Archers of Loaf’s Icky Mettle is the kind of rag-tag early 90’s debut that feels like it’s about to fall apart at any second. But that’s exactly where its magic lives. It planted the band squarely in the center of indie rock’s messy glorious heart during the midst of the grunge wave, all jagged guitars, shouted hooks, and a sneering energy that felt both confrontational and strangely tender all at the same time. There’s something beautifully contradictory about this album for me. It’s abrasive but sentimental, chaotic but carefully built, like a lover afflicted by multiple personality disorder who wants to punch you in the chest and write you a love letter in a single evening.
Standout Songs: “Web In Front”, “Last Word”, “Plumb Line”
