Built on a Weak Spot

Monthly Mix: June 2009

2009-07-02T03:43:00.003-05:00

Apologies for being a bit tardy with getting the most recent monthly mix up. Work has me there a bit later than usual and it’s making it a bit hard to update. Anyway, I am posting the mix for June with a bit of a heavy heart as I just recently read that Needmore Discs, one of my favorite record stores here in the Kansas City area, is closing its doors come August 2nd. I imagine I’ve bought many of used CD’s from there over the past three or four years, so I will definitely be sad to see it go. For those in the area, you can read more and an official statement on the matter over at Pitch Weekly’s Wayward Blog. Bummer.

As per usual, if there is anything on the mix that catches your ear…then by all means pick up the corresponding album. All band/artist names have been linked to a place of purchase where applicable. I hope to get things rolling again around here soon. Been slow, I know. In the meantime however, enjoy the tunes!

01 – Deaf Wish – Broken Eyes
02 – Broken Jug – Feel About You
03 – Drop – Mirrored
04 – Hazerai – Here Comes the Good Boy
05 – Watery Love – (I’m A) Skull
06 – The Vandelles – Going Downtown
07 – The Bitters – Warrior
08 – The Radio Faces – Get in Right
09 – Horny Genius – Trilobite-Going Down to Mexico
10 – Doosu – War Plan Orange
11 – 800beloved – Mortgage Your Organs
12 – Spongehead – I See You I Want You
13 – Kittens – Great Dane
14 – Bale – Torpid
15 – Blue Ontario – Twenty Three
16 – The Unholy Two – Altamont 1969
17 – Walls – Calming Down
18 – xbxrx – Built Moments
19 – Lidsville – Good Time
20 – uSSSy – Wild Moustaches

Download (.zip file)

PRE - Hope Freaks

2009-06-30T00:22:00.001-05:00

It should come as no surprise that the new PRE album Hope Freaks just out recently on Skin Graft is something of interest around these parts. I enjoyed their debut Epic Fits when it was released and as it appears Hope Freaks is keeping right in line with their frenetic vision of no-wave noise making. At least for me, when I think of an album as grower it usually applies to an album that is much longer and is an exhaustive listen to take in the first time. PRE might be an exhaustive listen if this isn’t your type of thing, however the band definitely doesn’t wear out their welcome in terms of time with an album that once again ranges in the 20 minute range. So how is Hope Freaks a grower? Well, at such a pace in which PRE force the listener to digest the complexity of their music, it almost becomes a blur of darting rhythms and high pitched yelps courtesy of Keeks Matsuura that multiple listens for the band become mandatory. As it expected however, it reveals itself for much more than I can simply describe.

PRE – Haircut Tacos [MP3]

Hope Freaks is currently available through Skin Graft for those that are interested. Definitely pick it up if you’re enjoying what you here.

The Ax - Our Queen of Dirt LP

2009-06-29T00:02:00.002-05:00

This record continually has me guessing, which I think is probably a good thing. I just don’t know what to say about it really other than I dig what these two guys from Portland are banging out. The Ax come armed with three things apparently…guitar, drums, and big riffs. At times they lay down a heavy low end guitar tone that briefly touches upon Floor or Karp sludge territory, however I’d say the band are channeling more of a straight up rock n' roll sort of thing more along the lines of Red Fang or a heavier Bad Wizard. They are kind of a vacuum cleaner of all things that could be considered big guitar rock and the The Ax certainly emphasize the “big”. Their sound is massive in fact, to which I can only envision a towering set up behind them with patrons shirts rippling from the blast it omits. While the band tiptoes around a number of different ideas here on Our Queen of Dirt, they never cease to let up with the distortion as if they figured maybe everything sounds better this way…and I think I am beginning to agree with that sentiment. I don’t know if there are still too many people out there presently that are looking for a record like this, but I am certainly hoping so.

The Ax – Mouth to Feed [MP3]

For anyone wishing to pick up Our Queen of Dirt, then it’s available in both vinyl and CD formats over at Whoa! Boat. If you’re digging the posted tune above then I would recommend checking out the whole record. Well worth it.

Wreck...

2009-06-25T01:05:00.002-05:00

Chicago’s very own Wreck are an oft overlooked band these days and one might draw the conclusion that the reason was partly due to them being hidden amongst the Wax Trax!/PIAS label during the majority of their years together. Yes, they were on the also Chicago based and notable industrial/dance label Wax Trax! and no they had absolutely nothing to do with either of those styles. Wreck was just an oddity on their roster as they were simply a rock band that bared the markings of a lot of the similar abrasive rock to come out of the city during that period. To no ones surprise I am sure, Steve Albini produced practically all of their recordings. If Wax Trax!/PIAS was looking to hit one out the park and make a mark during the grunge explosion…well Wreck were, and thankfully, much too interesting/challenging to gain that sort of notoriety.

Some may already be quite familiar with Wreck since former Die Kreuzen bassist Keith Brammer was part of the lineup that also contained members Dean Schlabowske, Bart Flores, and Kurt Moore. Schlabowske would later join John Langford from the Mekons to form alt-country act Waco Brothers. During the bands time together they released two EP’s (Wreck, House of Boris) and two albums (Soul Train and El Mundo De Los Niños). Their final album that eventually appeared in 1994 El Mundo De Los Niños was actually their only release on a different label. It was picked up by C/Z Records after Wax Trax! decidedly shelved the album. It was later re-recorded for release on C/Z. If anyone out there has promo copies of the original Wax Trax! recorded version of the album...I would love to hear it.

Anyway, in the meantime check out some fine tunes from the group…

Wreck 12’’:
Wreck – Cut-Ups [MP3]

Soul Train:
Wreck – Bad Energy [MP3]
Wreck – Retail [MP3]

House of Boris 12’’:
Wreck – Newish [MP3]

El Mundo De Los Niños:
Wreck – Coffee [MP3]

Most of Wreck’s releases are still available used on Amazon (here and here), so if anything above catches your interest then by all means grab an album or EP…or both. Enjoy!

Rusted Shut - Dead 12''

2009-06-24T00:05:00.002-05:00

Well this was a nice surprise to see pop up on the front page of the Load Records website. I honestly had no idea there was a new Rusted Shut album on the way, but I’ll gladly take it. In fact, that’s exactly what I did and ever since the LP arrived in my mailbox a couple days ago I’ve been punishing the floor speakers here at the house with it.

Anyone who has heard Rusted Shut before knows exactly what they are getting into here with their latest release simply titled Dead. Nothing has changed. Don Walsh and company are still seeping hatred out of every pore and would love nothing more to direct it towards you, the listener. For the uninitiated, Rusted Shut is from Texas and has actually been around since the mid 80’s despite only releasing three albums, an EP, and a few scattered compilation tracks here and there. Their music is very much in line with the drug fueled scuzz that reared its ugly head in the state for much of the 80’s & 90’s. However, Rusted Shut may be the most intense and nasty of the bunch although they aren’t as commonly referenced as maybe some of their contemporaries of that time. I somehow have a feeling that doesn’t matter in the least to them though, as I think their continued existence and dedication to being one large entity of hate and anger is more than enough evidence to that. Dead just happens to be another attempt to drag you down to their level of misery, and again I’ve gladly obliged.

I had a hell of a time figuring out the track listing for the LP version of this. The insert included with it was obviously made with the 10 track CD version in mind and the actual titles on the sides of the record don’t match up from what I can tell as well. Or at least they don’t on the b-side. Anyway, I’ve just went with the one for posting that I knew was correct.

Rusted Shut – Feelin’ Weakened [MP3]

If anyone is wishing to pick this up then just head over to Load Records. In the meantime, enjoy!

Hurry Up Shotgun - Hold the Angle

2009-06-23T00:03:00.000-05:00

I honestly thought I was in for some Clutch self-titled era type of jam/stoner rock thing when the first track started making its way through my speakers. At least by the guitar tone and the way the drums are recorded, it led me to believe that much. And even after listening to Hurry Up Shotgun’s debut and quickly realizing that was most definitely not to be…that lead track still sounds like Clutch sans the vocals/lyrics. The other seven tracks that are to be found on Hold the Angle still burrow themselves firmly in the heart of 90’s indie-rock, however this time leaping towards the sound that one might come to expect from a band that inhabits the west coast. People who read this blog often enough probably see where this is going and in fact might as well just skip to the song because it’s something that in all likelihood will interest those of you out there and I know time is important. However, for those who don’t…Hurry Up Shotgun conjure up a sound that is reminiscent to that of Hot Snakes during their fairly solid run as a band. Plenty of bounce and liveliness here to be found while not confining themselves squarely to one influence or idea as evidenced by the opening track. The band apparently already is at work on writing new material, which will be interesting to hear and see what direction they take.

