UMUR "Cretanic Grind Ambush" is an EP release by US, California based grindcore act Cretin. The EP was released through Relapse Records in August 2004. Cretin was formed as far back as 1992 but disbanded again in 1996 without releasing anything, as a consequence of bassist Matt Widener joining the marines and lead vocalist/guitarist Dan Martinez working in the video game industry. They reunited in 2001 though and "Cretanic Grind Ambush" is their first official label release (they released the "Extreme Cretanic Grindcore" demo in 2003). "Cretanic Grind Ambush" is actually a re-release of the "Extreme Cretanic Grindcore (2003)" demo with an extra track ("Pee Spree"). So if you already have the 3 track demo, "Pee Spree" is the only new track you get on "Cretanic Grind Ambush".

Stylistically the material on the album is raw, distorted, fast-paced and loud as hell grindcore, delivered with fierce aggression. Repulsion is obviously the main influence here, but it´s not something the band are trying to hide or are ashamed of, and they shouldn´t be, because they deliver their music with great conviction and passion, which is usually of much greater importance in grindcore than originality. When that is said Cretin still manage to put their own spin on their Repulsion influenced grindcore style, so they are not a clone band.

In true grindcore style neither of the four tracks exceed the 2 minutes mark and the EP is almost over before it began (total time 6:24 minutes). Thankfully you´re left with the feeling that you want more, which is almost always a sure sign of quality. Cretin are a well playing bunch, and no matter how fast or how filthy and raw the music is, they perform their parts with precision but also with the right organic touch. Martinez has a raw and aggressive vocal style, which puts the icing on the cake in regards to creating the most vile and filthy atmosphere as possible. The sound production is very raw and noisy, but not in a messy lo-fi way. On the contrary you´re fully able to hear details in the mix, and the production suits the music perfectly.

So upon conclusion "Cretanic Grind Ambush" is a short but sweet first label release by Cretin and a promising start to their career. They may not get that many points for originality but fully make up for it in caustic aggression and hellish intensity. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.