United Nations - United Nations

[Drew Beringer]

United Nations – United Nations
Release Date: September 9, 2008
Record Label: Eyeball

When the idea of a scene supergroup rocking out to screamo, grind, and power-violence tunes was first mentioned in 2004 by Daryl Palumbo (Glassjaw, Head Automatica) and Geoff Rickly, girl jeans across the nation become even tighter. But years passed, Rickly’s main group, Thursday released another album and got dropped by Island, while Palumbo released another Head Automatica album and kept promising fans a new Glassjaw record. While this project, named United Nations, would be hinted at here or there with a mention of Converge drummer Ben Koller being a part of the act, it never grew serious legs and many fans and critics, including this reviewer, thought this band and release would never see the light of day.

But now, almost four years later, United Nations have finally released their self-titled debut on Eyeball Records. Since Rickly’s primary band, Thursday, isn’t under contract, he is the only member who can legally appear in press materials, but the public knows that Palumbo (along with Rickly) is providing the deep growls while Koller, Chree Conger (former The Number Twelve Looks Like You drummer), Made Out Of Babies bassit Eric Cooper, and Jonah Bayer of The Lovekill are all rumored to be on the album as well. Together, they have composed an album that clocks in just over 25 minutes, unleashing a fury of sonic wailing, crunching guitars, and political themes. Basically, this is best collaboration/supergroup since the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles joined forces with Vanilla Ice to create “Ninja Rap.”

The chaos begins with “The Spinning Heart of the Yo-Yo Lobby,” a 57 second beatdown featuring a call and return between (what can be assumed to be) Palumbo’s shredding screams and Rickly’s signature cry. “Resolution #9” immediately kicks in with furious drumming that’ll break necks while including, if just barely, some melody. The thrashing of the guitar chords and drumming will make it seem like the Karate Kid is kicking ass inside your brain.

“Filmed In Front Of A Live Studio Audience” starts with static and news voiceovers supplying the background, as Rickly softly sings over a naked guitar chord that quickly pumps into the machine gun repetition of the drums. This track has a definite slower pace that the previous ones, but lyrically, it hits hard. “Subliminal Testing” has a slight industrial vibe to it, as it sludges along with Palumbo (assumed) and Rickly's bark in the background. The finale, “Say Goodbye to General Figment of the USS Imagination,” bursts with anxiety and pandemonium, determined to leave a final impression on the listener. The guitars clash and the vocals rip right through you. It then takes an interesting twist, as it slows down and outros with a nicely composed sax solo, ending the album on a unique note.

In the end, I believe Rickly, Palumbo, and company accomplished what they wanted to with this album. It sends a message, gives you a wedgie, and takes your lunch money, while maintaining a raw yet huge sound. The uneducated will call it grindcore, but it has a little too much structure to be defined as that, as, really, it sounds like Thursday with a tinge of Converge and The Number 12 thrown in. But that doesn’t bother me, as I enjoy all three of those bands. It may bother the screamo/grind elitists, who’ll look for any chance to argue, dismiss, and rip the stereotypical AP.net scenester who’ll claim this record as “OMG SO HARDCORE!!!” As for me, I could care less what genre this supergroup falls under, as I’ll sit back, crank this record to 11 on the volume dial, and enjoy the fireworks in the Music forum.

Track Listing:
1. The Spinning Heart of the Yo-Yo Lobby
2. Resolution #9
3. No Sympathy for a Sinking Ship
4. The Shape Of Punk that Never Came
5. My Cold War
6. Model UN
7. Filmed in Front of a Live Studio Audience
8. Revolutions in Graphic Design
9. I Keep Living The Same Day
10. Subliminal Testing
11. Say Goodbye to General Figment of the USS Imagination

United Nations are:
Geoff Rickly
Daryl Palumbo

Official Website (http://www.unitedfuckingnations.com/); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/unitednations)

[Drew Beringer]

PDU7HsdCotE

[mogwaifearsatan]

this shit rules

[weatherbox]

united nations is emo! grindcore has structure! chuck rocks at myspacers! someone should review geoff's writings ABOUT united nations, five out of five absolut gold stars

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

What the hell? The review paints this up to be near flawless but the score is still 82%? Hm...

