Reviews
<rambling about music>
*Below is every review complied*
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April 18, 2020
https://roklokrecords.bandcamp.com/album/we-cant-be-magic
World's Fair - We Can't Be Magic 12"
(Rok Lok Records)
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April 18, 2020
https://roklokrecords.bandcamp.com/album/tudo-posso
Orua - Tudo Posso 7"
(Rok Lok Records)
Orua hails from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil offering us this 4-track tape machine recorded slab of wax that’s exactly what music needs right now. When the needle hits the groove, the door into the Orua universe opens. Once inside you’ll receive a heavy dose of lo-fi atmosphere that’s present in the 4 songs so graciously given to us. Now each song offers something unique, but all are under an indie/free jazz/psych umbrella, all crafted perfectly. All addicting to the point you’re flipping the 7” from A side to B side continuously. That’s when you know a release is a good one. Give it a chance and show some support!
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April 18, 2020
https://goodjunkierecords.bandcamp.com/album/cease-all-control-grit-red-split
Cease All Control/Grit - Red Split CDr
(Goodjunkie Records)
We all know Texas brings that aggressive metal-infused hardcore we all know and love. Cease All Control and Grit continue that tradition bringing us 6 tracks that will have you either singing along or in the pit instantly. Starting with Cease All Control, these folks are a little more metal tinged when compared to Grit. It sounds like they’ve been including a little death metal or metalcore in their diet, which I appreciate whole heartedly. Now Grit also has that heavy sound but have a more chaotic or frantic vibe to them with their vocal approach. The vocalist is pissed and makes me want to scream along with them. Overall, I think this is a solid split release for these up incoming bands. Go show both bands some support and show Goodjunkie Records some love too!
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August 2nd, 2019
https://jeromesdream.bandcamp.com
Being a Jeromes Dream fan for many years now, if you would've told me they were going to get back together, record an album, and tour... I would've said you're crazy, but that would be so sick! As many of you know it happened! It's funny. When you think about it, it's rare to have certain sub-genre of sub-genre of sub-genre band come back to life and pull something like that off. Essentially what they did was throw the idea out and we the people spoke! Folks have supported the tour, new album, and give many the opportunity to see a great band that, whether you like to admit it or not, influenced so many to write music and bring joy to people's lives.
I was fortunate enough to catch their gig in Chicago thanks to a fellow JD nerd and close friend and it was a transformative experience. Yes, I understand it's a bit overdramatic to use such terminology, but that band blew my mind as an emotionally mixed up young adult. Their music helped me cope in regard to mental health as I was figuring myself and my life out. Everyone has those bands and JD was that for me and quite a few other folks that I know.
Getting the opportunity to stand around and chat with the members and letting them know how much their music helped us and influenced us to pick up an instrument felt almost like an odd sense of closure. It's almost as if the end of their song thirty dollar bill was playing as we exited the venue. What they created all those years ago helped us out so much and getting the opportunity to let them know how their music helped folks in immeasurable ways, gave me a sense of returning the favor. After talking the guys in the band, they made large sacrifices to make this all happen, so I hope they don't feel like it's all in vain.
Anyways, the new album. JD left us with Presents back in the day, which is a hit or miss for some folks. It's a taste thing and I respect that completely. I personally loved everything about that album and find it to be flawless. When I heard the band was going to record a new album, I was curious what it was going be like.
Upon first listen, it picked up where Presents left off. The sound has matured, but it has all the classic JD elements that made the band so beautiful, discordant, and abrasive. It has the sense urgency that the band carried throughout their entire career. It still cradled all those sensibilities sonically, creating the feeling of a sense musical armor that allows one to land soft or hit the ground hard. I also hear sense triumph in sound. It's almost like it's opening up a new chapter shouting the perspective gained over the years since the initial demise.
After experiencing this album live, I have a greater appreciation for it. I picked up the album at the gig and spun it 3 times front to back this afternoon. I felt compelled to just express how wonderful of an experience this band has given so many and I hope the above does it justice.
#jeromesdreamforever <3
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May 27th, 2019
https://cruthedynamic.bandcamp.com/album/cuts
I'm always on the lookout at record stores and online for something that is new to me that'll expand my music library. While lurking on Detroit's very own YHS Records bandcamp page, I came across Cru The Dynamic and did just that!
Taken from the Cru The Dynamic Bandcamp Page:
"Steve Bryant is a drummer and producer from Brooklyn, NY. Although trained in jazz performance, his production andplaying styles are deeply rooted in hip-hop & drum&bass.
Touring drummer for Young & Sick, Eliot Lipp, Michna, Benzos, & several others.
Music featured on HBO, CBS, & showtime.
Called "the most versatile drummer in NYC" by Urb magazine. Signed to Young Heavy Souls records."
