The Helpline - Harsh Vocals & Mild Criticism
We help a fan in search of non-annoying metal and our punk columnist breaks a few eggs.
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The Helpline is a special issue of Bandcamp Notes devoted to answering your most burning music-related queries. Submit your questions here or leave a comment below or send us a postcard.
In this edition, a fan is in search of metal minus extreme vocals, and our punk columnist delivers the final-ish word on egg punk.
Dear Bandcamp Notes Helpline -
I need a little metal help. I really enjoy metal music, but I can’t stand “Cookie Monster Vocals” or high-pitched screaming. Can you put together a playlist with some recent metal music that’s come out in the last twelve months or so to restore my faith that there’s still a cozy beanbag chair of metal available for people like me? Many thanks, Bandcamp!
–Ted
Harsh singing styles are basically the metal equivalent of cilantro: some find it thrilling and cathartic, others downright unpleasant. All of this is to say that you are not alone, especially when it comes to the infamous “Cookie Monster Vocals.” Fortunately, there are plenty of releases that keep the throat-shredding to a minimum, placing a greater emphasis on melody, tone, dynamics, and most importantly, instrumental excellence. Here’s a playlist of 10 rippers released over the past 12 months that I think you’ll like.
Go forth, Ted. Your cozy beanbag chair of metal awaits.
- Zoe Camp, Bandcamp Daily editor, metalhead, and beanbag enjoyer.
Is egg punk punk?
–Emanuele
The short answer is yes, egg punk is punk. But it depends on who you ask. If you ask some aggro 22 year old with a spiky bracelet, they would likely say that anything that isn’t raw punk is de facto “egg punk” or “not punk.” While I love a good crasher band, I can’t think of anything less punk than trying to say something isn’t punk because it doesn't fit into a tidy little box—but also “punk” feels like an umbrella term for nearly anything DIY or not mainstream these days. I don’t think that is necessarily a bad thing. Rejecting social constructs and reaching outside of the pop music sphere is for many a gateway to critical thinking—that’s a good thing.
In a recent article that shall not be named, the author concluded that egg punk is not necessarily a thought-provoking art form. I would agree with that in many cases, but not all. The reality is, some people have “it” and some people don’t. Some will make songs with subversive, funny, and challenging lyrics; some will make songs about farts and bugs and stuff. I prefer the former, but sometimes you need the latter just to facilitate turning off your brain and bouncing around in a B.O.-ridden basement with a bunch of other ding-dongs who hate their jobs at the bowling alley or the Pentagon. Everyone needs to let off some steam sometimes. In conclusion, who fucking cares?
PS. Here are a few releases that I think are cool examples of e-punk, but mostly because they are not archetypal…[they] push boundaries, have their own unique sound within the style/framework, whatever, etc.