Old Time Relijun - Catharsis In Crisis (Album Review)

 

Old Time Relijun - Catharsis In Crisis 

(2007)


My copy: 2007 press by K Records. 


The third and final record in the “Lost Light Trilogy” from Washington’s Old Time Relijun, Catharsis In Crisis truly proves that bandleader Arrington De Dionyso is capable of creating music that perfectly matches his distinctly rabid vocals. 

Beginning slow in a lo-fi mush, “Indestructible Life !” quickly picks up with honking saxophone and pulsing bass. De Dionyso raves as if he were a cornered animal, barking confidently and wavering in fear simultaneously. “Tightest Cage” shows their ability to craft a catchy hook, though the muddy production hurts what could be some truly heavy moments. Still, the guitars are rife with experimental shrieking that give the music a sharper edge. “Daemon Meeting” borders on overly comedic, but gets its bearing in the second half as the vocals become more panicked over the borderline surf-rock riffs. The production is especially queasy, in a pleasing way, on “Liberation” where the layered guitar melodies have an almost industrial grit to them. 

Genre blurring “Garden Of Pomegranates” is reflective in its airy saxophone in spite of the nervous, post-punk rooted bassline. De Dionyso shows appreciation for goth, or more specifically the Cramps with his campy grunting on “Akavishim.” “Dark Matter” toys with repetition and expectation as a distorted riff is overwhelmed by thunder, being replaced by an improv guitar atmosphere. The lyrics mostly touch on supernatural themes or tribal elements, with “The Circular Ruins” focusing on a meta Borges poem about a wizard. A true stunner is the fiery, jazz infused “Veleno Mortale,” which is made more interesting by De Dionyso’s manic performance. A delicate balance has been forged between the light-hearted triflings of Sun City Girls and the low, guttural moods of Tom waits. “Dig Down Deeper” is like a witch’s theme with sinister, now monotone vocals over daunting saxophone and piano. 

Instrumental track “A Wild Harvest” precedes “The Second Day Of Creation”: the album’s most ritualistic song yet for its quiet, rhythmic chanting. The second to last track is a slower meditation into drone before “The Invisible New” blares into one final raving passage. 

Old Time Relijun have forged their own spiritual connection through these primal yet oddly melodic tracks. De Dionyso spouts incantations with the charisma of a cult leader and the enthusiasm of a genuine preacher. There are missteps in regards to some of the heavier moments, but their reverence for the early post-punk bands shines true.


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