Peacemeal by Throckmorton: A Chaotic Masterpiece That Kicks You in the Ears
Alright, let’s get one thing straight—Peacemeal isn’t your grandma’s rock album. Released back in ’95 under Gildersleeve Music Group, this sucker slaps harder than most of what was coming out at the time. Blending math rock’s brain-twisting rhythms with alternative rock’s raw edge, Throckmorton delivers a record that feels like it crawled out of some sweaty basement jam session but still manages to sound polished as hell. And yeah, I said “math rock,” so if you’re not into time signatures that make your head spin, maybe sit this one out.
The real MVPs here are tracks like "Earthworm" and "Eelskin." Let me tell ya why these stick in my skull like gum on a hot sidewalk. "Earthworm" kicks off with this jittery guitar riff that just dares you to keep up. It’s messy, unpredictable, and kinda genius—all while Edward Caner’s violin sneaks in like an uninvited guest who ends up stealing the party. The whole thing builds into this chaotic crescendo that leaves you wondering how the hell they pulled it off without their instruments catching fire.
Then there’s "Eelskin," which is basically the musical equivalent of being chased through a dark alley. Timothy Pevec’s basslines hit so hard they could knock over a bouncer, and when those strings come in (props again to Edward Caner), it’s like someone threw a bucket of cold water on your face mid-mosh pit. This track doesn’t let up—it grabs you by the collar and drags you along for the ride whether you like it or not.
Now, full disclosure, the rest of the album ain’t all gold. Tracks like "Ed Is Born" feel a bit too self-indulgent, like Throckmorton forgot we don’t need a 10-minute backstory about whatever the heck “Ed” is supposed to be. But even then, you can’t deny the craftsmanship. Producer Throckmorton clearly had a vision, and damn if he didn’t execute it with style. Credit where it’s due: Frank Vale’s mixing and Joe Gastwirt’s mastering give the whole thing a punchy clarity that makes every instrument pop like fireworks.
Oh, and shoutout to Martha Clark for the design work because the cover art looks like something you’d find in a thrift store bin and immediately buy just to piss off your minimalist friend. Jerry Mann’s photography adds this gritty vibe that matches the music perfectly. Even the credits read like a family reunion—Edward Caner doing triple duty on strings, vocals, AND violin? Dude earns his paycheck.
So yeah, Peacemeal might not change your life, but it’ll sure as hell mess with your brain. Listening to this album feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube during an earthquake—it’s frustrating, exhilarating, and oddly satisfying all at once. If you dig weird, off-kilter rock that doesn’t play by the rules, give this a spin. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors start banging on the walls.
And honestly? I think Throckmorton knew exactly what they were doing. They made an album that refuses to fit neatly into any box—and maybe that’s the point. Life’s messy, music should reflect that. Now go listen to it before I decide I hate you.
Final Verdict: 8/10 – Not perfect, but unforgettable enough to leave a scar.
