The Naked Sweat Drips – Pain In Healing
Butler Records – 2019
Rock, Alternative
Rated: ****
Another band we never got around to mentioning the first time around. Which we should have, cause Psycho Sister was a damn fine release and that first line-up of The Naked Sweat Drips should have gotten that credit. I specifically mention the fact that there is a line-up change, cause it is what this album is about. Last year guitar player Kristian Strik got the news that his brain tumor had become inoperable and that there was nothing left to do. In the time of three months his health deteriorated and he was unable to play guitar, he did manage to continue to do some synth work. And during those months, this record, before us now, was written. And now, almost one year ago, the man passed away. It gives the album of course and righteously so a lot of extra weight. And that carries through in the voice of the vocalist, who has an intense lofty and eminent quality in its performance. A lot of the tracks come with grand middle parts and even grander explosions. But the softer, subdued parts intimidate just as much. The tightrope dance between those two bookends seem to give Pain In Healing that extra bit of energy to push this album into the realm of classic works. And that’s not even counting the deep emotions and raw hurt that go with it…
(Written by JK)
