[4.5/5] Plague Soundscapes, the 2003 "full-length" by electro-grind snipers the Locust, sported 23 songs in 21 minutes. New Erections weighs in with 11 songs clocking in at a little over 23, with one going over four minutes. Synth op Joey Karam seems to have exerted a greater force on the quartet's grind-and-gripe proceedings, especially on tracks like the jarring "Scavenger, Invader" and "Book Of Bot." Drummer Gabe Serbian continues to propel everything with greater speed, but offers more dexterity ("Hot Tubs Full Of Brand New Fuel," "One Manometer Away From Mutually Assured Relocation") than mere thrashing. But the big point made is both simple and crucial: The Locust are at a crossroads. New Erections documents the band successfully excavating the last engaging bits of sonic discovery from their blink-and-miss-it aesthetic, while moving in pursuit of something new. When you consider how militant they are toward their art, it's a challenge they are definitely prepared to embrace. (ANTI-) Jason Pettigrew
 Official Website: http://www.anti.com
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