Sprain - The Lamb as Effigy ALBUM REVIEW

[@malayman3023]

>Releases a banger album >Band disbands a month after >Does not further elaborate Godspeed Sprain.

[@alexkoch1369]

I was so sad when I saw that on Instagram dude ☹

[@mimi5769]

Noooo

[@Calasmeeer]

they are back, alex and sylvie have formed a new band called shearling and played a gig at coaxial la recently, they played the song 'new song" which there is a video of sprain playing as well as a new new song that they've only performed under shearling as far as I know

[@kingtownley1226]

This album is what happens when you put a group of people in a basement with no food or water for a few days and then telling them to make music based on how they feel.

[@joshbrown4441]

You know you could just hire some songwriters right..?

[@peterstanchev3156]

I think the album cover is also displaying that very accurately lol

[@mercster]

I prefer Captain Beefheart for music made under threat and in desperation.

[@t.c.bramblett617]

@@mercster or James Brown's band!

[@anaccount4354]

what happens to people in mrbeast challenges

[@maxmiller1950]

Alex Kent said in a Reddit AMA that one of the big inspirations for the sound and lyrical content of the album was the experience of watching End of Evangelion for the first time, which actually makes sense

[@MaxMax-zo9vq]

Yeah that checks out, sounded like the movie Come and See to me

[@karstenkroening]

that’s fucking dope. I remember my friend talked to them after a show and they said that they love goodnight pun pun a lot too

[@keelyparker8466]

wow ok i'm convinced to listen now

[@Devananta-Rafiq]

​@@karstenkroeninglove your style Karsten👏👏

[@alphalax7747]

Weeb

[@frankshavers7840]

For me, a 10/10 without question. Not only album of the year, but one of the most crushing and monumental pieces of music I’ve ever heard in my lifetime. Genuinely in awe of every moment.

[@surajpatra1916]

there’s a great video of the full album live on here the channel is @tinnituspaparazzi

[@Dana__black]

Daddy chill

[@oskarlindholm9509]

It’s ass tho

[@alphalax7747]

Would reccomend bisch bosch for you its like this times ten

[@tape991]

@@alphalax7747 The farts make it unlistenable

[@ThomasPoulin]

Extremely fantano-core album, will definitely be a lot of your fans favorite record this year. First song absolutely kills tho

[@derfgerps4016]

Fantano core is not real. Learn to just enjoy something if it’s good

[@ThomasPoulin]

@@derfgerps4016 I think by fanfano core I mean it makes sense why he likes it, it's not surprising that he liked it and once he says something is good, a lot of people base their opinions on it

[@inksoldier5544]

​@ThomasPoulin happened in reverse to me here, heard this album and was in awe before I knew fantano reviewed it. He knows his shit, doing daily reviews for like a decade or so

[@manynukes11]

I'm friends with Alex and it's crazy how far they've come in a short time. Both albums have been my favourites of those years.

[@anonymous01201]

W pfp

[@qb4781]

WHAT HAPPENED TO THEMMMMMM

[@irelandjustice683]

tell bro to make more music asap

[@jameshogg633]

your friend is one talented dude, can’t wait to see what he comes out with in the future! :)

[@zhenia2511]

Okay, I haven't heard this album (yet) but can we all admit that "I've become an anathema/Intimately wed to the concept over practice/ The joke goes over my head but I'm still laughing at it" are some bars? Like, that's some wild lyricism there.

[@eidanschachter-brooks7698]

They played a live 2 and a half hour version of the album at their LA release show and the singer beat himself with the house mic until his forehead was bleeding

[@cbennoes]

Shoutout to The Flenser, their label. Been putting out banger after banger recently

[@tmlss5054]

My music coach is signed onto that label he’s the primary songwriter on Scarcity who makes experimental black metal music

[@chickenstand8905]

@tmlss5054 that rules and also what’s a music coach

[@cbennoes]

@@tmlss5054 what the hell! I loved scarcity's album, that's sick

[@GameJunkyard11]

So incredibly sad that these guys disbanded. This is one of my favourite albums of the year and I was heavily looking forward to what they would do next. I can really just think wishfully that they are just a Flenser band being a Flenser band and trolling everyone with a fake breakup...

