Description
Bitchcraft – Don’t Count On It – Compact Disc
Bitchcraft’s Don’t Count On It, released in 1994 on Iteration Records, is a debut album blending alternative rock, grunge, goth, and indie elements. This California-based band creates a sound marked by dark melodies, heavy guitar riffs, and introspective lyrics, capturing the angst and intensity characteristic of early 90s alternative rock. The album stands out for its raw energy and thematic depth, exploring subjects like alienation, resilience, and inner conflict across its 13 tracks.
Don’t Count On It is rooted in the gritty sounds of alternative and grunge rock, with layered guitars and an emotive vocal style that conveys a sense of frustration and melancholy. The production emphasizes a grungy, lo-fi aesthetic, aligning with the band’s DIY ethos and giving the album an underground feel. The influence of goth rock adds a dark, atmospheric edge to their sound, with tracks that shift from aggressive to introspective, reflecting the band’s emotional and thematic range.
Lyrically, the album delves into themes of resilience, societal critique, and personal struggle. Songs like “Satellite” and “Not Okay” channel feelings of disillusionment, while “Scheherezade” and “Dark Ash Blonde” explore more introspective and poetic imagery. The album’s title, Don’t Count On It, hints at themes of mistrust and self-reliance, underscoring the band’s defiant stance against both societal norms and personal expectations.
Notable Tracks
‘Satellite’ – The album opener, “Satellite” captures the band’s grungy aesthetic with heavy riffs and lyrics exploring feelings of isolation and disconnection.
‘Dark Ash Blonde’ – This track showcases a goth-inspired melody layered with echoing guitars and somber lyrics, offering a reflective tone that adds depth to the album’s overall mood.
‘Nautilis’ – Driven by a pulsing bass line and steady drums, “Nautilis” has a haunting quality, building tension with minimalistic instrumentation and understated vocals.
‘Porter Paul’ – A faster-paced track with a punk edge, it brings a burst of raw energy, adding variety to the album’s generally brooding atmosphere.
‘Not Okay’ – With lyrics touching on themes of resilience and vulnerability, “Not Okay” combines melancholic guitar tones with an emotionally charged vocal delivery.
‘Scheherezade’ – Named after the legendary storyteller of One Thousand and One Nights, this song is both mysterious and lyrical, blending intricate guitar work with ethereal melodies.
‘Threatbuilt’ – One of the heavier tracks, “Threatbuilt” layers distorted guitars and gritty vocals to create a sense of tension and aggression, capturing the darker side of the band’s sound.
‘Def Fighter’ – This track balances grunge rock with gothic undertones, reflecting themes of resilience and defiance.
The album was recorded at Salvaged Studios in Petaluma, CA, where the band embraced a raw, lo-fi production style that amplifies the emotional weight of the songs. This approach allows the rough textures of the guitars and vocals to come through, providing an authenticity that complements the album’s dark, introspective themes. The production choices align with the alternative rock aesthetic of the early 90s, showcasing a blend of heaviness and vulnerability.
Though Don’t Count On It did not reach mainstream success, it earned a following among fans of alternative and goth rock for its raw energy and lyrical depth. The album is appreciated within niche circles for its honest expression and musical range, standing as a testament to the 90s underground scene’s diversity. For fans of gritty alternative rock with a touch of darkness, Don’t Count On It offers an engaging and authentic experience that reflects the essence of its era.
Track Listing
1. Satellite
2. Dark Ash Blonde
3. Nautillis
4. Porter, Paul
5. Not Okay
6. Schedherezade
7. Threatbuilt
8. Breathe
9. Roadkill
10. 30 Pieces
11. Def Fighter
12. Thieves
13. 29th Aer
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