Hurry Up Shotgun – Somebody Called [MP3]

For those interested in picking up Hold the Angle, just head on over to the bands website. There is also an audio player located there that will preview the entire album, so give that a go if you’re still unsure. Enjoy!

Francis Harold & The Holograms - Who Said These Were Happy Times 12''

2009-06-22T00:11:00.002-05:00

I think the recent surge of heat around here has gotten me a bit down. To the point where I have just found myself indifferent to doing just about anything I’ve been meaning to do, including updating the blog. I can’t say listening to this new LP from Francis Harold & The Holograms has lifted my spirits any, but I don’t think it’s a record that was intended to. With that said, Who Said These Were Happy Times was just recently released through Going Underground and comes right around the same time as a new single on Hozac that rips just about as much this record. I may not be in the best of moods lately due to being confined by this awful heat, but Francis Harold & The Holograms have assured me with this fantastic LP that being confrontational and downright nasty is perfectly a-ok. However, despite there being quite the downer vibe going on here (along with plenty of feedback/noise) the band very obviously is having a good time being angry. Does that make any sense? I doubt it, but of all the records that I've come across in the past few years this is one that certainly revels in all of its disgusting glory. The band members are wrapped in a bit of mystery, apparently sporting hooded masks in all public performances. However, after following along with the lyric sheet included…they are probably wise to hide their identities. The full blown out noise the band creates is more than plenty to get the average person uneasy, however dig further and it’s bound to creep out far more than just that.

Francis Harold & The Holograms – Glitter Girls [MP3]

For anyone wanting to pick up Who Said These Were Happy Times then hit up Going Underground or take a look for it in your preferred distro. Either way, don’t miss out on this.

SCUL HAZZARDs - Landlord

2009-06-16T00:11:00.000-05:00

I’ve got to hand it to SCUL HAZZARDs; they’ve wasted very little time in getting material out accumulating a handful of EP’s with Landlord marking the bands second full-length album, all of which have come since around 2006. The band continues forth here in their quest to drum up a Rapeman/Big Black revival by crafting excellent tunes that would have easily gotten much love during the 80’s/90’s noise/math/aggro heyday. That’s not to say it shouldn’t be getting the same receptive response today, as it most definitely should. So far their catalog warrants it, and Landlord certainly doesn’t hurt their case. The album is as every bit piercing as their previous Let Them Sink (which was also a favorite of mine last year by the way), with guitars that seemingly cause images of band saws ripping through all kinds of shit in my head. If there is one thing that consistently registers with me about them, it’s that. Sure, many bands come across and try and replicate this sort of sound, but SCUL HAZZARDs have done nothing but show that they have the visceral edge to keep it fresh and inspiring in the present day. If you weren’t a fan of the band already, then I doubt Landlord is going to change that…but for anyone that has yet to hear them and enjoys their rock with a bit of complexity and razor sharp squall, then definitely don’t miss out on this.

SCUL HAZZARDs – Casualties [MP3]

Landlord is currently available through Rejuvenation Records for anyone that is looking to pick it up. Hit that up!

Long Legged Woman - Nobody Knows This is Nowhere 12''

2009-06-15T00:03:00.001-05:00

I’ll just get this out of the way and say it right now, this record rocks really hard. I had a strong feeling after getting a chance to hear “When I Was Asleep” from San Fran’s Long Legged Woman that I could be in store for something special. It didn’t take me long thereafter to make the decision to throw some cash their way for their recently released LP on Pollen Season titled Nobody Knows This is Nowhere. Apparently it was originally recorded well over a year ago when the band was still a four piece and also residing in the Athens, GA area. The band self-released a few copies of it along the way before Pollen Season gave it the proper release that it most definitely deserves.

There haven’t been many times where distortion/fuzz sounds as good as it does here. Long Legged Woman is a band that sets out to suffocate the listener with it or make them go deaf, whichever comes first. While they most certainly wouldn’t be the first band to set up their equipment and turn it all the way up to create a floor rattling amount of noise, they manage to mine the depths of trashy/scuzz rock with fine detail hashing out the best it has to offer. The band further impresses by their ability to tread a perfect line of tunefulness that makes what they’re doing hit that much harder. Most of the songs keep it short; however the final track on the A-side “Psych Jam” is a seven minute plus track that gives plenty of nods to their Southern origins along the way as it slowly builds into a frenzy of guitar and drums. This is no frills rock that is absolutely nailed…loud and consistently leaning towards being out of control. Probably one of my favorite albums I’ve had the pleasure to hear this year. Give it a listen.

Long Legged Woman – When I Was Asleep [MP3]

To pick up Nobody Knows This is Nowhere just head on over to Pollen Season. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re digging the posted tune above.

That Fucking Tank - Tanknology

2009-06-10T13:22:00.002-05:00

That Fucking Tank are back with their second album Tanknology, which is set to be released on July 6th, however is currently available online through Gringo Records. Some may remember the band and their baritone math styling that graced their last record The Day of Death by Bono Adrenalin Shock back in ’06. Not a whole lot has changed here for the band on their latest offering, although there is a notable running influence of classic/progressive rock that gives the record a bit more of a poppy feel to it that I don’t recall the previous album necessarily having. I think their pseudo cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark” that appears on the album is pretty good evidence of that and is actually kind of neat to hear. However, That Fucking Tank still remains one of the many great bands making interesting music over in the UK. Tanknology just happens to come along during what seems to be a really good strong run of releases that I’ve had the chance of hearing in the past month or so from over there. Although the band seem to be moving in a more rhythm driven direction, there is still plenty of the spastic guitar work that helps make them as fun as they are to listen to.

That Fucking Tank – Keanu Reef [MP3]

For anyone looking to pick up Tanknology, it’s available now through Gringo. Definitely pick it up if you enjoy what you hear!

The Crack Babies - Smoking at Gas Stations

2009-06-09T00:03:00.002-05:00

Back in 2005 Lostmusic Recordings released this seven song EP titled Smoking at Gas Stations from the one man band project The Crack Babies based out of Sweden. During its initial run of very limited copies it sold out and was then offered as a free download, which amassed quite a few of those. However with the aforementioned label now gone and nowhere to download, Odd Box Records has risen to the demand after persistent requests to do another limited run of the album on CD for anyone that missed out the first time. If you’re a big fan of 80’s noise-pop, lo-fi, or just JAMC worship in general then by all means don’t miss out on it again.

The Crack Babies are very much what you think they are, incredibly blown out shoegazy noise. However, on this EP the decibels are driven even further upward landing them in the same area as fellow past limit pushers Skywave. Whether the aesthetics of the record were intentional or not (it was recorded with an extremely low budget), the results greatly work to its advantage. At times the vocals hit a high blown out yet muffled pitch that often reminds me of Scott Cortez’s work under the Astrobrite moniker. Anyway, check out the tune below.

The Crack Babies – Shine [MP3]

For anyone interested in pre-ordering a copy of this re-issued limited run of this EP, then head on over to Odd Box Records to get in on that. I definitely recommend it for anyone that considers themselves a fan of noise-pop or any of the other mentioned artists in this piece. Enjoy!

Slices - Slices 7'' (2009, Home Invasion)

2009-06-08T00:11:00.003-05:00

This is some delightfully noisy hardcore from the fantastic Pittsburgh trio Slices. Their first single which was also released earlier this year through 16oh showed some signs of this sort of crusty forcefulness, however this single on Home Invasion amps things up a bit. Slices manage to deliver quite a punch here in the 7 plus minutes that inhabit the sides of this single. There is also more to be found here underneath the scuzz than just simple blasts of distortion and low end, especially on the two lengthier tracks “His Presence Lingers Long After He’s Gone” and “I Melt For No One”. Very cool stuff, definitely up there on the list of better singles I’ve heard this year. Check it out.

