I streamed the new Norma Jean album, Wrongdoers on Loudwire last night. These are my initial thoughts.
The sound of despair is apparent from the first song (Hive Minds). Cory’s high screams sound so full of power. The guitar work is messier than previous album. Feedback leaks through like an older Norma Jean or The Chariot song.
The second track “If You Got It At Five, You Got It At Fifty” is just as wild as the first. Relentless is the first word that comes to mind. I can’t help but think this is what “Redeemer” could have sounded like if things were a different for the band. Cory has mentioned Solid State Records kind of held them back for a long time.
The 3rd song and title track (Wrongdoers) has a catchy chorus in that rock n roll, “raise your beer in the air” feel. Don’t that dirty guitar is just around every corner and the drums… Clayton Holyoak; as much as I love Chris Raines you’re drumming is intense and well fit under the “Norma Jean” dynasty that is coming to be.
As the 5th song (Sword In Mouth, Fire Eyes) begins I think:
“This is definitely not like any other Norma Jean but definitely unmistakably Norma Jean.” It has catchy singy parts that sound very anthem like; very reminiscent of Anti Mother days.
Track 7, (The Lash Whistled Like A Singing Wind) screams circle pit with a gnarly middle finger in the final five seconds.
Track 8, (Neck In The Hemp) the breakdown of sorts at 2:19 is killer. Love it!
I will admit I feared the end of Norma Jean was near but they prove once again they have nothing to prove. They will take their time and put out another relentless album when they so choose.
It’s good to see these legends staying insane as hell amongst a scene of mediocre babas and metronomes. I enjoyed it more than Meridonal.
Definitely more chaotic, and in the same vain of all their previous work post Scogin days yet this album as a whole is a whole new monster.
I like the "dirt" of this album. Cory’s high is like a hawk; striking fear into your heart and making you stop in your steps.
I have to admit I caught myself losing interest in Track 10 (Funeral Singer), but the last minute pulled me in and pulled my heartstrings with it. It’s like a giant passionately belted stanza by Cory.
The last track though (Sun Dies. Blood Moon); It’s a long one and it’s a journey. I don’t dare to describe it because I don’t want to overhype it. It’s a well fit ending.
I will say overall I thoroughly enjoyed the new album. I only listened to the album once. These are my head thoughts as it all happened, but I look forward to purchasing the album and reading the lyrics with the album.
I caught glimpse of a few lines and they seemed rather heart felt and heart broken yet stern and demanding to be heard.
Norma Jean has had the same overall line up for a long time. It’ll be interesting to see what happens as this new line up takes the reigns of an already solid dynasty.