ALBUM REVIEW: Human Reaction – mssv
MSSV describe themselves as ‘post-genre’, and it is easy to see why. The trio – made up of guitarist Mike Baggetta, Stephen Hodges on drums and avant-punk icon Mike Watt on bass – have made vocals the focus of this album Human Reaction, inspired after Baggetta made the choice to handle vocal duties during their 48 shows in 48 days for their self-titled debut album in 2022. This one was mostly recorded on May Day, and comprises eight songs that escape the restraints of genre, allowing the trio to embrace whatever sound they like.
This leads us down some interesting paths. Say What You Gotta Say opens the record and it starts off with heavy rock instruments before the vocals kick in, which causes the instruments to come almost to a standstill. It then launches into a crazy singalong, and while it does sound disjointed, it is also exciting as you never quite know what is coming next.
The element of surprise is the key to this album’s appeal. Whether it is the military-esque drums that make up all of French Road Drifters or the funky jazz-rock of Baby Ghost (From The 1900s), Human Reaction keeps pulling the rug out from under the listener. Pillow Talk is a slow eight-minute rock song, and whilst moments like these might cause any other album to fall under the weight of ambition, this doesn’t happen for MSSV.
It helps that there is a clear structure to it. The slower songs come one after the other, which means that they provide moments of calm, and each song does not sound too long or too short, which also helps the pacing. The vocals are still used somewhat sparingly throughout the album, but all of the trio get a chance to sing. Although – as with everything MSSV do – it is not as straightforward as it seems. The vocal delivery is almost like spoken word poetry mixed in with singing. It is a unique approach that also makes things more interesting.
In a way, it is a shame that the band do not use the vocals more often, especially because they are so unique. On the other hand, it does make them special when they come in, and the instrumental tracks still have some fantastic sounds, such as the aforementioned jazz-rock of Baby Ghost (From The 1900s).
Overall, Human Reaction is definitely a unique album, but that’s the charm of it. It is a fun and ambitious record and one that is best to go in with as little information about it as possible. MSSV have created something that only they could: an album that is so experimental, and yet still manages to be an evenly-paced experience that doesn’t crumble under being ‘out there’. It is clear that MSSV know their stuff, and if you’re looking for a new and refreshing album, then Human Reaction is the one for you.
Rating: 8/10
Human Reaction is out now via Big Ego Records.
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