SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MISSOULA – DEATH DOULA

MISSOULA
DEATH DOULA
ORG MUSIC

Missoula is an instrumental superstar project from drummer Brooks Wackerman (Avenged Sevenfold, Bad Religion) and guitarist John Konesky (Tenacious D). This is not surf or ambient or meditative instrumental music. Missoula performs hard rock, almost like the solos one would hear in a longer piece. These are fully formed songs that are structured, brief and to the point. The music is melodic and instantly accessible. Death Doula is their debut album.

Death Doula is not what I would call a light, fun record. In fact, it is, in its sound and production, very dark at times, and very forceful. Drummer Wackerman’s rhythm dictates and seems to drive the music, while Konesky adds very tasteful and tuneful guitar. The two work together to create a very heavy and grinding sound, and it works. There is never a dull moment on this record. And they do a great deal in each song. “Nixon Nights,” for example, has mini movements throughout and the song shifts gears and takes the listener to many places in under three minutes.

The album is full of songs that take the listener on a ride with many unexpected twists and turns. And while Death Doula has a definite retro feel to it, it does not sound dated or out of step. Current day hard rock, heavy metal fans will find a great deal to enjoy with this album. There are more mellow songs, such as “Love Bombs,” with guitar solos that touch the soul.

Instrumental albums are more difficult than one would think. It is easy to go off on tangents or lose the listener with lengthy tracks that sometimes miss the point. Missoula is a very smart duo. They keep the songs short, interesting and extremely active. The music grabs the listener, with the original and creative drumming and guitars that soar. In the end, Death Doula is a fascinating, well produced and arranged album. There is a great deal to love about the album.

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