Reviews (page 3 of 7)
Grungy, repetitive, brash,lacks melodeis, but it all works. Really addictive album which grows and grows on you.
I did not know about Steve Albini's prior life as a punk rock singer/guitarist. I also haven't heard punk with a drum machine. This is ace, though of course crazy and of its time.
I thought Big Black was just that asshole rob dyrdek‘s friend. This was fucking great. Praises be to the generator on this day and may it bring me another gift tomorrow.
Never heard of this before and I really dig it. This guitars are pushed so hard. The vocal is good but it needs variation.
Pinkish white zombie
Best een vet album, maar toch niet helemaal voor mij. Wel origineel. Net 4
Never heard this but liked it a lot.
Jarring and uncompromising. Kerosene is a real standout. Didn't know how I was going to feel about a drum machine underpinning the whole thing but actually got better as the album tore on. The guitar sound is on point
I’m not a huge punk guy but I got into this.
I can understand why some people wouldn’t like this, but I think it was in interesting blend of punk and industrial
i feel like it could be more abrasive. still good tho
Abrasive, loud and awesome
Delicious noise. RIP Steve Albini
Really cool
Įdomus experience. Industrinis punk su drum machine, yra tikrai labai įdomių melodijų, tik gan trumpokas albumas su kai kuriom filler vietom. Klausyčiau dar kartą.
Good
Rock with a punk vibe. A bit repetitive at pets but I was jamming the whole way through.
I've never listened to this album, although I believe I have listened to a few Big Black tracks before. Steve Albini died earlier this year and I read a few retrospectives on his influence, so I was somewhat primed. This still surprised me a lot, it was twisted and grating and excellent.
I didn't really like the first song much, but as I listened to the album, it continued to grow on me; by the time it ended I was really into it.
Now we're talking! Gives me hope that Bad Brains is on here.
Cool noise
Angsty and unfiltered but not unlistenable. Felt a bit like dollar store Rage Against The Machine at times. Had some catchy guitar riffs sprinkled in throughout. "Kerosene" is a really good track. Other standout is "Bazooka Joe".
I think the was sitting somewhere between the impossible 3.5 and a four for me. Could never give it a three because it’s far too influential for things that came later. Great guitar tones, great drum machine programming. Best track - Passing Complexion
This reminds me of Talking Heads, if they were actually an electro/80s punk band. The production is raw and in your fucking face, I dig it. I’d give five stars but I’m wondering whether the drums could have been better served by an acoustic drummer, instead of electronic
Take my stars, Steve
sorry not sorry. this goes hard for 1986 or w/e
Very good
I liked it
Жутковатый панк-рок... Но для середины 80-ых звук безумно необычный. Напоминает чем-то советские подпольные записи по качеству за счёт необычного электронного звучания. Музыка не моя, но равнодушной не оставляет.
Punk album from 1985
Brutal, bleak and probably essential.
Cutting music
dark. like joy division dark.
I was not expecting this to be good. I feel like this is the band that every basement show I saw in college wanted to be. loud and angry but with this drone like beat that drives every song. it's incredible. If I heard this at 15 I probably would be way more into noise/punk music. I want to give it a 5 for what could have been, but I'll be honest. I probably won;t listen to this again until I try to get my kid into noise music.
This album makes me want to fight someone
Big Black > Sonic Youth
Big Black got a unique take on post-hardcore and noise rock and that's why they're so cool. Now I just to throw a brick in the window of a corporate building.
This is so good. I’ve only listened to sporadic songs before, but am a huge fan of Albini’s production work.
It went down a lot smoother the second time. Really cool that you can hear it’s influence on a lot of great albums that come right after this. Rating: 4.3
Sounds like Fugazi. RAW. Like it. Clearly Mr Albini. Is it an album I'd like to listen to end-to-end often? Probably not. But I'd put it on as background music. Glad I heard this one.
What a very interesting record. It’s crude, thought provoking, and wonderfully produced. It’s no wonder they had the same producer behind Nirvana and Pixies. In fact, this whole record seems like a lead up to the grunge revival and Nirvanas debut. I listen to Nirvanas records ritually, so that only shines positively on the album. Still, I like how Nirvana and other grunge bands polished up the sound more, as points in this album could do with a bit more time mixing, but that’s probably the point so what do I know. This album also seems like it’s taking ideas from early Led Zepplin albums and dialing them up ten fold. It’s very abrasive, yet it catches your attention. Pretty good collection of songs.
Albums like this are why I started this process. I would have never found this myself.
It's pretty good. I probably would like it more if I had gotten into it way back when I was first discovering punk. I don't know why I didn't get into them but I didn't.
Fast, provocative, Flurry of fuzzy punk riffs And alluring noise
This was cool, really enjoyed it. You can heard so many influences of later west coast punk in this. Must have had a big influence on Tim Armstrong because it sounds a lot like Rancid and Transplants in places.
Abrasive and bleak. Loved it.
Very interesting. Full punk energy with cool sounds. Wait a minute, I recognise those drums at the start of Stinking Drunk...
The general fuzz noise from this album is great from start to finish. I can definitely hear how this might have influenced early NIN, Nirvana, and a few other bands (that I know of). Shame I never heard this band until now.
I liked this, but then generally I like a lot of different styles of music and have a soft spot for industrial and harder rock. This fits the bill. I didn't give it five stars because there wasn't enough variety but I did like it quite a bit.
