Review / 200 Words Or Less
They and the Children
Home

Kill Normal (2008) Scottie

They and the Children – Home cover artwork
They and the Children – Home — Kill Normal, 2008

What if Deathreat cited Pink Floyd as an influence? Or Isis listened to more d-beat? The result would be spacey and sludgy, ambient while devastating. While these seem like polar opposites in the world of dense music, Connecticut's They and the Children blend these styles with near perfection on their final release, Home . The ebb and flow of this album moves like hurricane, first scathing your eardrums with abrasive guitars while pummeling them to a state of eternal white noise with overdriven bass and gargantuan drums. In the midst of a tonal onslaught They and the Children's storm of sound begins to lull, the mood becomes tranquil with effects heavy guitars sending your mind adrift into a state of calm reverie and vulnerability. The peace is only momentary though as the eye passes and it hails feedback, distortion, and shrieking vocals. The only question now is, will you float away or be crushed under the heaviness of Home?

7.8 / 10Scottie • October 1, 2008

They and the Children – Home cover artwork
They and the Children – Home — Kill Normal, 2008

Recently-posted album reviews

The Cascadian Divide

To the Sky
Independent (2026)

The Cascadian Divide is a Washington state based melodic skate punk band that formed during the infamous COVID lockdown. Although it started as an experiment, it soon became a passion project for the band members. The band has seen its share of line up changes over the years, but the commitment to maintaining the sound and integrity of the band … Read more

Jungle Rot

Cruel Face Of War
Unique Leader (2026)

Twelve albums and more than three decades into their career, Jungle Rot remains one of death metal's most reliable institutions. While countless bands have spent years chasing technical excess, progressive experimentation, or whatever trend happens to be dominating the underground now, the Kenosha veterans have remained committed to a simpler mission. Writing memorable riffs, locking into crushing grooves, and leaving … Read more

Overcalc

Fruits of the Decision Tree
Sleeping Giant Glossolalia (2024)

Some instrumental records create atmosphere while others create movement. Fruits of the Decision Tree feels like it creates an entire environment. It’s unstable, mechanical, strangely beautiful, and constantly in motion. The solo project of Nick Skrobisz (Multicult, The Wayward), Overcalc exists somewhere between electronic experimentation, prog-level guitar precision, ambient drift, and full on sci-fi hallucination. Trying to pin it cleanly … Read more