Feed the Rats is the absolutely devastating LP from Newcastle five-piece Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs (or Pigs X 7 as they are affectionately known). Borne out of the bands Ommadon, Blown Out, Khunnt, Pigs X 7’s Feed the Rats is the coming together of like minds to produce an album that is 36.45 minutes long and has three tracks on it. Already you know this isn’t going to be easy listening. But downloading or buying an LP by a band called Pigs X 7 never would be, would it? And all the better for it, I say.
Opener ‘Psychopomp’ starts with pounding drums (high in the mix, nice) and has a heavy as shit slow bass riff. Corrosive guitar comes in and the mad banshee wailing of the lead singer. The simplistic bass riff is so bloody effective and drives this throbbing, unrelenting track on its brutal attack on all senses. Half way through, it slows down to a halt that allows everyone to catch their breath. But the respite is short. The bass and noise kicks back in and the vocals summon up all kinds of demons and wickedness at this distortion pedal and gain driven, amplified dirge alter. Absolutely punishing stuff.
‘Sweet Relief’ is the complete antithesis of what the name suggests. It’s not as harsh or noisy a tune as ‘Psychopomp’, but hell does it start with an almighty crashing start that leads into a driving throbbing riff that ‘Lemmy-era’ Hawkwind would be proud of. The vocals are harsh but are not getting in the way of this great tune. Half way through the song, it degenerates into noise, mixed up overdubbed vocals and a cacophony of screaming lyrics. This segue doesn’t last long until you are suddenly thrown back into this massive chugging truck of a riff.
Third and final track ‘Icon’ is another intense ride that lasts 17 minutes. It starts off slow with gentle bass runs that suddenly ignite into THE most God almighty heavy riffage I have heard for a while. The overriding effect of this track is its willingness to make the most unpleasant, yet strangely tuneful racket that would make Black Sabbath sit back and grin with pride. Over the top of the bass, you get some prog inspired guitar noodling and heavy as fuck riffage. Again the vocals are high in the mix and the strained vocals bring the track to a painful conclusion. It’s a devastating and awfully pounding finale that sums up just how great this band are.
The whole album is relentless in its aim to make the most unpleasant, yet accessible noise. Very much like the almighty Part Chimp are/were able to do, Pigs X 7 have taken on the mantle and aren’t afraid to pummel the listener into submission.
Feed The Rats is released on 20th January 2017 through Rocket Recordings.