Whatever. Nicely done, Drew. I ordered this so it should be somewhere over the Atlantic by now, if not in Sweden already.

[Rob Hrx]

Can't wait to hear all of this

[LongDistanceDrunk]

great review. I love this album and Geoff rRckleys screaming on it. It reminds me of a heavier Thursday with more screaming as well as parts of the contributing artists bands

[Smeee]

go ninja go ninja go!!

[Poochemist]

What the hell? The review paints this up to be near flawless but the score is still 82%? Hm...

Whatever. Nicely done, Drew. I ordered this so it should be somewhere over the Atlantic by now, if not in Sweden already.

I wouldn't be too sure. I live maybe 2 hours away from Eyeball Records headquarters, preordered the album several weeks ago, and haven't received it yet. Mondo frustration.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

I wouldn't be too sure. I live maybe 2 hours away from Eyeball Records headquarters, preordered the album several weeks ago, and haven't received it yet. Mondo frustration.

But did you pre-order the regular version or the limited edition? I know that Sound Pollution here in Stockholm are receiving it on September 22nd but I was hoping to get my copy before that...

[Kbm600]

This album is brilliant to me so far. I'm still needing to run through it completely. I definitely see it reaching my top five list.

Fantastic review, summed up this CD perfectly.

[Poochemist]

But did you pre-order the regular version or the limited edition? I know that Sound Pollution here in Stockholm are receiving it on September 22nd but I was hoping to get my copy before that...

I ordered the Limited Edition- does it make a difference?

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

I ordered the Limited Edition- does it make a difference?

Yeah, I think so. I heard they've had alot of problems with that version.

[Poochemist]

Yeah, I think so. I heard they've had alot of problems with that version.

Damn, I thought the problem was that they couldn't sell the limited edition in stores, maybe because of copyright reasons on the cover art? But I didn't think it would affect my pre-order.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Damn, I thought the problem was that they couldn't sell the limited edition in stores, maybe because of copyright reasons on the cover art? But I didn't think it would affect my pre-order.

I don't know at all, I'm just guessing and making assumptions. Hopefully Geoff will set things straight in the thread later on.

[evan324]

PDU7HsdCotE

haha "go ninja, go ninja, go"

ninja turtles were my childhood.. i loved those movies.

and i gotta check out this united nations cd.. sounds interesting, i've heard about them, just haven't listened to them at all yet.

[lenard27]

yeah i preordered the limited edition album and still haven't received it. When I checked on the Eyeball store yesterday afternoon it still said that it hadn't shipped yet. I'm really looking forward to this though.
Nice review Drew!

[Nametekken]

since the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles joined forces with Vanilla Ice to create “Ninja Rap.”



haha.

[RiCCioLi]

idk about this one, I was kinda let down. the production is horrid and sounds like poop

[z4ck]

yeah i preordered the limited edition album and still haven't received it. When I checked on the Eyeball store yesterday afternoon it still said that it hadn't shipped yet. I'm really looking forward to this though.
Nice review Drew!

Same here. I've def been waiting for this for a while, I seriously hope it ships soon

Update:

I emailed the ppl who run the Eyeball web store and they sent me the following reply:

"Hi Zack. This item should be shipping sometime this month. Thanks."

[Circa1628]

this CD is insane, I cannot get enough of it

[Mibabalou]

cait wait till i hear this

[jasoneyeball]

Same here. I've def been waiting for this for a while, I seriously hope it ships soon

Update:

I emailed the ppl who run the Eyeball web store and they sent me the following reply:

"Hi Zack. This item should be shipping sometime this month. Thanks."

for anyone who ordered the LE cd from the eyeball store:

http://www.eyeballstore.com/servlet/...hursday/Detail (http://www.eyeballstore.com/servlet/the-186/united-nations-thursday/Detail)

take note that this limited edition ships after the release date:

Ships on: 9/15/2008

this is due to the artwork issues & the reasons why it is limited edition in the first place.

thanks for being patient!