"Atomizer" is the debut album by American punk rock group Big Black. Noise rock, post hardcore and industrial are the Wiki-assigned genres. I'd agree. The band is Steve Albini (guitar, vocals, drum machine), Santiago Durango (guitar) and Dave Riley (bass) with Ian Burgess as the recording engineer. The album was self-produced by the band and Burgess. A loud droning noise and mechanical drum beats open "Jordon, Minnesota." Albini is yelping with his singing muttled. A buzzsaw guitar. It's about a child prostitution ring in Jordan and the evil in everyone. We're off to a frightening start. A high-pitched repeating guitar begins "Kerosene." A grating sound and a pounding bass. The intensity keeps growing. He's bored and debating whether to set himself on fire. Yes, seriously. "Bazooka Joe" opens with Albini talking. The drum machine and eerie-layered guitars kick in. A guy goes to war, cones back home and becomes an assassin. It's a simple plot. The album ends with a live version of "Cables." Albini singing with a scratchy guitar. The band kicks in. This is more punk. There's a guy that likes watching cows get slaughtered. This is a frickin' great album. The music, lyrics and singing are all terrifying. These lyrics are what death metal bands dream of. I realize the lyrics are tongue-in-ckeek but taken at face value, there's songs about child prostitution rings, bad cops, self-immolation, brothels, fist fucking, wife beating, alcoholism, war, assassins and killing cows with cables. The music is in your face, essentially industrial with a beat. Albini's vocals are buried even when he's screaming. This was quite the trip.
really scratchy aggressive synths plus shouted lyrics. Big Money got me going. Dude this thing kills. The guitars sound like they are industrial machinery!
It's interesting to get this album so soon after Steve Albini's death. I enjoyed Songs About Fucking a lot, so it I was excited for this one, and it doesn't disappoint. This album does not sound like it was made in 1986. The production is really good overall, which is not a surprise for Steve Albini, but is a surprise for a mid-80s punk album. This is one that I want to pick up on vinyl 4/5
I weirdly love this when I probably shouldn’t and I’ll likely never ever listen to it again, but I genuinely love the angst the noise the chaos. The feelings, even when that feeling is basically apathy.
this was weird. i like weird.
I enjoyed this more than I thought. I preferred the music to the singing.
Spiky, angry and punky - can hear the sound of post-punk grunge being born here. All the more poignant with Albini's passing.
Timely given the recent passing of Steve Albini. This is obviously not for everyone. I think it helps to know a little bit about Albini’s ethos to help make sense of the music. But even if it’s not lyrically your thing, it’s clear that musically this is innovative and special. Always cool to hear an impactful artist on the cusp of their influence.
Legendary producer, totally bonkers noise rock edgyboy stuff. Musically it blew my mind but man I was not ready for some of the lyrical content and I'm not totally sure how comfortable with it I am
Really love the instrumentation but it's a shame the producer is a pos
The drum machine grooves. Otherwise the music gets monotonous at times. Makes me want to listen to Black Flag
Kerosene and Bad Houses! Great!!!!! The rest of the album is good for the genre.
sick album. got me pumped.
Not a bad album. I’ve never heard of them before.
No idea who or what this is, BUT I LOVE IT. 4 STARS.
Relentless drum tracks, angry words, lots of energy. Punk, dance, industrial: the sound of the future to come.
Un album qui n’essaie pas d’être aimable; un peu cru et brut. J’aime bien
Here are the stats / summary of the person who left the review that's currently topping this section : Albums Rated 1 Average Rating 5 Favorite Decade 80s Favorite Origin US Favorite Genres Punk Rock Worst Genre Rock Highest Rated Albums Big Black - Atomizer Lowest Rated Albums No low rated albums yet. Yes, you've read that correctly. That reviewer who professed their love for Steve Albini only reviewed *one* album--an album by the man's old band Big Black, still legendary for the sort of sheer, uncompromising aggressive sound said band was playing in the middle of the 80s (but clearly one or two notches under Albini's later act Shellac--conspicuously absent from this list). In a way, it's perfectly fitting (and frankly hilarious) that Albini can attract that sort of "extreme" reaction, given how extreme the man's own early musical endeavors (and personality) were. *Atomizer* doesn't profit from the stellar and very personal chops Steve later acquired as a sound engineer (that unmistakable deep and echoey sound he gives to drums!). But this record (and subsequent Big Black LP *Songs About Fucking") perfectly encapsulates how this band was years ahead for genres such as noise-rock or industrial music. Not always a *pleasant* listen. But most often thrilling, offering a musical mood that's a perfect backdrop for the tragically dark subject matters dealt with in the admittedly offensive lyrics. This album was recorded by Iain Burgess, by the way--very much a mentor for Albini, not only as a musician but also as a producer, since Burgess also helped the Chicagoan become the awesome sound engineer that he is still is today. Burgess later recorded many excellent albums--with a less abrasive sound than this one--and he passed away a decade ago. May he rest in peace. To be honest, I hesitate putting this record in my list of "keepers": as admirable as it is that such an extreme LP was recorded in the middle of the eighties, I would rather have Shellac's *At Action park* instead. And Big Black's own *Songs About Fucking* also sounds slightly superior to me as well... Yet according to my own estimation,1986 was one of the least interesting years for music anyway, and under that light, it's not surprising that *Atomizer* manages to reach the 15th slot in my album ranking for that year (thanks to a few killer tracks such as "Kerosene"). If only for this, that album deserves to be in my " waiting room" list... Number of albums left to review: 224 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 335 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 198 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 250
Post punk as Porto industrial. Intense in every way.
An excellent blend of that industrial sound with something less meandering than the sound I tend to associate with the genre due to the post-hardcore and noise rock injections. The instrumentation is tight and rapid, the production feels of its time, but just futuristic enough to feel influential, and I can see why everyone and their mother wanted Steve Albini's two cents (or more) in the late 80s/early 90s. It relies on its texture, but isn't lacking a kick of flavor to it so that tracks can still have a catchiness to them all. It does lose grip a little at the very tail end of the record, and many of the tracks can come off as repetitive, but there is enough impact with each note to leave me rocking out for nearly the entirety of the album. In all essence the name Atomizer is perfect. It could probably kill a whole planet with its power, but man if those using it don't look cool as hell.
Energetic, angry, raw. I’m not sure why this short of thing appeals to me so much, but it does.
I liked it much more than I thought I would.
The legend Steve Albini. I wasn't as familiar with this album as their next one whose name I'm too shy to say out loud but definitely goes hard.
Oye, no conocía a este grupo, pero suenan adelantados a su tiempo.
Great use of a drum machine - drives the whole thing along. This was abrasive but - perhaps it caught me in the right mood - just what I needed.
