Review: GNOD & White Hills ‘Drop Out III’
Drop Out III marks a triumphant ‘conclusion’ to the iconic Drop Out saga, capturing the essence of an extraordinary musical journey. This latest chapter brings together the dynamic forces of GNOD and White Hills, both renowned for their unique contributions to the musical landscape. Hailing from Salford, Greater Manchester, GNOD, led by the spiritual guidance of frontman Paddy Shine, are celebrated for their adventurous sounds that challenge traditional music. Their experimental approach creates an atmosphere that explores the depths of sonic possibilities.
Meanwhile, White Hills, the extraordinary duo formed by Dave W. and Ego Sensation, represent the vibrant New York scene, and delves into the heavy, atmospheric vibes of psych rock. Their music is rich and immersive, creating a soundscape that captivates from the first note. Together, GNOD and White Hills form a powerful alliance that pushes the boundaries, inviting us to experience their captivating and ethereal world.
Although their collaborative friendship spans an impressive 17 years with the release of 2008’s Aquarian Downer, they did not often come together, especially when compared to GNOD’s more frequent artistic partnerships. That long-awaited moment arrived when they decided to unite their talents for the Drop Out musical collaboration. This venture symbolised not just a coming together of ideas but an exciting fusion of their distinct sounds and styles.
The concluding chapter of the esteemed saga, titled Drop Out III, although can be regarded as a ‘redux’ of their previous works, drawing significant inspiration from the 2009 album Drop Out released by Drug Space Records, as well as the 2010 collaboration titled GNOD Drop Out With White Hills on Rocket Recordings, it presents an extraordinary fusion of innovative sounds combined with revitalised classics, all of which have been re-imagined, remixed, and re-sequenced by Dave W. in his studio located in New York City.
The new tracks aren’t just echoes of the past; they’ve been given an imaginative ‘heat treatment’ that stretches, shapes and amplifies their essence, resulting in a rich tapestry of overwhelming sonic textures. Every track takes you in a universe where stoner grooves meet psychedelic madness, blending in a wonderfully chaotic expanse of sound.
This collection is a pure goldmine, a sonic treasure trove for those yearning to lose themselves, body and soul, in an endless musical odyssey. Prepare to be swept away on a journey woven from hypnotic earth rhythms, transglobal space kraut vibrations and the exhilarating chaos of psychedelic space rock. Drop Out III isn’t just a rehash; it’s a revitalised experience. While it features a selection of tracks previously found on the first two Drop Out albums, these aren’t mere copies. They’ve been treated with meticulous care, reborn with a vibrant energy that demands attention.
Tracks like Drop Out, Run-A-Round, and Wellhang have been gloriously reinvigorated, each now possessing an incandescent and overwhelming rhythmic pulse. These aren’t just songs; they’re sonic traps, designed to ensnare you in a hallucinatory net of space kraut trance. Close your eyes and let the music take over. The reimagining of Spaced Man is a masterclass in atmospheric dread. It’s dark, unsettling, and utterly stratospheric, a descent into a sonic abyss that will leave you breathless.
a journey woven from hypnotic earth rhythms, transglobal space kraut vibrations and the exhilarating chaos of psychedelic space rock…
Conversely, the new rendition of Per Sempre offers a different kind of transcendence. It’s an immersion into a world of mantra-like spiritual consciousness, crafted from calm, sensorial and repetitive rhythms, guiding you towards inner peace through sonic repetition.
But Drop Out III offers more than just revamped classics. It also provides a glimpse into the creative genesis of these tracks. Songs recorded around the same time as the original Drop Out offer a unique insight into the mood and mindset of both bands during that fertile period. Take, for example Unify. This track is overwhelmed by an almost extraterrestrial force, a sonic presence that evokes the intense, brooding power of Michael Gira’s Swans. It’s a testament to the raw, experimental energy that defines this collection.
Model Citizen is another standout. It oscillates between a minimalist and cinematic slow march of kraut, driven by Ego Sensation‘s heavy, hypnotic bass and punctuated by Dave W‘s stratospheric guitar work. The result is a mesmerising blend of styles that defies easy categorisation. The same experimental spirit is on full display in their rendition of Hole In My Eye, a track that fearlessly embraces its length, showcasing the band’s willingness to push boundaries and explore sonic territories without constraint.
This album is a curated collection of sounds meticulously crafted to awaken the slumbering mind. It’s an invitation to open sesame and enter a sonic and incessant tribal nightmare, complete with the howling vocals delivered on Chainsaw, a quintessential GNOD track.
Finally, I conclude my whirlwind tour of this sonic landscape with Niente NEU! Under The Sky, a heartfelt hymn to the German pioneers, the forefathers of electro krautrock, NEU! It’s a faded, acid-tinged hallucination of Hallogallo, a tribute to the masters of the genre and a perfect encapsulation of the album’s overall spirit.
Drop Out III is the epitome of a collective artistic journey, crafted with care by two exceptional bands that understand the nuances of musical expression. This is an album that pushes listeners to not only hear, but to feel the music deeply. It encourages a sense of exploration, allowing you to reflect on your experiences as you travel through its vibrant soundscapes.
It is the kind of music that inspires conversation and contemplation, stirring emotions that resonate long after the last track has faded. It’s a culmination of artistic fusion, an invitation to immerse ourselves fully in its expansive universe. Get ready to drop out and tune in.
Label: Thrill Jockey Records
GNOD: Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
White Hills: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo
