Built on a Weak Spot

Bakamono - Gypsy 7'' (1995, Big Jesus Enterprises)

2009-11-10T00:35:00.002-06:00

Not too long ago a commenter reminded me about the arty noise-rock unit Bakamono that released a couple records during the 90’s along with a handful of 7-inches. The comment directed to me One Sided War, which had a download for the split they did with Oiler in 1993, which I didn’t have a copy of. That in turn forced me to revisit the bands catalog a bit, which still holds up well I’d say thanks in part to their more experimental nature and the tendency for a lot of the songs to basically end up as sort of mathy noise collages. They were interesting at the very least. I won’t get into great detail about their history because there is a lengthy and wonderfully detailed piece about the band leading up to their second record Long Time Cain on their MySpace page. The page also makes mention of a 3rd record, which I’ve never heard and would definitely like to. Anyway, all of this is basically a reason to post this fine little single the band put out in between albums on Big Jesus Enterprises in 1995, which features an early version of “Ms. Pac Man” that would later appear on Long Time Cain. The track “Gyspy” is exclusive to this release as far as I know.

Bakamono – Gypsy [MP3]
Bakamono – Ms. Pac Man [MP3]

Both albums from Bakamono are still available used for fairly cheap on Amazon for anyone thinking about further listening. I recommend it.

I've scanned the little insert/comic book deal that was part of the single. The images are scaled down, however you can click on the images for a larger size. Enjoy!

Ventid - Rain Dance for Your Wedding LP

2009-11-09T00:05:00.002-06:00

Being bored late at night after getting home from work can be a good or bad thing. Typically it just has me sitting down watching sleazy horror films until I feel like it’s a good time to head to bed or in other cases I start perusing various online retailers and the money sucking land that is eBay. Sometimes it unearths riches; sometimes it turns up some duds. The San Francisco based group Ventid find themselves among the notables that have turned up in recent weeks with their debut album Rain Dance for Your Wedding.

Although they reside many miles away on the west coast, the band certainly have their hearts in a lot of what Washington, D.C. churned out in the early to middle portion of the previous decade. Most notably bands like Faraquet and a portion of Fugazi’s discography. So to say they are sort of rooted in 90’s math/post-hardcore would be a fair assessment. I’ll admit, I was a bit weary to read the descriptor “surf undertones” within the blurb that directly followed when I clicked to purchase the LP. That could go a number of different ways I initially thought, however the band has incorporated the characteristics of the genre successfully into their sound leaving the listener with some strong rolling melodies to latch on to and subtle yet interesting twang to some of the notes that make up the five songs included on this LP. Some of the tracks venture off into slower paced expanded post-rock territory that touches upon similarities to A Minor Forest or early Tortoise somewhat. Ventid wraps it all together quite nicely, making this definitely worth giving a listen.

Ventid – Shell Thief Repentance [MP3]

For those interested in picking this up, it’s available directly from the band on their website. There is also a list located on the site of record stores on the west coast that are carrying the album for anyone that might be in the area.

Brava Spectre - The Hands, The Water, The Hands That Occupy the Water

2009-11-04T00:38:00.004-06:00

Don’t have this one physically in my hands yet since it’s not officially out until the end of this month, however the band was kind enough to pass along the album to me digitally to take an early listen and say a few words about it. However before I go any further I must extend a big thanks to One Base on an Overthrow for bringing these guys to my attention in the first place. So thanks!

Brava Spectre are a four piece based out of New London, Connecticut that are about to unleash a mammoth of a debut album The Hands, The Water, The Hands That Occupy the Water come the 27th. I describe it as mammoth because not only is it over an hour long while spanning across a mere eight songs, it’s also downright punishing for just about damn near all of it. It’s actually quite hard to describe just what these guys are doing. It’s definitely loud, a bit jazzy, and certainly experimental as the songs seem to string together a collage of sounds and directions. The vocals are fairly indecipherable but not in an annoying in your face screamo sort of way, rather they are buried underneath the drums and bass that are so busy taking command and absolutely destroying the woofers on your speakers. What I can tell you is that this album is really good and I am willing to bet a few of you that follow the blog will find this to be a bit enjoyable as well. Do check out the tune below…

Brava Spectre - The Lioness Eye Tamed My Open Palm [MP3]

At this time I’m not quite sure in which ways anyone wishing to pick this up will be able to do so, but I am sure simply contacting the band via their MySpace and expressing some interest will do the trick. If you’re in the New London area, then the band will have the CD with them at their release show at the Oasis on the 27th.

