Like a more psychedelic version of Merzbow with an obvious influence from fellow countrymen The Dead C, Birchville Cat Motel's first record certainly falls into the noise rock category. Screeching guitars, feedback and white noise abound as we make our way through six tracks of pure aural sludge. Like being flayed, tarred and feathered by sound, it's not a pretty listening experience but a fascinating one nonetheless; especially if you are familiar with Kneale's later releases and want to hear the progression in his sound. Drone is already the main feature here, but the gritty lo-fi quality give it that typical New Zealand noise rock vibe. It would take a few releases before BCM would find his own sound. Allandale Triple Culvert is the only track to remain calm (yet threatening) throughout. The rest sounds like someone's teeth being scraped on a chalkboard! CD comes housed in a 7"-sized cover.