[@Calasmeeer]

they are back, alex and sylvie have formed a new band called shearling and played a gig at coaxial la recently, they played the song 'new song" which there is a video of sprain playing as well as a new new song that they've only performed under shearling as far as I know

[@oddshaft4851]

@@Calasmeeer is it good

[@Calasmeeer]

@@oddshaft4851 not really no, the only recording they have is terrible quality but it really is just more sprain, we just need to wait for studio material or a good gig recording

[@indiemind14]

I don't care about the score, for me it's easily one of the most passionate and abrasive record that I heard in this decade. I love it. Thanks for the review Antonio.

[@MostlyHarmless.]

Saw Sprain open up for Duster a while back, they're a great band, it's cool to see you review them

[@p0werfu11]

Ew, Duster. They're not guilty of what happened to them, but they're a TikTok band now.

[@MostlyHarmless.]

@@p0werfu11 was in 2019 before tiktok infiltrated duster lol

[@arlingtonsunset]

@@p0werfu11 more people should know about Clay Parton so I think it's good they're a "tiktok" band now

[@BlemishesNow]

who gives a fuck lol @@p0werfu11

[@kadin7852]

@@p0werfu11 its not their fault that they are popular with a younger generation. dont be so shallow. i will say though alex did an interview right before this album came out and talked about opening for duster and he said hes not a fan of the lack of proggression they have had, which i kinda agree with but its not a big deal. not everyone needs to push their music to the extreme, happy he is though.

[@dumaridumah2185]

This album wasn't on my radar at all until I got an email from The Flesner on release and I gave it a listen on impulse. This thing absolutely blew me away, easily the biggest surprise I've had in years and I couldn't be happier to have stumbled across it.

[@johnconnor4136]

Just wanted to comment here to proudly share that I've been sober for 1,452 days.

[@diegoescalante3914]

Amazing man, keep it up!

[@SomniaCE]

Congrats!

[@mikaelwhite9261]

no one cares

[@PeterBarkerMusic]

W

[@jameshogg633]

@@mikaelwhite9261any need? let him be proud man

[@quentinbringthenumetalchil5125]

This album is phenomenal. I was expecting the yellow flannel for it!

[@surajpatra1916]

there’s a great video of the full album live on here the channel is @tinnituspaparazzi

[@polarisnvega]

Same same same

[@djjesusdiedforourspins1838]

Saw them in Los Angeles twice in June with Have a Nice Life and Giles Corey. First time, played a lot of these songs without the backing track so it was just blasts of feedback and screaming with nothing underneath. It was interesting. Second time two days later, was with full instrumentals in a really intimate venue and it was a near transcendental experience. One of the best performances I’ve ever seen. This is album of the year.

[@maxmiller1950]

Both of those shoes were unreal

[@greenjadey8976]

Oh hey, I went to both those shows too. And I completely agree, they did not sound good when they played at the Fonda (i think it might be the sound system in the venue or smth) and the crowd was full of young zoomers who were so disrespectful so it made things worse. Their show at the Lodge Room was actually amazing and I liked it more than what I experienced at the Fonda. Plus the crowd was older and more respectful towards the artists.

[@frostboltcaster448]

i was at the HANL show it was insane, they told a guy to shut the fuck up and then the dude just grabbed his crotch it was tight

[@MediaBoy13]

What an incredible line up that is

[@aaronfahey5517]

Sprain, Have a Nice Life AND Giles Corey? What a cheerful night out!

[@jeremysmith4620]

Absolute club bangers all the way through, although more in the beaten and banged with a club than going out to the club kind of way. I'm really hoping I can catch them live, as all the performances I've seen here on KZbin seemed incredibly alive, raw, and just crackling with energy. The Flenser does it again and flenses us just the way we like to be flensed.

[@mitch5944]

🤣 love it

[@mitch5944]

Yes flenser best record label. I'm flensing uncontrollably.

[@malayman3023]

Saw them open up for HANL/Midwife concert in LA, and I had went with the idea of their previous slowcore records but I was instead I was presented with noisy and earpiercing feedback, delusional angered fuel lyricism with a mixture of blood curdling screaming and opera-like vocals. It was also funny for Mr. Kent to tell a group of people to shut up when he was calling himself an idiot and then moments later started to hit himself like a deranged individual. Their live performance left me in awe and it is what got me completely hooked to the lambs of effigy.

[@SamantherPanther]

Lmfaoooo I was there too and that moment was so great

[@bigounce562]

This is the sound of the guys from Protomartyr, Have a Nice Life, Nothing, Codeine, and Michael Gira having to co-parent a very unfortunate child who was raised with the best applied skills and intentions; this is what came out of the factory and it's really very good. There are parts that are a dead ringer for modern Swans. "Margin for Error" made me think of an interview with Gira where he said something along the line of wanting to replicate the ways upper and lower tones occur in church music and the way they blend. I could be misremembering, so correct me if I'm wrong. Swelling, ascending and descending flows. Anyway, this is my top album this year besides Dying Fetus. If Krallice puts out something I'll re-evaluate.

