Album Review: Escuela Grind - Dreams on Algorithms
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
For someone like me who has been a massive fan of grindcore over the years, there are several artists who are currently blowing up the scene, with Singapore’s Wormrot being on top of the pile at present. However, with the release of their eagerly anticipated second album “Dreams on Algorithms”, Massachusetts based Escuela Grind, could be contenders to the throne.
With ten new ear-splitting songs to shove down your throats, the quartet are trying to push grindcore into some new territories, break boundaries and “encourage greater societal acceptance of the under-represented”. It all begins with opener “DOA” which is a bruiser of a track, full of intent and anger from the outset, and the riff from Kris Morash is relentless.
The songs are predominantly short, punchy pockets of extreme noise, which is one thing I love most about grindcore, and “Always Watching You” is one of those songs that will encourage anybody to get off their feet, including this old man, as the drumming from Jesse Fuentes, is on point from the word go.
And the barrage continues from there on in, with “Constant Passenger” and “Moral Injury” continuing to showcase why the band have toured with the likes of Baroness and the undisputed kings of the scene, Napalm Death. “Concept of God” is the first song to go slightly over yjree minutes, but that doesn’t diminish from the quality on offer.
One of the most notable aspects of the band, is how they promote “inclusivity and acceptance within the extreme metal community” and although I’ve always found the scene open minded, it’s great to see bands tackle issues head on, and speak up for the minority. They up their riffage quality even more on “Animus Multiform” and it’s easily my favourite track on the record, and “Scorpion” is heralded with a trademark growl from Katerina Economou before battle commences.
The bass work on grindcore records often tends to be overlooked, as it can get lost in the mix, but it’s impressive work from Justn Altamirano across the entire album, with “Planned Obsolescence” and “Toothless” getting the full treatment. It all ends with their lead single “Turbulence” which sees the group do clean vocals for the first time across the song, showing some diversity right here, but they still push forward with their unhinged brutality to finish you off once and for all.
