Album Brief: The Body’s “I’ve Seen All I Need to See”
“I’ve Seen All I Need to See” is an album by The Body that aims to deliver an intense listening experience through its use of distortion and atonality. The record opens with a reading of Douglas Dunn’s poem “The Kaleidoscope,” which explores themes of grief, accompanied by sparse drums and noise. This sets a tone for the album that is characterized more by its unconventional structure than by traditional songcraft.
The album consists of tracks that often blend into one another, with a relentless sound that can be described as brutal and oppressive. Despite its atypical musical approach, there are moments of catharsis, notably in the track “The City is Shelled,” where the vocalist Chip King’s delivery over pounding piano leads to a rare moment of melodicism amid the overwhelming noise.
While the album is relatively short at 38 minutes, it can feel like a test of endurance for listeners. The overall sound of “I’ve Seen All I Need to See” is designed to evoke a sense of horror without relying on campy elements. It offers what some may consider a dangerous or frightening atmosphere, distinguishing it from more mainstream offerings in the genre.
For those interested in exploring this distinct sound, “I’ve Seen All I Need to See” is available on various platforms, including Bandcamp, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, YouTube Music, and Spotify. The body of work raises the question of whether such a style is able to convey beauty through brutality, a departure from what is typically expected in art.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/column/806767/you-need-to-listen-to-the-body-ive-seen-all-i-need-to-see