ACID BATH


"When the Kite String Pops" (Rotten Records; 1994)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

Acid Bath's debut, "When The Kite String Pops," is more under-appreciated sludge from Louisiana. However, this may be considered a classic for it crosses the sheer power of Black Sabbath-like doom laced with the downside-haze of an amphetamine rush.

The fourteen tracks of aural brawn are deftly crafted for maximum impact. "Cassie Eats Cockroaches" is like a horror rendition of "The Vagina Monologues" gone very, very awry. Even the peaceful sounding "Screams Of The Butterfly" has fear cowering in a dark corner somewhere in the twisted psyche of the protagonist. "The Mortician's Flame" manages to rock as hard as any song I've heard. The song's titles give you a window of the band's brand of cutting humor; take for instance, "Dr. Seuss Is Dead" and "The Bones Of Baby Dolls" as just a couple of the cases of the band's twisted mindset.

In all cases, Dax Riggs does a masterful job vocally with everything ranging from deep crooning to sped-up raging and often uses effects to morph his lung-bashing into new psychedelic shapes.

If you like Eyehategod or Down you'll love Acid Bath.

"When The Kite String Pops" was produced by Spike Cassidy. Music this thick deserves high production values and nothing is skimped over in the control room. Also worthy is the cover artwork by noted artist/serial killer John Wayne Gacy.

Acid Bath is Dax Riggs on vocals, Sammy Duet on guitar and backing vocals, Mike Sanchez on guitar and backing vocals, Audie Pitre on bass, and Jimmy Kyle on drums. 

For more information visit http://www.rottenrecords.com/artists.php?artist=acid_bath


Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.


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