R by Bensiini

Beefed-up, blown-out, and ballsy, the new Finnish supergroup Bensiini finds Circle members Janne Westerlund, Jussi Lehtisalo, and Mika Rättö revisiting their noise-rock roots with help from Sokea Piste guitarist Heikki Hautala and Slussenanalys bassist Eetu Henttonen. Aggressively produced by former Hebosagil drummer and sound-art ace Ilpo Heikkinen, the quintet's debut album tips its grimy hat to macho, Chicago-based meatpackers like the Jesus Lizard as well as to classic Finnish lumberjacks Radiopuhelimet, but with a dash of homegrown Pori-style surrealism. Play loud. Loud as fuck.

--Jordan N. Mamone, New York City
February 19, 2015