Much like the band's name, title of the EP and musical style, it's difficult to pin down just what is happening on the latest release by Chicago's HOGG. For us at The Brvtalist, this is one of the highest compliments we can give to a record. Solar Phallic Lion is a sonic onslaught of scrap metal, ritual industrial hymns, no wave, noise and much more. It's seething, distorted electronics pulsates through the veins and while it disorients you, it's nearly impossible to stop listening.
Founded in Chicago in 2014, this is the third release by the duo and probably their most wide ranging. Slow guitar strums, drum machines and brutal vocals make up the core of the creations but that certainly does not tell the whole story. The band's nihilist approach and disregard of genre or structure make for beautifully chaotic compositions which inject the body like a much needed antidote. The title track is a doom-infused work of crunchy string distortion, and evil, foreboding vocals that oscillate between a slow hum and sporadic fits that almost let you feel the spit hitting your face. "My House is Nice" moves in to a more horror soundtrack feel with ominous shrieks and a slow-building chant that feels as if you're at the center of on occult ceremony. While only about two minutes, "Electromagnetic Chauvinism" is a percussion focused, rhythmic offering that is one of the catchier tracks on the release, and also probably our favorite title.
The remaining two tracks leave no weak spot in this EP. Expect more punk, D beat and even garage. "Today's World" rolls along and punishes the ears like a dark public service announcement always leaving you slightly off kilter. For us, this EP makes Hogg one of our favorite new projects and one you must keep an eye on. Further, after the Fatal Errors EP by Ariisk (which we covered here), Chicago's Scrapes is currently releasing some of the best and most intriguing material in the underground today. We look forward to more from the band and label. This is a vinyl only release with artwork by ELIJAH BURGHER. To purchase visit the Scrapes e-shop.
-JRS
TRACKLIST:
A1 TODAY’S WORLD (YES YOU HAVE PARASITES)
A2 SOLAR PHALLIC LION
B1 ELECTROMAGNETIC CHAUVINISM
B2 MY HOUSE IS NICE
B3 CONFORM OR DIE
ARTWORK BY: ELIJAH BURGHER