Cuts is an extraordinary addition to already extensive catalogue Steve Bryant has released under the moniker Cru The Dynamic. The influences range from footwork to jazz to drum&bass, bringing out the best of all styles. It's almost too over whelming to describe the sound, so peep the link above and you'll get understand what I'm talking about. All 11 tracks will take you on the musical journey we all long for once we hit play.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't get obsessed with albums and listen to them multiple times in a row. For me, Cuts is an example of an album that I'll spin all day at work or chilling with the crew. Versatile for any setting. Now go listen and you'll know what I'm talking about!
Show some support while you're at it too:
http://smarturl.it/cuts
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May 27th, 2019
https://suckblood.bandcamp.com/album/hate-preachers-bile-of-progress-demo
My roots run deep in the realm of punk and as I get older the soft spot for this genre grows and grows. I miss the days of digging through the used bins at record stores, lurking for the oldies on soulseek/message boards, waiting to see what Havoc Records was going to re-issue next was, and trying to make the sickest playlist to skate to with limited mp3 space was my middle/high school existence. When I heard Hate Preachers for the first time, the little kid in me jumped out alien style and I instantly was taken back.
Hate Preachers are a Los Angeles group absolutely killing with their UK82/80s Finnish HC style production and absolutely ruthless delivery. Bile of Progress is the band's 2nd release containing 4 songs that'll have you circle pitting in no time. The tape leaves you wanting more, which feels like the band is messing with you after you burn through all 4 songs multiple times. Obviously its not the band's intent, but when the tunes are this good it feels like a crime! After hearing Bile of Progress and their demo tape released last year, you already know the future is bright for this band. I personally cannot wait for the next release.
Buy the tape here:
https://suckblood.bigcartel.com
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April 22, 2019
https://chasms.bandcamp.com/album/the-mirage
I'm a huge fan of the Felte Records and I always find myself poking around their bandcamp looking for tunes that are a little out there and off the beaten path. Thankfully since Ritual Howls are residents of the mitten, Felte releases are readily available at local record stores. This allowed me to pick up Chasms - The Mirage and absolutely fall in love with this album.
Initially, someone told me Chasms was like a modern day Cocteau Twins, so that got my attention right away. I'm a sucker for anything ethereal, so checking them out became a priority. I listened to a couple of cuts off The Mirage around the time it came out and dug them a lot. The haunting and melancholic vocals, scattered and desperate sounding guitar work, and catchy bass lines really sucked me into the dark world that is Chasms When I finally saw this album on the racks it was a no brainer, I put some other records down and picked this up instead.
This album is a bit different compared to their old material. I got more of a goth, ethereal, shoegaze, vibe from their past work. The Mirage still holds down the goth/ethereal style, but is way more chilled out noise/dynamic wise and darker. Another aspect that sets this album apart from their old material is the minimalism in record to it's repetitive nature and the dub bass lines that really carry the songs.
I highly recommend this album if you're looking for something a little darker and chill. Go show some support and pick this one up and catch Chasms on tour this summer!
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April 20, 2019
https://burialetiquette.bandcamp.com/releases
I'm honest unfamiliar with the screamo acts coming out of Canada these days, but they never seem to disappoint when I come across them.
Thunder Bay, Ontario's Burial Etiquette comes at us with 5 tracks of classic, late 90's early 2000's screamo. Lucky for them, I've been a screamo scholar for over a decade, so right away I knew what they were going for after listening the E.p.
They have quite a few different styles of screamo all mixed into this release.
Let me explain, every screamo band from the late 90's/early 2000's had something unique to offer. It was almost like those band's sound became a sub-genre of it's own underneath the screamo umbrella. For example, Saetia had a clean/jazzy sound, then would bust into distortion. Jeromes Dream was heavy and abrasive. City of Caterpillar's music was filled with post-rock influence.
This release captures Saetia's sound. I appreciate that because there aren't very many bands trying to tackle it! More Saetia please. Anyways, the band throws down those clean/jazzy hooks that jerk your emotions around, then straight into a wall of distortion. I absolutely love it. They also mix in a post-rock influenced vibe throughout this E.p., ala City of Caterpillar. I'm not a post-rock fan because my attention span is too short and the typical post-rock song is too drawn out for my taste, BUT Burial Etiquette does it in a way that works.
Overall I think this is a good starting point for their first release. The band could literally go in any direction since there are so many styles of the genre mixed in. That being said, I did get a derailed listening to the E.p. a couple of times because of that. I was wondering if I was going to get Saetia or a post-rock influenced track. That's not a bad thing, it's just how my ears work. Me personally, I'd love to see the band stick with the Saetia sound.
Pick up Burial Etiquette's S/t E.p. from Emocat Records in Canada or Dasein Records in Europe. For USA heads, I'm sure there's a distro carrying these.
