Roughhusen- Someone's Got to Pay

Artist: Roughhausen

Album: Someone’s Got To Pay EP

Label: Tinder Box/Shinto Records

Genre: Industrial, EBM

Date: 11-22-11

Roughhausen is the project of  J. S. Stoddard, a ex-member of Front Line Assembly with deep roots in the goth/industrial scene. Roughhausen’s 5 song EP, Someone’s Got to  Pay is released on Tinder Box/Shinto Records. The songs here are a relatively eclectic mix of electro and meaty analog synths, anchored by raw-sounding drums and heavy vocoding.  

[Sic Fuk] embraces a tongue-in-cheek take on familiar mainstream hip-hop territory, wedding electro with a sleazy club antics, trading on female vocals and vapid lyrics. “Control (Lying Mo-fo mix)” features vocals barely above a whisper and great analog sequencing which is rich and interesting. Near the song’s end an ethereal background vocal creates a level of depth. “Dirty Little Secret” blends rock and roll swagger with electro sensibility, it’s a fun song. The live version of “You Better Run” oozes sleaze and swagger. The song is guitar-heavy and accessible, owing much to anthemic rock as well as industrial. It’s memorable and catchy.   

For the listener interested in inventive industrial that doesn’t seem to take itself too seriously, Roughhausen is well worth checking out. It’s a solidly unpredictable release, and will appeal accross underground genres.

Listen to: [Sic Fuk]