Rolo Tomassi/ Cosmology

Rolo Tomassi
Cosmology
(Hassle Records)

The 'screech of doom' that gets phlegmed up over hardcore music is a much mocked institution. When I was a naive young man I'd see someone hurling up their best devil voice at a gig and think “you fucking pansy, I've seen The Exorcist, I'm not scared, so there.” These days I don't know if it's me that's grown up or the music, but damn, I like those screams: it's like being flagellated by some kinda kinky demon.
This second album from Sheffield scamps Rolo Tomassi is being hailed as the Dark Side of the Moon of Hardcore music - and hell, I'm not gonna try and tell you otherwise. I get the impression there are purists out there who don't like melodic interference in their batshit brew, but these fellas are running with the idea and creating something that feels like the way of the Gods. How can that not be awesome?
To get an idea of where I'm coming from, check out 'Kasia' from this album: it starts off on the moon, dancing quietly with the space pixies. Then the space pixies transform into evil little bastards, vomiting acid all over your face and running around, tearing shit up. It demonstrates this whole record's knack for blending poetic mystery with naked chaos.
Eva Spence is Rolo's secret weapon: a girl who's equally at home pondering the meaning of life as she is slicing your balls off with a pair of hedge clippers. Spence guides us through the title track 'Cosmology' like the ghost of a sad angel, while the band's compositions glow in the dark around her. I nearly fell off my sofa having an epiphany to this damn thing!
I'll finish my review with a special charity appeal from your very own Texas Pete: please, please, give the new Rolo Tomassi album a home this summer. Because it will blow your balls off. Now where's that free beer Artrocker promised me for writing this crap?!