Diaper Island

Chad VanGaalen goes (more) electric in his excursion to Diaper Island. There is a dark haze that permeates the songs on this record, a dense fog brought on by thundering drums and guitars that sound as sharp as they feel elastic. Lest you think the mood is dire and dreary, the fog actually acts as a membrane through which some of the most catchy and emotional songs in VanGaalen’s discography burst through and shine. Side A’s lumbering “Peace On The Rise” and borderline thrasher “Replace Me” give way to Side B’s gentle triad denouement “Wandering Spirits,” “No Panic/No Heat,” and “Shave My Pussy.” The ghosts in these woods are soft and strange and have brought you a chair to kick up your feet on. Stay awhile.