The Narcotic Story

Dive into the dark and twisted world of Oxbow with their 2007 release, "The Narcotic Story." This album is a stark and unsettling journey through the band's signature blend of noise rock, art rock, and avant-garde experimentation, all wrapped in a grotesque circus atmosphere. Clocking in at just under 45 minutes, this record is a dense and intense experience from start to finish.

"The Narcotic Story" follows the band's polarizing style, never shying away from the uncomfortable or the disturbing. The album is a collection of semi-fictional tales, with tracks like "Frankly Frank" and "Frank's Frolic" delving into the lives of troubled protagonists. The music itself is a dark, swampy melodic drone, with Oxbow's signature grotesque circus act playing out over a backdrop of experimental noise and art rock.

The album opens with "Mr. Johnson," setting the tone for the unsettling journey ahead. Tracks like "The Geometry Of Business" and "Down A Stair Backward" showcase the band's ability to blend the experimental with the melodic, creating a sound that is both haunting and captivating. The album's closer, "It's The Giving, Not The Taking," leaves the listener with a sense of unease, a fitting end to this dark and twisted tale.

Released on Ipecac Recordings, "The Narcotic Story" is a testament to Oxbow's unique vision and their refusal to conform to any one genre or style. Whether you're a long-time fan of the band or a newcomer to their music, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, turn down the lights, turn up the volume, and prepare to be taken into the dark and twisted world of Oxbow.