Rotation 11
Nov 2015
www.rotation11.com/albums/The-Shoguns-Decapitator/Head-Hunting/

Staff Rating: Crank this to 8.6 of 11
Genre: Math Rock, Progressive
Sounds Like: Masarati, Brontide, Giraffes? Giraffes!

Math rock, Post-progressive rock or whatever you want to call it has hit its stride with The Shoguns Decapitator’s debut release Head Hunting. The UK based outfit has hit us with an all-out infectious style of instrumental Post-progressive rock through the up and coming label Ingue Records. What makes this album so inviting is the crisp production along with very likeable tight rhythms and melodies that change on a dime. It’s mostly upbeat and energetic without becoming too erratic like Math rock can be, also they never delve into long, spacious moments of filler crap. At times they even throw some well-timed electronics into the mix, giving the album some unique diversity. At the end of the day, it’s a great sounding album that is impressive when cranked up quite a few notches.

You’ll know what you’re in for right way with “Foley Arms Foley Arms.” This track is fluent, yet changes direction quite a few times, making for an entertaining opening song that will have you hooked and ready to hear what lies ahead. The album continues to roll with “Crown,” “Crabmill” and “Retreat,” these songs steadily travel in and out between Math and Post rock avenues. Track four and five, “Bird in Hand” and “Cross” are some of our favorite cuts off the album. They both have a fluent and somewhat spacey vibe. The guitar plucking at the end of “Bird in Hand” creates an infectious sound while “Cross” sets the bar high for the entire album.

As we head towards the end of the album, we come across the energetic short ditty “Exclusives” which has an extremely catchy rhythm at the end. “Picturehouse,” the second to last song shows the band getting into some great technical guitar work and all-out feedback. The final song, aptly named “Swan” has a triumphant, feel good melody. This one actually crosses into a shoegaze style for a moment or two, it’s just glorious Post-rock being played here, a great ending.

The Shoguns Decapitator brings a fresh and vibrant sound to the Math and Post rock genres. We find the way they fuse together each individuals strengths and their chemistry as a band to be refreshing.

Track Listing:
1. Foley Arms Foley Arms 04:37
2. Crown 04:59
3. Crabmill 04:16
4. Retreat 04:42
5. Bird in Hand 05:25
6. Cross 04:26
7. Exclusives 02:50
8. Picturehouse 05:07
9. Swan 06:09

Band Members:
Bruce Goodenough: Drums, Guitar, Field Recordings
Peter Rowland: Bass
Joseph McCabe: Guitar
Adam Hart: Guitar, Electronics
Thomas Leivers: Guitar
Jack Willetts: Field Recordings, Electronics

Standout Tracks: Foley Arms Foley Arms, Swan, Picturehouse