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April 17, 2019
https://ritualhowls.bandcamp.com/album/ritual-howls-rendered-armor
Ritual Howls hails from Detroit playing that goth-y and industrial noise we've all come to know and love. Being a person that lurks on the outskirts of local music scenes here in the mitten, goth is becoming a popular commodity, feeding the masses the darkness the city of Detroit yearns for.
Beyond the cliches of goth music, Ritual Howls personify the blight and abandonment of the nation's most notorious legacy city, Detroit. Detroit, once being a main hub for various industries, most the automotive industry, is nothing but a ghost of what it used to be. Brownfield sites, boarded up houses, and relics of Detroit's industrial past occupy the city and metro areas. After painting that picture, it's no surprise that dark music is coming out of the Detroit and it's metro areas.
Anyways, back the new album. Ritual Howls brings to us their 4th full length album on Felte. 8 tracks of bleak, industrial, electronic goth. This album is by far not their darkest or moodiest album. To me it has a more pop-sensibility, which is refreshing in my opinion. Every song is catchier than the last and with only 8 tracks, it leaves you wanting more. Thankfully the band is extremely active in regarding to tour and releases a new Ep or album every year, so we can just assume more tunes are on their way.
After following the band the past few years, it's been exciting hearing their progression. They've honed in on a sound that is truly theirs within the umbrella of genres they're associated with. In my opinion, this should always be the goal as musicians. Remaining stagnant with music is a disease, worse than the post-industrial structural abandonment of Detroit. I tip my proverbial hat to these folks for the great music and all the success!
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April 15, 2019
https://catalystrecords.bandcamp.com/album/cr019-cast-from-eden-the-deafened-art-of-bleeding-secrets-automated-on-deadlines
Ah Spring time. I have no idea why, but it's my favorite time of year to re-visit old metalcore bands. Coming from a city that's always been more on the metal side of things, I have a soft spot for chugs and At The Gates-Core. Anyways, this is band I discovered after the fact and they are criminally underrated.
Cast From Eden hailed from Louisville, Kentucky, mixing all the best elements of metal into a primordial soup, unlike the other 1,000 metalcore bands out at the time, and really crafting a metalcore sound that made sense.
Mind you, this era of metalcore was probably the best and worst for the following reasons. One, mediocracy: countless amounts of generic At Gates Style-core and beatdown bands began popping up at the time. Finally, two: the positive, every local scene had bands playing gigs, so kids like you and I had something to do besides sit at home on music forums.
Anyways, I digress. Cast From Eden is one of those hidden gems you'll see laying around a dusty old webstore these days, which is a shame because the band is fantastic in every way. They blend hardcore, Swedish death metal, and even a little slam in the mix (aka, the formula for metalcore). They could riff, scream, and make you feel compelled to throw down a spin kick and pull a muscle because you're old, lame and out of shape like me.
Their one and only album, The Deafened Art of Bleeding Secrets Automated On Deadlines, features 8 tracks of urgent, dark, and emotional metal. They paint an apocalyptical scene that is always on the verge of crossing the threshold of societal collapse. At the bleakest moments, they'll pull you back in with a Swedish death metal hook with synth or they'll play that slam ridden breakdown that really opens up the gates to hell. When I listen to them I get a heavy Underoath - Cries of the Past or some serious Undying vibes, which grabbed my attention right away because those bands are personal favorites for me within this genre.
Lyrically, they were politically driven. They were a xCatalystx Records band, so you know the deal. I won't spoil the subject matter because I want you to ALL order this album from them because they released some of my favorite hardcore/metalcore bands. Show some support folks.
Someone do a vinyl release of this, so I can die happy. Thanks! - The Management
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April 3, 2019
https://www.discogs.com/Long-Hind-Legs-Charmed-Im-Sure/release/1360762
Long Hind Legs was a side project of Vern Rumsey of Unwound and another gentlemen who was probably in other bands during the early-mid 90's. This record is one of those $1.00 singles you take a chance on, at least it was for me. Totally worth it. See below.
This single contains two tracks that are quite different from each other. Return to Me, is a electronic New Order inspired song utilizing a drum machine, synth, minimal guitar and a repetitive bass line that keeps the song afloat. This is the track that really draws you in and is worth picking this one up for this song alone. Shocked it's a B-Side since this song is so catchy. It's the typical minimal 90s electronic love song. Dark, a little poppy, melancholy, and will get stuck in you head for the years to come.
Charmed, I'm Sure is more of an indie ballad, the complete opposite of Return to Me. Not as remarkable in my opinion, I rarely flip this 7" over to listen to it. I guess having both sides of the spectrum displays the talent of the musicians. Not knocking it by any means. Listen to it. Form your own opinion. You might like it more than the B-Side.