[be mine]

I actually found my copy at Borders of all places. I only listened to the first half so far, but I digs it.

[live.]

This is a really cool album. His high screams sound like Nevea Tears, and his shouts remind me of Comeback Kid, all mixed with some Thursday. This is chaos in rhythm.

[singlexsorrow]

This album is intense.

[ACA]

I need to buy this. Any good deals/combos?

[lenard27]

for anyone who ordered the LE cd from the eyeball store:

http://www.eyeballstore.com/servlet/...hursday/Detail (http://www.eyeballstore.com/servlet/the-186/united-nations-thursday/Detail)

take note that this limited edition ships after the release date:

Ships on: 9/15/2008

this is due to the artwork issues & the reasons why it is limited edition in the first place.

thanks for being patient!

Thanks for the update.

[airik625]

Did not expect a review this well written.

[popdisaster00]

sick review~

[z4ck]

for anyone who ordered the LE cd from the eyeball store:

http://www.eyeballstore.com/servlet/...hursday/Detail (http://www.eyeballstore.com/servlet/the-186/united-nations-thursday/Detail)

take note that this limited edition ships after the release date:

Ships on: 9/15/2008

this is due to the artwork issues & the reasons why it is limited edition in the first place.

thanks for being patient!


oh man, i got my days mixed up. for some reason i thought the 9th had actually been the 15th..

[Nowisnotthetime]

Actually, that is Geoff screaming on most of it.

Oh also, I believe that is Ben from Converge drumming.

[Drew Beringer]

Did not expect a review this well written.
haha, thanks?

[cory-182]

this shit rules

hahahaha the person who has a Mogwai icon is claiming this stuff to be amazing??

[AdamChildress]

I am excited for this, I am going to be checking it out :)

[romantic rights]

The outro is the best part of this album.

[Circa1628]

Actually, that is Geoff screaming on most of it.

Oh also, I believe that is Ben from Converge drumming.

yeah you can definitly hear it

[manican sex]

What the hell? The review paints this up to be near flawless but the score is still 82%? Hm...

Whatever. Nicely done, Drew. I ordered this so it should be somewhere over the Atlantic by now, if not in Sweden already.

yeah I didnt get the review either

[Mens]

sounds like local music to me.

[gladnads]

I need to go home and pick it up. Gogo sending it to parent's place.

[Drew Beringer]

Not every review has to point negatives. You can read the review, realize I like it, look at the score, oh production and vocals are a little low. Everyone knows Geoff doesn't have the best voice, why reiterate that point in a review and disrupt my flow?

[saving jonathan]

PDU7HsdCotE

Haha, Regggggggiiiee!

[tigertiger]

sounds like local music to me.

false.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Not every review has to point negatives. You can read the review, realize I like it, look at the score, oh production and vocals are a little low. Everyone knows Geoff doesn't have the best voice, why reiterate that point in a review and disrupt my flow?

'Cause.

:-d

[Keagan Ilvonen]

This album rapes so hard. One of my favorites this year,

[captainamazing4]

This album is pretty damn good. I'm impressed

[joshy hizzle]

What the hell? The review paints this up to be near flawless but the score is still 82%? Hm...

Whatever. Nicely done, Drew. I ordered this so it should be somewhere over the Atlantic by now, if not in Sweden already.

Grindcore cannot be flawless,
It's impossible.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Grindcore cannot be flawless,
It's impossible.

Well, lucky for the guys in this band then that this isn't grindcore at all.

[altemose09]

i was going to buy it but was running low on dough

[joshy hizzle]

Well, lucky for the guys in this band then that this isn't grindcore at all.


Good sir, whatever you label this as, is not perfect.
It's good, but definitely not perfect.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Good sir, whatever you label this as, is not perfect.
It's good, but definitely not perfect.