The Men - We are the Men 12'' EP

2009-11-03T00:07:00.002-06:00

I was streaming some online radio when the song “The Man” came on from the Brooklyn based The Men and it sent me into a lengthy search to get their album. Eventually I ran across the bands blogspot and quickly snatched a copy of this fine four song 12’’ EP that they’ve self-released. Fans of fuzzed/blown out post-punk probably want to take notice, as this stuff is very good. The Men push the volume to the limit on these four songs that anchor themselves in thick dirty distorted bass lines but however aren’t afraid to kick out some riffs here and there too. It’s strikingly catchy at times while maintaining a very raw and in your face sort of vibe that for me kind of meets in the middle of where my tastes lie. All I know is that I keep going in listening to this EP thinking that “The Man” is my favorite track, but each one makes a very strong case for itself and I believe that line of thinking is becoming a bit blurred. I can’t wait to hear more from these guys. Speaking of which, they’ve recently completed recording a handful of songs for an upcoming LP hopefully due early sometime next year. Excited I am.

The Men – The Man [MP3]

For those interested in picking this up, it is available from the band directly on their blog or you can choose to pick one up through Insound. Either way, definitely throw down the cash for this as it’s well worth it and may not be available that much longer. The band is also offering a free download of it on their blog as well if you’re still on the fence.

Harlequin Kid - Demo

2009-11-02T00:12:00.003-06:00

Got this tape awhile back by Harlequin Kid after hearing some tracks they had up from it on their MySpace page. The band is a four piece based out of Appleton, Wisconsin and I think one of the members may also be in Tenement…not sure. Whether that’s correct or not, these four guys create some pretty hefty throwback indie-rock that I’m certainly digging. The first track “Deer Slayer” kind of caught me off guard as it sounds nothing like what they have up for listening, as trudges through five minutes of a slow heavy riff that seems kind of out of nowhere when compared to the other five songs on this cassette. The next two tracks blaze by in under a couple minutes each that ratchet up the 90’s indie-rock vibe much more in the way of Jawbreaker or that sort of thing although Harlequin Kid carry a thick grungy guitar sound that along with the song structures and the atonal guitar parts reminds me a bit of Sleep Capsule. On the flipside of the tape for two more songs that band continues to carry out in this same sort of manner finishing off with the super catchy “Pearl” that caps it with a bit of a shoegazey outro.

Harlequin Kid – Drown the Sun [MP3]

Don’t know if the band has any more of these left, however they did a little over a month ago when I hit them up for one. Shoot them an message on MySpace to check if you like what you hear and pick this up.

Monthly Mix: October 2009

2009-10-29T03:52:00.004-05:00

It’s the end of the month and to cap off updates for this week I have the new installment for the monthly mixes to put up here, just in time for Halloween as if that matters in any sort of way. Speaking of which, I have the whole day of Halloween off work for once by chance and not a damn thing to do. Go figure. Not that I had any good costume ideas anyway. But anyway, plenty of good stuff on this months mix, including a nice chunk of newer stuff that has been catching my ear these past couple or so weeks (I honestly have no clue how many times I’ve listened to the Life Partners song featured on this mix, all I know is it’s a lot). As usual, all of the artist/band names are linked to a place of purchase where applicable so if you find yourself enjoying anything in particular on this mix, then hit up the link and pick up a release or two. In the meantime enjoy the tunes and I’ll be back next week. Have a fun a safe Halloween everyone!

