We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Looks like it smells, tastes like it feels

by S M U G

supported by
fangu
fangu thumbnail
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $7 USD  or more

     

1.
Looks Like It Smells, Tastes Like It Feels 05:43
buy track
2.
I'd Rather Have a Girl Than a Gun 06:01
buy track
3.
Not To Be Confused With 04:53
buy track
4.
In The Quiet Times 01:19
buy track
5.
The Madman & The Muse 03:46
buy track
6.
Do The Work 04:34
buy track
7.
Quietly Louder 04:40
buy track

about

THIS IS A 7 SONG ALBUM

Coming on the heels of "Unf*ckwithable" just three months prior, Helm took full advantage of the 'COVID lockdown‘ with the release of another new album in August 2020, "Looks like it smells, tastes like it feels". As per usual, the seven tracks on this album feature up front, in your face, aggressive funky bass coupled with lyrics that provoke thought, anger and bewilderment regarding relationships with both others and self. Check out the tongue in cheek comparisons on 'I’d Rather Have a Girl Than a Gun': "Both can be messy, both cost a lot, one can be silenced, the other one cannot... but I’d rather have a girl than a gun..." Love them or hate them, Helm’s lyrics, vocal approach and delivery add a signature quality to the sound of SMUG. This record finds Helm playing much more guitar than previous releases. He seems to approach guitar in the same manner as he does bass: raw, immediate, edgy, and at times simply uncomfortable.

The entire record was produced and performed by Helm with the exception of the last two tracks which feature a live trio consisting of Helm on bass/vocals, Sean Daniel on drums (one of the band's original co-founding members), and guitarist Rory Cloud. Minimal overdubs were used on this entire record as Helm prefers to 'capture the moment', even if at times it's a bit problematic. SMUG enthusiasts will be interested to hear that the last track, 'Quietly Louder' is the first ever live working track in progress of this song to which Helm recently added vocals. It would later show up more produced as 'Quietly Loud' on SMUG's sophomore release "Owen" (a further SMUG album coming soon to this site!).

Overall, "Looks like it smells, tastes like it feels" is another fun quality ride that will put a smile of confusion on your face asking, "Why?" That’s a good thing.

credits

released August 14, 2020

Produced and performed by Bret Helm
Mastered by Bruce Barielle, bbarielle@cox.net
Cover art by I Pity Inanimate Graphics, ipigrafix@gmail.com

Bums From Deep Space Music, BMI 2020

license

tags

about

S M U G + image

S M U G + Los Angeles, California

Artist's clearing house for all things Helm: Bret Helm's Cosmic Brain, Doc Tahri, S M U G + more

contact / help

Contact S M U G +

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Looks like it smells, tastes like it feels, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring interviews with LA music scene pillar Kamasi Washington, and new London-based duo Mrcy.

listen now