Unwound - No Energy (Album Review)

 

Unwound - No Energy

(2014)


My copy: 2014 box set by Numero Group.


Prior to Unwound’s resurgence and subsequent round of reissues via Numero around ‘21 ~ ‘22, box sets like No Energy were often the best deal for quickly acquiring multiple selections from the band’s catalog. Each box set includes three records, with No Energy focusing on the mid section of the band’s career (The Future Of What, Repetition, and No Energy itself, which is a collection of b-sides and live versions). Seeing as I have reviews for the full length albums done or on the way, this review will focus on the bonus material that is included in this box set. 

The first two tracks on No Energy come directly from the single version of “Corpse Pose” with the most notable inclusion being b-side “Everything Is Weird” which more seamlessly combines elements of both The Future Of What (fast paced, post-hardcore snappiness) and Repetition (eclectic guitar accompaniments and further refinement of writing abilities). “Seen Not Heard” is taken from a ‘96 split with Steel Pole Bath Tub and is closer compositionally to slower tracks on Repetition with somewhat patient bass riffing under rattling instrumentation until the guitar ignites into powerful distortion with a faster pace. 

This record also includes live and practice space recordings of a few fan favorites (“Next Exit,” “Usual Dosage,” “Swan”) but is mostly interesting for including a live rendition of “MKULTRA” which came as a single in ‘94. 

Now that Numero has up and reissued just about every major Unwound release, these box sets in turn have become slightly rare. There isn’t much setting No Energy apart from its individual albums, but for super fans, the bonus material may be worth consideration.

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