Slices – His Presence Lingers Long After He’s Gone [MP3]

There four more tracks to be found on this 7’’, so definitely pick this up if you enjoy what you hear. Drop a line to Home Invasion to score a copy.

The Great Brain...

2009-06-04T00:04:00.001-05:00

Here is a nice little treat before I duck out for the weekend and sit down with a bunch of stuff that I really need to listen to. The Great Brain was a math-rock/noise-rock group based out of the Chicago area during the mid-nineties. Yeah, I know…there were a lot of groups that could be classified as the same in that locale, but stay with me here. Anyway, the group released a couple singles before issuing their one and only full-length album in 1997 titled Algorithm through Throwrug Records. Kind of an interesting record in that it takes the looser indie-rock qualities of say groups like Archers of Loaf, Pavement, and Swirlies and then running it through the Midwestern math-rock ringer. Overall the band came off a bit harsher than any of the aforementioned bands ever did, but to varying degrees I believe they shared a bit in common with them. Anyway, check out a couple tunes below…

The Great Brain – Crack Blues [MP3]
The Great Brain – Dry Socket [MP3]

For those interested in checking out Algorithm further, I’ve posted the entire album below. Big thanks to Great Brain member Charan for allowing me to do so. Definitely check it out.

The Great Brain – Algorithm

Anyone that would like to get a hold of physical copy of the album, there are still numerous copies available on Amazon for a pretty decent price used.

Lack of Zodiac - Tele 7'' (2002, Norway Rat)

2009-06-03T03:04:00.003-05:00

A couple months ago The Dust Bowl made mention of the Norwegian noise-rock group Arabrot, and it jarred my memory about this one off single from Lack of Zodiac who happen to share the same label in Norway Rat. At least I am pretty sure it’s their only single, but I could be wrong and boy it’s a case where I sure would like to be as this single is pretty great. I really don’t know how to explain their sound but in my head I kind of visualize it as if Shellac or Uzeda were forced to cover Orchid for a night and this was the result. It’s very cool stuff regardless, an interesting mixture of styles to say the least.

Lack of Zodiac – Whore [MP3]
Lack of Zodiac – In Line [MP3]

I’m not going to post the whole single since apparently the Art of the Underground distro still has copies of these for pretty dirt cheap. So yeah, I would suggest picking up a copy if you’re enjoying the tunes above. Enjoy!

Sentient - Tundra

2009-06-02T00:23:00.001-05:00

I remember enjoying Mike Quillin’s previous band Theta for the somewhat brief period they seemed to be around. I think they managed to release two EP’s (Self-Titled and Tone Poems for Sad Times), which one of the tracks from the latter was used on one of the first installments of the monthly mixes I made before I ever started this blog. Sadly the band seemed to disappear after the EP and I never really knew what became of them. Quillin has however turned up with a new band along with fellow Theta drummer Adam Mitchell named Sentient that have their debut album Tundra coming out on Sun Sea Sky early this July. For those though eager to get an early listen in can purchase it digitally right now through the label if they so please. Sentient also happens to feature former members from various other Lawrence, KS based bands such as Filthy Jim and the sludge/weirdo rock monster Jumbo’s Killcrane. However, Sentient remain pretty much on par with the sound that Quillin and Mitchell had developed in Theta. That being solid atmospheric/dreamy rock that, while dense and often times heavier than Theta, is every bit as beautiful as their previous band. I know there are probably still fans out there lingering, so obviously it’s recommend you check out Tundra when it comes out. Fans of big melodies mixed in with a healthy dose of spacey rock in the area of Failure or label mates The Storied Northwest should definitely find something to enjoy on Tundra. It’s also good to hear Quillin back in the vocal spotlight again as well.

Sentient – Veritas [MP3]

For anyone wishing to pick up Tundra, it’s currently available for pre-order on Sun Sea Sky. Or as previously mentioned, it can also be had immediately in digital format (320 or FLAC as it appears). Do pick it up one way or another if you enjoy what you hear.

