WETNURSE

In the four years since New York City's WETNURSE released their critically acclaimed, yet criminally overlooked self-titled debut, the boys have obviously been stockpiling their creative juices, piss and vinegar because "Invisible City" explodes like a mad scientist's experiment gone oh-so right. Don't even bother trying to slap a tag on what this band is doing. Just when you think you have all the answers, WETNURSE changes the fucking questions.

Rooted in various forms of metal and hardcore, WETNURSE proudly wears the dueling fists of caustic experimentalism and ADD on their collective sleeves. Opener "Conversations With The Moon" kicks off with an acoustic blues swing before unleashing into three minutes of spastic thrash, peppered with quirky licks and wah-pedal hyperactivity. Just when you think they had taken the tunes as far as it could go, the noise morphs into a giant jam session where guitarists Garrett Bussanick and Greg Kramer run circles around each other's fretboards. This track defines the beauty that is WETNURSE, which is their ability to throw an assorted collection of riffs and passages against the wall and, not only have them all stick, but piece themselves together into one jammin' ass tune. Hook-laden rage and irresistible melodic runs give "Not Your Choice" and "Growing Pains" that quality that demands repeated listens, while the more DIY/punk-inspired "Your Last Flower" simply demands your undivided attention. The aforementioned tunes also display the best qualities of vocalist Gene Fowler and drummer Curran Reynolds; the former being the most unique front man out there with an odd mix of growls and freakazoid screams, while the latter proves himself very well versed in the art of calculated pummel. A bit far-reaching by even WETNURSE standards, "Missing Lion Returns" bounces around from weird to bizarre before finally settling in with a somewhat straight-forward groove that features the voice of Stephanie Gravelle. Aside from the song's closing moments, which are downright classic in delivery, this is one spot on the album comes close to missing the mark. Much like the opening tune, the almost twelve-minute closer "Slow Your Spell Miss Hell" encompasses every aspect of this band's outrageously diverse range of musical influences and emotions. Going from dark and unpredictable to melodiously anthemic and ending with a repeat of the opening blues motif, the epic running time of this one is largely unnoticed as you're too busy trying to figure out where they're going next.

As wildly entertaining a ride as "Invisibly City" is, this isn't an album for everyone. While the band stands out as immensely talented musicians and songwriters, especially in regard to their ability to find a hook where a hook shouldn't be, their adherence to the left-of-center might keep them away from the hearts of metal's status quo; which I honestly believe is one of the band's goals. If so, mission accomplished, boys. This one be leaving my iPod anytime soon.