Removal

On their fourth disc, left coast instrumental thrashers Removal proudly proclaims they’ve found what they like are happy to do it. Retaining the monstrous destructo-core attack that is common place on their three previous releases, The Strong Silent Type steps into new territory, that of the progressive rock noodling variety. Dispensing with some of the electronic elements of earlier work, Bill, Ernie and Rob get downright Rush-like on this disc. It’s not until the album closer, a smoking cover of Edgar Winter’s "Frankenstein,” that there’s really any hint of the riff rock thump that made their debut something to be feared. But this smarter, more intricate Removal suits me just fine. They are still saying so much perhaps even more without saying a word. Watch for the band across Canada throughout September — but bring earplugs.