Combat Wounded Veteran
This Is Not An Erect, All-Red Neon Body (2005)
Meg Reinecker
Combat Wounded Veteran's This Is Not An Erect, All-Red Neon Body is simply a testament to the band's amazing ability to create intricate and amazing grind releases. Featuring 42 songs, comprised from out-of-print 7" records, compilations, splits, and even some "never-before-released" tracks, this album will hit you hard. But with its length only lasting 26 minutes, don't blink or you'll miss it.
Alright, let's be serious. Combat Wounded Veteran has a lot of credibility. They've released a split with Orchid, they've toured with both the Locust and Melt Banana, and their Steak Mtn. artwork is consistently amazing.
Riddled with fast tempos, sound clips, and undistinguishable lyrics (which is to be expected with grind, I suppose), This Is Not An Erect, All-Red Neon Body is sure to be a necessary addition to any grind lover's collection. The album's first track, "Eat More Blood Money" is a stand-out track with lyrics like "Could be a motto for our TV conversations. Playing a guest star opposite a billboard that has more social standards than you." When you have an album comprised of pretty much every song a band's recorded, it's hard to distinguish between favourites, although the both melodic and chaotic "Put Your Weight On It" does present itself as somewhat of a unique track. Or perhaps it's just a novelty since it doesn't begin with the sounds of amp feedback. This Is Not An Erect, All-Red Neon Body fully represents the band's six-year span of intense, powerful music.
As for Combat Wounded Veteran now, after disbanning, Chris (vocals, guitar) pursued his amazing talents in artwork, including album covers for Atom & His Package, Against Me!, and Orchid, while Dan (bass, vocals) fronts the Holy Mountain. Combat Wounded Veteran are slated to reunite for this coming October's "The Fest 4," and from there, it's a mystery as to where they're going. But you can bet wherever they're headed, they'll have a legion of fans behind them.