Music taste is subjective, but if you think this is "just noise", that's an actual skill issue, sorry to say. Another one of those albums that actually sound better with worse audio quality. Don't listen to the Youtube upload like some pleb - find a buried copy in the sands of Uzbekistan if you want the true experience. Awesome. Heard somebody refer to this genre as "Pigfuck" and that's metal as hell and really fitting. This was a first listen for me - I've only heard "Songs About Fucking" before - and I loved it a lot. I will definitely be returning to this one.
There’s so much proto-NIN in this album that I loved. I’m not upset that it’s not on Spotify. That said - goddamn was that nihilistic nirvana.
A+ album art. I've never heard (or heard of) this band before. But goodness me I love it! Not every single track, some are a bit too distressing, but overall I think this album is super interesting and very cool and deserves a spot on this list. Kerosene is a particular standout.
Never heard of Big Black! That was pretty rad though. Big big sound
A pretty good punk / noise album. I really like how this album sounds (especially the guitars and drum machine), but some of the songs are a little cheesy and the vocals aren't the best at times. I can see me enjoying this album a lot more on future listens.
Surprisingly fun for how raw, dark, and abrasive the content is. There are some crazy guitar riffs on Passing Complexion and Kerosene, and tracks like Big Money, Fists of Love, Bazooka Joe, and Cables also had me surprisingly nodding along. Too abrasive to put in the rotation, but a very solid 3.5.
Very cool - different - industrial from mid-80s? nice.
Musically: yum, yes please, delightful. Lyrically: yikes, no thank you, too real. Another example of my tendency of focusing on the music and ignoring the lyrics. Their album SAF was a favorite of mine in college.
Ooh, I like this! Big Black have been a big black blind spot for me for a while. I read about them in Our Band Could Be Your Life, but never really sought them out. I will have to dig deeper.
7.5/10 Surprisingly catchy for how extreme it is. Higlights: Kerosene
lily-of-the-valley, lovely
Kerosine
In principe is het verschrikkelijke herrie (dan bedoel ik niet eens zozeer het schreeuw en de gitaren an sich, maar meer hoe de opname klinkt), maar toch kan ik het waarderen. Ik ben daar een beetje verbaasd over omdat ik het eigenlijk te noisy vind. Neem bijv. 'Passing Complexion'. Een rete-irritante track maar toch heeft het iets verslavends. En zo heeft vrijwel elke track wel iets wat ervoor zorgt dat het album me toch bevalt. Na dit album wil je wel douchen en naar bed.
Clean and crisp production with absolutely filthy lyrics and music. Love it.
Enjoyed this. Never heard of the group!
Mid-80s industrial punk, reminiscent of the Holy Bible, which may be partly why it appeals. Steve Albini (vocals and guitar in Big Black) later produced Journal for Plague Lovers, and it's easy to see how he and MSP would be a good fit. This is too bleak and nasty to return to frequently, but you can't help but respect the raw power and uncompromising achievement of the artistic intent. Rating: 4.5/5 Playlist track: Kerosene Date listened: 04/12/23
How much of the Wax Trax/Chicago scene was trying to replicate this sound? Pretty much all of it. Certainly not meant for broad appeal but checks a lot of boxes for me.
Oho olipa stydi! Törkeet soundit ja tinkimätön meno. Täytyy kuunnella uudelleenkin! 4/5
Modernia (ainakin ajalleen), menevää ja virkistävän erilaista. Todella kova platta, pitää kuunnella tulevaisuudessakin!
liian popmyönteinen sisältään, liian ulos työntävä ulkopuoleltaan. Jos tälläinen albumi joka päivä, olisi projekti mielekkäämpi saattaa loppuun.
wild and weird. 4 stars.
This album is a blast. Right from the jump it's abrasive wall of guitar and hammering drum machine set the tone. Weirdly danceable and oddly catchy at times the subject matter of the songs comes across as intruiging and strangely thoughtful (in a punk rock sense) instead of disgusting. Personal favorites were "big money", "bad houses", and "stinking drunk".
Here's what you do: go pick up the book Our Band Could Be Your Life by author Michael Azerrad. Skip over to the chapter on Big Black and read that. You should read the other chapters too but the Big Black chapter is important here for obvious reasons. That will tell you everything you need to know about the band and why they're so revered; there's no point in me writing anything else about them. However, the book was published in 2001 and does not go into how Big Black's sonic style would lend itself to Steve Albini's trademark production. Although Albini does not like to call himself a producer, it would be a disservice to not recognize his impact on noise rock and post-hardcore recordings. By mixing the vocals further back into the mix rather than in front of the mix, the vocals play more of a part of the overall sound. This is especially effective with aggressive vocals, as it provides a wider attack. While Albini did not produce Atomizer, it would follow him for the rest of his career. Next time you listen to P J Harvey, Jawbreaker, the Jesus Lizard, even Nirvana, you'll hear a bit of Atomizer too.
It sounds like shit and Albini’s a total edgelord, but if the unhinged DIY guy of it all reels you in, the riffs just might keep you hooked.
Outstanding work, which is rare for me to get that kind of enthusiasm for punk
Abrasive in the best way possible. Maybe I like punk more than I think I do. 4/5
Intense and rockin in a self destructive teenaged sort of way. I found it simultaneously frightening, silly, and enjoyable. A rare combination perhaps.
I am very disappointed that this isn’t on Spotify, because it’s actually really good
Listened to this on my vinyl copy, can't have listened for twenty years and it's insanely listenable. Now hoping Songs about XXing turns up on this list as well to get that out too. No Spotify.
I'm rather hoping thar the first track doesn't set the standard for this album. Well, it both does and doesn't. The rest of the album is just as aggressive, but decidedly less harsh.
Abrasive - on the industrial martial side, like a hardcore Laibach but more upbeat, somehow. Not something you can have on in the background as many of the tracks certainly demand your attention. The more I heard, the more I enjoyed. Big Money absolutely chomps along. Jordan, Minnesota feels paranoid. Can barely hear the lyrics overall (but I like the mixing) and when I do, they are odd. I like the sudden switch-ups of rhythm, tempo, and instruments. Irritating for it not to be on Spotify - how we've come to rely on it. A solid 4 stars.