I know that, I didn't say it was either. It is, however, a pretty great album. I was merely commenting on the fact that the review gave me the impression that this was close to perfect even though the actual rating said otherwise.

[a morning view]

Is that really Daryl screaming?

[TMS2787]

I didn't know what to think when I was first putting this album in but I think it's really well done. I like it.

Does anyone know where I can find the lyrics online?

[concealer611]

Drew my Astros are coming for your Brewers!

This album is really good, much better than what I thought it would be when they first announced what their intentions were.

I hope the next Thursday and Glassjaw albums take from this.

[Nowisnotthetime]

Is that really Daryl screaming?

No, it's pretty much almost all Geoff from Thursday. I think the reviewer just made a guess. Also, Ben from Converge is drumming.

[Poochemist]

for anyone who ordered the LE cd from the eyeball store:

http://www.eyeballstore.com/servlet/...hursday/Detail (http://www.eyeballstore.com/servlet/the-186/united-nations-thursday/Detail)

take note that this limited edition ships after the release date:

Ships on: 9/15/2008

this is due to the artwork issues & the reasons why it is limited edition in the first place.

thanks for being patient!

Shit man, I don't know how I missed that information, but good to know. I will be anticipating it next week then.

[Ouch]

No, it's pretty much almost all Geoff from Thursday. I think the reviewer just made a guess. Also, Ben from Converge is drumming.

obv why drums (and band) are so awesometastic.

great review man, fun reading.

[Co and Ca]

I need this.

[CrenshawPunch]

Boring. The best thing about it is the album cover.

[Silver Bullets]

ninja rap is so awesome.

as is this album

[WhoSaidThat?]

When was the last time the Member Rating Average cracked 100%? Or was this the first time.

[AbeLurkin]

I didn't know what to expect. I haven't listened to anything this hard...ever? Some Converge and Refused in high school i guess, but never got into them. This is awesome.

[AbeLurkin]

and ah, the last track is excellent.

[xhandgunxheart]

This band is definately sick.

[Shrillex]

a very good album and to top it off a great review

[AbeLurkin]

anyone have the lyrics for this?

[Nowisnotthetime]

Is that really Daryl screaming?

For more info on United Nations, and other Thursday related things, check out http://thursday.buzznet.com/user/video/2983561/thursdays-geoff-rickly-exclusive-interview/ (which was posted on here before).

Drew maybe you should amend some of this review to add in the proper members.

[DI Pistola]

I will be checking this out on the basis of the album art alone.

[newfoundmichael]

This is damn good. Definite top 5 of the year.

[roberthuston]

nice review, i agree with it. its intense.

[LongDistanceDrunk]

Could someone reccomend me some similar sounding bands?

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

I'd say Converge.

[Plunk]

I'll be sure to buy it.


I suppose there aren't any limited editions remaining, right?


[EDIT] I just did something strange: I ordered on the website a Canadian limited edition copy, but the shipping address is still my personal address in France. My order has just been confirmed, the shipping is even free. I thought those limited editions were exclusive to USA and Canada so what's happening? Is my order gonna be cancelled? Or did I manage to hack the record store?! :stickout:

[Praetor]

anyone have the lyrics for this?
1. rah rah rah
1234
rah rah rah
raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah
RAAAH

2. RAH RAH RAH
RAAAAAAAAAAH RAH RRAR WRAR
We all live in a yellow submarine
Something about a cellophane dream

4. grr grr grr creiogvhdfjeruiohcgiohraeuip
'cause the SHAPE. OF. PUNK. TO. COME.
NEVER CAME!
rawr

those are the only ones I could figure out. I think they're mostly accurate.

[DungeonsnDragon]

What is the point of having political themes in your lyrics when you can't understand what they are saying? Whatever happened to speaking clearly to get your point across instead of screaming it down someones throat? I'm sorry but 'rahh rahh rahh" doesn't really do it for me.

