Description
Quicksand – “Manic Compression” LP
The New York post-hardcore pioneers released their second album in February 1995 (Island Records released the CD, while Rev were permitted the vinyl version). Counting as their most successful (commercial) release, and peaking at number 135 on the Billboard 200. Production was shared between two very capable giants of the New York noise/hardcore scene, Wharton Tiers (Unsane, Sonic Youth, Helmet) and Don Fury (Gorilla Biscuits, Sick Of It All, Burn). In my opinion the previous album, Slip, was/is a certifiable masterpiece; whereas this follow-up was merely a good album, by a good band. Manic Compression was the sound of Quicksand being Quicksand; whereas the former was the highly original sound of nothing we had heard before. Maybe now is the time for a reappraisal? This could be a masterpiece as well… I have feeling that some people think that it is. After all, Walter Schreifels is one of the best songwriters of his generation.
