MULTI-TRACK REVIEW: Desu Taem - Various Tracks

Desu Taem don’t just dabble in different genres—they smash through them with reckless abandon. Their full immersion, savage retro rock approach sees them shift from crushing metal to swaggering punk, bluesy Americana, and everything in between, often within the span of a single track. It’s ambitious, unpredictable, and undeniably impressive in its execution, but the sheer scope of their genre-hopping can feel disorienting at times. There’s a thrill in never knowing what’s coming next, but it also makes it difficult to pin down exactly where they fit. Metal fans won’t necessarily go for their twangy detours, and Americana lovers might balk at the face-melting riffs. It’s an interesting concept, but one that sometimes feels like it lacks a clear vision.

Path to Wrath (from “Used Meat 4 Sale”)

The opening track from Used Meat 4 Sale sets the tone with snarling aggression, big metallic riffs, and pummeling drums that hit like a sledgehammer. There’s a definite rap-rock/nu-metal edge to the vocals—think Limp Bizkit at their most unhinged—delivering an angry, searing performance that matches the thunderous instrumentation. It’s heavy, loud, and relentless, throwing itself at the listener with reckless force.

Hemorrhoids and a Straight Jacket (from “Used Meat 4 Sale”)

Switching gears entirely, this track takes a bluesy, meandering route, packed with soulful, twangy guitar licks and vocals that feel more melodic and deliberate. There’s a richness here, a sense of groove that stands in stark contrast to their heavier offerings, showing off Desu Taem’s ability to strip things back without losing impact.

So Cool it Hurts (from “Used Meat 4 Sale”)

With a punky, attitude-driven energy, this one leans into a fun, sarcastic take on celebrity culture, ramping up the playfulness. There’s an undeniable geek-rock quality to it, sitting somewhere between The Beastie Boys and The Aquabats, with rampant guitars, punchy drums, and a deliberately exaggerated vocal delivery that makes the satire even sharper. It’s loud, brash, and doesn’t take itself too seriously—a trait that works in its favour.

What am I to You? (from “Used Meat 4 Sale”)

This one hits a much more accessible note, leaning into melodic pop-punk with big hooks and an anthemic chorus that has a real metalcore grandeur to it. The bright, splashy drums drive the song forward, while the vocals soar, adding an epic, larger-than-life quality. It’s catchy, energetic, and one of the more immediately engaging tracks in their arsenal.

The Last Human Sound (from “Used Meat 4 Sale”)

A searing, technically impressive track that leans back into the band’s heavier roots. The drumming is particularly powerful here, creating a relentless, almost chaotic energy that gives the song its weight. Lyrically, it plays with the idea of human extinction, adding a layer of bleak introspection to the intensity of the music.

Gotta Love, Love (Ripped in Two) (2023 standalone single)

A total curveball, this track takes a tongue-in-cheek approach to troubled relationships. The semi-spoken, exaggerated American-accented vocals add to the comedic value, while the spiky riffs and hooky, uptempo rock ‘n’ roll energy make it one of the most fun tracks in the bunch. There’s a self-awareness here that suits the band well, and honestly, I’d love to hear more of this side of them—it feels effortless, entertaining, and sharp.

Desu Taem are undeniably talented, and their ability to jump between genres so seamlessly is both impressive and frustrating. On one hand, it keeps things exciting—you never know what’s coming next. On the other, it makes it difficult to latch onto any particular aspect of their sound. They’re great at what they do, but sometimes the extreme shifts leave them feeling more like a collection of ideas than a fully realised band. That said, there’s no denying their skill or creativity. Whether they hone in on one lane or keep veering into the unexpected, they’ve got something unique, and that alone makes them worth keeping an eye on.