I honestly haven't heard the project's other material, but it's on my to-do list. Finding the lesser known side projects from members of larger bands is always interesting experience because you never really know what you're going to get. Especially for the members of Unwound who are definitely in my top 25 favorite bands.
Anyways, this 7" is pretty cheap online. Check discogs or I think Kill Rock Stars might have copies of this. Google it, yo.
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March 23rd, 2019
https://nagamatzu.bandcamp.com/album/sacred-islands-of-the-mad
Ran across this one while lurking on Dark Entries' website and fell in love with this band instantly. Nagamatzu is a couple of dudes who fiddled around with old tape and drum machines, along with some stringed instruments and synths. All in a bedroom, before bedroom was defined by a bunch of nerds like us. Anyways, the product was something that is dark, beautiful, and other worldly at times.
Sacred Islands of the Mad is the group's second and extremely limited cassette they released back in the day, cataloguing their work between the years 1984 & 1986. I'm guessing these guys were influenced by the late 1970s/early 1980s electronic and post-punk merge ala New Order, OMD, and the many others. Don't quote me on that though, it's just my assumption. My knowledge of this band's history is limited to be completely honest.
Anyways, the album grabbed me because I am a huge fan of New Order and Nagamatzu have that sort of melancholy vibe I get from them, so there's my reference. I find it hard to flip the album over because the songs Ionesco, Carmine, and Taraiky are some of the best music compositions I've ever heard. The grooves on Side-A will wear out soon if I don't flip it over, is what I'm getting at.
The link at the beginning of the post will take you to the album. Give it a chance. You might like what you hear!
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January 25th, 2019
https://disrupt.bandcamp.com/album/unrest
Ah Disrupt, the pinnacle of U.S. crust during the early 1990s and in my opinion, the answer to the UK's Extreme Noise Terror. As ENT offered deflating material after 1991, it seems as though Disrupt stepped in to fill in the gaps. I only mention ENT because the influence is blatant, along with other contemporary crust, punk, metal, and grindcore acts of that time.
Anyways, back to the music. Unfortunately, Unrest is Disrupt's only full length album. They made up for it with a slew of 7" Ep's and split 7"s, though Unrest is by far the most accessible because of how many official and unofficial pressings it's had over the years. I think that's a fair assumption to make because if you talk to anyone who's a fan, they'll reference this album. To me, this is one of the most important punk albums and bands of the 1990s. Even to this day, you'll see crusties repping patches on pants and jackets, keeping the band's legacy alive.
Unrest offers 20 tracks of unrelenting crust in the vein of Extreme Noise Terror and Doom. Lyrically they touch base on politcal subject matter such as human/animal rights, and many other social issues as well. On both the music and lyric sides of the spectrum, they still hold up. To this day, I can't think of any bands after Disrupt that can hold down this style. They never seem to let up. It's like walking against a 100 mph wind, the shit just keeps knocking you down. Lyrically, the topics are still relevant to this day, which is unfortunate (We're making progress. Is the glass half empty or half full for you? ...Anyways). I honestly can't think of an album that defines U.S. crust punk more that Unrest and that's saying something with all the talent that showed it's face during the 1990s.
Do yourself a favor and get your hands on this. Unrest is such a punk classic, it should be on everyone's turntable.
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January 9th, 2019: Duster - Contemporary Movement
https://dusternumero.bandcamp.com/album/contemporary-movement
The August of 2000, Duster released their follow up album to their now world-renowned first album, Stratosphere. I say "now world renowned" because in 1998 I was a young child. I have no idea if it was well received for it's time back in the 1990's, but it's a hell of a great album now and many nerdy music fans such as myself appreciate the hell out of it.
That's enough of Stratosphere though. It's a great album, we all know it. It's time to talk about Contemporary Movement.
I'm guessing the release date is August 22, 2000, judging from the date that the Numero Bandcamp provided for the band's page. Not deviating from their dreamy, lo-fi soundscape they were known for, Duster brought 12 new cuts to the table with Contemporary Movement. Every song seemed as though it was arranged in a scientific and strategic manner, sucking you into the atmosphere and eventually landing on the planet Duster has composed for us.
This album is very different from their first. Judging from what I'm hearing, this album was recorded all in the same session/place, as opposed to Stratosphere where the tracks seemed to be recorded here and there. Nothing wrong with that, just an observation from an audio guy. As Stratosphere sounds like pieces and parts of a lovely puzzle, Contemporary Movement is a complete journey. I sit back with this album on and just float away. Everything sounds right. Everything is right where it should be. There really isn't another album like this out there. I tip my hat to the band for creating such a masterpiece.
I really don't know what else to say to convince one to listen to this album, so just take my word for it and click the link provided above.
Also, go see Duster live on their reunion and pick up their boxset that set to potentially be released this March through Numero.