01 – Life Partners – Planet of the AIDS
02 – Ahleuchatistas – Those With Guns
03 – Fuck Attack! – Oh Yeah!
04 – Marked Men – One More Time
05 – Spraydog – Don’t Remember
06 – Wizzard Sleeve – No Mongo
07 – The New Yorker – Stale
08 – Forming – The Metric System
09 – Accelera Deck – The Shimmer and the Static
10 – Live Skull – Loved One
11 – Gerda – 1
12 – Homostupids – Towering Powering
13 – Opium Taylor – Sun Foil
14 – Sciflyer – Come Up to My Cloud
15 – Shearing Pinx – Selfish Acts
16 – Armstrongs Secret Nine – The Corpse Came Calling
17 – Descender – In Due Time
18 – Sick Sick Birds – Committees (Need a Champion)
19 – Woman – The Perfect Night

Download (.zip file)

Bad Blood Revival - Tongue Twisting Tunes for Tiny Tots LP

2009-10-28T00:19:00.002-05:00

Was a bit surprised to see that this is on Dead Broke Rekerds, I don’t necessarily think of them when it comes to bands that deal in that late 80’s/early 90’s AmRep and Touch & Go sort of noise. However Bad Blood Revival is exactly that and has laid down a pretty awesome record in Tongue Twisting Tunes for Tiny Tots that is part of split release between the Dead Broke and Sweet Dreams Records. Whenever I saw this in their shop online and read the description I was instantly sold. Killdozer? The Jesus Lizard? Say no more. While that doesn’t always mean good results, Bad Blood Revival has certainly lived up to the sort of expectations one would have with those types of hefty name drops. The album is chock full of dirty distortion and riffs that if you’re a fan of noise-rock in the least you should probably seek this fine piece of wax of out and pick it up. Great stuff that already has me looking forward to their upcoming split with the equally fantastic Stupid Party. So be on the look out for that as well. In the meantime enjoy the tunes.

Bad Blood Revival – Cactusssssss [MP3]

Dead Broke currently has these for sale for those that might be interested. Definitely recommended and if you get in early enough, some of the copies have handmade jackets. Enjoy!

Perfect Future - Perfect Future

2009-10-27T00:03:00.003-05:00

Perfect Future have an unfortunate name when it comes to entering it on Google trying to find information about them. You either get a ton of results for Autolux or you just get a bunch of people blabbering on about their own “perfect future” when telling it to search for those words as entered. The latter is actually quite fitting when getting down to what Perfect Future are trying to convey on their debut that presents an all too realistic view of life after you grow up a bit and enter the real world. For all of those results I end up seeing when searching for this band, you really do hope that their plans do work out, however for many you just know it won’t and this album captures the sort of letdown and compromise that comes with that rather well I’d say.

The music itself is a mix of the older Midwestern styled mathy sort of emo that popped up in the 90’s, although the band currently resides in Maryland. One interesting thing I noticed on the press release was that they cited the late and great Boston act Kolya, which was sort of nice as you don’t see their name enough in my opinion. Better yet though is that it’s fitting for the sort of vibe that Perfect Future are dealing in here and that’s certainly a good thing. Perfect Future seems to be a bit less technical, however incorporate a few interesting and random acoustic sounds into their songs that give it a bit of different spin. It’s definitely enjoyable if you’re into this sort of thing.

Perfect Future – In Hopes [MP3]

The bands self-titled debut is a joint release between Count Your Lucky Stars and Strictly No Capital Letters in the UK. So depending on your locale, check out either of those to pick up the record if you like what you hear.

Pop. 1280 - Bedbugs 7''

2009-10-26T01:00:00.002-05:00

So the response for the top albums of the decade tour deal has been fairly nice and I am glad I got to be a part of it. The tour itself isn’t finished yet, as there still are five more blogs that will be posting their lists this week. Be sure to check out http://10blogs1decade.tumblr.com/ to continue following.

I however am back to regular updating and for those of you visiting I have a pretty fantastic new single to check out by Pop. 1280. The two songs “Bedbugs” and “Times Square” featured here are both re-recordings of tunes that appeared on a CD-R demo that the band released previously, but I however have not heard so this should be considered my introduction to these New York based post-punk/scuzz rockers. According to them these two songs sound fairly different than the versions that appeared on the demo, so I’ll just take their word for it. What I am hearing though I definitely like, the A-side “Bedbugs” is a slower number that almost sounds as if I am playing it at the wrong speed, but I assure you I am not. As the song plods along it paints a pretty believable picture of too many sleepless nights in the city of which they call home. The B-side of “Times Square” picks up the pace a bit with a sort of bouncy bass line with some no-wave influenced guitar skronk lingering in the background. The content itself again dives into the less than attractive side of the city while venturing into the world of prostitution and manages to successfully recreate the images and feel of such a world onto record. This is some very solid material here that should absolutely be given a listen.

