The words "Mastered by Justin K Broadrick" ought to warn everyone what they're about to get into. I know what I was expecting after I saw that. And my expectations were met, but not exactly in the way I anticipated, especially after I read up a bit on Mr. Nolan.

Andrew Nolan Black Dogs (GIVE/TAKE)

Nolan is the sole proprietor of his sound on this album, a dub-bass heavy electronic assault. But this is largely bass and drum (sometimes analog, sometimes electronic) with some extras. Broadrick is officially a guest on "The Striker of Yorkshire," which is the single and also a rare excursion into breakbeats. Nolan has been thrashing around the post-industrial, post-grindcore, experimental electronic world for 30 years or so. He often works within a group. His solo work simply omits the parts that might be played by bandmates.

The uncompromising nature of the songs (they really don't wander two far from the rhythm section) and their austere settings are where Broadrick's hand is most easily heard, though I believe Nolan is similarly interested in keeping his sound as clean and uncluttered.

This is kinda like listening to Crystal Method (feel free to insert your own similar reference) without any guitars or vocals. The beats are hypnotic, and the world is tilted. Most won't be interested. I'm just perverse enough to really groove on these heavy beats.

Jon Worley