“Dog Whistle” revisits earlier success

“Dog Whistle” (2019), courtesy of Stereogum

It surprises me that Show Me The Body doesn’t have a greater following. In a musical culture where dynamics are eschewed for brute force a la volume, the group’s punishing stylistic mix of industrial, punk, noise, metal, funk, and rap — all turned up to 11 — fits snugly. Unbothered, their newest record, “Dog Whistle” returns the band to their imposing 2016 form, established by the chaotic “Body War.” At a quicksilver 28 minutes, the group punctuates soundbite DIY sermons with tours-de-force of the filthiest, urban-sprawling punk I’ve heard this whole year. Where’s the catch? There seems to be little in the way of artistic progression since “Body War,” and the album’s last leg feels as if the band has sprinted their marathon. I’ll still buy ringside tickets for a first round knockout though.

RATING: 3.5/5