Chat Pile, album reviews

“There’s something oddly hypnotic about this album. Chat Pile blend the earthy, raw heaviness of sludge metal with the cacophony of noise rock, yet somehow emerge with some of their catchiest material to date. “Same Rules” captures that contrast perfectly, its restrained melody providing a strange sense of equanimity before unfurling into a visceral outburst of emotion. On the other end of the spectrum, tracks like “Family Funeral” lean into the band’s noise-rock tendencies, building from uneasy restraint into something abrasive, chaotic, and unapologetically heavy. Who Loves the Sun showcases a multitude of styles, but instead of pulling the album apart, it makes for a surprisingly cohesive journey through Chat Pile’s increasingly expansive sound. It’s unsettling and abrasive, yet melodic and strangely infectious. This album is a strong effort from a band that keeps maturing without sanding down the unabated chaos that made them compelling in the first place.”