Push-Pull - Between Noise and the Indians

2009-06-01T00:02:00.004-05:00

Push-Pull is a Bloomington, Indiana trio that has taken the definition of “erratic” to heart and completely ran with it. Their music is a mixture of oddness that spans the depths of progressive rock, post-punk, and electronics to create a sound that is…well just plain weird at times but impressively tuneful and melodic in many ways too. Between Noise and the Indians is the bands follow up to their debut album Hello Soldier that appeared on Sickroom Records a couple years ago. Joyful Noise will be handling the release duties this go around however, which have the record set to be released on June 23rd. On it, the band seems to thrive on lulling the listener in with catchy yet powerful pop slowly wrapping them around their finger before flicking them right back off by busting out waves of sludgy bass and riffage that hits so quick that it seems nearly unfair. It almost reminds me of when I was when high school and I walked into journalism class fearing if the teacher was going to tear my face off due to her very evident bi-polarity. While they are obviously not the first band to choose this path, they remain very much separated due in part to their excellent musicianship that is routinely displayed on the album. Good stuff all around.

Push-Pull – Wright, Right? [MP3]

Be sure to pick up Between Noise and the Indians when it comes out later this month. Keep tabs on the Joyful Noise site in the meantime.

Minor Touching Up...

2009-05-30T21:41:00.003-05:00

As you probably can tell, I made some slight changes to the appearance of BOAWS. I never really dug the bigger font and the spacing, etc. That and I couldn't add as much linkage as I would have liked, however I think this works. Nothing major obviously, but I hope this seems a little bit less "big". Just trying to keep things simple really. Anyway, back Monday as previously mentioned...

Monthly Mix: May 2009

2009-05-28T03:30:00.002-05:00

Since I typically don’t do much during the weekends, as far as updating this thing, this seems like as good as time as any to get the mix up for this month. Give it a spin over those two days maybe? Anyway, as usual if there is anything on the mix that grabs your attention then by all means pick up an album from the featured artist/band. The names have all been linked to a place of purchase wherever applicable. With that I am out and will return Monday with regular updates. Enjoy!

01 – Eat Skull – Stick to the Formula
02 – Reports – Sassy Glasses
03 – Theory of Ruin – Profiteering
04 – Difference Engine – 5 Listens
05 – Colossal – Short Speech
06 – Alger Hiss – Eastern Rhetoric
07 – Donkey – Fear Not Wandering Soul
08 – Fresh Meat – Get to Work
09 – Staynless – Relax and Color
10 – The Simple Ones – T-Shirt (Hell on Wheels)
11 – TV Ghost – Prodrome
12 – House of Large Sizes – A Tower Bends
13 – Cinemechanica – Rivals
14 – Zahir – They’re Coming!
15 – Snowing – Kirk Cameron Crowe
16 – My Dad is Dead – I Had a Dream
17 – Lookwell – Autobahn
18 – Control Freak – S.O.U.S.
19 – Mars Accelerator – 1040 M

Download (.zip file)

Pregnant - Wanna See My Gun? 7''

2009-05-27T03:24:00.004-05:00

What you see above is the debut single Wanna See My Gun from the Brooklyn based trio Pregnant recently released this past February through the excellent Don Giovanni Records. The single lays down four tracks of the bands mish mash of indie/post-punk that sort of is toeing the line between the trashy garage stuff that is making its way back. No matter though, Pregnant have found a pretty solid balance between some of the more rigid sounding DC post-hardcore stuff and the lo-fi aesthetics that should satisfy ones thirst for that…if that is indeed what you’re looking for. The A-side rips through three very enjoyable tracks, featuring probably my two favorites back to back in “You Give it To Me”, which takes on a bit of a Fugazi or NoMeansNo vibe, and the ultra catchy but short “God is Nein”. The flipside features the title track and is the lengthiest of the four, but still rocks nonetheless. I think the band has a full-length planned which I believe is set to appear on Don Giovanni as well. For now though, check out the tune post below.

Pregnant – You Give it to Me [MP3]

For those interested in picking up Wanna See My Gun, then just head on over to Don Giovanni.

