Phylum - "Divisions" Review

Guys, it's a new year, and that means I have 365 days to absorb as much mew music as I possibly can without going hair-tearingly insane (not easy). I'm already up to my neck in things I want to review, and submissions from bands. One of the best bands I've heard already is a young up and coming, bone crushing grind trio from Alabama known only as Phylum. Interesting name, and some pretty interesting music to boot. While this is only their 2nd release, Phylum really seem to have all the pegs in the right holes. For one, "Divisions" is an entirely DIY recorded, mixed and mastered creation, and it sounds fantastic. The mix is full, punchy, and has just the right amount of chaotic rawness to make these songs sound exciting and full of adrenaline. In addition to the fact that all 5 of the songs on here are rippers. Total modern grind with a ton of metal/death grind influence, and some flourishes of Discordance Axis-y chords. You could easily call this tech-grind, but Phylum really don't come off as complete musical wankery, it all just sounds natural. Even usual flashy quirks like gravity blasts, which do pop up a few times, sound excellent. It's a very controlled performance, that remains absolutely insane. This killer EP will be getting the vinyl and cassette treatment very shortly, and I highly suggest you pick it up. Definitely look out for this band.



Rating: 8.5/10

~VII