Having already done time with the abrasive 80s entity Big Black and been the "recorder" (not producer) of the entire alt-rock spectrum, Steve Albini's Shellac show the temperance of years of experience and total disregard for convention in music. Shellac is a lot less searing than some of his past projects but still retains a confrontational, slicing edge that puts them uniquely in their own category. Armed with a very metallic (not in heavy metal terminology, but in the fact that the guitar really sounds like some sort of alloy) distortion and looping, simple rhythms, At Action Park is a very satisfying release that harnesses aggression without base level hate or pettiness. The trio utilizes a basic format of ringing bass, the strangely distorted guitar, repetitive drum patterns and of course Albini's acerbic vocals to make a sound firmly their own. The guitar sound itself is wholly satisfying, having no real peer in the music world. The way the music lurches and loops is actually quite groovy and can make one move one's fanny as well as tickle the ears. Needless to say, this is prime true indie rock that blazes a wonderful and powerful sound with a single drop of pretention.

Review by John Chedsey

Review date: 01/2000

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