Shapes - The Pasture, The Oil

2009-05-26T00:08:00.001-05:00

Based out of Birmingham in the UK, Shapes have only been around since early 2008 however are already on their second EP in the form of the recently released The Pasture, The Oil through Big Scary Monsters. Despite that, this happened to be my introduction to the band and what an introduction it was. Shapes get straight to the point with an absolute burner of a lead track titled “Trampled by a Horse”. A title that seems a bit too fitting after all one minute and forty seconds of it tears through you with their mathed out brand of post-hardcore. The rest of the EP may not continue at that sort of exhaustive pace, however it most definitely continues on with just as much energy. And while it would be easy for Shapes to get caught up and succumb to repetitiveness, “The Moon is Bright but Coned Off” sits firmly in the middle of the EP as a shining example of their excellent songwriting ability being a strictly instrumental track that ventures off into spacey guitar noodling between their hard hitting blasts of jagged distortion. As a three piece, Shapes sure make themselves sound much much larger than such on The Pasture, The Oil. Production wise, the EP is top notch as well. Give them a listen below…

Shapes – You Butcher [MP3]

For those interested in picking the album up, it’s available through Big Scary Monsters. Strongly recommended.

Maribel - Aesthetics

2009-05-25T00:23:00.001-05:00

I had been waiting for this album from Norway’s Maribel to come out ever since hearing their single for “Taste the Trash”. Thankfully they didn’t waste any time getting their album out, as Aesthetics was just recently released through Quince Records and if you’re a fan of noisy MBV inspired shoegaze then I suggest picking it up. They definitely take a page or two from the recently reunited greats, but I also pick up a lot of Medicine vibes too as they seem to have no problem venturing out from the sugar coated melodies and applying an abrasiveness that is certainly noticeable at times. To these ears though it’s very welcome and in fact I would probably enjoy this record even more if it kept with that focus. But despite that, Maribel seems to build a good portion of their sound around a heavier garage-rock slant while working in the same sort of gnarled guitar rhythms that dominated much of the genres sound in the late 80’s/early 90’s. It wouldn’t surprise me to find this one at the top of the heap of shoegaze related releases at years end; a very solid debut album from these guys for sure.

Maribel – Ecstatic [MP3]

Thankfully this just became available here in the states, thanks to Tonevendor. Definitely pick this up from them if you enjoy the tune above.

Black Cock - Robot Child with a God Complex

2009-05-21T13:05:00.004-05:00

Anyone out there ever pick an album based on hearing a song or two thinking the rest of it was going to be like those? If so, then you’ve probably found that most of the time that doesn’t end well. However, there is the rare occasion where something comes completely out of left field to really surprise and ultimately impress. Black Cock and their recently released debut Robot Child with a God Complex pretty much shattered any preconception of what I thought I was going to hear when I initially purchased the disc. I’m not necessarily sure what I was thinking I was going to hear, but I am pretty sure it wasn’t this. However, after listening to Robot Child with a God Complex a few times through now, it’s apparent that whatever I was expecting wouldn’t have held up to this.

Funny thing, I began to write this late last night around 4 in the morning, but by that point the sound of lying down on a comfy bed was just too much to resist. However, while laying in bed I began to think about when I worked odd hours at my old job, remaining awake for practically 24 hours or more and how the state of sleep depravation that I would feel kind of related to how Black Cock basically sound. There are moments of dreamy synth that go from soothing to jarring and just downright creepy at a moments notice. The same goes for Whitney Jordon’s vocals, which tag right along. Their music is ultimately the soundtrack you would hear in those last moments where everything/everyone around becomes nothing but muffled noises and just general incoherency. The difference being Black Cock is far from incoherent, as they’ve seen this sound all the way through with pretty great results. There is dashes of everything from Jesus Lizard to early Faith No More to be found here. One write up mentioned that they showed flashes of an old 4AD band, which I can very much agree with…however more so like if they had collided head on with a diesel or something. This is very cool stuff nonetheless.

Black Cock – Harvey’s Machine [MP3]

For those interested in picking up Robot Child with a God Complex, then head on over to the bands website. Also, the whole album is streamable through their Bandcamp site and available for digital purchase for those who prefer that method. Enjoy!

