Esivuare's Effigy - Darwinism is a Bitch

Esivuare's Effigy

Darwinism is a Bitch
self-released; 2015

3.7 out of 5

By J Simpson

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Evelyn Beatrice Hall (not Voltaire)

No matter who you are, there is bound to be something amidst the clatters, creaks and atonal squawks of Darwinism is a Bitch from Castlemaine, Australia's Esivuare's Effigy that will offend you.

The question you must ask yourself, before pressing play on Darwinism is a Bitch is what role does music play in your life? Are you looking for entertainment? A distraction from daily life? Something to tap your toe and hum along to? If so, then stay as far as away as possible from this interesting but malevolent creation.

But for those who feel that art's purpose is to dig into uncomfortable truths, to stare unflinchingly into the void and then dive in, as these surreal sound poems are very well constructed, even if they are the auditory equivalent of a late night lo-fi bummer horror flick.

For those that such abstract references may mean something to, Darwinism is a Bitch is what it might be like if the mutant black metal jazz poetry of the Dead Raven Choir were to get together with the haunted isolationism of Jandek. There is a similar propensity towards detuned guitars, rusted metal scrapes, and surreal and disturbing chanted/sung lyrics.

I personally dig the disorienting vibes around Darwinism is a Bitch, and admire Esivuare's Effigy’s penetrating gaze into uncomfortable subject matter. I, too, am skeptical of all music becoming pop. There is a real cultural need for experimental, avant-garde, noise and punk. We need disruption, lest we get too complacent. And while, I must admit I share some of the criticisms as featured on "Old Pete's Banishment," talking about members of the LGBT community using their subcultural status to be offensive and intolerant, it is a slippery slope, indeed, that can lead to more hatred.

Darwinism is a Bitch might as well be labeled Trigger Warning, as Esivuare's Effigy speaks, at length, about pedophilia and oral sex, while railing against religion, over a tapestry of worn metal beats and non-melodic music.

Darwinism is a Bitch makes most gangster rap look like nursery rhymes; most metal look like The Mamas & The Papas. It is raw, disturbing and uncompromising. Just remember to formulate your own opinions on these heated and divisive topics. We've got more than enough unbridled and unwarranted hatred and intolerance in this world.

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