Car Bomb’s Greg kubacki: Navigating New Heavy Soundscapes
Delve into the intricate sound design of Car Bomb’s latest EP, Tiles Whisper Dreams, and you’ll uncover a chaotic blend of technical death metal, heavy shoegaze influences, and djent-inspired rhythms that are meticulously crafted to keep listeners on their toes.
Unpacking the Complexity of “Blindsides”
Take, for instance, the track Blindsides, a sprawling sonic beast where guitarist Greg Kubacki employs a Fractal Axe-Fx to manipulate chords in a way that pays homage to My Bloody Valentine. The song shifts through a series of textural layers reminiscent of a daring race car driver navigating a treacherous track, culminating in a rhythmically unstable section that leaves the impression of an impending crash.
“I’ve always been intrigued by rhythms that create the illusion of speeding up or slowing down while remaining anchored in a specific time signature,” Kubacki explains, highlighting the tension designed to disorient listeners. ”You perceive one tempo while we’re actually operating in another.”
A Creative Process Full of Surprises
As the first release from the New York City-based band as 2019, Blindsides is a treasure trove of innovative ideas.Though, not every concept makes the final cut.A recent Instagram post showcased a vibrato-heavy solo by Kubacki that ultimately didn’t make it onto the track.
Under the guidance of co-producer and Gojira guitarist joe Duplantier, who recorded the drums at Silvercord Studio in Queens, the band decided to exclude that solo to spotlight Jon Modell’s dynamic bass lines and a surprisingly melodic vocal performance from frontman Michael Dafferner, who is typically known for his intense rage-filled delivery. The final version features Kubacki weaving through a delicate octave-shifting melody inspired by Cave In’s ethereal use of the Boss PS-3 pedal.
“We thought it woudl be simpler to avoid adding another solo for live performances,” Kubacki chuckles, reflecting on the decision.
Evolution of a Guitarist
Since its inception in 2000, Car Bomb has been defined by Kubacki’s frenetic, percussive guitar style. This rhythmic intensity is evident in their latest EP, Tiles Whisper Dreams, but Kubacki reveals that he has also focused on enhancing his left-hand techniques over the past few years.
This evolution has led to the incorporation of chromatic death-metal riffs, spontaneous tap-heavy micro-solos, and unpredictable pitch-shifting elements in the new EP.
“We’ve frequently enough leaned heavily into the Meshuggah-style machine-like riffs that emphasize the right hand, sticking to a single note,” he admits. “while that sounds fantastic, it’s essential to introduce variety every now and then.”
Critical Acclaim and Recognition
If you’re still skeptical about Car Bomb’s musical prowess, consider the endorsement from Living Color’s vernon Reid, who hailed Tiles Whisper Dreams as featuring the best guitar riff of 2025 in our January 2026 issue.
“Thay’re a maelstrom,a rising tide of shards,” reid describes. “It’s like the sound of a tank straining before it explodes,unleashing a torrent of molasses… They are relentless. Unyielding. Indomitable.” Who could argue with such high praise?