The first track opens with a bang and I knew I was going to like this album. I hadn't heard of them before but they have a great raw shouty sound. The last two tracks on the album end on a whimper but I throughly enjoyed it overall. Highlights: Jordan, Minnesota Passing Complexion Kerosene
Never heard of big black. Really interesting sound, not like any other punk I can think of. Think it's the drum machine. I really enjoyed this, it's a shame it's not on Spotify and I can't add to my playlist. Liked Kerosene and bazooka Joe
Loud af loved it & the industrial adjacent noise
Wow. Definitely understand where the likes of Ministry and NiN got their industrial vibe from. The punk fuzzy bass, over modulated distorted guitars, punk voice and speedy drum machine. Nice. Kinda like it.
If it's good enough for frank ocean it's good enough for me. Thumbs up. Very raw.
SHACK doesn't like the title of this album as he feels nervous using the B word, whereas Scott Kelly thinks he already has his B word pass and is pushing to get his N word pass.
-these songs are SO COOL -also my first band i had to leave spotify to listen to!!!! -passing complexion feels like a very surreal song -big money is really fun -to me this is ROCK! i really am enjoying this -i like his voice and how eclectic this feels -LOOOOVE the guitar in kerosene -fists of love feels very hard rock -easyyyyy four stars for me
Highlights: "Passing Complexion," "Kerosene," "Cables" Cannot believe this is 1986. Very prescient of the hard lean into clipping throughout '90-'00s rock subgenres, from NIN and Deftones to Health and Xiu Xiu, while being catchier than work by Sonic Youth or Throbbing Gristle in this same period.
I feel like I should say something for 4 stars but I don’t have much to say. It’s too bad it’s not on Spotify.
Nice album, pretty catchy as far as hardcore punk goes. And of course it's angry and nihilistic. Not an every day listen, but it's definitely really good.
grimy as fuck….i love it. danceable and edgy but not stupid.
Zware kost! En was het niet voor de hele Steve Albini legacy, en al zijn muziek na Big Black met Shellac, dan weet ik niet of ik deze Big Black plaat getrokken zou hebben. Maar ik vind het fascinerend! En Kerosene is gewoon een briljant goed nummer. Heel wat op gedanst in mijn wannabe alto-grunger dagen. 😁
-Retrospectively Reviewed on 17/06/23 (generated: 13/06/23)- AL: this to me is what a punk album should be. Weird out there guitaring, soaring cutting sounds. Well engineered, pure power and passion. I wasn’t massively following along with the lyrics but to me this trumps Out of Step and Eternally Yours by a long way. Solid album for sure. FT: “kerosene”, “fists of love”, “bazooka Joe” 4/5
Love it
With surprising Prince-esque yelps to start it off and a reliance on synths and metallic elements to keep tones brutal and pulverizing, Big Black's Atomizer can be seen as the band's defining statement and finest hour. Songs About Fucking may be more well known but Atomizer has everything in spades and is very much more consistent. Set me on fire! Favorites: Jordan, Minnesota, Passing Complexion, Kerosene, Stinking Drunk, Bazooka Joe, Strange Things, Cables.
Directo, claro y crudo, un disco lleno de sensaciones que por más falopa que suene reconoce su cometido, dios la sensacion desesperante que genera. 7/10
Fantastic.
8/10 super cool! really liked this! there too many parts that were very drawn out and obnoxious, but I would still say this is a great album
Coool
Bon vieux punk !
mjögmjög gott. 4,5.
Noisy and hardcore I probably would’ve liked this album less if I’d gotten it back when I started the 1001 list. I think the worst part of eating music for years is that my tastes have changed somewhat and will keep changing; albums I rated a certain way two years ago might not be comparable to an album I just listened to The walls of harsh sound reminded me sometimes of Loveless
This was a great addition to this list. Another where the 4-star slightly outshines my actual enjoyment of the album, but it was educational to hear Steve Albini's music — which I would have sworn I had heard before but probably haven't — knowing he's produced some big names (PJ Harvey's "Rid of Me" and Nirvana's "In Utero" for two) and often gets criticism for the rawness of his production. So raw and frenetic and noisy... Big Black has all of that in doses that are a little more than I prefer. But it's all very deliberate, and the production is massive, and I found myself sinking in to the songs as the album progressed. I tried working on Thursday while listening to this, and that didn't go well. I'd label it "not great music to write to." But, out walking the dog on a lovely morning, and I was digging it. One thing, I don't typically read up on these albums before listening and reviewing, but I was searching a couple of things after listening and learned that this was recorded to a drum machine. I didn't realize that. I did key in on how precise and consistent the drums were, the bass drum hits in particular, and thought that the drummer was tight. I also liked the overuse of delay and effects that gave the drums (and bass and everything) such a signature beef. But to make the drums not stand out as a machine is a feat.
I bought a copy of this in high school and it left a deep impression on me. It paints an ugly picture of middle America, showing you all the horrible things people do when no one else is looking. This is not a pleasant album on any level. It's harsh and abrasive and claustrophobic, and its subject matter is upsetting, ugly, and depressing. And yet, it's undeniably powerful and evocative. (I don't know how Albini is getting those insanely amazing guitar sounds, but it's like razor blades slicing up my brain and I love it.) I am attracted and repulsed. And forever changed.
Big Black doing what Big Black does best. Not as wild as Black Midi, but still a lot of fun.
Finally something original and unusual. Very specific sound, like a compilation of electronic music from 80s, a bit of shoegazing, quite a lot of punk rock. At moments it sounds like an early attempt at industrial music, for some reason it reminded me early White Zombie, even though they provably have nothing to do with each other. "Jordan, Minnesota" and "Kerosene" are certified bangers, the question is, how come I've never heard of this band before? It goes on my "to listen" list straight away. Only issue - maybe it's too experimental at times, only for purists of new and chaotic music.
