Does your office or day job have that one annoying guy who wants to talk about heavy music with you because he noticed your Iron Maiden patch on your backpack? You know the guy. He’s the dude who keeps telling you about how he saw Disturbed at Ozzfest 2001 and regales you with tall tales about his exploits in the “mosh pit.” Well, next time he approaches your desk and asks what you’re jamming to do yourself a favor and throw on The Body’s latest collaboration (this time with OAA), Enemy of Love (Thrill Jockey). You’re welcome.

Not only will the one-sided nu-Metal and post-Grunge conversations be over, but that gentleman may even question his belief system after the sonic mugging that is Enemy of Love. That will also be the reaction from most of your co-workers, too. Shit, if you happen to share carpet space with someone else who enjoys this let’s say music, you may not be sure what to make of them.

Much like most of The Body’s catalog, Enemy of Love features some of the coldest atmosphere and bizarre noises committed to tape. Just have a gander at lead single ‘Barren of Joy’ with it’s drum programming rattling like gun fire in the distance and panicked keyboard strokes.

Then you must factor in Chip King’s ghastly vocals terrifying the dog, but your cat seems to be oddly into. The only DJs willing to spin this single would be John Peel or those populating your local college station. While on the subject of King’s vocals be warned that he spends the majority of Enemy of Love making this painful sounding wail. It’s plastered all over ‘Miserable Freedom’ and ‘Ignorant Messiah.’ The best way to describe it would be Ric Flair doing his trademark “Wooo” while experimenting with heavier substances other than booze. My chief complaint is that while that wailing is effective, King goes to the well too often and it ends feeling repetitive.

On the bright side, Enemy of Love doesn’t always have to feel like chronic pain. ‘Obsessed Luxury’ kicks off with some more laid-back beats and electronics that sound more Massive Attack than they do Godflesh. Counts for something, right?

Your office mates have been warned.

Buy the album here: https://thebody.bandcamp.com/album/enemy-of-love

 

7 / 10

HANS LOPEZ