Pulled Apart By Horses/ Pulled Apart By Horses

Pulled Apart By Horses
Pulled Apart By Horses
(Transgressive Records)

A diurnal animal is the opposite of a nocturnal animal: it is a creature which wakes at 7am and feels compelled to flee into their dreams at 10pm. Unfortunately, tonight I am surrounded by such creatures - in fact, behind every wall lies a diurnal animal. The swines have me encompassed.
It's for this reason that at approximately 2:03am I attempted to review the Pulled Apart By Horses record at a compassionate volume of 40 decibels. Yet my reasonable compromise was doomed to failure; within seconds, broom handles were attacking the room from at least two angles, each handle representing a diurnal animal that had sensed a threat to its habitat.
Headphones at 80 decibels seemed the only rational solution. And just as well; this Leeds band have been very conscious of the fact they're notorious as a live band, and made a record which captures the air around the drum kit as it hits the walls. Headphones, preferably ones with foamy bits, are an ideal way to ride the noise of 'Pulled Apart By Horses'.
As philosophical questions go, "How could you dance when my balls are on fire?" is an entirely justified one, and a typical example of the surreal but potent lyrics of singer Tom. Another, "enjoy your fucking misery!" is again, quite buddhist when you think about it for a day or six. Hmm. I could paint that on my neighbours door.
Lyrical flamboyance aside, this record offers up riffs that will tear your nuts off when you're least expecting it. This isn't just an album for hardcore fanatics; this is a record for anyone that craves a burn mark in their pants. "Everybody's saying you've gone INSAAAANE!" suggests Tom on 'Moonlit Tallons'. Well Tom, you've made me insane - but I love you for it, you shexshy beast.