There are a lot of reasons to be stressed the fuck out with the state of the world right now, and one of those aspects is the lack of control we have over the process. We’re watching inhumane decisions and unspeakable methods of cruelty being spread all over, and while it’s hard to try to stay positive with that lack of power permeating, one has to balance that over the dark.

Miami noise makers Bleeth return with “Marionette,” an aptly titled record in this era where it feels like so many of our leaders are puppets for more nefarious forces. Plus, there’s that lack of control and the battle internally with our light and dark sides that make navigating these shark-infested waters so frustrating. The band—vocalist/guitarist Lauren Palma, bassist/vocalist Ryan Rivas, drummer Juan Londoño—pours doom, grunge, noise, and plenty other heavy elements into this 10-track driver that batters you sonically but also keeps you engaged mentally so that you can absorb this energy and use it to keep yourself in the game in a meaningful way. It’s heavier and more urgent than their previous work, which will make your neck snap back at times. Plus, it’s infectious as fuck and a great candidate for repeat listens.

“False Memory” opens in doomy, grungy waters, riffs whipping as Rivas howls, “Go ahead and break it!” Drums blast as the guitars scuff, letting everything burn into oblivion. “Echoes of Doubt” has guitars flooding, Palma taking over vocals as she calls, “I’m scared of regret, I’m scared to be alone.” The playing continues to punch, self-doubt continuing to swirl as Palma wounders, “Am I making a mistake? Is it going to be bad?” before a battering end. “Medusa” has guitars tricking and smearing, your head spinning along with it, swimming in a pool of madness. Noise continues to collect, pushing your buttons as melodies melt in the sun. “Devils Advocate” is a puncher, feeling a little like Helmet, the playing wrestling you down as Rivas wails, “You take! You take! You take!” The playing drubs and hovers, and then the intensity pulls back a bit, the singing scathing as bluesy scraping settles, dripping away. “Break Free” bludgeons, Palma and Rivas combining voices, reminding a lot of Kylesa’s glory days. “I don’t get it, but I want it,” Palma heaves as burly bashing adds bruising, surging to a mangling end.

“Placebo” arrives on fire, Rivas’ barks landing hard, guitars blasting chrome as the humidity increases. Steely wails pierce as echoes digest the electricity, the noise slowly dissolving. “Pro Choice” is a force, Palma in total command vocally. There is a palpable anger and frustration woven in, the carnage rising as the battering continues. “This is all a show,” Palma howls, igniting newfound savagery and chaos that spits nails. “Snake Eyes” is immersive and cool, Palma’s voice leaving brush burns, the pace turning more toward volatile punk. “What kind of future are we building for the little ones born today?”  she calls, hammering home a sobering point dressed in acid. “Reflections” is an instrumental piece that swims in noise and cooling weather systems, the haze stinging as the bass strikes, culling feedback and cosmic mystery. Closer “Monarchs” arrives with guitar crunch and a sense of restraint as Palma’s voice floats, the guitars adding more fuzz as the rhythm stomps. Things get sludgier as the vocals pierce visions, the drums rumble, and everything blurs out forever.

“Marionette” arrives at a period of great upheaval that’s been going on for some time but really seems to be boiling over now. Bleeth’s power navigates the tension, anxiety, and manipulation we’re experiencing at ridiculous levels but always shines a light on more positive aspects of taking back some control and living in whatever form of comfort one can find. This is a battering, heartfelt, electric experience, and Bleeth are answering the bell with might that’s their own.

For more on the band, go here: https://bleeth.bandcamp.com/

To buy the album (U.S.), go here: https://seeingredrecords.8merch.us/
Or here (International): https://seeingredrecords.8merch.com/

For more on the label, go here: https://www.seeingredrecords.com/