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Nosretep — Misery Whip
(Bandcamp no#, 2025, CD / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2025-06-10

Misery Whip Cover art

After several years of inactivity, Seattle math-rock band Nosretep unexpectedly resurfaced in 2025 with shows around town and this new album, more than eight years after their debut. Calling them “math-rock” only captures part of their sound. The majority of their music is certainly in odd meters, and the trio is extraordinarily attuned to each other, but you also have to take into account a kind of Led Zeppelin orientation to the riffs along with the use of sound effects and samples. All three sides of this musical triangle are solid and equally responsible for the sound: drummer Mike Peterson is very distinctive in both his sound, with an unconventional kit, and in his playing, which is full of cross-rhythms and unexpected accents; Igor Abuladze effortlessly brings together guitar techniques from varying styles into a heady mix; and Andy Sells is a rock on the bass, grounding the music. The bottom line is that whatever esoteric rhythmic base they may choose, Nosretep rocks hard, something like a blend of Houses of the Holy and Red, though with a very different drumming style than Bonham or Bruford. They don’t shy away from more subtle sounds, either. Halfway through the album, about the time a listener is ready for a respite, we get a short acoustic guitar piece called “Winter’s Dream,” followed by “Gesundheit,” which starts out with some clean guitar playing very interesting chords before diving into a manic finale. The title track finishes off the album on a high energy level, splintering into some very Crimsonian rhythmic interplay. Any listener who likes intense instrumental music that keeps them guessing should check out Nosretep’ second album.

Filed under: New releases, 2025 releases

Related artist(s): Nosretep

More info
http://nosretep.bandcamp.com/album/misery-whip

 

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