Khann
Tofutopia
7.7
Florida’s Khann don’t fit snugly into any one subgenre, but it does help to know that Joshua Vitale (ex-Bodies in the Gears of the Apparatus) fronts this quintet, which may partially explain the chaotic nature of tracks like “Himalayan Green,” “Pralay,” and “Cleanse.” Each of the previously mentioned nods at the fast, intense Converge along with familiar influences Botch, Coalesce, et al. Thankfully, however, Tofutopia is a varied display of know-how that, similar to the work of Perth Express, is greater than the sum of its parts.
Still, while the first few songs lead one to believe the album will unfold in a swift, raging manner, “Anodynic Spheres” shifts gears through Neur-Isis-inspired instrumentation. “Cleanse,” though delivered at mid-pace, is significantly darker, dirtier, and quicker than its predecessor, as are “Black Water Permeates” and “Charisma.” Nevertheless, “Bird” unravels in a drifting, contemplative fashion much like sludgy downer “Volcanic Lungs Part 1,” although “Part 2” is more brief and aggressive than its lengthier counterpart. So essentially, Tofutopia is a mixture of complex, grind-ish post-hardcore and Neur-Isis-core, and more often than not it works, even if it’s been done before. In spite of those positives, fifty minutes seems excessive when Khann could’ve shaved several minutes off the total time by trimming the fat. For instance, the latter half of the disc – arguably where one’s patience is tested most – features an extraneous guitar-cum-shout composition entitled “Lament,” the last five minutes of “The Lone Hum” is pure noise, and three of the four “Untitled” tracks are blank.
It’s no secret that Khann have been weathering line-up difficulties recently, but it’s good the guys from Republicorpse have been helping out until the former can fill the vacant spots. At any rate, Tofutopia is a solid album, and it’d be a shame for their career to be cut short when they seem to be gaining clout. While not the best you’ll hear, Khann remain noteworthy.
