ninehertz

It’s been an age since we heard from 72% – five years have passed from a solitary song on a split 7” with Modern Technology on Human Worth, which we played on our podcast in mid-Covid times. They return with a bang, a full album and plenty of noise.

This is ostensibly noise rock and math rock, but with a permanently unhinged profile that provides a tension and electricity at all times. That it is also frequently heavy with its demented approach only adds to the unpredictability and excitement. You hear it immediately on the opening title track, satisfyingly loud and thick, guitars that squawk, vocals that cry, instruments a repeating hammer blow, an atmosphere on edge.

It never loosens that restlessness, bringing with it a state of suspense. Instruments and synths combine to sound like a fire alarm in a UFO; aggressive, mad noises lurch out from the dark; a saxophone brings an ominous mood and a madness somewhere between Imperial Triumphant and Machiavellian Art, particularly on the super impressive Killing is Bad Maybe?, with its brooding, febrile aura.

This is a head-warping trip, jittery and strange, but always with a thrill around what you’re experiencing and what’s coming next. It’s great to have 72% back.