[@jacklange5478]

Krallice released an album in May, it’s good

[@bigounce562]

@@jacklange5478 oh dang. There releases are split among Spotify (my preferred platform) and like Apple or whatever. Glad to know.

[@Trenta5mm]

It feels like some tracks of this record could’ve been produced by Tim Hecker.

[@i_am_a_music_maker5212]

If this album was called You Won’t Lamb What You Effigy you would’ve given it a 10

[@livewiiiiire]

This album is ABSOLUTELY KILLER ive had it on repeat the last two days

[@michaellooks2723]

Thank you for reviewing this one, Anthony! 10/10 (and AOTY!) for me, but you did it better justice than Pitchfork’s 7 and my brother’s “most dog-shit thing I’ve ever heard.” 🤣

[@unknown6390]

Pitchfork and your brother are on to something

[@michaellooks2723]

@@unknown6390 Both of them are?? I’ve never heard of anyone giving dog shit a 7/10 before. 😅

[@MaxMax-zo9vq]

A seven isn’t even bad hahah

[@michaellooks2723]

@@MaxMax-zo9vq Oh, by no means! I just felt like Pitchfork, regardless of its positive score, missed the mark in terms of discussing the album’s content. I’m glad that Anthony gelled with and discussed the evocative, introspective and harrowing nature of the whole thing, as opposed to the tedious aspects that the former kept referring to (although I totally get that that part will be a turn-off to a great deal of listeners). I just got a laugh out of my man up there agreeing with Pitchfork AND my bro. 😂😂😂

[@kirbturdus]

who is Anthony Fantano? 🙄🤭🤔🤫😰 in math: my solution ➗😊 in history: my king 👑😣 in art: my canvas 🎨🥳 in science: my oxygen 💨😝 in geography: my world 🌎🤯

[@albinocify]

LIIIT

[@a-love-supreme]

🏀🏀in my bedsheets: now wet✈✈

[@EverythingWentSideways]

god damn this album is insane, glad i checked out this review, this band is fucking awesome!

[@dollarsaurus01]

This review really makes me hope he covers Unwound in his classic review series at some point

[@joshcraft197]

This album is like Unwound on datura

[@meatgrinder9506]

I don’t think fantano likes Unwound that much

[@dollarsaurus01]

@@meatgrinder9506 Damn, guess his taste isn’t that great after all lol

[@demonssinglosongs]

@@meatgrinder9506idk where people are finding this, afaik hes never spoken about them

[@nonono7973]

10/10 album of the year

[@connorleary9178]

Spitting

[@TheBClark88]

This album is nuts, intensely abrasive and borderline unlistenable in places. Of course Melon likes it.

[@honhat1257]

My fav song is God, or Whatever You Call It. when he start singing I cant sing if ur looking at me with the flute crying alongside his voc is one of the best moment of the album imo

[@wilddynamine8017]

Saw Sprain back in 2019 at this small hidden venue in LA called the Rec Center. They were intense and amazing, and they shared the bill with Austin noise rock band Exhalants, I’d like to think they took some influence from them and other experimental droney bands who played at that gig

[@TheDrummeistr]

Coincidentally that’s actually how I became aware of their existence. A band I play drums in released a split and toured with Exhalants (R.I.P. best band) the year prior. I saw Instagram stories of Sprain’s set when they played that show with them and I was hooked. Felt like an eternity waiting for As Lost Through Collision to come out, but it was worth the wait. Spun the fuck out of that record in my room staring at the ceiling, peak pandemic. I finally got to see them live for the first and last time around 1am under an overpass in Austin and it was pretty special.

[@A.I.Gaming]

10/10 for me! This album is amazing!

[@surajpatra1916]

there’s a great video of the full album live on here the channel is @tinnituspaparazzi

[@42doodoochips]

If this album was called “To Pimp A Lamb” you would’ve given it a 10/10

[@portic.w]

This is sinner get ready's level. For me, a 10/10

[@brandonhiebert2012]

Between this album, the new Model/Actriz and Mandy, Indiana, we have so much material to have a mental breakdown to.

