Whores: Ruiner

To put it plainly, Whores’ debut EP, Ruiner, finds the Atlanta noise-rock trio destroying everything in sight with a pulverizing rumble of slow rhythm and hatred. Singer/guitarist Christian Lembach’s possessed vocalizations sway between soaring melodies and screaming lashings in “Daddy’s Money.” The song pulls back the hammer and a blast of methodical, teeth-gnashing rage ensues without an ounce of subtlety heard anywhere throughout the four remaining songs. But there is a tuneful drive behind standout cuts “Fake Life” and “Straight Down.” Each one moves with brute force, drawing strength from its own ferocity as the bass-heavy rhythms reveal themselves as the vicious centerpiece. The production is clean, direct and loud, facilitating the strengths on “Fake Life.” On the other hand, songs such as “Shower Time” and “Straight Down” are a bit stifled by the faultless sound. Either way, each song punches with reactionary, and ultimately rewarding, fits of pure psychosis. (4 out of 5 stars)