Harmonic

Philm achieve something rare: They are a supergroup that doesn’t seem like a composite of its members’ prior bands. Their spotlight is due to the involvement of Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo, though, ironically, the only reminder of Slayer comes on lone thrash attack, “Sex Amp.” Guitarist and vocalist Gerry Nestler, previously in Civil Defiance, sounds like a different musician here, playing post-hardcore and noisy rock. They fare better when locked into an experimental tailspin: “Way Down” summons post-rock textures before slowly unfolding into atmospheric doom. “Exuberance” reaches jam territory when warm, jazz noodling is layered in a haunting overlay of down-tempo ambience. Harmonic is an ambitious effort to break new sonic ground. Its uneven nature is simply the roundabout result of a debut brimming with ideas.