When it comes to contemporary noise and hardcore music, few duos have left as much of an impression as Tommy Meehan and Seth Carolina. Known for their work in the experimental band Squid Pisser, they have created an aggressive and genre-defying sound that is impossible to ignore. With Tommy Meehan on guitar and Seth Carolina on drums, their collaboration has given rise to a sonic landscape that challenges the boundaries of hardcore music. This article will explore the unique style and contributions of Tommy Meehan and Seth Carolina, focusing on their musical journey and the innovative sound they’ve crafted.
The Formation of Squid Pisser
In 2022, Tommy Meehan and Seth Carolina came together to form Squid Pisser, a project born from their shared desire to push the limits of hardcore and noise music. Squid Pisser’s sound is a chaotic blend of grindcore, noise rock, and hardcore, characterized by its primal drumming, harsh guitar tones, and unconventional song structures. The band’s name alone evokes a sense of absurdity and a willingness to experiment, and their music lives up to that expectation.
Tommy Meehan, known for his previous work with bands like Deaf Club and Cancer Christ, brought his expertise in noise-guitar manipulation to the project. His intricate pedalboard setups and manic guitar work create a wall of sound that is both abrasive and hypnotic. On the other hand, Seth Carolina, whose drumming roots trace back to his work with the band Starcrawler, contributes a savage and frenetic style of drumming that complements Meehan’s chaotic guitar work perfectly.
Their Collaborative Sound: A Fusion of Noise and Hardcore
What sets Squid Pisser apart from other bands in the noise and hardcore scene is their ability to blend seemingly incompatible elements into a cohesive whole. The duo’s style is unpredictable and visceral, drawing from a range of influences, including the likes of Converge, Dillinger Escape Plan, and even more obscure acts like Melt Banana. This eclectic mix allows them to create tracks that are aggressive yet strangely melodic, fast-paced yet complex.
One of the most notable aspects of their music is the high-energy performances and the chaotic soundscapes they produce. The album My Tadpole Legion, released in 2023, is a perfect example of their genre-bending approach. From the opening track “Liquified Remains,” listeners are thrust into a whirlwind of chaotic guitar riffs, pounding drums, and distorted vocals that seem to be constantly shifting in form. The raw intensity of the album is paired with a sense of humor and absurdity, as evidenced by the track titles and the band’s overall aesthetic.
The duo’s approach to songwriting is also worth noting. Unlike many hardcore bands that rely on a rigid song structure, Squid Pisser embraces improvisation. Their track “Vibe Monster” was recorded live to tape in a single improvisational session, showcasing their ability to create on the fly while still maintaining their signature sound.
The Unique Contribution of Tommy Meehan
Tommy Meehan’s influence on Squid Pisser cannot be overstated. His work in previous bands like Deaf Club and Cancer Christ had already established him as a master of noise guitar, but with Squid Pisser, he truly comes into his own. Meehan’s guitar work is an intricate dance of distortion, feedback, and melody. He uses his pedalboard like a tool for sculpting sound, layering textures and tones that defy traditional rock conventions.
Meehan’s ability to weave melody into the chaos is another defining feature of Squid Pisser’s sound. While their music is often abrasive and loud, there is an underlying sense of musicality that prevents it from becoming a mere barrage of noise. Meehan’s finger work and ability to manipulate his guitar create moments of surprising beauty amidst the dissonance.
The Role of Seth Carolina
While Tommy Meehan’s guitar work is the driving force behind Squid Pisser’s sound, Seth Carolina’s drumming is the backbone of the band’s intensity. Known for his work with the garage punk band Starcrawler, Carolina’s drumming style is fast, frenetic, and deeply primal. His rhythms are the perfect complement to Meehan’s chaotic guitar work, adding a layer of urgency and aggression that propels the music forward.
Carolina’s ability to shift between styles within a single song is another key element of Squid Pisser’s sound. One moment, he’s pummeling the listener with blast beats, and the next, he’s laying down a more controlled, groovy rhythm. This versatility allows the duo to explore a wide range of emotions and sounds within their tracks.
The Impact of Squid Pisser on the Hardcore Scene
Although Squid Pisser is a relatively new project, their impact on the hardcore and noise scenes has already been significant. Their debut album My Tadpole Legion received critical acclaim for its inventive approach to grindcore and noise rock. The album’s combination of chaotic energy and intricate musicianship has made Squid Pisser a standout act in the underground music scene.
Squid Pisser’s willingness to embrace absurdity and humor in their music also sets them apart from more traditional hardcore bands. Their playful approach to songwriting, combined with their brutal sound, has earned them a dedicated fanbase that appreciates both their technical prowess and their ability to take risks.
The Future of Tommy Meehan and Seth Carolina
As of 2024, Tommy Meehan and Seth Carolina continue to push the boundaries of what is possible within the realms of noise and hardcore music. With Squid Pisser, they’ve established themselves as one of the most innovative and exciting acts in the scene today. Whether they continue to explore new sounds, collaborate with other musicians, or release more genre-defying albums, their future looks bright.
Both Meehan and Carolina are well-respected figures in the underground music world, and their continued collaboration in Squid Pisser ensures that their unique sound will keep evolving. With their unwavering commitment to experimentation and their refusal to conform to traditional norms, Tommy Meehan and Seth Carolina are poised to remain at the forefront of experimental hardcore for years to come.
In conclusion, Tommy Meehan and Seth Carolina’s collaboration in Squid Pisser has resulted in some of the most intense and unique music in the hardcore and noise rock scenes today. Their ability to blend chaos with musicality and their refusal to follow conventional song structures has set them apart as one of the most exciting duos in modern underground music. As they continue to innovate and experiment, it’s clear that Squid Pisser will be a name to watch in the years ahead.