*Below is every review complied*
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April 18, 2020
https://roklokrecords.bandcamp.com/album/we-cant-be-magic
World's Fair - We Can't Be Magic 12"
(Rok Lok Records)
World’s Fair needs no introduction if you’re a follower of legendary Rok Lok Records, but if you’re just discovering them, the group is stationed in Long Island, NY. We Can’t Be Magic is their sophomore album and boy, is it a refreshing release for the entire DIY/indie genre. The album has a certain uplifting energy to it that makes you want to go along for the ride. That ride includes a melting pot of influences from various genres. To these ears, I hear a little bit of shoegaze, noise rock, some good ol’ fashion 90’s indie, etc. You just have to listen for yourself. Because of that, I think this album is brilliant because it’s not pigeonholing itself into one sound or genre/sub-genre. Go support this band and beg them for that 3rdalbum because you know it’s going to be great!
April 18, 2020
https://roklokrecords.bandcamp.com/album/tudo-posso
Orua - Tudo Posso 7"
(Rok Lok Records)
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April 18, 2020
https://goodjunkierecords.bandcamp.com/album/cease-all-control-grit-red-split
Cease All Control/Grit - Red Split CDr
(Goodjunkie Records)
We all know Texas brings that aggressive metal-infused hardcore we all know and love. Cease All Control and Grit continue that tradition bringing us 6 tracks that will have you either singing along or in the pit instantly. Starting with Cease All Control, these folks are a little more metal tinged when compared to Grit. It sounds like they’ve been including a little death metal or metalcore in their diet, which I appreciate whole heartedly. Now Grit also has that heavy sound but have a more chaotic or frantic vibe to them with their vocal approach. The vocalist is pissed and makes me want to scream along with them. Overall, I think this is a solid split release for these up incoming bands. Go show both bands some support and show Goodjunkie Records some love too!
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August 2nd, 2019
https://jeromesdream.bandcamp.com
Being a Jeromes Dream fan for many years now, if you would've told me they were going to get back together, record an album, and tour... I would've said you're crazy, but that would be so sick! As many of you know it happened! It's funny. When you think about it, it's rare to have certain sub-genre of sub-genre of sub-genre band come back to life and pull something like that off. Essentially what they did was throw the idea out and we the people spoke! Folks have supported the tour, new album, and give many the opportunity to see a great band that, whether you like to admit it or not, influenced so many to write music and bring joy to people's lives.
I was fortunate enough to catch their gig in Chicago thanks to a fellow JD nerd and close friend and it was a transformative experience. Yes, I understand it's a bit overdramatic to use such terminology, but that band blew my mind as an emotionally mixed up young adult. Their music helped me cope in regard to mental health as I was figuring myself and my life out. Everyone has those bands and JD was that for me and quite a few other folks that I know.
Getting the opportunity to stand around and chat with the members and letting them know how much their music helped us and influenced us to pick up an instrument felt almost like an odd sense of closure. It's almost as if the end of their song thirty dollar bill was playing as we exited the venue. What they created all those years ago helped us out so much and getting the opportunity to let them know how their music helped folks in immeasurable ways, gave me a sense of returning the favor. After talking the guys in the band, they made large sacrifices to make this all happen, so I hope they don't feel like it's all in vain.
Anyways, the new album. JD left us with Presents back in the day, which is a hit or miss for some folks. It's a taste thing and I respect that completely. I personally loved everything about that album and find it to be flawless. When I heard the band was going to record a new album, I was curious what it was going be like.
Upon first listen, it picked up where Presents left off. The sound has matured, but it has all the classic JD elements that made the band so beautiful, discordant, and abrasive. It has the sense urgency that the band carried throughout their entire career. It still cradled all those sensibilities sonically, creating the feeling of a sense musical armor that allows one to land soft or hit the ground hard. I also hear sense triumph in sound. It's almost like it's opening up a new chapter shouting the perspective gained over the years since the initial demise.
After experiencing this album live, I have a greater appreciation for it. I picked up the album at the gig and spun it 3 times front to back this afternoon. I felt compelled to just express how wonderful of an experience this band has given so many and I hope the above does it justice.
#jeromesdreamforever <3
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May 27th, 2019
https://cruthedynamic.bandcamp.com/album/cuts
I'm always on the lookout at record stores and online for something that is new to me that'll expand my music library. While lurking on Detroit's very own YHS Records bandcamp page, I came across Cru The Dynamic and did just that!
Taken from the Cru The Dynamic Bandcamp Page:
"Steve Bryant is a drummer and producer from Brooklyn, NY. Although trained in jazz performance, his production andplaying styles are deeply rooted in hip-hop & drum&bass.
Touring drummer for Young & Sick, Eliot Lipp, Michna, Benzos, & several others.
