Album Review: 68 - 'In Humor And Sadness'

Josh Scogin - the former vocalist for ear-crushing noise makers, The Chariot - has a new project up and running. Scogin, on guitar and vocals, has teamed up with Michael McClellan, on drums, for what is a fusion of intense, distorted noise rock with some strong blues and alternative rock undertones.

The duo's debut release, 'In Humor and Sadness', shares some big similarities with Scogin's former band. Harsh, dissonant distortion, strong use of guitar feedback, hauntingly beautiful timbres, Scogin's signature screams and vocal style, and of course, the songs take some rather experimental, unexpected turns. The ten track offering - with a track listing that spells out 'Regret Not.' - is a great listen, and one that warrants many run through's to really appreciate.

'Track Six T', one of the best of the bunch, is the closest thing to being one of The Chariot's songs with its stop-start nature and over use of feedback. There is also some added groove and rhythmic drive in it as well, which comes through at just the right times to really excite your senses.

'Track Two E', 'Track Nine T', and 'Track Four R' give off some hauntingly eerie vibes with Scogin's raspy singing, and the sparse guitar chords really add depth to the songs. But just when you think that's all those tracks can offer, the duo go full-throttle and burst through your speakers with everything turned up till 11 with the drums booming and the guitar roaring.

It's these batch of songs that really accent the great the mix of 'In Humor And Sadness'.  It all has a great blend of studio and 'live' recording parts, all of which help to make this full-length feel that much more real and 'alive' than most other albums so far this year.

'Track Ten .' is a five and a half minute sonically powerful and crazily unpredictable track with various tempo changes, contrasting guitar tones, and snowballing dynamics. And it serves as a fantastic curtain call for 68's debut. 

'In Humor And Sadness' is a rather unexpected release, but a solid one at that. Fans of The Chariot will definitely dig it, and anyone who's keen to spice up their musical taste as of late will get a real kick out of it. It'll be exciting to see where the duo go from here.

Track One R

Track Two E

Track Three G

Track Four R

Track Five E

Track Six T

Track Seven N

Track Eight O

Track Nine T

Track Ten .