Orthrelm

OV

[5] Besides being one of the most amazing bands in the universe, Washington, DC, spazz-punk duo Orthrelm are proof that words like “amazing” are totally subjective; and, as cases in point, they make albums like OV to demonstrate it. But with OV-a one-song, 45-minute endurance test for both listener and performer-they’ve outdone even themselves, going on about being influenced by ’60s minimalist composers in pre-release interviews and then pulling the Terry Riley mask off as soon as the tape starts rolling. Granted, there is an overriding focus on repetition, patterns and shifting motion throughout OV, so, sure, in that sense, sure, it’s a “minimalist” recording; but it’s the type of stuff guitarist Mick Barr and drummer Josh Blair are repeating-cascading drum fills, overdriven sound washes and 64th-note Morbid Angel leads-that kicks OV out of the minimalist conservatory and into the future of heavy music. The sad thing is, some of you will think it’s a joke. (IPECAC)-Aaron Burgess