Episode 113 – Thief’s ‘Bleed, Memory’: What Was Your Original Face Before You Were Born?

For our 113th episode, we dispense with the usual exhalations of the past in favor of the thrills of the tense present-future. Thief, the Los Angeles-based brainchild of visionary producer, Dylan Neal, has released one of 2024’s most extraordinary albums, Bleed, Memory, a harrowing journey through the late stages of the human mind and spirit. Without giving away all of the album’s treasures, this episode can be considered an act of seduction, a persuasion. We dare even the heartiest will to resist the siren strains of Bleed, Memory.

Note I: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We offer tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast

Note II:

Some insight into Dylan Neal’s note to Jeff, mentioned in the early part of the episode (and the question that we borrowed for this episode’s title): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_face

Note III:

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Music cited in order of appearance:

all songs from Thief, Bleed, Memory (2024)

“Apparitions”

“Cinderland”

“Paramnesia”

“Prankquean”

“Dead Coyote Dreams”

“Dulcinea”

“Behemouth”

“Pissing” “To Whom It May Concern”

Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.