Album Of The Week: Pile’s A Hairshirt Of Purpose

Boston art punk act Pile are on the verge of smashing through something. Whether they have a shot at being the next darlings to come out of New England or they’ll increase their artistic abilities to even higher levels, these angsty noisemakers have a chip on their shoulder and they’re going to let you know why. Their fifth album, A Hairshirt Of Purpose, is coming out on March 31 via Exploding In Sound Records and is a progression of rigidness and intensity. It hits hard while also expressing more melodic leanings. There’s an interesting line being walked while multiple styles and notes are touched upon.

It’s said that Pile has never released the same album twice, and that’s true with A Hairshirt Of Purpose. There’s still that intensity backed by Rick Maguire’s screams and emphasis on vocals. His riffs on guitar, along with Matt Becket on his own six-string, bring an assault of noise. The unique rhythms that birth the band’s abstract structure are backed by drummer Kris Kuss and bassist Matt Connery. This album is in-your-face and hits the senses like a rocket ship filled with dynamite heading straight for an alien warship.

Bands like Pile are a reminder that a rock band can still be inventive and good. They show that music can be fearless and compact. All of this describes what makes this quartet from Boston great when they plug their instruments in and let it fly. For a further look, let’s check out my top tracks off of the Album Of The Week:

Kuss’ drumming is the engine that drives “Hissing For Peace.” Both Maguire’s and Becket’s guitars shred into oblivion, making for a flurry of noise that takes things over. A little more of a low-key track is “Leaning On A Wheel;” it highlights Pile’s melodic tendencies while Maguire shows his lyrical talents. “Fingers” is another rhythmic jam that has rapid fire beats and rising riffs that come to a head at different intervals. It changes up constantly until the end.

Pile will celebrate the release of A Hairshirt Of Purpose at The Sinclair in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on April 2 with Nashville duo Gnarwhal. After that they’ll embark on a tour of North America and Europe until the middle of the summer. These guys are amazing live and you shouldn’t miss out on a chance to see them on stage. When you see them perform, grab a copy of their latest release. It’s an intense album that soothes like a drug.

Stream Pile’s A Hairshirt Of Purpose via Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/explodinginsoundrecords/sets/pile-a-hairshirt-of-purpose/s-Y2fFc; Pre-order A Hairshirt Of Purpose on Bandcamp: pile.bandcamp.com