It’s easy to be disgusted and just tired of everything right now. Just come to this site if you want to see that shit. I feel like I’ve written basically the same intro all year long because existence seems relatively futile right now, and the world is full of unknowing assholes. But how to channel that frustration into a singular sound?

Actually, three-piece Minnesota wrecking crew Buildings have that figured out on their raucous third record “You Are Not One of Us.” Side note: This record has some of the strangest cover art I’ve seen this year. But hey, it’ll stick out on a shelf. Back to the main point. On these 11 cuts that are furiously bass-driven (I’m saying that now so I don’t repeat myself every song) amalgamation of punk, hardcore, and noise rock, the band gives off the feeling of anger and hate, but not of the blind variety. These songs feel like the accumulation of disappointing experiences, dealing with dumb shits, and trying to make sense of everyday life that everything has turned them sour and pounded out a good sense of hate. These fellows— Brian Lake, Mike Baillie, Travis Kuhlman—sounds like they’re sitting right next to you at the bar during the daily tragedies known as news broadcast, with them nudging you like, “You believe these fucking guys?” I could be way off on this, but that’s how this music strikes me.

“Separated by Numbers” soaks in noise and feedback before launching ahead and taking on societal division many people deny is happening. “We’re segregated!” is a howl against class warfare, later followed by, “Hold up the rifle so I can aim down the barrel,” turning the sentiment hostile. “Net Waste” has the bass clobbering and wails of, “We got to let them hang!” that meet up with agitated guitars and a rising sound designed to drown out the senses. “Mouth Gift” reminds a bit of Pissed Jeans, with a simple, yet blunt chorus that rakes at the skin, and the shout of, “I bet she tastes so sweet!” leaving an uneasy impression. “Smell the Pool” is a crusher, as the vocals have a ton more attitude attached to them (not that they’re subtle elsewhere), and a damaged melody over the chorus that makes this feel mentally broken. “Palliative Care” again lets the bass drive, which it does hard as fuck, before it takes on some surfy guitars. The guitars chew at your nerve endings, while wild yells and a formidable rhythm section leaves welts. “Mother Nature” has hypnotic power and a tempo that forces itself into your comfort zone. The title is yelped over and over as the chorus hits hard, and noise takes the song out.

“Pray to the Toilet” isn’t about what you think it’s about from the title. No one is drunk and puking. Instead, amid a flurry of scowling yells, blunt talk singing, and sweet riffs, the band wonders if instead of you professing your faith if you “might as well pray to the toilet.” “Who is This” again has the bass dominating (I really am trying not to be redundant), the guitars buzzing like flies, and the vocals sounding like the epitome of psychological irritation. “Pastor Dick” opens with a riff that reminds me of old timey AC/DC. Just me? The vocals swagger, with the bark of, “You know it hurts sometimes,” promising nothing but hard times, as the guitars heat up and provide a punch-filled finish. “Creature” is jammed with bubbling guitars and lurching vocals, with the howls of, “You are my creature!” sending some chills. As the song winds down, the guitars leave deep scrapes, leading the way toward album finale “Pound.”  Guitars simmer, as the verses are delivered from a tormented throat. “You’re the queen!” is repeated, while the bass clubs you into oblivion. Later, guitars swirl and cause a strange hypnosis, while the final strains drip ominously into the sewer.

“You Are Not One of Us” resonates with me because I feel like Buildings are in my headspace. I’m tired of coming home from work, seeing the day’s events, and wanting to stand in front of a moving car. This band’s music feels like that hopelessness and distaste all balled up into 11 tracks that are just as nauseated as I am.

For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/buildingsband/

To buy the album (North America), go here: https://erodingwinds.com/products/buildings-you-are-not-one-of-us-lp

Or here (Europe): http://www.antenakrzyku.pl/en/product-category/shop/

For more on the label, go here: http://www.gileadmedia.net/

And here: http://www.antenakrzyku.pl/en/