The Pope - Sports

Is it just me or is the drum and bass thing becoming a more and more of a common thing within underground music? I don’t know, maybe it’s always been there and I’m just falling ignorant. That’s very possible. However, it seems like I’ve never run across so many bands that have made the distorto-bass thing their trademark of sorts in the past couple years. Regardless, I can’t really complain, it sure as hell beats the number of post-rock/metal bands that continually pop up everywhere like it’s some sort of race. If I want my music to sound apocalyptic, I want it to be of the type that rings with the sound of absolute destruction and it seems that more often than not a good old fashion bass and drum setup can deliver that just fine.

For those out there that has a sick fascination with the punishing sound of these duos, then do I have treat for all of you. Sports is the latest album from the Oakland, California duo The Pope. My first time hearing these guys was actually not too long ago on their split LP with Bipolar Bear, which pretty much blew me right out of my seat here. Keeping with that, Sports delivers 17 tracks that pretty much bulldoze their way right through you and then back up and do it all over again. To put it simply, this shit is relentless and the band plays it with the utmost filthiest sound they can construct. Obviously the comparisons to bands like godheadSilo and Karp are going to get thrown in and by the looks of it they already have. However, The Pope has to know they are in good company when they are getting named dropped alongside bands like that. These guys play at such a powerful level that really has gone unmatched on pretty much any record I’ve heard this year. This is the true sound of devastation.

The Pope – Triumph of the Will [MP3]
The Pope – Chocolate Babies [MP3]

For those that dig what they here Sports is available through Wantage USA. Definitely pick this up if you get the chance. This is some crushing material.