Album Review

Illness – For All You Abc 1’s Out There

• 26th Oct 2010

November 1st sees the release of the second EP from Brighton’s math rock duo Illness. ‘For All You ABC 1’s Out There’ is six songs of apocalyptic fury that makes Foals sound like The Wanted (well nearly).
Ok so if you’ve pre ordered Mcfly’s new record you’re not going to like this. Illness are the antithesis of all that is polished in music today. Most of this EP doesn’t even sound like its been through the traditional creative process – tracks like River Cottage Industrial Complex and Three Bridges sound as if they were just born – fully formed rock beasts, three minutes of a destructive life force captured on tape. The highlight here is the closer Early and Rude, the track that nicely rounds of this sonic assault of an EP. It contains only the bare essentials – melody, rhythm and power. This won’t be to everyone’s taste, but that’s sort of the point. For All You Abc 1’s Out There is a statement, an exercise in exploring the grittier side of life. If you’re sick of wading through the indie-by-numbers guff that mainstream radio throws at us, put this on. Preferably in a smoky bedroom at full volume.
Illness are currently touring the UK with labelmates Crooked Mountain, Crooked Sea. They’re off to Europe from 10th November and their full length album is being mixed and set for release in spring 2011.