[@Jackie_sux]

This album restored my love for music. What a masterpiece

[@revonay]

I’ve almost listened to this album every day since it came out, easy 10/10 one of the most beautiful and horrific albums I’ve heard, this album brutalizes the mind and isolates you far from any other musical realities, just another level. 2023’s album of the year and one of the best records of the century.

[@grasseater7374]

I found this randomly rated number 1 on RYM one day. Checked it out and my fucking god. 10/10 for me. Album of the year without question.

[@angelespinkroom]

I thought surely this would get a 10/10 given the black and white cover and being unhinged noise/post rock.

[@mitch5944]

Fr lol fantanocore at its peak 😂

[@Yakkymania]

never expected to see a Classics review of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway by Genesis

[@easybakec0ven]

Sweet! More horrors beyond my comprehension!

[@Caveduck0137]

Saw them at a bar in Eugene OR with some friends and they were sooooo good, highly recommend seeing them live if you can and supporting the band in general

[@surajpatra1916]

there’s a great video of the full album live on here the channel is @tinnituspaparazzi

[@palbo4]

Ugh, it kills me I missed that show! I live in Eugene and had a ticket for Animal Collective the same night. Which ruled, but man I hope I get another chance to see Sprain

[@Glintingbeetle]

Been loving this album. Thanks for the review Anthony, it rules

[@DaxTheWolf17]

This thing had me Sprain everywhere

[@polarisnvega]

I'll forgive your Protomartyr score for this one but I won't forget it. Interested in your thoughts on their last record.

[@Blank-ou6yo]

"it maybe the shortest track on this record at 4 minutes" is something i would've never thought fantano would say

[@Windows98.]

Why? The Godspeed you! Black emperor album lift your skinny fists that he gave a classic review of has every track that’s longer than the review he gave

[@dahlgren23]

The shortest track on To Be Kind by Swans is 5 minutes and he gave that a 10.

[@topofsm]

4 minutes is a pretty normal length song though??? Very understandable for it to be the shortest on a more experimental album.

[@supermudkip975]

Found out about this album when it shot up the rym charts for 2023. While I think it's far from the best albums of this year I still really enjoyed what I heard and I'm excited to see where the band goes from here

[@meatgrinder9506]

Yeah, about that

[@thesuprememexican]

another certified black and white album cover classic

[@leonardopena7105]

This review is a reminder for me that you helped a lot of great music acts to get an opportunity. This album is massive and so entrancing. Thank you for introducing me to this.

[@gag5642]

Was really hoping you'd catch this album its personally my album of the year. These guys are extremely wild live to you gotta catch em

[@Tylerlyndon]

Not happening any time soon now lol

[@gag5642]

@@Tylerlyndon shit.

[@resiseven7407]

:(

[@guscrane1477]

Woohoo! Sprain! But no reiterations mentioned? Songs so good

[@woodpeckerwilly6470]

I bought this record the second it came out, instantly, loved every single second

[@elusory3735]

Man, an experimental insane album with a black and white cover, but no 10? What went wrong here.

[@vfd10]

the way you spoke about this album, i was sure it would already usurp hell mode as your aoty

[@pixelperfect1729]

Unpopular opinion but I think The Commercial Nude is one of the best songs on here.

[@carstenmohler629]

This is the perfect Muse album Muse will never manage to release

[@Hi-fd4cw]

Yes but what about the Slowdive review?

[@MUSE1795]

Definitely going into the YUNO

[@silvera4167]

I'm in love with this fucking album

[@surajpatra1916]

there’s a great video of the full album live on here the channel is @tinnituspaparazzi

[@ShepTheBep]

The first track sounds a bit like monster movies-era can. I dig it!

[@m.streicher8286]

This album is best enjoyed through the speakers of a phone placed in a coffee mug.

[@PeterBarkerMusic]

This cracked me up I dunno why ☠️

[@Hassebas88]

i knew you would love this album. i've been waiting for this rewiew.. ánd you said 'SWANS' twice, jaayy!!

[@do_you_think_so]

I sprained something while watching this. Great review melon man!

[@Windows98.]

Was genuinely anticipating a 10/10

[@NotMe42554]

thank you for yet another brilliant recommendation. you do not miss

[@ShyGuyRacing]

ITS HERE ITS HERE, ALBUM OF THE YEAR

[@Tvsn66666]

The Flenser never missing

[@JGar453]

Anthony you can't just pretend the band is Swans for the entire review

[@sl0wvibe]

Slowdive- everything is alive?