Now here is an example of one to hear before you die. Steve Albini captured the pure anguish and despair that exists within the human experience through a sound that can only really accurately be described as razor blades grating against sheet metal. From the first track about the tragedy of Jordan, Minnesota (told from the offenders perspective), to the menacing opening of Fists of Love, and notable melody? from Kerosene, there is a constant development of more horrific soundscapes that builds throughout. This is not an easy listen, but it is important.
Harsh enough to instantly carve a channel for itself, the waves of Atomizer contain none of the usual drum machine pitfalls. Kerosene is a five-star song.
Difficult to listen to as the band removed everything from Spotify - I can imagine why after reading biographies. That's a shame as I'm partially using this lsist as a way to break the Spotify algorithm (although I imagine it'll now just be made up of classic rock if I'm not careful). Found a version on YouTube. It's pretty decent and I'd listen to it again.
This is a bleak record. The lyrics are arresting, and the use of over driven guitars and vocals give an extra punch that drives the despair home. The drum machines and noise elements further add to the atmosphere. The production is memorable and the musicianship is great though it may sound loose and sloppy. Everything is right where it needs to be.
Noisy punk!! Yes!!!!!! I tried to get my kids to mosh with me to Karosene but they're lame.
A band I was only vaguely aware of, given how much more successful Steve Albini was as a producer. Glad to have listened to it now though, even if my favourite song was the one I knew best before - "Bazooka Joe". A very good album, but not quite 5 🌟 for me.
Nice! I've never listened to Albini's early stuff. This is is pretty great. You can hear a lot of the Shellac that was yet to come. Also hear influences like Ministry (... or did this influence Ministry??). Anyway, good fun.
Never judge a book by its cover, I really thought this was going to be boring and kind of just bland due to the cover. The cover didn’t appeal to me at first. But after going into the first 2 tracks, I realized how wrong I was. While this album wasn’t perfect, it made me want more. It really does a whole unique take on the punk sound and I really enjoy it. 8/10. I’ll definitely be getting this on vinyl
Elite level classic. Love this project for discovering new gems, but sometimes you see a familiar sight and it’s just wonderful. This album is, if not quite perfect, certainly as close as can be. Probably his best. ALL IMHO AND SUBJECTIVE OF COURSE
I always found it interesting that a producer so famous for his drum sound would use a drum machine in his own band. Great guitar squeals, shrill human screeches and spaced out uses of silence. These guys don’t try to pass themselves off as anything more than hateful little creeps, and it pairs pretty well with the tone of the music. If Albini had a talent for writing vocal melodies this band would bump up from being pretty great to incredible.
this shit good. pogotovo "Kerosene"
Très étonnant disque de 1985 et qui ouvre la voie au grunge, aux Pixies... Content d'avoir découvert le travail de Steve Albini. Très avangardiste et influent. On passe un drôle de moment, sombre, torturé, violent, tourmenté.
Raw and electric. Pretty cool and interesting late punk.
Abrasive and intense punk infused by heavy abrasive industrial yet still melodic and even a bit catchy. Mamy of them sound like they were recorded by putting a mic in a factory. Reminds me of Joy Division in its dark undertones and distorted atmosphere, most notably in songs like "Bad Houses". Yet their attitude is angry and politically charged similar to contemporary hardcore bands (but not as much screaming or aggressively fast playing). The 1st half is more like a traditional punk album in structure and vocals, but that drastically changes into something much more incoherent in the 2nd half, where the vocals feel more like another instrument. You even have some danceable tracks like "Strange Things." Enjoyed every song, with "Kerosene" being the best, showcasing their potential if they went in that route.
Had never heard of this band or album. Looked them up later and realized this is Steve Albini’s band so makes sense it’s on this list. Pretty good noise punk
Wow, very good album that I would have never listened to. It's not going to be for everyone but the sound is aggressive without being too harsh. It's a vibe.
Not what I expected having never heard them. There’s not a description of this album that would’ve made me want to listen, but I ended up enjoying it. Made me want to listen to Danzig and I think that’s a good thing
Was very excited going into this album. The production is definitely something. I wouldn't say it's unique but very lively. I love instrumentals especially in Passing Complexion, but the vocals could do better in terms of volume. Fave track(s): Passing Complexion, Kerosene, Stinking Drunk
Really good album. I liked the aggressive guitar sounds, fast-paced drumming and overall production. Maybe a little bit too one-dimensional to give it full marks, though.
Unhinged, but I like it.
A little too long for what it is, but what it is is fucking rad.
Frantic
Politically-charged proto-noise? Sign me up. This fucks.
Oh damn this is heavy, I LOVE it. It's noisy, abrasive, brilliantly produced.
Uh.... good thing I'm going to work my gosh what the hell is going on here. Very intriguing album where there are weird electronics mix with noise rock and post punk. I like the frist half of this album more The second part. I can't believe they got away with some of these lyrics but then again this is Steve Albani we are talking about. He gives no shits.Oh great who generated albums please give me something interesting that I DID NOT HEAR BEFORE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD
Kerosene, Bazooka Joe
Pretty cool, unique vibe. High energy. Grows on you as it goes.
Too bad I didn't know about this album as a teenager!
Great energy. This album surprised me. I ended up really, really liking the song 'Kerosene' and that's made me look favourably on the rest of the album. It has a distinct industrial, heavy feel to it that reminds me a lot of Nine Inch Nails (during their industrial phase of course). I don't usually like industrial music, but this was great. Definitely worth a relisten. Atomizer, allow me to give you a generous 4 stars.
Liked this album, but didn't love it. Gotta appreciate what it did though. 3.75/5
Noisy, raw and intense. No idea who these guys are but I enjoyed this quite a bit. The synth work is pretty crazy. Highlights: Passing Complexion, Kerosene, Stinking Drunk
Big Black fuckin’ rock. Don’t have much else to say. B+
Like a proto nine inch nails mixed with 80s punk sensibilities. So much energy and angst, but still listenable.
Not something I'd seek out but it was fantastic
Awesome abrasive noise
I'd been putting this off as it was unavailable on Spotify, and I couldn't be arsed with YouTube ads. But finally gave it a listen... pretty fecking awesome! (but now all I can think about it investing in stocks with Trading 212, argh YouTube ads!)
