Icky Mettle (Deluxe Remaster)

One of the brightest lights of the Chapel Hill, North Carolina scene, that also gave the world Superchunk and Polvo, Archers of Loaf play cathartic indie-rock that’s heavy on guitars and raw, passionate singing. The aggression is reminiscent of Mission of Burma, esteemed company for certain. But it’s the songwriting that gives these folks their identity. Icky Mettle was the band’s debut album and it kicks with the energy of intent. “Web in Front” is an opening salvo that takes no prisoners. “Learo, You’re a Hole” flattens everything in its path. Imagine the Pixies on strong coffee. The band would refine their sound from here, but tracks such as “Wrong,” “Sick File,” “Toast” and “Backwash” are as seriously dominant as any hard rock of the ‘90s. This reissue features superior mastering by Bob Weston and the Deluxe edition includes the entire Archers of Loaf vs. The Greatest of All Time EP, early single versions of “Wrong” and “Web in Front” and other singles and  rare B-sides. Scarily essential.