Album Reviews : Unclechunk – Join The Dots EP

Unclechunk‘s EP “Join the Dots” could be summed up in three words: Energetic, fun and strange. But I’ll go into more detail than that!

“Join the Dots” is not for people who like to take there music too seriously, indeed Unclechunk seem at times to go out of there way to make sure there music can’t be take seriously at all…. In a good way. Unclechunk clearly take influences from various Mike Patton projects as well as Primus but do a great job of taking these influences and making there own music rather than ripping off what has already been done.

The EP opens up with the title track “Join the Dots” which does a good job of giving the listener a clear idea of what the band is all about. The tune is an exciting roller coaster ride from mellow sections to good chunky riffage with lots of funk mixed in for good measure.

Next is “R&R” which moves into stranger lyrical territory, though it continues on the trend for strategically placed distorted guitar with the bands penchant for maintaining a fun funky sound and a skillful use of dual vocals. “Army of Colour and Sound” is as close to serious as Unclechunk seem to get. At just over 4 minutes long this is the second shortest song on the EP yet Unclechunk somehow manage to cram in a greater variety of influences than what we have heard thus far.

“Little Clay Charlie” finishes off the EP and is my pick song for this disk (just barely piping “Army of Colour and Sound” at the post). The track opens up with what sounds like an old school film reel rolling over an organ sample played in reverse. This leads into some fairly basic 80’s influenced riffs which sound really cool. From here we get to see the bands true colours, the riffs drop away to great funky bass and drum work leading into more chaotic, exiting and fun movements through various musical territories.

This is a good solid EP, well produced with a nice clear sound. While I wouldn’t listen to it every day these four songs have certainly left me with a taste for more and I find myself looking forward to the next EP release and the next gig! 6.5/10

Band: Unclechunk
Album: Join the Dots EP
Year: 2008
Genre: Funky Ass Metal
Label: None
Origin: Melbourne, Australia
http://www.myspace.com/armyofchunk

Track listing:
1. Join the Dots
2. R&R
3. Army of colour and sound
4. Little Clay Charlie (Reviewers choice)

Reviewed by Metal Obsession forum member Franky