You can hear so much of Albini's influence – whether it be the song structure, sound, or production – on grunge/alternative/punk/HC. Collectively, the songs work well together. Definitely will revisit in the future.
Um, yes please. May I have another? I'm really embarrassingly unfamiliar with most of Albini's own music (though I have listened to Shellac some), but I loved this! Absolutely scratches the itch of early Ministry and all that Wax Trax industrial stuff, but still has a quality to it that's entirely separate from that scene. Weirder guitar sounds and noisier perhaps? Whatever you want to call it, I would have loved this in 1993 and kind of can't fathom that it came out in '85. Btw, did you see the news that Steve Albini won like $150k in a poker tournament recently? Can you imagine playing cards with that dude? Ha. Anyway, this one was way up my alley and has given me a sliver of hope in this list yet. Will we see a Ministry record? Skinny Puppy? Nipple rings crossed, dudes.
Pangarrre
Clxssic. The pounding drum machine, Albini’s inelegant delivery, and the sound they produce from their metallic guitars is either stunningly ghastly or like you’re being run over with a bulldozer. That being said, there are better noise-rock albums out there… well deserving of being on this list, nonetheless
very fun noisy stuff. might be my favourite punk album now
That was angry fun. I heard bits of The Pixies as well as some angsty metal. There was a pop sensibility hiding in well constructed, musical songs.
Pretty cool, shame it's not on Spotify though 4
I'm not sure I'll remember much of this tomorrow but it's really good fun while you listen to it. I dare anyone to listen to Strange Things and not nod their head manically along to the beat.
Is it punk, metal, industrial? All of the above.. Great album that help pave the way for industrial metal bands suck as Ministry, NIN, KMFDM. Great album. Kerosene is so damn good.
This is a great album. I was very into hardcore punk when this came out and it was just… different sounding but with all the intensity and emotion.
Had not listened to this one before. But it's very good. Sort of a punk rock/industrial thing. Reznor of NiN was probably a fan of this album. I liked it.
Probably not one I'd listen to again but it really grew on me as I listened. Some great, heavy riffs. Standout track: Bazooka Joe
You have to listen to this loud to match the vocals with the instruments or else you’ll hear more instruments than the vocals. Which is either brilliant for a punk band or just because I listened on YouTube
What a ride
Fun, verryyyyyy similar to Minor Threat. Good, yes.
Did not expect to like this so much, but it fucks pretty hard. 4.25
Rough and gritty. Good.
Abrasive?- yes Music to sleep to? - no Worth a listen? - yes Will I listen again? Probably not
the moaning in the first track really pissed me off so it lowered my opinion of the album as a whole. but a punk rock album is not made to make you feel comfortable, its made to shake things up-- and i believe that this album accomplished that. would i listen again? maybe not. but it was not an unenjoyable listen, just a bit of an abrasive one.
2.5
J'avoue j'ai pas pu vrm me concentrer sur l'album avec la canicule desoleee
Abrasive blend of punk and industrial textures. Enjoyed the music far more than the vocals and lyrics (that I could make out!)
3.5
Well it was as abrasive as I thought it would be but it also intrigued me a little bit I can kind of hear almost a proto-NIN, as well as some other 90s alt ideas that really wouldn't take place for a few years. Been along with most Punk albums of the time I did find it not really a cohesive set of songs but there was some stuff to chew on. Not really my cup of tea, but I do know some people that if they're not familiar with this band, I'd suggest it. (7.15) ★★★½
A few cool songs, but quite abrasive and uneven. 3 stars
I like the first half of this album pretty well -- "Passing Complexion" and "Kerosene" are both pretty great, but it kind of sags after "Kerosene", I like Albini way better as a producer than a songwriter in general. 3 stars.
It's punk and rough, but maybe too rough
Harder and rougher than I would like, but I can hear a few food bands in this album. The Pixies, early Modest Mouse. Just a lot of anger.
Tough listen at times, a little too deconstructionist for my taste. I like the mix of punk and industrial, but the lack of melody and songs keeps me from wanting to listen to it again
I was surprised about how much I enjoyed this.
Solid
Really good production. "Bad Houses" and "Stinking Drunk" were the standouts. I would love these guys live. But this isn't live.
Groupe inconnu. Musique indus / bruitiste plutôt réussie avec un gros son de basse et des sonorités de guitare assez originales. Je l'écouterais probablement de nouveau, mais par contre les morceaux sont un peu trop répétitifs à mon gout, il ne rejoindra pas ma collection. =>3/5 L'album me fait penser au 'Streetcleaner' de Godflesh, ma référence absolue dans le style indus, qui utilise aussi une boite à rythme et propose des sonorités lourdes de basse et originales guitare. Il est sortit 3 ans après 'Atomizer', celui-ci aurait donc bien pu inspirer Godflesh !
I enjoyed it more than Bob Dylan anyway, although there was a lot of heavy noise, there was some catchy beats in there
It’s okay, considering the amount of screaming. Fav track: “Kerosene”
I don’t hate this, but it is a little more screamy than I would prefer. I’ll be somewhat generous and round to 3.
Never really listened to this one - enjoyed what I heard but not sure if I'll listen a lot,
I have an afffinity for Big Black, if I could have I would have given this a 2.5
Better than expected. Pretty in your face
Aggressive, raunchy, and really damn good. Worth hanging in there on this one, there's some good stuff happening in all that buzz and distortion.
Rv
I should like Big Black more than I do.
I enjoyed this
Something I've tended to underrate in the past is that Durango and Albini both seem to have different ways of getting these inhumanely noisy sounds out of their guitars. Durango is as conventional about it as you can get with noise rock, his guitar sounds like he's probably getting real close to the amp so it sounds like his guitar is shooting out sparks of feedback. I have no idea what Albini's doing to get *his* sounds, but it makes it sound like he's throwing knives around or something! Personally, I prefer noise the way Durango (or someone like the Jesus and Mary Chain) does it, with Albini's knife-guitar being something I hear a lot in latter-day noise rock but have never really come to love myself. But in any case, the secret weapons here are Riley's bass and the drum machine, which make this album way more danceable than it has any right to be. Because why am I constantly grooving in my seat every time "Kerosene" comes on? Overall though, Atomizer is an album I respect more than I love; it's influential on all sorts of my favorite bands, and I do think "Kerosene" is an absolute classic of the genre, but aside from that Atomizer fails to consistently capture my attention.
