Review: Dead Cross “Dead Cross”

Dead Cross Dead Cross

Dead Cross dropped their first album last year, and followed up with an EP this year with the same title, Dead Cross. They take the words “extended play” quite literally here, as it almost would have fit perfectly with the tracks on the first full length, or at least the first two tracks (the “side A” if you will). Hell, even the album cover is similar, except it just shows a skeletal hand rather the entire skeleton. Either way, this is nothing short of Patton and Lombardo’s continuation of the work that their supergroup had already released.

Essentially the first two songs “Skin Of A Redneck” and “My Perfect Prisoner” take on the crossover/thrash style with the same weird and experimental vibes previously set. What’s also funny is that each track shows the influence from the individuals themselves. The former has a Faith No More like flow to it, with a little more melody, and focusing on a bouncier rhythm section. The latter shows more of Lombardo’s history with a lot more speed and punch to it, also containing some harsher outbursts. None of this is atypical for Dead Cross, and makes for a fun albeit chaotic six or so minutes.

On the other hand, the last two songs, “Shillelagh” and “Church Of The Motherfuckers” are completely different. Both are songs with tampering done to the mix, and rather being based on guitar riffs, it’s foundation is electronic keys, beats, and borderline techno tactics. This is done to all of the layers; the vocals have a robotic feel to them as well as the music itself. Calling it industrial would probably be a pretty fair assessment as well, and it doesn’t lose its heaviness. The drum kicks are still super hard, and the delivery is harsh, with a heavy boost on every note.

Really, the first two songs could have probably been added to the previous full length, and the last two included as bonus tracks, since they don’t fit. Either way, it’s a decent way to spend twelve minutes, and all of it has a cold, horror like atmosphere surrounding it. Anyone looking for something experimental, and just all over the place with thrashy riffs, techno inspired beats, and Mike Patton’s never ending weirdness in the same place, treat your ears to this EP.