Employer, Employee - Mother Spain and the Wayfaring Myth

Employer, Employee
Mother Spain and the Wayfaring Myth
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For a few glorious years in the early 2000s, the late, great Employer, Employee was the best band in Austin and maybe the whole state. They were known best for their live shows, which could only be described as spectacles, and their hard-to-find, full-length album SIC[SIC], released on Robotic Empire Records in 2001. That said, the Mother Spain 7” is probably their best release.

For those that don’t know, Employer, Employee played Rorschach-style hardcore with traces of math metal reminiscent of the Dillinger Escape Plan. Of course, it’s not that simple.

Employer, Employee followed in the tradition of unusual Texas hardcore bands like the Butthole Surfers and The Hates. The members of Employer, Employee weren’t bizarre people, but their music was certainly unpredictable.

For one thing, EMPLOYER, EMPLOYEE was intense. Even on vinyl, as opposed to the live setting, their music stimulates the adrenal gland. For another, they were fearless and original. String quartet? Check. Frightening spoken-word pieces? Check. Complex drum rhythms? Check. Murderous riffing? You know it.

“Mother Spain and the Wayfaring Myth” can’t be considered anything other than a classic. The members’ subsequent bands (Asp and Sea of Thousand) were outstanding, but it’s Employer, Employee that will stand the test of time.

If you weren’t there, then seek out this important band in the history of Texas hardcore. If you were there, it never hurts to get reacquainted with an old friend.

This band is so kvlt that no decent pictures or video was available!