Music featured on HBO, CBS, & showtime.
Called "the most versatile drummer in NYC" by Urb magazine. Signed to Young Heavy Souls records."
Cuts is an extraordinary addition to already extensive catalogue Steve Bryant has released under the moniker Cru The Dynamic. The influences range from footwork to jazz to drum&bass, bringing out the best of all styles. It's almost too over whelming to describe the sound, so peep the link above and you'll get understand what I'm talking about. All 11 tracks will take you on the musical journey we all long for once we hit play.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't get obsessed with albums and listen to them multiple times in a row. For me, Cuts is an example of an album that I'll spin all day at work or chilling with the crew. Versatile for any setting. Now go listen and you'll know what I'm talking about!
Show some support while you're at it too:
http://smarturl.it/cuts
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May 27th, 2019
https://suckblood.bandcamp.com/album/hate-preachers-bile-of-progress-demo
My roots run deep in the realm of punk and as I get older the soft spot for this genre grows and grows. I miss the days of digging through the used bins at record stores, lurking for the oldies on soulseek/message boards, waiting to see what Havoc Records was going to re-issue next was, and trying to make the sickest playlist to skate to with limited mp3 space was my middle/high school existence. When I heard Hate Preachers for the first time, the little kid in me jumped out alien style and I instantly was taken back.
Hate Preachers are a Los Angeles group absolutely killing with their UK82/80s Finnish HC style production and absolutely ruthless delivery. Bile of Progress is the band's 2nd release containing 4 songs that'll have you circle pitting in no time. The tape leaves you wanting more, which feels like the band is messing with you after you burn through all 4 songs multiple times. Obviously its not the band's intent, but when the tunes are this good it feels like a crime! After hearing Bile of Progress and their demo tape released last year, you already know the future is bright for this band. I personally cannot wait for the next release.
Buy the tape here:
https://suckblood.bigcartel.com
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April 22, 2019
https://chasms.bandcamp.com/album/the-mirage
I'm a huge fan of the Felte Records and I always find myself poking around their bandcamp looking for tunes that are a little out there and off the beaten path. Thankfully since Ritual Howls are residents of the mitten, Felte releases are readily available at local record stores. This allowed me to pick up Chasms - The Mirage and absolutely fall in love with this album.
Initially, someone told me Chasms was like a modern day Cocteau Twins, so that got my attention right away. I'm a sucker for anything ethereal, so checking them out became a priority. I listened to a couple of cuts off The Mirage around the time it came out and dug them a lot. The haunting and melancholic vocals, scattered and desperate sounding guitar work, and catchy bass lines really sucked me into the dark world that is Chasms When I finally saw this album on the racks it was a no brainer, I put some other records down and picked this up instead.
This album is a bit different compared to their old material. I got more of a goth, ethereal, shoegaze, vibe from their past work. The Mirage still holds down the goth/ethereal style, but is way more chilled out noise/dynamic wise and darker. Another aspect that sets this album apart from their old material is the minimalism in record to it's repetitive nature and the dub bass lines that really carry the songs.
I highly recommend this album if you're looking for something a little darker and chill. Go show some support and pick this one up and catch Chasms on tour this summer!
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April 20, 2019
https://burialetiquette.bandcamp.com/releases
I'm honest unfamiliar with the screamo acts coming out of Canada these days, but they never seem to disappoint when I come across them.
Thunder Bay, Ontario's Burial Etiquette comes at us with 5 tracks of classic, late 90's early 2000's screamo. Lucky for them, I've been a screamo scholar for over a decade, so right away I knew what they were going for after listening the E.p.
They have quite a few different styles of screamo all mixed into this release.
Let me explain, every screamo band from the late 90's/early 2000's had something unique to offer. It was almost like those band's sound became a sub-genre of it's own underneath the screamo umbrella. For example, Saetia had a clean/jazzy sound, then would bust into distortion. Jeromes Dream was heavy and abrasive. City of Caterpillar's music was filled with post-rock influence.
This release captures Saetia's sound. I appreciate that because there aren't very many bands trying to tackle it! More Saetia please. Anyways, the band throws down those clean/jazzy hooks that jerk your emotions around, then straight into a wall of distortion. I absolutely love it. They also mix in a post-rock influenced vibe throughout this E.p., ala City of Caterpillar. I'm not a post-rock fan because my attention span is too short and the typical post-rock song is too drawn out for my taste, BUT Burial Etiquette does it in a way that works.
Overall I think this is a good starting point for their first release. The band could literally go in any direction since there are so many styles of the genre mixed in. That being said, I did get a derailed listening to the E.p. a couple of times because of that. I was wondering if I was going to get Saetia or a post-rock influenced track. That's not a bad thing, it's just how my ears work. Me personally, I'd love to see the band stick with the Saetia sound.
