Album: Boris, Smile (Southern Lord)

For a band that’s managed to turn the world of heavy rock on its head, it would be foolish to dismiss Japanese trio Boris as mere noise goblins. That they create a cacophony of ferocious, volatile sounds that is the aural equivalent of drowning in white light is true enough. Track "Laser Beam" with its classicgrunge blueprint speed up to gabba proportions proves as much. But there’s still great subtlety to be found here. "Flower Sun Rain" is melancholic and resplendent, romantic almost, while "My Neighbor Satan", although caustic in places, is equally as thoughtful. ‘Smile’ may burst your eardrums but it’s worth the mild tinnitus.