Unwelcome Guests - The Painter 7''

2009-05-20T00:15:00.000-05:00

It doesn’t seem, at least to me, that too many bands start out as a country/folk outfit and eventually grow into a predominately punk/indie sound. It seems you see more of the reverse actually. However, they could just be me. Anyhow, that’s what Unwelcome Guests were initially before ripping off a strong run of 7 inches that showcased the band and their more punk inspired leanings. Of course the band still bares a fair portion of its past within its current sound giving them that late 80’s/90’s gritty alt-country/indie-rock sound of sorts. The Painter 7’’, which I have here, is probably some of their best and most rockin’ material that was released late last year through a collaboration of multiple labels (Art of the Underground, Dirt Cult, and Feral Kid). Two tracks to each side, all of which keep it snappy and feature a loud wallop of bass and drums combined with some rough around the edges guitar haze that make it seem as if these songs were destined to be listened to on a 45. I think they have another single on the way, which is definitely good news. Anyway, check out a tune from The Painter below…

Unwelcome Guests – Painter [MP3]

If you’re enjoying what you hear then be sure to pick up a copy of the single, which can be had over at their MySpace along with most of their past material. For anyone that is curious of their beginnings, then they have a compilation for sale on CD Baby. Check it out.

Heroes of the Kingdom - HOTK

2009-05-19T00:07:00.001-05:00

Photo courtesy of http://www.davidjcubberly.com/

Not long after Chris Powell and his band Ring, Cicada released their much anticipated second album History’s End digitally; he followed that with self-releasing the debut album from his other band Heroes of the Kingdom through the very same method. While physical copies of either album would certainly be my preferred choice, I can’t help but be a bit ecstatic about the amount of material released all within the same period, especially after Ring, Cicada remained mostly dormant for an extended period of time. Anyway, I certainly wasn’t expecting an album from Heroes of the Kingdom, as I hadn’t even heard talk of a release or really much in the way of recording an album, but then low and behold a link shows up on their MySpace and there it is. There in lies the benefits of the digital age, that said…a nice large slab of wax with these songs on it would still be very awesome. Regardless, I am a happy camper with this and HOTK delivers in much of the way I’d hoped. I swear I must have listened to the “Instrumental” track on their MySpace dozens of times before the release of the album and the rest of the tracks that I hadn’t heard before stand up just as well.

Heroes of the Kingdom appear to be more of a traditional rock band for Powell, in that the music is not heavily instrumental like in Ring, Cicada and puts Powell’s vocals to work far more. They end up fitting quite nicely with what the band is doing, especially on some of the slower numbers that are definitely cool to hear. HOTK is a lot less jammy too, and like most Midwestern influenced rock it has an added focus melodically. While HOTK was definitely anticipated at some point, it came as wonderful surprise for me this year. Also with the addition of ex-Riddle of Steel bassist Jimmy Vavak to the bands lineup not too long ago, I hope there is much more to be heard from this band.

Heroes of the Kingdom – Wild Eyed Creatures [MP3]

For those interested in picking up HOTK, it can be had digitally through Bandcamp in just about every format you could possibly want. So give it a go if you dig what you hear.

STATS - Marooned

2009-05-18T01:29:00.003-05:00

Having since changed their name from Stay Fucked to the slightly less confrontational STATS, the band has been working on material for an upcoming EP tentatively titled Marooned. Some may remember the bands previous release Windpipe that appeared on the blog back in ’07. Since its release the band may have toned down the name, but there is certainly nothing toned down about the music which has seemingly grown even more powerful since I last heard them. Marooned, like their last release, as of right now is three songs of sprawling knock you down math-rock with a bit of a riff heavy metal twist to it that gives it an added degree of force in my opinion. Although not completely similar, the guitar tone and style vaguely reminds me of Deadguy on their Screamin' With the Deadguy Quintet 10''. While the bands previous material was shorter and more concise, they have seemingly fleshed out many of the songs here anchoring them with a heavier bass tone and slowing the pacing down some while throwing a stronger emphasis on melody. That said though, STATS certainly belong in the same camp as Dazzling Killmen or Breadwinner, which is good company if you ask me. Give them a listen if you will.

STATS – Yo King [MP3]

Keep checking in on the band at their MySpace page for updates on the EP’s progress. Things could very well change from now until the actual release of it. In the meantime befriend them and let them know what you think!