Pick up Burial Etiquette's S/t E.p. from Emocat Records in Canada or Dasein Records in Europe. For USA heads, I'm sure there's a distro carrying these.
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April 17, 2019
https://ritualhowls.bandcamp.com/album/ritual-howls-rendered-armor
Ritual Howls hails from Detroit playing that goth-y and industrial noise we've all come to know and love. Being a person that lurks on the outskirts of local music scenes here in the mitten, goth is becoming a popular commodity, feeding the masses the darkness the city of Detroit yearns for.
Beyond the cliches of goth music, Ritual Howls personify the blight and abandonment of the nation's most notorious legacy city, Detroit. Detroit, once being a main hub for various industries, most the automotive industry, is nothing but a ghost of what it used to be. Brownfield sites, boarded up houses, and relics of Detroit's industrial past occupy the city and metro areas. After painting that picture, it's no surprise that dark music is coming out of the Detroit and it's metro areas.
Anyways, back the new album. Ritual Howls brings to us their 4th full length album on Felte. 8 tracks of bleak, industrial, electronic goth. This album is by far not their darkest or moodiest album. To me it has a more pop-sensibility, which is refreshing in my opinion. Every song is catchier than the last and with only 8 tracks, it leaves you wanting more. Thankfully the band is extremely active in regarding to tour and releases a new Ep or album every year, so we can just assume more tunes are on their way.
After following the band the past few years, it's been exciting hearing their progression. They've honed in on a sound that is truly theirs within the umbrella of genres they're associated with. In my opinion, this should always be the goal as musicians. Remaining stagnant with music is a disease, worse than the post-industrial structural abandonment of Detroit. I tip my proverbial hat to these folks for the great music and all the success!
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April 15, 2019
https://catalystrecords.bandcamp.com/album/cr019-cast-from-eden-the-deafened-art-of-bleeding-secrets-automated-on-deadlines
Ah Spring time. I have no idea why, but it's my favorite time of year to re-visit old metalcore bands. Coming from a city that's always been more on the metal side of things, I have a soft spot for chugs and At The Gates-Core. Anyways, this is band I discovered after the fact and they are criminally underrated.
Cast From Eden hailed from Louisville, Kentucky, mixing all the best elements of metal into a primordial soup, unlike the other 1,000 metalcore bands out at the time, and really crafting a metalcore sound that made sense.
Mind you, this era of metalcore was probably the best and worst for the following reasons. One, mediocracy: countless amounts of generic At Gates Style-core and beatdown bands began popping up at the time. Finally, two: the positive, every local scene had bands playing gigs, so kids like you and I had something to do besides sit at home on music forums.
Anyways, I digress. Cast From Eden is one of those hidden gems you'll see laying around a dusty old webstore these days, which is a shame because the band is fantastic in every way. They blend hardcore, Swedish death metal, and even a little slam in the mix (aka, the formula for metalcore). They could riff, scream, and make you feel compelled to throw down a spin kick and pull a muscle because you're old, lame and out of shape like me.
Their one and only album, The Deafened Art of Bleeding Secrets Automated On Deadlines, features 8 tracks of urgent, dark, and emotional metal. They paint an apocalyptical scene that is always on the verge of crossing the threshold of societal collapse. At the bleakest moments, they'll pull you back in with a Swedish death metal hook with synth or they'll play that slam ridden breakdown that really opens up the gates to hell. When I listen to them I get a heavy Underoath - Cries of the Past or some serious Undying vibes, which grabbed my attention right away because those bands are personal favorites for me within this genre.
Lyrically, they were politically driven. They were a xCatalystx Records band, so you know the deal. I won't spoil the subject matter because I want you to ALL order this album from them because they released some of my favorite hardcore/metalcore bands. Show some support folks.
Someone do a vinyl release of this, so I can die happy. Thanks! - The Management
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April 3, 2019
https://www.discogs.com/Long-Hind-Legs-Charmed-Im-Sure/release/1360762
This single contains two tracks that are quite different from each other. Return to Me, is a electronic New Order inspired song utilizing a drum machine, synth, minimal guitar and a repetitive bass line that keeps the song afloat. This is the track that really draws you in and is worth picking this one up for this song alone. Shocked it's a B-Side since this song is so catchy. It's the typical minimal 90s electronic love song. Dark, a little poppy, melancholy, and will get stuck in you head for the years to come.
Charmed, I'm Sure is more of an indie ballad, the complete opposite of Return to Me. Not as remarkable in my opinion, I rarely flip this 7" over to listen to it. I guess having both sides of the spectrum displays the talent of the musicians. Not knocking it by any means. Listen to it. Form your own opinion. You might like it more than the B-Side.
