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Black Widows
Stops a Beating Heart
Initial CD EP
Awesome name, but unfortunately the music doesn't complement the intimidating moniker.
The Louisville members that form the coarse webs of the Black Widows' sound are vocalist Rob Pennington (By the Grace of God, Endpoint), guitarist Ryan Patterson (The National Acrobat, Automatic), bassist Evan Patterson (The National Acrobat, Automatic), and drummer Thommy Browne (By the Grace of God, Automatic). An impressive and experienced lineup indeed, but the group members' individual talents aren't enough to keep the Black Widows from spinning punk rock networks of mediocrity.
The Black Widows feed upon the succulent, explosive guitar influences of such victims as The National Acrobat, Swiz, and Drive Like Jehu. The music is dynamic and abrasive, with Pennington's easily noticeable vocals at the forefront, and the sheer aggressiveness is there, but the inventiveness is not.
Real black widow spider bites are rare. The number of stings generated by Initial's Black Widows' Stops a Beating Heart is equally infrequent. The Black Widows ineffectual venom will, as the title suggests, stop a beating heart, rather than enliven and stimulate the soul. Their music isn't unpleasant, just nothing overtly captivating or innovative. Loyal fans of The National Acrobat and Pennington's previous two bands might be interested in checking out the direction of his new venture. For everyone else, I suggest indulging yourself in Drive Like Jehu's two terrific releases (Self-titled and Yank Crime) instead.
by Fake Train
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