All That You Love Will Be Eviscerated

Album review

All That You Love Will Be Eviscerated is the second EP to be released in conjunction with Ben Frost's incredible 2017 full-length The Centre Cannot Hold. As with much of Frost's work, the release is a tense, unnerving set of visceral sound constructions utilizing acoustic instrumentation as well as intense sound design and audio processing. Overall, though, the EP isn't quite as noisy or punishing as the album, but it's not quite calming, either; it's somewhat like the dust settling after a massive explosion. The EP's title track appears unaltered from its album version, but "Meg Ryan Eyez" is reduced to a soft twinkle by Steve Albini (who engineered the album) and Alva Noto strips the fizzing strings of "Ionia" down to an icy pulse. The track was also reworked by Jlin, who frames its cinematic suspense in lush, organic drum patterns, but her mix doesn't appear on the EP, and it might've been somewhat out of place anyway. The EP's final two tracks are easily its most abrasive, with grinding noise and distorted strings juxtaposed with soft, gorgeously broken melodies. Overall, a fitting aftermath to a remarkable, dread-filled onslaught.
© Paul Simpson /TiVo