Austin, Texas� Cardinale take a ballsy step out of the gate with their debut, 31:13. After all, it�s not everyday when a new band (they formed in early 2005) has the audacity to make you judge them on one 31 minute, 13 second song. But hey, they pull it off. This isn�t one long rock jam; rather, Cardinale is of the Isis and Neurosis school of sonic bludgeoning. While the style of those two groups is noticeable, this four-piece steps ahead of the like-minded groups that have seemingly sprouted up overnight by keeping this influence more conceptual than direct. For instance, there�s also a good bit of sludgey grind, a la Deadbird or Kylesa, to counterbalance the more melodic sections. And �31:13� has plenty of peaks and valleys as it evolves. They don�t settle into one groove for too long, and the passages never really wear out their welcome. Nor does the song as a whole. Cardinale took a risk with 31:13 and it paid off. For that, this one�s recommended.

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