Album Details

• Artist: The Usa Is A Monster
• Album: Rip
• Label: Northern Spy
• Year of Release: 2010
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2010-11-17

As far as final releases by legendary bands go, "R.I.P" will probably not cause as much of a ripple as some other farewells. But for those paying attention, the loss of USAIASAMONSTER is a big one indeed. Hopefully, if this record gets better distro than some of their other releases, it will spark some digging for their older work. Not that this is a letdown in comparison; the band here rips through six mighty, angry, poetic songs in keeping with the band's long attention to sonic honesty.

Founders Colin Langenus and Tom Hobmann are here joined by keyboardist Maxx Katz and other New York friends for the usual blend of psych, doom and Native American-based social commentary. That blend has helped give most USAIASAMONSTER songs a mythical feel, and tracks like "Heavner," "Grey Owl" and "Four More Years" are powerful editions to the band's catalog. "Dynamite Day," the set's closer, is also a highlight.

The singular genius and uncompromising worldview of USAIASAMONSTER will be sorely missed. "R.I.P" is a fitting to testament to such an essential band. The world will be a little less enchanted without them.

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