“It’s always the same, the imposter in me.”
Emerging in Omaha, Nebraska in 2015, BIB soon dropped their demo which rapidly amassed a devoted fan base. They continued the following summer in 2016 release on the EP POP, which saw them sign to Deranged Records. This set the stage for subsequent releases, each characterized by a single-word title with MOSHPIT hitting the scene in 2017, followed by the band’s full-length album DELUX in February 2020, both under the banner of Pop Wig Records. Now BIB return in 2024 with the aptly named, BIBLICAL. One can’t argue with this rise to power, but BIBLICAL will likely be a divisive release.
As the noisy sound of “The Circle” blows Biblical into action, what is BIB‘s most dividing point enters the fray in the vocal performance. Complete unique in their nature, embracing delay effects that conjure up what can only be described as “comic book style villain” vocals. BIB‘s latest effort is short, so by the it enters “Two-Faced Planet” most listeners would have decided if the vocal delays have driven them mad or it’s something that tickles the ear.
A rougher edge is applied on “Bitter Mind” and it’s at that point the style, while bold, does seem to fully set into uneasy-listening, which has always been the point and the purpose. It feels a bit like recommending a cold ice bath each morning – rather uncomfortable in practice, but the shock will open up the spirit to something new.
Between “Thats It For the Other One” and closer “32 Below” continuing what has come before, the former does perhaps roll on too long, even if the extended moments of guitars given space to riff is appreciated. It does feel slightly peculiar as to know where to place BIB: a brazen style, yet outside of a core base, it’s difficult to see this landing with many. Here’s hoping it at least open up listener’s ears to something just that little different.
6/10
Biblical is out January 26th via Quality Control HQ records, and can be pre-ordered here.