While our Lina has been sleeping for about ten years now, Lina Baby Doll has been wandering in the Swedish forests, examining the effects of alcohol consumption. Deutsch Nepal fans know that the project has an unhealthy fascination with the liquid of the gods, even making drinking a huge part of his live performances. Yet, fans also know that Deutsch Nepal always delivers and always does it in his own, distinct style, minimal, industrial, gritty and dark.
This album seems to take off where Amygdala left us. Deep percussion, some minimal symphonic elements and Andersson's drunk voice continue to explore the sonic strangeness which Deutsch Nepal is known and respected for. The voice seems louder this time, especially when shouting 'Alcohology' throughout the opener. 'To The Earth' is the first real highlight, a typical Deutsch Nepal song but probably one of his greatest. It has a sense of epicness which is quite irresistible to be honest.
'Python' brings me back to the 'Benevolence' era and is another typical but amazing Deutsch Nepal song. Dark ambient with the same deep percussion and loads of atmosphere. This sounds a lot more mature than some of his previous work. Is Lina Baby Doll growing up? Judging from the eerie 'Deutsch Nepal's Cosmic Trigger', he isn't sobering up, that's for sure. This one of his gloomiest hymns to date, as it sounds deeply personal and intensely emotional.
This far into this album and I'm becoming quite sure this is his best work so far. Of course, it obviously reminds every fan of most of his other work but it still remains a stunning album. Hell, with 'Epicurian Extremism' he even recorded somewhat of a dance track, of course not the regular EDM crap but 'Deutsch Dance'. I can already imagine the female fans going wild on this one and perhaps I would too. 'Alcohology Minor' would also to trick by the way, be it somewhat slower and even a bit 'gothic'.
The album closes with a re-recording of 'Erosion', originally from 1999. In a way, it shows where Deutsch Nepal comes from and the evolution he has been making over the years. However, if anything, 'Alcohology' definitely proves why this project is the legend that he is today. Very few artists are able to create their own, unique sound ànd maintain it throughout the years. Deutsch Nepal can and proves it with this masterpiece.
And my cat? Well, she still prefers Tom Waits and the occasional slab of death metal. I guess she has to get used to this album from now on because it's going to be played a lot in this household.
Serge