Industrial rock isn’t really my bag. But there were some likable smatterings of punk here and there. That and the Looney Tunes-inspired cover art earns them an extra star.
Couldn't pick it out of a lineup five minutes after listening to it but I was all in on it for 37 some minutes while it was playing.
This was pretty great in the sense of being a real punk rock bullshit mess. Most of this was perfectly listenable despite being the kind of unnecessarily abrasive and fast counter-culture style that can easily fall apart to just noise. The drum machine being so exact and the hard cut outs of the guitar, bass and vocals go together really well. It's not something you put on every day but it's a bedrock for industrial rock afterward and for a sort of evolution of punk. I realize it's not going to be everyone's favorite but I liked it.
Better than I thought. Heavy with notes of Joy Division
I’m a hardcore punk/music fan…I think? Is the line between noise rock and punk/hardcore thinner than I thought?
Ça c'est un album qui s'écoute fort. Autant au début j'ai détesté, mais après mon avis a évolué : je pense que c'est un album qui fait très bien ce qu'il est censé faire. Je pourrais m'y replonger. En plus la pochette est géniale. Playlist pick : Kerosene
Fun electronic punk rock, one song was screamy but the rest were good.
Some of the "singing" didn't do it for me but there's some pretty good grooves on this. It grew on me.
Same as previous. I need to be in the right mood for this. It’s good for what it is, just not something I would choose to listen to unless I was in some very specific circumstances. Still feeling generous.
Good fun, raw punk album
An interesting album, but not one I’d want to listen to very often. It has that abrasive, chaotic energy that probably would’ve really connected with my 14-year-old self, even if it doesn’t do much for me now.
Some Strange Things here
It's punk, so that's good. But nothing stood out for me, so it's average to me.
Not a fan of noise rock. While this isn't inherently bad, it's not really to my taste.
Atomizer is the debut album from Big Black, the punk band from Chicago. The album is regarded as one of the greatest albums in American punk, and the first work in a style that developed into industrial rock. Big Black's songs use distorted, noisy guitars with a drum machine to make a droning sound. The vocals are angry and aggressive, and address disturbing topics like murder, rape, and child abuse. This is challenging, angry, formative, and influential punk.
I've previously tried to listen to Big Black, being a fan of punk rock and an admirer of much of Steve Albini as a music industry figure (but not the edgelord bullshit he later apologized for). I struggled with it in part because of the edgelord-y lyrical content, but also it's dissonance and general fuck-you attitude. This time around, I liked it quite a bit better. The grim grind of it remains off-putting, but the sort of off-putting music I like (early IDLES, Sonic Youth, some NIN). I don't see myself spinning this a lot, but spinning it some.
6.5/10
Kerosene
Passing Complexion is one of the best tracks ever recorded. The rest of the album gave me a headache.
Moody punk that still rages a bit too much for me to really enjoy at this point in my life. I grant that I would have been more tolerant back in the day, but this genre just doesn't resonate as much long term.
I'm not much of a fan of industrial, but this wasn't bad.
Not a fan
This is exactly the kind of album I want to hear. A band I know nothing about, and a style and delivery which sounds completely unique. It doesn't really sound like anything else at the time (that I'm aware of). In fact this sounds really modern, and not like the mid-80's at all. It's got a real murky, unusual sound to it, with lots of distortion. It's very noisy, but not in an aggressive, unpleasant way. I really like the cool driving bass and drum beats. 3.5 rounded down.
i'm not personally much of a fan of this brand of abrasive punk rock but i'm told it was influential, good for them then 3.5/5
Lots of energy but musicality not very interesting.
fav songs: passing complexion aggressive, confrontational, abrasive 60/100
Pretty good. Not really all that crazy or wild. Not sure it’s something I’d want to listen to regularly.
I enjoyed it. My first listen to Industrial Punk.
This was really abrasive and unsettling. In terms of enjoyable listening experienve, I'd have preferred the list to give us Life's Rich Pageant or Candy Apple Grey or some Camper Van Beethoven, but it didn't and sometimes it's good to be challenged. This was clearly an influential record in terms of industrial music, but you'd have to be in the right mood to enjoy this album though given repeated listens I can see it could be a 4. Kerosene was the highlight for me.
Definitely a unique album, not in a bad way. I enjoyed this one, it was definitely new to my ears. Instrumentals are great, wish there were more lyrics. Not really my thing, but if my friend put it on, I’m not gonna beg them to shut it down. Standout tracks for me are Kerosene and Big Money.
I get this, but I struggled to really enjoy it. 3.4/5
Not my vibe at all
I have never heard of this band before, I have no idea what to expect from this listen. • Okay, the first song's started and it feels very punk. The effects on the vocals are pretty intense, and not really to my liking, but the riffs are cool. • Passing Complexion has an awesome riff. The bass tone is really thick and I love how it sounds. The vocals aren't as processed on this song either • Kerosene is another genuinely sick riff, and the drum groove is my favourite so far. Once again, the bass tone also really stands out to me. This is a song I could see myself wanting to cover. • Fists of Love is a really different song to the rest of the album, with a cool vocal chant as its main hook. Like with a lot of the other noise rock albums I've gotten so far, I really struggled to differentiate each song by the end of this album. There are some genuinely great riffs and ideas spread throughout the album, and it's probably the best noise rock I've heard so far, so I'm not going to rank it as low as some of the others, but it did get fatiguing at times. Favourite song: Kerosene
Sincero
Woah.
Kerosene was my favorite song. Don't know it I need to listen to it again, but glad I did. If you're in the mood for abrasive industrial punk, check this out. 2.75/5.
This was fun. A nice slice of industrial punk that is surprisingly accessible. Did mostly sound all the same though.
love a good old punk album
I bet this really stood out in 1986. It was fun, but probably not something I'll come back to.
