Chromium Dioxide by Meat in Space: Review

by Gabe Finch March 7, 2023

March 7, 2023

Chromium Dioxide by Meat in Space: Review

Bay area multi-instrumentalist Shawn Stedman’s solo project Meat in Space’s ‘Chromium Dioxide’ is a gritty and heavy track that puts the artist’s influences from the 90s alt-rock and punk scenes in the forefront. The track was recorded entirely on a cassette 8-track, which gives it a raw and organic quality that perfectly captures the artist’s talent as a producer and his affinity of analog recording.

The song opens with a buzzing wall of guitar noise that immediately grabs your attention and sets the tone for the rest of the track. The vocals are delivered with a slacker-rock attitude that perfectly matches the gritty instrumentation. The lyrics are cleverly written and use the concept of tape formulae to explore the idea of cognitive bias. They serve as a pointed indictment of intellectual laziness and unwillingness to consider new ideas. The song perfectly balances its raw energy with a strong melodic sensibility. The infectious guitar riff and vocals almost follow the same melody. To some, this might be reminiscent of Nirvana’s Bleach days. Combined with the lo-fi analog production, the song is unmistakably a testament to the power of analog recording techniques in the digital age.

Overall, “Chromium Dioxide” is an excellent addition to anyone’s grunge or alternative rock playlist along with the likes of Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, and Puddle of Mudd.