Review: “Tabula Rasa” by Cell Press

Curiously “Tabula Rasa” means “an absence of preconceived ideas or predetermined goals; a clean slate” and while this record doesn’t feel like an revolution, its definitely an evolution for Cell Press. Interestingly opening cut “Hot Rod to Gehenna” is a powerhouse effort that brings American Post-Hardcore veterans The Fall Of Troy to mind with the the way in which Arsenian and Dorrington-Meehan’s screamed vocals intertwine. A Molotov cocktail of big chugging riffs with electric energy Sludge infused Mathcore leanings, it feels strangely vibrant despite the down-tuned nature of the guitars and heavy hitting percussion. There is a dirge laden groove to “Last Aid Kit” which is fearfully addictive, the big bass lines digging deep as the band move into Scuzz territory, the barked harsh vocals the single heaviest element. McGee gets creative with his fills, offering more blood and thunder than usual in the middle of this one and there is a point where it actually sounds like it could have been recorded live on the floor of the studio, such is the fluid nature of this assault on the senses.

“Terminal Commuter” is one of those strange arty pieces during which distant drumming meets feedback and quirky samples, the likes of which we’ve heard from Will Haven in the past. Perhaps it will lend itself to a live show introduction or towel down moment mid-set but here it serves as an eerie introduction to “Orphan Crushing Machine“. Vocally this one is as savage as they come with shriller throat shredding screams added to by barked ones. Sonically however it’s far stranger, blurring the lines between Post-Hardcore and Stoner Rock with Fu Manchu like riffs and expansive percussion. It seems with “Tabula Rasa” the trio are expanding their horizons and going where their collective hearts take them and that makes for an intriguing listen [7/10]