Reminds me a little of D-squad.
This is a chaotic almost-punk industrial/electronic offering. At times, it's too chaotic but it does a decent job of holding it down and making it a decent listen.
Somehow feels contemporary. Can definitely sense its influence. RYM: (#698) Saved a song: N
Very very dope album. I love the proto-industrial sound and am particularly fond of the electronic motorik feel throughout the whole album. Steve Albini is a genius. Favorite track: Big Money
I didn't listen
There were some interesting bits here. A bit grungy, but not spectacular.
Great production but meh end result
Pre-industrial angry guy rock, for people sitting in cubicles past, present, and future.
Was fine a lil shouty for mw
clangy and abrasive, but i think i appreciate it
Enjoyed musically, but the lyrics in the first few grated a bit for repeat listening. Low 3.
Didn't think I had heard of this band until I saw other albums. Alright punk. Kind of guy me in rebellious spirit. Could've been fun to see live. Nothing makes me think lll remember it in a few days
No denying their ability, independence, and raw edge, but I didn't enjoy listening to this.
Entertaining industrial punk rock.
It was a little bit of fun, but also pretty incoherent. I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it either, and I probably don’t really have a reason to want to listen to it again.
I think this was worth a listen, and I get it, but admittedly I find this type of music hard to listen to unless I'm in a particular mood. It will go on my playlist for when I am in that mood, but I'm rating these on a personal scale of likability. Depending on the day, I'll either love this, or wonder why I ever did. 3/5 - True Neutral Playlist Pick - Bazooka Joe. Weirdly, I've heard this one before.
7.3 nice album, wouldn't listen again in its entirety but some songs are insane bops. interesting to learn that this may have started industrial rock
I see why this album is on this list; it definitely deserves it's place. The issue is that it is objectively bad. The godfather of industrial rock is Trent Reznor, and this album very, very clearly influenced him. The difference is that NIN has diversity in their music, real feeling in their lyrics, and undeniable smash hits.
Oh interesting this is steve albinis band, notoriously difficult person from what I’ve heard but produced some great stuff, I remember when he passed actually because I was mates with someone with very similar tastes to me at the time. You can tell it’s from The guy that’d go to produce in utero but there’s also drum machines that remind me a tad of carter usm.
Raw, unpolished punk rock. Unfortunately I am not angry enough.
Enjoyable but nothing by special.
Mi primera impresión del álbum no entendí nada de lo que estaba escuchando JAJAJAJ. Kerosene es la canción mas escuchada del disco y realmente se me hizo pegadiza, ademas la cancion que le sigue Bad houses tambien se me hizo buena, las podria agregar a mis playlists.
Interesting
Atomizer is a very rhythmic album, and not the clusterfuck of noise that I was expecting. It even sounds a little like Nu Rave, some twenty years too early. I swear I heard some bagpipes. Big Black had some soul. They just didn't want you to know it.
Like the energy, just my interest is not there
A challenging listen for me. Chaotic is my lasting impression. Kerosene was the highlight track. Bonus point for the artwork.
I'm a bit torn on this album. On the one hand the lyrics seem like they were written by a middle school boy who is just trying to get attention by saying shocking or obscene things. On the other hand, I like the punk / early industrial sound a fair bit. Just based on the sound of the album I would give it a 4, but I have to lower it at least a little bit for the immature lyrics so it is a 3 for me.
2/8 Chaotic, loud, and messy. Punk and the beginnings of industrial rock with this album. Reminds me of Tetsuo the Iron Man soundtrack. good one to listen to while playing an FPS game
It's 3.5
There were elements of this that clearly influenced a lot of the post-hardcore bands I love so I’m glad I listened. The lack of continuity and melodies didn’t really do it for me with this one!
An Albini project is always interesting
What’s the difference between punk and hard rock? Shit singers and no guitar solos I guess! This wasn’t bad to be fair.
I didn't really get the point of this album. It's fine, but nothing more.
Noisy, driving punk rock. Not bad, just gotta be in the mood for it. Had my HR jumping
Never heard of these guys and dilikednit at first but then I hit into it. Kerosine was pretty awesome. Weird punk/hardcore/alternative industrial mix. Can’t think of anything else like them.
I'd read about Big Black for years, mostly from "Our Band Could Be Your Life", but had never sat down and listened to a full album of theirs before. It's muddy and harsh. It gives a message, but it makes you work for it. Favorite Track: Passing Complexion
Big Black definitely a big influence on Trent Reznor on the Downward Spiral album
alright
Big fan of Steve Albini, but his vocals are not for me.
Uh fine I guess? High 2/low 3? Nothing really hits me
Actually sorta dug this album, and the industrial sound certainly was pretty innovative at the time.
Partial review as I’m on a family vacation and this isn’t an album conducive to that situation. I think I’d really like this if I was listening alone and able to read the lyrics. I’m intrigued and will try and listen more if possible. If not, I’m feeling favorable with what I did hear. Kerosene was the song I liked the most so far.
Punk wiecznie żywy, szczególnie na tej liście. A szkoda. Męcząca, nudna, taka sama jak wszystkie. 5/10.
Hmm, egentlig ganske nice
Came in expecting the worst and was positively surprised. It is - to me - nothing too special, just a slightly more abrasive, but overall relatively normal punk record.
Some of the songs were cool. Don’t know that I’ll be listening to the album again.
Geht so
I've heard of the band before but never listened to them, so streaming today via YouTube. Seems like fairly typical late American punk, attacking the evils of society with angst-packed fervour. I've taken an immediate dislike to the drum machine, but aside from that it's OK. Reading the reviews on here it seems very much a Marmite album, scoring either 1 or 5. I've given it a 3
Favorite: kerosene
Soooo I did some digging cuz I loved how violent and in your face this music was. So awesomely punk. But it was so drone-y and too much grr not enough lalala, compared to Songs About Fucking which I think is a better album than Atomizer. Perhaps the two albums are like yin and yang and I just happen to like yang more than yin. Just go listen to that instead. All that said, punk is not my fav genre so 2.9 stars which is like a 4 adjusted to my overall music taste.