Reviewed - 01/05/05

The Most High
[Crash Music]

Valume Nob is a new New Orleans hardcore act. Yes, it contains members of other NOLA acts. Mainly the great riff-master Kirk Wienstien of Crowbar/Down fame trading in the 6-string for the 4-string and former Crowbar drummer Sid Montz. Also included in the group is vocalist Marshall Black (who really sounds like Kirk) and former Black Label Society tech/guitarist Frey Thieler.

Musically, Valume Nob is in your face classic hardcore. The songs are short, heavy, and to the point (under 2 minutes). No complexity here, just straight up hardcore with a dose of NOLA attitude. The track “Pleasant Memories” starts out with a moan, but then leaves the listener moaning after the punishment while “Boots” sounds like something that was aborted in Brooklyn back in the late-90’s crossover scene.

Each track follows the same pattern and for the traditional hardcore fan, Valume Nob does a top shelf job. The unnamed live tracks are also just as good at the studio versions. There is an enhanced part on the CD that gives an exclusive interview with all of the band members about the formation of Valume Nob.

But there is one major negative aspect to the uninitiated. After 6 tracks, it starts to sound rather uninspired. That is the point. Valume Nob is a hardcore bar band that wants to give you just as much of a headache as downing a fifth of 100+ proof bourbon then swilling a case of beer brewed in the Rockies.