Pop. 1280 – Bedbugs [MP3]

Copies of the single I think are still available from the band, just shoot them an e-mail on their MySpace page. They have been going fast however, as Academy Annex has sold out of these twice already I believe. So if you like what you hear, definitely grab one of these while you can!

Top 10 Albums of the Decade!

2009-10-21T02:00:00.000-05:00

So a little over a month ago I accepted an invitation to be a part of a blog tour that would list their favorite albums from this decade. I figured why not and take a break to re-listen to some of my favorites over the past ten years. There have already been a couple lists posted as part of this project. Yesterdays featured the top 10 albums from The Album Project and tomorrows list will be provided by Can You See the Sunset?. For anyone wishing to see any of the previous lists and future lists to come, just visit this link http://10blogs1decade.tumblr.com/ for a complete schedule.

One thing I realized while doing this list was that it was a lot more difficult than I had originally anticipated. I figured I would have more contenders, but I really didn’t. I’d planned on doing 20; however that just wasn’t going to work. Keep in mind that these are my personal favorite albums of this decade and by no means should be considered some sort of definitive list of albums. There is just far too much music for something such as that and I am certainly not one to be considered qualified enough to do it. However, I hope this list does help some of you out there discover some new music that may have been overlooked at some point. So here are my 10 favorite albums from the 00’s (that’s how you say it right?).

10. Silver Jews - Bright Flight
[2001, Drag City]
Buy It!
Yeah, there is a Silver Jews album on this list and this is the album that made me a fan, which is partly why it’s on here. I don’t necessarily know which album of theirs is generally agreed upon as the “best”, but I’ve never liked the others any more than this one. Bright Flight seemed to strike a chord with me I guess, in that it seems to have a sort of downer vibe to it…most notably the song “Horseleg Swastikas”, which is just soul crushing. I remember listening to this album straight through on a long road trip through Arizona/New Mexico in the dead heat of summer and I probably shouldn’t have done that. While I can’t say I fully grasp what David Berman is trying to say in a lot of the songs, I end up respecting his odd lyrics anyway. I’ve never checked out the book of poetry however. It’s one of those deals where I’d rather not mess up a good thing and have my point of view changed. But if it’s good, please do…let me know.

Silver Jews - Horseleg Swastikas [MP3]

9. Morphine - The Night
[2000, Dreamworks]
Buy It!
The last album for the band, posthumously released after the sad and tragic death of singer/bassist Mark Sandman collapsed on stage and passed away due to a heart attack. They were easily one of my favorite bands throughout the 90’s, releasing a string of successful albums amongst college rock/indie-rock circles during that period. Their high water mark to me was the 1993 album Cure for Pain, although you certainly can’t go wrong with any of them I believe. I wouldn’t say The Night saw the band heading in other directions, but it was easily the most “different” sounding album the band ever put out. It was still very much Morphine, and in my opinion the most ominous sounding album they ever released which ultimately I fell in love with and rank it an easy second behind Cure for Pain, which may draw some mixed reactions amongst fans of the band…I don’t know. Coincidentally Rhino Records just recently put out a cool 2-disc compilation of some of the bands rarities and a bunch of live cuts. Check that out if you’re a fan, otherwise grab this album!

