Body Stuff

NYC musician Curran Reynolds is known for many things: being drummer of noisecore act Today is the Day and eclectic metallers Wetnurse, as well as a publicist and founder of the now defunct, but nevertheless influential, Precious Metal concert series. Now, Reynolds is setting forth his new project, dubbed Body Stuff, with a self-titled EP that reaches back to his roots. The solo endeavour is a departure from his other bands, unexpectedly sounding more like a mix of industrial, alternative rock and experimental drone instead of metal. The instruments are played by Ryan Jones (bassist of Today is the Day and Wetnurse) while Reynolds takes vocal duties, and the result is a mind-blowing surprise. Conceptually, Body Stuff is an extremely personal ode to NYC, with haunting, yet alluring, deep vocals — a cross between Justin Broadrick and Michael Gira — that are the focal point throughout the EP. "Street Walker" starts Body Stuff off with brooding laments before bursting into poppy, hypnotic beats. "Wanted Man" and "I Will Be He" are anchored by Swans- and Jesu-esque layers of heavy rhythms, pounding drums and abrasive tones, while "Year-Ends" features more aggressive, chugging guitars. "New York Story" brings back droning, repetitive groove and exceptionally dark, commanding vocals, while instrumental closer "Beyond Bodies" expands on different sounds and ethereal guitar noise. A stunning debut, Body Stuff is simple and pure, showcasing immense attention to detail by using thought-provoking lyrics that push intense emotions to the forefront to complement the music's melancholic atmosphere.