Curl Up And Die

But The Past Ain't Through With Us (2003)

Jim

If there's an award for the band with the best song titles, it should definitely go to Curl Up And Die. These guys from Las Vegas have given us so many gems, it's hard to pick, but here are my personal favorites: "Doctor Doom, A Man of Science, Doesn't Believe In Jesus, Why The Fuck DoYou", "Ted Nugent Goes AOL", and "On The Run From Johnny Law Ain't No Trip To Cleveland". But beneath all of their humor, the band has made a name for themselves by crafting intense, technical, almost grind influenced music.

Their latest, "But The Past Ain't Through With Us" shows that this band is constantly evolving. The EP kicks off with "Nuclear Waste? Bring That Shit (We Want A State Of Radiated Superheroes)" and the first thing I noticed were Mike Minnick's vocals. They're a bit less abrasive than before, but don't worry, there's no wimpy singing. This song is a bit slower more driving than some of the band's other work, and it relies more on churning riffs than sheer speed. But by the second track, the band is back to its speedy assault. But to me, the track that really defines this EP is the final one "God Is In His Heaven, All Is Right With The World", this is also the slowest track. This might be the best song this band has ever written, all 14 minutes of it. This song is incredible, slowly building, entrancing the listener. It's a far cry from everything else on this EP, but it's a welcome change and proof that this band can do multiple things with their ability. The vocals are generally hidden below the music; however, around the 7:30 mark they burst through, creating the explosion that the song had been building up to. After this, the song drifts away, with some soft spoken words, and it only when the song ends that you realize you've been listening to it for so long.

Curl Up And Die have been around for a while now, and they've garnered lots of positive press in the underground hardcore/metal community, this EP along with its sister release "We May Be Through With The Past…" will only expand their fanbase. This is release is worth having for the last song along, but none of the others disappoint. Fans of the band have probably already picked this one up, but if you've been waiting to check these guys out, wait no longer.