FEATHERGUN

Rishloo's 2009 album is an acerbic and hard-hitting one. The vocalist has a mostly astringent and gravelly voice that can be uncomfortable in the higher registers. When the band becomes loud and aggressive, which is frequently, it can be off-putting; indeed, it becomes downright tiring by the third or fourth track. There are a couple of redeeming songs, namely "Diamond Eyes" and "Feathergun in the Garden of the Sun." This album may appeal to fans of heavy, assertive music, but it mostly isn't for me.

"Sissorlips" The opening song is a mostly boisterous affair, but also relaxed in some places. The lead guitar has a tone not unlike that of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez of The Mars Volta.

"Turning Sheep Into Goats" Clear electric guitar offers an intriguing passage rhythm an equally interesting vocal melody. The growling and yelling during the heavier sections mar the piece.

"Systematomatic" The previous track leads directly into this one, which jumps around from one shouted section to the next.

"River of Glass" This more bombastic piece continues the sonic aggression, and the vocals stay in a shrill, shouted angry mood throughout, except for about twelve seconds near the end.

"Keyhole in the Sky" Fortunately, Rishloo backs off the loudness in favor of a lighter, gentler rock song, even if it is a forgettable performance. The vocalist is content to remain excessive and piercing in places, however. The closing section is an odd bit of electro-pop.

"Downhill" This first of two extended pieces begins peacefully with bright, pretty guitar and a thankfully pleasant vocal performance. When it picks up, the lead guitar is somewhat disharmonious, but I enjoy the variety exhibited by the rhythm section here. The album's best guitar solo appears at the end, nearly marred by more caterwauling.

"Feathergun in the Garden of the Sun" With volume-swells, slide guitar, and delay, the introduction to this song is one of the best moments on the album. The addition of the distorted guitar distracts from what could have added a layer of dynamics to this harsh collection of songs. That said, it's one of the more memorable tracks.

"Dreamcatcher" This fifty-four second interlude is a hushed, atmospheric piece.

"Diamond Eyes" I quite enjoy this dredg-like lighter rock song, which eases up and offers a lifting melody throughout.

"Katsushika" One more subdued piece, "Katsushika" (a constituent of Tokyo, Japan) has more bright guitars and a solid rather than painful vocal delivery. It builds in typical post-rock fashion.

"Weevil Bride" Returning to the heavy rock music and screeching vocals, this last song is not as unpleasant as a lot of the material early on the album. The middle passage is quiet and almost unnoticeable. The last several minutes of the album strangely consist of a single instrument playing light, echoing chords.