Listening To: Codeine - Frigid Stars (1990)

This record, the debut LP from slowcore pioneers Codeine, sounds way ahead of its time. I actually had to double check that it was released in 1990 just now because of how modern it sounds. Overall, the album is heavy, abrasive, and utterly devoid of positive emotions. In contrast to the work of perhaps more well-known slowcore groups like Low and Red House Painters, the prevailing feeling that Frigid Stars conveys is one of apathy. It’s an ugly and miserable sounding record, but it’s absolutely perfect for the mood I’m in at the moment. I feel ugly and miserable and really fed up with everything right now, and this album hits that spot better than anything else I’ve listened to tonight. I’ve actually listened to this album a number of times before, but I don’t think I’ve ever really ‘gotten it’ until tonight. 

Listen to the crushingly apathetic opener “D” below and see if you understand what I’m talking about. In related news, Codeine recently announced that they’re reuniting, and that they would be touring and reissuing their catalogue this year. Maybe I’ll catch them if they come around here.