Chicago-based noise-rock duo Heet Deth starts the year with their fierce sophomore release, Bad Reading. As we navigate yet another year of uncertainty and strife, Julia Bard (drums and vocals) and Laila Eskin (guitar and vocals) present an album that reminds us we are not alone in our anger about the state of the world.
The lead track, “Destroyer,” starts with ominous feedback and drums that evoke the sensation of a giant beast marching towards you. Heet Deth continue this apocalyptically sludgy sound as Eskin’s guitar comes in atop the continued feedback. Vocally, Eskin encompasses us with a longing echo in the distance as they sing, “Free my brain from purpose. Suffering through curses. Creator/destroyer.”
Bad Reading continues with the stand-out track “High Tower.” In this song, Heet Deth fully embraces the anger towards the ruling class. Bard’s savage, tribal-like drumming creates an atmosphere of opposition. Eskin’s guitar work brings a sense of contortion that perfectly fits the song’s angst. This comes together with beautifully antagonistic lyrics, such as, “People for profit. Who do you serve? Who is your father, and what is his name? Man in high tower what did you earn? Burn! Burn! Burn!”
Heet Deth’s anger and frustration with the state of the world continues with the single “Laundromat.” This song brilliantly illustrates how a mundane task, such as going to the laundromat, can inspire drifting thoughts to transform into a masterpiece. Eskin starts the song with the question, “Have they read the books that they burn? When will it be my turn?” This gives a sense of fear that once the book burning is not enough, a horrible history could repeat itself. As the song continues, there is an increased sense of rage and anxiety as Eskin screams, “Light their match. Page by page. There’s no meaning. Only hate.”
Another standout track among many is “Doublespeak.” Beginning with a solitary guitar, we are gradually immersed in a sound that blends 1990s-era grunge and punk. Eskin’s vocals evoke Kat Bjelland from the band Babes in Toyland. This is particularly evident as she growls, “Fuck this! FUCK! Why do they want the control?” This song continues with the central theme that resonates throughout the record, opposing the establishment and calling out the hypocrisies of our leaders.
Heet Deth have put together a record that fully embraces the exhaustion and strife people have felt over the past decade. From the first song on Bad Reading to the last, Eskin and Bard don’t hold back on the heavy-hitting energy that makes this album stand out.
