Dot (.) / Fistula - The Shifty Dot (.) Fistula Split Ten Inch FLAC

Another short split EP by this prolific recorder of split EPs, dot(.). These guys have a nice Eyehategod crunch and vocal loathing, but the song has a slower, Grief-like feel to it. Obviously these guys are pissed, but they're angry at their own lethargy and enslavement to the Bud. Sharp feedback is woven into their slow chording. Their biggest problem is that, with only one song, they sound like nothing more than a Japanese Eyehategod tribute band.

Appearing on the other side of this split EP is Fistula, whose sludge has a much cleaner sound. The music is more controlled and lacks dot(.)'s feedback. These guys are angry, but their attack is more direct and focused. They wield slow-motion Sabbath riffs like Tony Baa uses his kick - after one blast you'll find yourself laying flat on your back, dazed. 'What happened?' you ask. Fistula happened. The vocals ooze pain and loathing and are almost lost behind the guitar and bass. For most of the last third of the song, the guitar degenerates into some great minimalist lead work.

The last track, Dead Skin, is the shortest on here, at just over three minutes. The sludge is broken up with a much faster riff. Everything comes crashing down near the halfway mark. The instruments come to an almost complete stop and then ooze along like a lost Toadliquor track.