The Locust has long been on the crest of the underground hardcore scene, gradually mutating from a Californian Knights of Columbus wrecking ball, to a national touring machine, and having their latest Epitaph-released video running on MTV2. The band's rise to popularity was entirely predictable. Not only have members of the Locust paid their dues in innumerable other influential Southern California outfits (check out the Locust's family tree on the 31G website sometime), but even this, their original 1996 EP, initially available as a 7", made it apparent their unique sound was going to put them on the trajectory to underground notoriety.
Though the eleven tracks on this 3" CD clock in at well under ten minutes, the recording still packs a punch. Aficionados may no longer be able hear the CD with ears untainted by the Locust's greatly improved contemporary recordings, as well as those of their modern imitators, but it is impossible to deny The Locust's shabby-chic charms. Even after GSL's recent re-mastering, the bass sounds distorted beyond tab-coping comprehension, the keyboards shamble along like a drunken zombie, and the rolling tidal waves of blast beats are basement studio quality. That, however, is exactly how the recording should remain: disheveled and greasy, much like the hair atop the heads of many Locust fans.
Not unlike the grainy home video of a new mother's sweaty ordeal in the delivery room, this CD serves as an interesting historical documentation of the start of the sound the Locust helped spawn. However, much like that same video, it is uncomfortable to take in. You have to give the Locust credit where credit is due, but modern mutations of the genre proffered by bands like An Albatross cast a tall shadow upon this release. The bar has significantly risen since 1996, and The Locust's sassy song titles and cacophonous clamor are no longer enough to fully satisfy.
1. Halfway to a Worthless Ideal Arrangement (An Interlude to a Discontent Sarcastic Harmony...Yea Whatever)
2. Prepare to Qualify
3. Kill Roger Hedgecock
4. Pain Reliever
5. Off by a Long Shot
6. Cattle Mutilation
7. #99
8. Head Hits Concrete
9. Hairspray Suppository
10. Ass Gravity
11. Keep Off the Tracks
More about: The Locust