8. Craw - Bodies for Strontium 90
[2002, Hydrahead]
Buy It!
This album rocked me so hard when it first came out and it still has the same sort of effect whenever I put it on these days, so that has to count for something. But really, Craw is (were?) an amazing band that for whatever reason to this day still doesn’t get nearly enough props. What already seems like a reoccurring theme to this list, this was the last album the band released, however I can’t rule out that they won’t ever put anything else out as they very well could I suppose but I am not holding my breath on that one. Craw released three albums in the 90’s before this one, all of which are super good and should be owned by anyone that comes across them and enjoys their rock with a bit of complexity. They are out of print, but should be findable on Amazon and the likes. Bodies for Strontium 90 is the only one that is in print fortunately thanks to it being released on Hydrahead. They are really the only band that I can think of that made both the music and lyrics equally difficult and rewarding to listen to. In fact Joe McTighe may very well be my favorite lyricist of all time. Bodies for Strontium 90 holds up just as well to anything else in the bands discography, although I don’t quite know where I would place it. What I do know though is that it beats the pants off of just about anything else that came out this decade.

Craw - Caught My Tell [MP3]

7. Wicked Farleys - Make It It
[2000, Big Top]
Buy It!
Why Wicked Farleys and why at number 7 on this list? Because this is my list and it is probably the furthest thing from a definitive list of albums that anyone should own from the past ten years. If you’re wondering where Radiohead is at this point, well you’re looking in the wrong place and I certainly can’t blame you for heading towards the exit door as fast as you can. However, if you’re looking for an album that practically encapsulates what was so very good and dear to my heart about indie-rock during the 90’s then this one sums it real well. Odd that an album that primarily has itself rooted in a whole other decade makes its way on a list for the 00’s, however it just got in by the skin of its teeth being released in 2000 and was (once again) the bands last album before parting ways. The Farley’s were from Boston and it greatly showed in their music that burst forth with a minor experimentation similar to that of peers the Swirlies, numerous off-kilter rhythms, and songs that could seamlessly string together the full range of emotions. A band and a record that defies most labels you can throw at it, which I think says plenty. A great and highly underrated album if there ever was one.

Wicked Farleys - Dig the Ring [MP3]

6. Ulrich Schnauss – Goodbye
[2007, Independiente]
Buy It!
I can certainly understand the complaints that this album is too dense, busy, etc. I guess that sort of thing can happen when someone reportedly takes on and tries to orchestrate up to 100 audio tracks at once. In my opinion Schnauss did the absolute best he could with the extensive layering that took place on Goodbye and the results are an album that is absolutely beautiful and a perfect finale to what is part of a three album trilogy. There is certainly a lot going on when listening to just about any track on the album, however that’s part of the enjoyment of listening to what Schnauss manages create, which is an album that continually stands out on repeated listens of its chilled ambient/dreamy offerings. There is more and more to find as you listen to these tracks multiple times, discovering new random pieces and subtleties that in the beginning may have never even been apparent but in the end seem to so vital to the track and how it gets from point A to point B. Sure, it isn’t perfect…but the melding of electronics and shoegaze is far from derivative here. In fact Goodbye might just be one of the freshest sounding albums the genre has produced over the past few years.

5. Traindodge - On a Lake of Dead Trees
[2002, Ascetic & No Karma]
Buy It!
On a Lake of Dead Trees is the follow up to the bands debut About Tomorrow’s Mileage which is also a favorite of mine, however that was a completely different decade (although not by much). I’ve always kind of thought of On a Lake of Dead Trees as somewhere in the middle of what they did on their debut and what would follow on the bands massive double album The Truth, which started incorporating the use of synthesizers more predominately in their overall sound and steering towards a larger progressive influence. While I’m a fan through and through of what the band has done over their roughly decade long career, I can’t help but yearn for the big riffs and melodies that find themselves just about everywhere on this album. Also, it probably has the best album opener of any of their releases in “Beckon the Inferno”. Really a classic example of what rock of the Midwest sounds like. If I recall correctly I think they were still a three piece at this time, and if so, how they managed to sound this large is still somehow impressive. They’ve since scaled back down to a three piece after the release of their third album The Truth. Still out doing their thing, I highly recommend seeing them live if you get a chance. Rob Smith playing drums and a keyboard at the same time is pretty amazing really along with the band rocking in the process.

Traindodge - Beckon the Inferno [MP3]

4. Shiner - The Egg
[2001, DeSoto]
Buy It!
If you’re a regular reader of the blog then you probably foresaw this gem popping up on the list. That is if I had told anyone I was even making this list. My bad I guess. