Ritalin
Bedside Toxicology
Invisible
Alternative Press labeled it one of the most anticipated albums of the year. With that much hype, you’ve just got to sit down and listen to it. So I did, and it took about three attempts to go from beginning to end in one sitting. I couldn’t stand it. I wanted one sound, or at least something consistent. Alas, a week later of consistent playing, and I’m hooked like a junky. I had to realize that the album’s diversity is what generates its beauty. Each song creates a mood, an emotion, or a feeling. Ogre (yes THE Ogre) does his best vocal work here, and something had to be done to compliment it. Thus it seems Atkins used all the tech-talk tricks and musical mayhem possible to do it. You can hear their history, but it’s not stifling or even remotely influential in the direction the music travels. They have “grown up” from their past of working together. I know a lot of people are waiting for this one. Be smart: discard EVERYTHING you are expecting, and listen with untainted ears. Ritalin mimics its drug: you are forced into concentration. Go my children and be joyous! Invisible Records, PO Box 16008, Chicago, IL 60616
