Yeest

th their second EP, Yeest, Australian filth mongers Blood Duster diversify their grindcore/death metal-rooted sound to include elements of Southern rock and '70s hard rock in general. Their generally short, blasting songs still owe a serious debt to early Carcass and Napalm Death, but tracks such as "Northcote" and "Derek" show off some surprisingly catchy, groove-based riff breakdowns that add some welcome variety to the mix. (This groove/rock influence would become much more predominant on their next release, Str8 Outta Northcote). The band's trademark sick sense of humor is also on display, from the knowingly tasteless song titles to the silly hip-hop sample at the beginning of "Albert." The Relapse issue of Yeest pairs it with the earlier, more straightforward Fisting the Dead EP (straightforward, that is, within the realm of depraved, gore-obsessed grindcore). Putting the two EPs together adds up to 32 tracks in as many minutes, which should more than satisfy anyone's desire for this type of loud, obnoxious but ultimately playful music. Just remember: don't take this stuff too seriously. ~ William York|