The After Birth
(Alias)
Often mentioned in the same breath with their Idaho neighbors Built To Spill (with whom they released a split EP), Caustic Resin does indeed venture into some of the same territory. On this LP, their third for the Alias’ label, they continue breaking away from the Built To Spill tag and wander out in wide mountain and valley vistas that are increasingly becoming their own.
Resin have been at it for nearly a decade in and around the Idaho scene (think bands like Treepeople) and when they call a song “Longdrive Jam” they know what they’re talking about. The After Birth has a drawn out, hazy feel, at times, like the slowly oscillating “Creedence Jam” and “Twilight In Toronto”, they veer into stuff that might be easily called ‘stoner rock’. Burning the candle at both ends is what Caustic Resin feels like this time around, but burning the candle at both ends very slowly.
This is an encouraging recording on several levels. First it establishes a more original niche than the sub-Built To Spill label they don’t really deserve. Second, it still retains the areas in which Built to Spill excel: long circular riffs and pinched, curiously grabbing singing. Lastly, it feels good. The whole disc has a relaxed tension that immediately lets you know that these boys have things under control. Heck, “Rotten Man” even lurches through a couple of tempos a la Trumans Water.
Despite a rather off-putting title, this disc is a sleeper that grows with each play. Don’t be surprised to see it sneak into a few Top Ten lists as 2000 comes to a close.
Stinkweeds, 2000