[SteveD]

1. rah rah rah
1234
rah rah rah
raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah
RAAAH

2. RAH RAH RAH
RAAAAAAAAAAH RAH RRAR WRAR
We all live in a yellow submarine
Something about a cellophane dream

4. grr grr grr creiogvhdfjeruiohcgiohraeuip
'cause the SHAPE. OF. PUNK. TO. COME.
NEVER CAME!
rawr

those are the only ones I could figure out. I think they're mostly accurate.

Hahaha thats actually true.

I'm not a fan of the album. It has its moments, but doesn't shine for me. Would make for an interesting show though.

[Vismund_Cygnus]

I support whatever Daryl Palumbo does...he is so versatile.

...but I'm still aching for a new Glassjaw album.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Intriuging... (http://www.altpress.com/features/206.htm)

[Drew Beringer]

Intriuging... (http://www.altpress.com/features/206.htm)
I didn't think Geoff did all the screaming.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

I didn't think Geoff did all the screaming.

He doesn't.


Let me think of how I can say this, [then]... At least as far as the screaming vocals on the album go, is that done by the vocalist we all assume isn't you?
Right.

And then Geoff goes on to talk about this kid named Daryl...

[Drew Beringer]

He doesn't.



And then Geoff goes on to talk about this kid named Daryl...
haha silly kids thinking they know everything in this thread.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

haha silly kids thinking they know everything in this thread.

Yeah, I don't know where they even got all of that stuff from. I haven't for a second thought that the screaming was done by Geoff, and now we've got proof too. This is what happens when you sit by the computer waiting for a vinyl release all day.

[You Won't Know]

I support whatever Daryl Palumbo does...he is so versatile.

...but I'm still aching for a new Glassjaw album.

Story of my life man. Ha. I'm still hoping/praying for it.

[blacktiewarfare]

they'd get sued in a heartbeat if that cover hit store shelves. thus, i'm sure their distributor wouldn't touch it w/a 10 ft pole and wisely, they decided to only print 1000 of them. the guy from the KLF did the artwork and told them they could use it but he didn't want his name on it. even still, if anybody from the beatles camp gets wind of it they'll probably get a cease and desist on it; they're super vigilant on that stuff.

also, the album is passable. by and large it's rote screamo-by-numbers with a few modern twists thrown in for good measure. yr better off getting an education and buying indian summer, reversal of man, ordination of aaron or portrait albums. or hell, anything bloodlink records ever put out.

[jdgtrplyr]

I fucking love this album; been listening to it for days.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Wow...this is a really black album...hurts my eyes trying to see the writing on it. And GraceNote shows the wrong track order...I think so at least.

[Poochemist]

Wow...this is a really black album...hurts my eyes trying to see the writing on it. And GraceNote shows the wrong track order...I think so at least.

Very true. I just had to change up everything on my iTunes.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

I do quite enjoy it all though. The cover and everything kind of adds to the feel of the album.

[mrogerslives]

I dont care what they say, I have listened to the album, and I dont hear Daryl on it.

[Plunk]

WTF is this hidden track on the limited edition?! It's 13 minutes of silence and there is only one little sound at the end of it, barely 1 second long!

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Yeah, it's supposedly called Where In This For The Right Reasons or something, or Chi-Ching!.

[absolute future]

listen to "Subliminal Testing" backwards...

i gaurentee you that you will hear something

promise

[Geoffthurs]

1. rah rah rah
1234
rah rah rah
raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah
RAAAH

2. RAH RAH RAH
RAAAAAAAAAAH RAH RRAR WRAR
We all live in a yellow submarine
Something about a cellophane dream

4. grr grr grr creiogvhdfjeruiohcgiohraeuip
'cause the SHAPE. OF. PUNK. TO. COME.
NEVER CAME!
rawr

those are the only ones I could figure out. I think they're mostly accurate.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE YOU

[Praetor]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE YOU
*Swoon*

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Hahaha...

[jaywarden1]

Just Picked Up This Album Its The Shitttttttttttttt