Brazenly raw emotion and headbanging psychedelia overflow in the dynamic sound of Exceptional Failures. The PDX two-piece, made up of singer/guitarist Corey Distler and drummer Damian, shatters expected limitations of a duo with heavy riffs and fiery, unpredictable solo breaks. Distler’s poignant lyrics, often drenched in the darkness or the spiritual worth of humankind, are delivered with heart-wrenching intensity, while Damian’s commanding drumming propels them through their exploratory arrangements.
“Claws” is an early favorite from Jungle in my Head, the latest LP from Exceptional Failures. The bluesy, experimental outing carries the weight of soaring psychedelia, yet makes it feel feather-like, even in the song’s explosive crescendoes and warping tempos. Exceptional Failures crafted a cinematic tune brimming with subtle fusion work, and that’s before the captivating storytelling begins to settle in your soul. While the arrangement is imaginative and immersive, the duo is taking you on an uplifting journey about not just recognizing the present moment, but soaking up every last second of it. The band uses vivid imagery to remind us all of the falling sands of time, and how every grain that goes unrecognized could contain a universe of wisdom. The band navigates these heady mood shifts and harsh realities with an unwavering singularity that makes “Claws” such a highlight from Jungle in my Head, and that’s just a portion of the magic contained on Exceptional Failures’ new album.
“‘Feel the claws of time tear away in patterns…’ What started as simply a song about a cat transformed into a heavy, gothic blues track from the perspective of a feline god of death,” explains the band. “Featuring steel slide guitar, harmonica, and smoldering drum fills, this haunting, grungy number sets the tone for side two of the vinyl we released for this album.”
