This is the third album from Chat Pile, a noise/sludge rock band from the US.
Chat Pile understandably made a stir with their debut album God’s Country, so Who Loves the Sun is a most welcome release. This time the band have gifted us with a 10-track, 44-minute record that’s much anticipated by many who thought very highly of their last two records.
Who Loves the Sun is a compelling mix of charismatic noise rock, 90s alternative vibes, sludge rock density, thick nu-metal grooves, and hardcore bite. It’s a fascinating blend, and these new songs probably mash them all together with greater nuance and depth than previously, at least in places.
There’s a certain rhythmic catchiness to Chat Pile’s music that’s extremely infectious. This is music that’s chock full of tasty hooks; some big, some small, all effective. Chat Pile’s songcraft continues to improve, and the songs across Who Loves the Sun are immediately satisfying, but with a replay value that exceeds their initial impact. Everything on Who Loves the Sun just works, but the vocals deserve a special mention, as they’re better than ever. The harsher outbursts are more venomous and extreme, while the clean singing is imbued with an even darker personality.
Who Loves the Sun is a record that feels like a story. Even if it’s not always completely understood by the listener, the emotional beats and their impact are. It bleeds menace through every pore, despite often disarming with a cold smile as it goes about its damaging work.
For all its obvious instant appeal, Who Loves the Sun works best over time. It’s a strong album, with plenty of insidious charm.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 