Ribcage Houdinis – Ribcage Houdinis
Album Review
Man, oh man. If you’re into the kind of rock that feels like a fever dream wrapped in grit and soul, then Ribcage Houdinis by Ribcage Houdinis is your jam. Released back in ‘94 (yeah, it’s older than most Spotify users), this self-released gem dives deep into art rock, alternative rock, and psychedelia without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard. It’s messy, raw, and real—like someone spilled their guts onto tape but somehow made it sound beautiful.
Let me tell ya about two tracks that hit hard: “Gravity” and “Breathe The Violence.” These songs stuck with me for different reasons, but both felt like punches to the chest in all the right ways.
“Gravity” starts off slow, almost hesitant, like it doesn’t know whether to pull you in or push you away. John Riccardi’s vocals are haunting yet kinda comforting, like hearing an old friend talk through some heavy stuff. Then BAM—the guitars kick in, swirling around your head like a tornado made of broken glass and rainbows. Dave Mansbach’s bassline ties everything together so tight you can’t help but nod along even when it gets weird. By the end, I was sitting there staring at my ceiling thinking, “What just happened?” But in a good way. A really good way.
And then there’s “Breathe The Violence,” which sounds exactly how its title suggests—a chaotic explosion of anger and energy. Ronnie Tucker’s percussion hits like machine-gun fire while Riccardi’s guitar wails like it's fighting for its life. This track feels urgent, like they recorded it live in one take because they had no choice. No polish, no frills—just pure emotion bleeding out of every note. Honestly? It makes me wanna punch something… but also dance wildly at the same time. Weird combo, right?
The whole album has this DIY charm to it. You can tell these guys weren’t chasing fame—they were chasing something deeper. The artwork by Dave Mansbach looks like doodles from a sketchbook someone left behind on a road trip, and somehow it fits perfectly. It’s not perfect—it’s human. And honestly? That’s what makes it special.
Here’s the thing: listening to Ribcage Houdinis feels like finding a mixtape in the backseat of an abandoned car. You don’t know where it came from, but once you press play, you realize it’s got stories to tell. Stories that might not make sense at first, but stick with you long after the music stops.
So yeah, if you dig bands who wore their hearts on their sleeves and didn’t care about fitting into any box, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start dreaming in kaleidoscope colors and jagged riffs afterward. Oh, and here’s a random thought—I bet aliens would totally vibe with this album. Think about it.
