Dead Point

Needful Things have been grinding away in relative obscurity for over twenty years now. Hailing from the Czech Republic, Needful Things are one of the few grind bands to take influence from mid-period 'groove'n'grind' Napalm Death. That particular influence is front-and-center on Dead Point, going so far as to feature a cover of N.D.'s "Low Point." What leaps out about that cover though, is that, despite some reasonable bangers of their own, "Low Point" is the best song on the album.

So we are left with a real conundrum regarding Needful Things. They deliver some tight, punchy, riff-first grindcore on Dead Point but never quite overcome their influences. Musically, there's nothing on here you haven't heard before or better. And the fact that they name-check their idols ("Entombed," "Phobia") with similar sounding homage doesn't help matters. Ultimately, what we are left with is a relatively enjoyable yet empty musical experience.

The lone area in which Needful Things excel is with vocals: Tomas lays down some of the most interesting and unique vocal patterns around, finding interesting way to accent the tunes with his scratchy, harsh vox. Also, the guest shrieks from Lycanthrophy's Zdisha are a nice study in contrast. If only the tunes beneath were strong enough to take the weight of these great vocals.

After twenty years of activity, Needful Things has accumulated a huge discography and the hope is that they've grown beyond the stock emulation found on this record. If you are a grind fanatic with little regard for originality, you'll find a decent half-hour's bashing on here but the potential for more leaves them needful of improvement.