According to Wikipedia, Tardive Dyskinesia is “a variety of dyskinesia (involuntary, repetitive movements) manifesting as a side effect of long-term or high-dose use of dopamine antagonists, usually antipsychotics.”

I have rarely, if ever, heard of a band with a name that so accurately describes its sound.

Tardive Dyskinesia play a style that is best described as math metal with a lot of groove. But what does that even mean, right? More simply put, they sound like a heavy dose of Meshuggah mixed with some Gojira, striking a balance between the mechanical riffing of one and the 20-ton doom grooves of the other. Their use of off time rhythms is where the “involuntary repetitive movement” idea comes from, because anytime you try to rock out to that sort of thing you end up looking like a total spazz.

There is enough flavor on The Sea of See Through Skins for TD to avoid being called complete clones of their influences, but they come close enough that I’m left wondering if the extra touches were added just to avoid getting sued.

Nevertheless, the album is totally infectious right from the get go. I put it on as soon as I got it, figuring I’d preface two or three songs, go to bed, and do a more extensive study another day. Here I am, several full spins and lots of research later, still awake, and still liking what I’m hearing. The production quality is impeccable, the art and concepts are cool, and the style is flawlessly executed. Every track stands out and there isn’t a single chance to get bored during the whole 47 minutes.

The Sea of See Through Skins is a solid release that proudly straddles the line between catchiness and technical proficiency. Hopefully Tardive Dyskinesia will get some international touring opportunities soon because they could really blow up with this album.

4.5/5