sky” has an element of catchiness to it. Despite a bold opening, the guitar’s full sound returns to mid-level again. Langevin again takes the stance of leader in commanding the pace and rhythms. The song travels at a medium pace. Some time changes and a distant organ add variety to this somber track. The apocalyptic scheme works for mood.
The vibe of Tau Cross is subdued. A tempered, solemn feel blankets the album. Maybe because now when I think of this genre, I think of the drive of Tragedy or From Ashes Rises. Tau Cross however do not fill the low end with the same bombastic thunder. Instruments are played tightly and cleanly, not relying on feedback and noise to cultivate the moody impact.
“Stone Cracker” is a hell of a jam. This track is an infectious one. A crisp Motorhead nod is the backbone, but in no manner feels like a clone. “Midsummer” jumps in with a thick intro. The main body of the song has backbeat groove. It rocks slowly, and feels that minus the voice, could be on the radio or at least make it onto an Orange Goblin set list. “Hangman’s Hyll” furthers this feel with the same approach, only with a slight PIL or Killing Joke feel. These two tracks are the longest in minutes.
To close side one, and acoustic romp, “We Control the Fear” ramps slowly. It is catchy. The lyrics are condemning and ominous. Tau Cross carry the same banner as Amebix’s warning of the system’s tactics to quell the masses.
The second side of the album feels slower. Some industrial tempos, “You People”, are incorporated. Longer, more open soundscapes occur with “Sons of the Soil” and “Our Day” and the closer, “The Devil Knows His Own”. This elements show the members’ maturity. I am sure after decades of creating violent tracks, they want more composition in their tracks. They definitely have shown structure and more involved songwriting.
It is clear that I am judging this in comparison to the members’ former bands. That most likely is not fair. This is a different animal. But the magic misses the mark for me. This is a solid album, and they accomplish much. However, I want a stronger fury, a thicker guitar sound. The second half of the album grinds to a halt. I am not sure of the re-listenability for me beyond halfway. With such lyrics, enraged and disdainful, I want a more furious and louder delivery. (Hutch)
RIYL: Inepsy, Killing Joke, VoiVod, Vallenfyre
