MOG Editorial Review

Rightfully mentioned in the same breath as Pavement and Built to Spill, Archers of Loaf played intense riffs inspired much more by noise rock than art-pop. With Eric Bachmann adding a full-bodied muscle to every song through his powerful vocals, Icky Mettle explores angst-ridden themes (“You and Me,” “Last Word”) and chaotic noise (“Sick File,” “Slow Worm”). Archers of Loaf’s debut album exists on an energy that hinges on abrasive (it’s certainly got a much rougher edge than their college rock contemporaries), so it’s no wonder the jagged playing and distortion pedals help make this a cathartic listen through and through.