SINGLES BREAKING UP (VOL 1)

This is a collection of EPs and singles from the band's earlier output as a four-piece spanning 1992 thru '97 but works beautifully as a cohesive album. Complex and relentlessly heavy, the boys tear into their brand of math rock but with a passion no mathematician ever displayed. Eschewing regular musical formats and solo instrumentation, the Dons need no leader (though drummer Che serves as one) and play as a real unit, which is rare these days. This is what great rhythmic musicianship is all about and 'Singles Breaking Up' evokes King Crimson at both their boldest and heaviest.

This is pretty close to 4 stars in my opinion which is saying something considering it's really a complilation of previously released singles and Eps. from 1992-1997. There is one track("No More Peace And Quiet For The Warlike") that was previously unreleased. This really grew on me though. Caution : Do not listen to this album if you have a headache.These guys are from the steel city, and they do Pittsburg proud.

'Lucky Father Brown ' is like wading through heavy sludge. "Belted Sweater" is heavy but faster paced and with more guitar. "Shoe Shine" is clearly one of my favourites.This one has some variation on it beginning quetly and building like a Post-Rock tune. Damon's drumming is outstanding. "Unresolved Kharma" is a top three track for me as well. Heavy but melodic with relentless drumming as the guitar comes in and out. "Puddin' In My Eye" features tons of bottom end and the drums show no mercy. It speeds up 2 1/2 minutes in. "My Ten Year Old Lady Is Giving It Away" is a wall of guitars as the drumming follows no set pattern at all. Some chunky bass on this one too especially before 1 1/2 minutes.

"Our Collabero" is a short uptempo tune that gets heavier 1 1/2 minutes in. "ANDANDANDANDANDANDANDANDANDAND" is also short and heavy, but better in my opinion. "First Hits" features pounding drums and noisy guitars that come and go. "No More Peace And Quiet For The Warlike" is a really cool sounding tune. We hear different sounds come and go quickly with lots of space in between. What sounds so amazing is the guitar sounds that though short are so powereful. This sound speeds up faster and faster until we're listening to uptempo riffing. Nice. "If You've Read Dr.Adder Then You Know What I Want" is a short, angular and dissonant tune. "Trey Dog's Acid" is in my top 3 as well. The bass is very prominant and deep as guitar and drums come in. Drums become dominant later as it plays out. "Room Temperature Lounge" features guitar that plays the same line over and over as the drums and bass do their thing.

A must for DONCAB fans as these songs are far from being throwaways.