[@Kaden_80]

If this was called To Lamb An Effigy it would’ve gotten a 12/10

[@ARMOSPHERE]

Don’t let this distract you from the fact that Mr. Krabs sold SpongeBob to the Flying Dutchman for 62 cents.

[@jeromeb715]

It would be a 10 if it was by Swans

[@lssjgabriel575]

Ohhhhh Anthony…. Where is the Bewitched album review. I know you know what I’m talking about. Laufey is gonna bring back old school jazz!

[@rampageraptor3589]

theneedledrop Thoughts on (any of) the following melon? Albums Conway the Machine, 38 Spesh - Speshal Machinery Lil Peep, ILOVEMAKONNEN - DIAMONDS KAMI - It's OK Loverrr Frisco, INFAMOUSIZAK - Winning Team EP XXXTENTACION - ItWasntEnough

[@bjorkssalami5951]

Hey melon! Please review the new Roisin record, Hit Parade. It's bonkers!

[@mrrespindness3698]

Bro you should check out the new Me Oh Myriorama album, actual fire by Devyn Smith AKA coin locker kid

[@samg131]

This album is amazing, glad you gave it a good review

[@jasperhohenegger6493]

where’s the teezo touchdown review

[@Ryokon101]

I found this album last week because you reveiwed it. I'm going through some very hard times atm in my life and have been listening to this on repeat since then. This album is absolutely fucking horrifying. 10/10. Jesus fucking christ I have not ever heard music like this.

[@Fleezy81]

This came right after the DEHH Livestream was over

[@pete0246]

Haven’t Watched The video yet, but I see the “ten’s shirt”… hope this album gets the 10 it deserves Edit: nope, but still good

[@pyramidfm]

my favorite new band

[@pavlemilatic3900]

If Lingua Ignota was a man

[@Dana__black]

Where’s the Romy review?!?

[@Varooooooom]

Dude, what a year 2023 has been for music

[@BevIsGuilty]

Brad taste should react to this one

[@fuzzyharmony]

he should!

[@unknown6390]

He should react to this one and contribute nothing of worth to music discourse as usual

[@yadoog]

@@unknown6390🤓🤓🤓

[@willoverdoseonmusic]

PRIVILEGE OF BEING SONG OF THE YEAR AUGHHHHHHHPHHHHHHH OH GOD

[@newyorkpotioncastle]

Aesop Rock dropped a new single for his upcoming album. Any thoughts on that?

[@kelleyreeves965]

This album is 🔥🔥🔥

[@cringeybydefault4151]

Been on a huge swans obsession kick so I’ll be definitely checking it out

[@MUSE1795]

Lmao yeah that Slowdive is not happening 100%

[@gluttonyarchbishop]

will probably be in yunoreview

[@andygroomes8502]

I sincerely loved this album until the last track ‘God or Whatever You Call It’ it starts fine, it ends great but (not to be insensitive) most of it comes off like the hipster version of KoЯn’s ‘Daddy’ both in attitude & musicality… an emotional breakdown for the sake of it’s self. There’s no shame in presenting this sort of thing on a record but there’s also no shame in just skipping it.

[@killme9534]

I feel the exact same way. I love nearly every part of this album, except that last bit just comes off a bit too “performative” for my taste. That’s the best way I can describe it without sounding like my head is up my ass.

[@harubo2643]

one of the best albums of the year no doubt

[@wonderland2462]

If you listen to their first EP, it’s not even like the same band

[@severalcasesofstairs]

true but also you can hear the seeds of what would become of sprain. the last 3 songs on that ep specifically all feel like proto-sprain. alex kent’s song writing has always been very unique to him.

[@SIDELINEREPORT-GOPACKGO]

Your reviews are so good even music I don’t give a crap about I still watch

[@robertsteinberger5667]

Good year for rock n roll: Sprain, Thra, Jeromes Dream, Liturgy, Lil Yachty....... (not Olivia Rodrigo!) really surprising

[@firstofawll]

lil yachty was shit 💀

[@shakitavi]

Do the shaki tavi record next

[@parkourhovey]

the focus on this video is so shallow what lens are you on?

[@jordansegall4484]

I saw them with Shaki Tavi and Sun Colony in LA. A crazy show.

[@yuckcrae]

holy shit he’s reviewing sprain oh my god oh my god oh my god

[@mic-ps1qt]

yea i called it right when i heard privilege of being i knew this was gonna be the new fantano core album

[@joshuawadekamper7736]

Can you please review Teezo touchdowns album