Throat’s third album, ”Smile Less” carries a significantly darker tone compared to the band’s previous output albeit the light at the end of the tunnel has always been dim. While the foundation of Throat’s sound remains in 90s noise rock, ”Smile Less” pushes its way through all boundaries, starting off with cold post-punk vibes and ending in a wall of harsh noise. The space between those moments is stuffed with noisy rock music offering the listener the odd chance for groovy booty shake before throwing a curve ball with some industrial sound experiments. The first impression may not be as jarring as on their earlier recordings, but ”Smile Less” is still a demanding listen as Throat have never been poster boys for entertainment value.
Just like ”Bareback” (2018), the band’s second album and first one for Svart Records, ”Smile Less” was recorded at Tonehaven Recording Studio with Tom Brooke, mixed by Andrew Schneider (Unsane, Cult of Luna, Cave In) and mastered by Carl Saff (Big Business, KEN Mode, Young Widows). Artwork was designed by Canadian artist Paul Van Trigt.
‘Vanilla Cuts’ is now the 2nd single to be shared from the album with Jukka Mattila (vocals/guitar) stating,
‘Control is the keyword with Vanilla Cuts. There’s constant powerplay between individuals no matter if it comes down to sex, death, life, money, work or any facet of existence. Some seek to be controlled while others struggle to free themselves from it and both can be a source of great pleasure or pain. Musically we wanted to have a cold, mechanical feel to the song where tension builds up to what can feel like a release for some and unresolved restraint to others. Whatever your kink is, for these 3 minutes and 40 seconds we are in control here.’
Watch the video for ‘Vanilla Cuts’ – https://youtu.be/IgLBDT_-NCA
Since ”Bareback”, Throat has toured the U.S., played a handful of shows in Finland, celebrated their 10 year anniversary with a double-CD compilation, recruited a new drummer in their ranks and also released an industrial/noise remix version of ”Bareback”.
The band is prepared to hit stages again with the new material as soon as there are stages available.Throat’s ”Smile Less” comes out on vinyl, CD and digitally 15th May 2021 via Svart Records.
Pre-order now: https://svartrecords.com/product/throat-smile-less-album/
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Dark Art Conspiracy 