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Against Nature: Integrity’s Last Stand

This is the cover of Natural Blue (duh).The remarkably prolific alter ego of traditional doomers Revelation, Baltimore trio Against Nature take a much different approach, pulling together elements of classic, unpretentious prog, ambient rock, psychedelia and mellow riffers to create a style both unique and amorphous. On their two records from 2008 — note that to date they have a full-length and an EP out in 2009 as well — Natural Blue and Accumulus, both self-released through the band’s own Bland Hand Records, Against Nature journey through a varied landscape of considered rock and roll, at times offering a Brant Bjork-style smoothness (as on Natural Blue opener “Sonic Tonic”) and at times tripping their way into a great mostly-instrumental beyond (as on Accumulus‘ “All in Motion”). Whatever sound they’re adopting, though, a consistency in tone and production ties each of the records to themselves and each other. There is a definite Against Nature sound, and it’s complex.

This is the cover of Accumulus.Both of the albums, as well as the 12 other releases the band has issued since 2005, are available for free download on the Against Nature website, and physical pressings of each are limited to 90 copies that come with hand-made covers signed by guitarist/vocalist John Brenner in gorgeous designs that jpegs fail to do justice. Obviously this is not a band with high commercial aspirations. Rather, what shines through on Accumulus and Natural Blue is a genuine love for the creative process. Memorable riffs pervade cuts like “NOS” and “Normal Nihilists,” linking the two albums together, but Accumulus has a more progressive feel than its predecessor, which is emblematic of the drive and willingness to experiment fueling the band on in place of mainstream notoriety, fame or a large cash flow. They do it to do it. If they didn’t enjoy it, there would be no reason to continue.

It's dark in here.Whichever flavor Against Nature you prefer, the riffier Natural Blue or the more prog Accumulus, the band provides ever-growing songwriting to be enjoyed and a spirit of authenticity flying in the face of heavy metal iconography and celebrity worship. The spirit of this music is evident in the playing of bassist Bert Hall, Jr. and drummer Steve Branagan, and in the warm sound of the records, which although flatly produced, retain an imitable classic rock character. Take your pick or download both (and a couple others). You can’t really lose.

Deceptively stylized and offering as much to the listener as the listener is willing to dig for, Against Nature have a sound so friendly and willing to be heard that no matter what format you encounter Natural Blue and Accumulus, you’ll be bound to return to them. These are songs you want to know, you want to be familiar with and learn the riff changes, the subtle personality shifts, the comfort of them. It’s quality head rock done for all the right reasons, keeping the underground underground but available for anyone lucky enough to be born with the will to search it out. Noble and necessary.


Against Nature on MySpace

Bland Hand Records

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