I honestly haven't heard the project's other material, but it's on my to-do list. Finding the lesser known side projects from members of larger bands is always interesting experience because you never really know what you're going to get. Especially for the members of Unwound who are definitely in my top 25 favorite bands.
Anyways, this 7" is pretty cheap online. Check discogs or I think Kill Rock Stars might have copies of this. Google it, yo.
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March 23rd, 2019
https://nagamatzu.bandcamp.com/album/sacred-islands-of-the-mad
Ran across this one while lurking on Dark Entries' website and fell in love with this band instantly. Nagamatzu is a couple of dudes who fiddled around with old tape and drum machines, along with some stringed instruments and synths. All in a bedroom, before bedroom was defined by a bunch of nerds like us. Anyways, the product was something that is dark, beautiful, and other worldly at times.
Sacred Islands of the Mad is the group's second and extremely limited cassette they released back in the day, cataloguing their work between the years 1984 & 1986. I'm guessing these guys were influenced by the late 1970s/early 1980s electronic and post-punk merge ala New Order, OMD, and the many others. Don't quote me on that though, it's just my assumption. My knowledge of this band's history is limited to be completely honest.
Anyways, the album grabbed me because I am a huge fan of New Order and Nagamatzu have that sort of melancholy vibe I get from them, so there's my reference. I find it hard to flip the album over because the songs Ionesco, Carmine, and Taraiky are some of the best music compositions I've ever heard. The grooves on Side-A will wear out soon if I don't flip it over, is what I'm getting at.
The link at the beginning of the post will take you to the album. Give it a chance. You might like what you hear!
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January 25th, 2019
https://disrupt.bandcamp.com/album/unrest
Ah Disrupt, the pinnacle of U.S. crust during the early 1990s and in my opinion, the answer to the UK's Extreme Noise Terror. As ENT offered deflating material after 1991, it seems as though Disrupt stepped in to fill in the gaps. I only mention ENT because the influence is blatant, along with other contemporary crust, punk, metal, and grindcore acts of that time.
Anyways, back to the music. Unfortunately, Unrest is Disrupt's only full length album. They made up for it with a slew of 7" Ep's and split 7"s, though Unrest is by far the most accessible because of how many official and unofficial pressings it's had over the years. I think that's a fair assumption to make because if you talk to anyone who's a fan, they'll reference this album. To me, this is one of the most important punk albums and bands of the 1990s. Even to this day, you'll see crusties repping patches on pants and jackets, keeping the band's legacy alive.
Unrest offers 20 tracks of unrelenting crust in the vein of Extreme Noise Terror and Doom. Lyrically they touch base on politcal subject matter such as human/animal rights, and many other social issues as well. On both the music and lyric sides of the spectrum, they still hold up. To this day, I can't think of any bands after Disrupt that can hold down this style. They never seem to let up. It's like walking against a 100 mph wind, the shit just keeps knocking you down. Lyrically, the topics are still relevant to this day, which is unfortunate (We're making progress. Is the glass half empty or half full for you? ...Anyways). I honestly can't think of an album that defines U.S. crust punk more that Unrest and that's saying something with all the talent that showed it's face during the 1990s.
Do yourself a favor and get your hands on this. Unrest is such a punk classic, it should be on everyone's turntable.
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January 9th, 2019: Duster - Contemporary Movement
https://dusternumero.bandcamp.com/album/contemporary-movement
The August of 2000, Duster released their follow up album to their now world-renowned first album, Stratosphere. I say "now world renowned" because in 1998 I was a young child. I have no idea if it was well received for it's time back in the 1990's, but it's a hell of a great album now and many nerdy music fans such as myself appreciate the hell out of it.
That's enough of Stratosphere though. It's a great album, we all know it. It's time to talk about Contemporary Movement.
I'm guessing the release date is August 22, 2000, judging from the date that the Numero Bandcamp provided for the band's page. Not deviating from their dreamy, lo-fi soundscape they were known for, Duster brought 12 new cuts to the table with Contemporary Movement. Every song seemed as though it was arranged in a scientific and strategic manner, sucking you into the atmosphere and eventually landing on the planet Duster has composed for us.
This album is very different from their first. Judging from what I'm hearing, this album was recorded all in the same session/place, as opposed to Stratosphere where the tracks seemed to be recorded here and there. Nothing wrong with that, just an observation from an audio guy. As Stratosphere sounds like pieces and parts of a lovely puzzle, Contemporary Movement is a complete journey. I sit back with this album on and just float away. Everything sounds right. Everything is right where it should be. There really isn't another album like this out there. I tip my hat to the band for creating such a masterpiece.
I really don't know what else to say to convince one to listen to this album, so just take my word for it and click the link provided above.
Also, go see Duster live on their reunion and pick up their boxset that set to potentially be released this March through Numero.