FDF Volume 4 Issue 313 - Neds Atomic Dustbin - God Fodder

Album – God Fodder

Artist – Neds Atomic Dustbin
Key Players – Dan Worton – drums. Matt Cheslin – bass. Alex Griffin – bass. Gareth “Rat” Pring – guitar. Jonn Penney - vocals

Produced By – Jessica Cocoran and Neds Atomic Dustbin

Release Date – May 11, 1991

Overview- The band was formed in 1987 and right from the start they were “different”. Taking their name from a 1960's Radio show they'd stand out because of the two bass players. Something that is rarely seen. This is their debut album and it would generate much buzz on the college scene. They'd continue to write and perform, to wild fan reaction before taking a break in 1995. The full band would reform in 2008, and although they are considered “active” there is not a major plan for new music. We took a look at "Are you Normal?" many moons ago if you want to read about that one.

FDF Comments (aka the songs) – Thirteen tracks just over 40 minutes in length. Leading off with the double bass assault of "Kill Your Television".   The band has a particular bounce to them from the Worton drum line and the results of the two bass players is immediate. Rat throws down a quick phased out guitar run but its the chugging bass work from Cheslin and Griffin that stands out. Always a wild pleaser this song stands up years later. “Useful” finds Penney a little more at ease vocally and the band is tight behind him changing the tempo on a time and pushing each other to a quicker release. “Selfish” lifts a sample from “Die Hard” with the “Why don't you wake up and smell what choo shoveling” and then Griffin finds a high, capo driven bass line. He playes a Rickenbacker bass so the ring to it is distinct. Rather than a lead and rhythm guitar, Ned's does it with two bass players so you get the high and low melodies. "Grey Cell Green" was the first single to the US and Worton rumbles across his drum kit as Cheslin and Griffin seem to battle with each other, then Pring. It is a wild romp, full of fist waving moment. “Cut Up” finds the band with a bit more of a stuttered attack on the guitar, but leading in to the verses the melody of the two basses is outstanding. They play off each other so well, never outworking each other. The track ends and "Throwing Things" comes right at the listener. Another rowdy attack, this has a great dual bass break down towards the end. Pring does have a chance to shine, but no solo is ever too long, which works for the band. The band finds a little more a mature sound (its still a track that cooks along) with “Capital Letters” and again its Worton, Cheslin and Griffin who are the leads, a lot of fun to listen to. "Happy" is a perfect snapshot of the band, if you haven't heard of the band, look/listen, its all there. Catchy chorus, ringing bass lines and fuzzy guitar, you'll be jumping before you know it. “Complex” starts off quiet, but it goes right back at the listener. Again the dual bass parts are stand outs with the shot guitar solo to add the cherry to it. “Nothin' Like” has Worton taking control and the acoustic guitar adds another layer to the bands sound. The high/low bass lines continue to be interesting and often times more complex than one has come to expect from rock bassists. “Until you Find Out” has a some phased up drum intro and the band takes off. The change over at the chorus is perfect for the tempo and feel of the track. “You” also fades up with the swirling bass and drum parts. Worton is pretty laid back as Rat bites on the guitar and the dual bass assault continues to draw smiles. The album concludes with “What Gives My Son” a rowdy response to the boys response perhaps when they were going to be “rock stars”. It is a wild and rowdy album closer.

Where are they now? - The band took some time off but have since re-formed. Although no new studio albums have been released the band is performing “Ned-Stock” in November 2014.

FDF Overall Take -  Some of this has aged better than others, but if you were a live music fan at this time they were so fun live it was hard to not love the studio records too.  The energy came from studio to stage all the time.  The dual bass playing is a lot of fun, and still not a lot of bands try this.  It works more often than note.  This is a great early 90's snapshot of music.  Grab it.

Links -

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