''Clean'' (stylized as ''Clean.'') is the second EP release by American
noise rock
Noise rock (sometimes called noise punk) is a noise-oriented style of experimental rock that spun off from punk rock in the 1980s. Drawing on movements such as minimalism, industrial music, and New York hardcore, artists indulge in extre ...
band
Whores
Prostitution is the business or practice of engaging in sexual activity in exchange for payment. The definition of "sexual activity" varies, and is often defined as an activity requiring physical contact (e.g., sexual intercourse, non-penet ...
. It was released on October 29, 2013, via Brutal Panda Records.
The EP was produced and mixed by Ryan Boesch, who is known for his engineering work for acts such as
Melvins,
Helmet
A helmet is a form of protective gear worn to protect the head. More specifically, a helmet complements the skull in protecting the human brain. Ceremonial or symbolic helmets (e.g., a policeman's helmet in the United Kingdom) without protect ...
and
Foo Fighters.
Critical reception
Upon its release, ''Clean'' generally received positive reviews. Natalie Zina Walschots of
Exclaim! praised the album, writing: "The songs are appallingly catchy and "Blue Blood," in particular, drives its hooks in as deeps as barbed porcupine quills, refusing to be dislodged. Rarely has an act of musical self-immolation been so enjoyable."
''
Orlando Weekly'' music reviewer Bao Le-Huu stated: "Dealing in exhilarating violence and rampaging heaviness, this record is kin to releases by bands like
Unsane and
Pissed Jeans
Pissed Jeans is an American hardcore punk band from Allentown, Pennsylvania. The band claims to play "loud, heavy, noisy, punk rock" and is influenced by 1980s hardcore punk and post-hardcore bands. The band has released several seven singles ...
, but with more concussive torque and searing clarity."
Andy O'Connor of
Pitchfork
A pitchfork (also a hay fork) is an agricultural tool with a long handle and two to five tines used to lift and pitch or throw loose material, such as hay, straw, manure, or leaves.
The term is also applied colloquially, but inaccurately, to ...
was rather mixed in his assessment of the album: "It doesn't push or expand the genre, and it doesn't feel like that's the point: it, more or less, feels like they wanted something to put on their merch table, and an excuse to ditch town for a week, and ''Clean'' is serving that purpose. Not the worst thing in the world, but also not the most inspired."
staff reviewer Greg Fisher felt that the album "may not appeal to those who seek
experimentation
An experiment is a procedure carried out to support or refute a hypothesis, or determine the efficacy or likelihood of something previously untried. Experiments provide insight into cause-and-effect by demonstrating what outcome occurs when a ...
in heavy music", while stating that the band's "ultra-loud brand of noise rock seethes with enough unbridled anger, songwriting dexterity and alluring hooks to exert a lasting impact."
Track listing
All tracks written by Whores.
# "Baby Bird" - 3:41
# "Last Looks" - 4:07
# "I Am Not a Goal-Oriented Person" - 2:57
# "Cougars, Not Kittens" - 6:41
# "Blue Blood" - 1:41
# "I Am an Amateur at Everything" - 5:16
Personnel
;Whores
*Christian Lembach - vocals, guitar
*Jack Schultz - bass
*Travis Owen - drums
;Technical personnel
* Ryan Boesch - mixing, recording, production
* Patrick "JJP" Copeland - artwork
References
External links
* {{official website
Whores on Brutal Panda Records
2013 EPs
Whores (band) albums
Noise rock EPs
Sludge metal EPs