Everything old is new again and, sometimes, it’s for the better. Reformed San Francisco noise/sludge hybrid troupe The Cutthroats 9 has come full circle with its latest recording, which was recorded at Louder Studios, the same Bay Area joint that birthed the band’s 2000 self-titled debut. While The Cutthroats 9 was originally envisioned by Unsane guitarist/vocalist Chris Spencer as a way to blow off some steam without abandoning his signature apocalyptic guitar tone, the band grew into a formidable entity in its own right before dropping out of sight. Now, armed with a revitalized lineup (thanks to bassist Tony Baumeister of -16- and Aeges), the trio has returned with a compelling new slab of swaggering low-end abuse and tactical distortion.“Hit the Ground” is a bassy, bluesy, almost plaintive slice of audible paranoia. It’s one of the album’s more subdued tracks, and the more melodic approach provides a nice, smoky backdrop for Spencer’s twangy yowl.Dissent is out on audiophile-baiting 150 gram vinyl on June 3 via Lamb Unlimited, and will get the CD treatment from longtime collaborators Reptilian Records on June 24.
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