If it's loud you want, it's loud you'll get—Repetition never tries to conceal its aggression. But then it probably doesn't need to; the core of its audience (as well as Unwound's) is a singular generation of angst-ridden teenagers, whose raison d'être is to piss off their parents with said musical "discord", whilst simultaneously looking for music that "speaks to them." Repetition succeeds in both areas—for better or worse.
While Message Received may provide an example of things to come, it's Corpse Pose that perfects it—Vernon Rumsey's bass skills are a clear stand out, but both Sara Lund's drumming and Justin Trosper's guitar work provide great dynamics of their own. However, it simultaneously introduces Unwound's major flaw—sparse lyrics. While Trosper's vocals are impressively powerful, it's anyone's guess as to what he's trying to get across.
Another notable is Lady Elect, which only hints at the grandeur Unwound was trying to reach. That would come in Repetition's ending For Your Entertainment, a song that finally reaches the high grandiose that Unwound has been striving to achieve since 1991; its lyrics may be cynical, but everyone is at their prime—all wrapped up with powerful, spacey guitars à la Godspeed You! Black Emperor.
Obviously it's not for everyone, but to those who can understand, it's a nice treat.
8.5/10
(Album art from here.)
