MINOR CUTS AND SCRAPES IN THE BUSHES AHEAD

Honestly this is the first time I feel like there's not a whole lot to say about one of Omar Rodriguez Lopez's releases , even though he's made some far weaker material. I think the main reason for this is that it has a lot of common ground with a couple of his previous works but not quite as interesting. It's got the aggressive pursuit of surreal atmosphere and eclecticism that Manual Dexterity focused so strongly on, yet this one doesn't quite have the same level of atmosphere, just the weirdness. At the same time, I feel like this could also be compared to Calibration with its more abstract approach to songwriting that takes a few listens for it to truly click, yet it doesn't really have that same level of focus or anything that feels all too emotionally resonant or anything of the sort. Minor Cuts and Scrapes in the Bushes Ahead sounds a bit like a compilation of a fair few of Omar's previous ideas but not as good as on those counterparts, and while you have a few amazing things here and there such as with the bassline on Pawn Shop Blues, this album still doesn't really feel at all essential on any level. I'd recommend it if you really enjoy Omar's other work and feel the need to listen to even more of that, because it's perfectly serviceable stuff, but don't lose any sleep over the potential of missing much if you decide to skip this one either.

Best tracks: Trident Resting on the Pulse, Pawn Shop Blues