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Hella

Acoustics (2006)
5 Rue Christine

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: Anchors
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on February 2nd 2007

Out of all the bands I thought would release acoustic albums, I can’t say with any sort of truth that I thought Hella would be among them. Their fervent, and frankly weird niche in music isn’t one that I’d peg for ideal representation in the acoustic medium. Regardless, that’s just what they’ve done, or at very least, tried to do.

Acoustics is a re-recorded compilation of sorts, one that brings together six tracks that appeared on previous Hella full-lengths and strips them down to the bare bones of structure. Guitarist Spencer Seim wields his new-found acoustic expressions just as he would in anything that uses electricity -- with reckless abandon. Things don’t change much for drummer Zach Hill, as his primary objective is now to coalesce with a type of music that he rarely has anything to do with.

Hella is already one of the most polarizing bands in existence. The true epitome of a ‘love ‘em or hate ‘em’ band, the Sacramento duo do their best to compel over the course of the 23-minute duration, but the unfortunate truth of it is that they’re stylistically spent within the first five minutes or so. They rage and cascade over a multitude of rhythms and direction changes on “Biblical Violence” and “Cafeteria Bananas,” but it becomes increasingly hard to discern one minute from the next as this EP progresses. The finger picking in the latter of those tracks is extremely impressive, but it’s really only the one standout from all six tracks. They play with the speed and intensity of absolute madmen, but it’s really not enough. With electric guitar Seim has the benefit of effects pedals and a plethora of tunings at his disposal, but that can’t be used or conveyed acoustically. With lack of vocals and such a stripped down sound, the limits of what can truly be done really bare down on the duo.

That’s not to say they don’t try, because like hell they do, but it just doesn’t meet with the success I’m sure they’re looking for. The cacophony is un-ending, but the interest is.

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meth-leper (February 5, 2007)

ya, spencer doesn't use any effects pedals except for the distortion in a couple of songs.

Anonymous (February 5, 2007)

How about a review on the new album!

Anonymous (February 5, 2007)

Fucking awesome album, and the cover and booklet is the fucking awesome as well. Fuck those of you who listen to shitty punk bands and think you are listening to the real deal.

benz (February 3, 2007)

Dude below, "Hold Your Horse Is" has some of my favorite Hella songs on it. It also starts out with a nintendo thing like the Advantage.

One of the discs on their double album is very nintendo-y.

-benz

SilentStorms (February 3, 2007)

I bought that cd/dvd Homeboy release because I heard The Ungrateful Dead from the new 666 album (which hadn't been released). Oops, that cd was absolutely horrid. 2 tracks totalling 23 minutes of pure noise. And believe me I can take noise if there's some structure, but this was a piece of garbage. The live shows on the dvd were pretty decent though.

I'm definately still going to pick up 666 but can anyone reccommend any of their earlier releases which bare any resemblance to The Advantage? Stanks!!!

Anonymous (February 3, 2007)

It should also be noted that this release was recorded live. I think at Woodstock or some shit like that. Either way, I can't really get into it. But the two cds that these original tracks came from are amazing. Check them out.

benz (February 2, 2007)

Hella rules, man. Although I haven't heard this album. I kinda wish they hand't added a vocalist for their new one.

They're much better as instrumental only.

-benz

dakotacore (February 2, 2007)

Thanks badmouth. I thought it was butt release or a bad representation of Meatwad from ATHF...

Anonymous (February 2, 2007)

Spencer didn't use effect pedals on any of the original versions

badmouth (February 2, 2007)

the artwork is actually a melted chocolate easter bunny, but this is a good cd, it kinda blends together at one point but regardless it's better than 2 stars

Anonymous (February 2, 2007)

I love the album art. The album's boring and a cop-out though

istapledmyfoot (February 2, 2007)

anchors just doesn't know, this is the best band on the planet.

Dakotacore (February 2, 2007)

Worst album art ever....