Grindcore is known for its blistering speed and unrelenting aggression, often risking descending into repetitive monotony. Yet, Philadelphia’s own Diuretic has managed to sidestep this pitfall with their debut EP, Zero Days Without Incident. The EP is a headbanging homage to the absurd, fueled by a mix of raw humour and relentless sonic assault that marks Diuretic as a standout in the genre.
Opening with the blistering track, “OSHA Supersolidier” the EP dives straight into the deep end of grindcore’s murky waters. Zero Days Without Incident immediately establishes itself as a rollercoaster of guttural screams, lightning-fast riffs, and chaotic percussion. Inspired by legends like Napalm Death and Terrorizer, Diuretic brings a refreshing twist to classic grindcore, blending traditional elements with an invigorating sense of humour and creativity.
Making her foray into heavy music, vocalist Alyssa delivers a standout performance that defies the male-dominated norms of the genre. Her vocals are a whirlwind of furious energy and darkly comic undertones, providing a welcome contrast to the typically gruff voices of her peers. Alyssa’s ability to balance viciousness with playful lyricism, especially on tracks centred around the absurdity of workplace incidents adds a unique flavour to Zero Days Without Incident.
Alex on guitar is deeply rooted in grindcore’s gritty aesthetic, with a punk ethos that imbues his riffs with both speed and accessibility. His work is a testament to grindcore’s essence, taking the frantic pace of punk and exaggerating it to its most extreme form. The riffs are not only fast but intricately crafted, allowing for both headbanging and appreciative listens.
Drummer Pete and bassist Rose bring a seasoned, cohesive force to the band. Pete’s drumming is a relentless barrage of blast beats and frenetic rhythms, while Rose’s bass provides a pulsating backbone that drives the tracks forward. Their chemistry, honed in previous projects like Cavemen, infuses the EP with a raw energy that’s palpable throughout.
What truly sets Zero Days Without Incident apart, however, is its theme and execution. Drawing from the comedic absurdity of workplace incidents might seem like an odd choice, but Diuretic embraces it with unrestrained fervour. The result is an EP that is as entertaining as it is intense, combining the genre’s signature sonic assault with a narrative that keeps listeners engaged and amused.
With their audacious blend of dark humour and high-speed brutality, Diuretic has crafted an EP that’s both a visceral experience and a playful critique of the everyday absurdities we all encounter.
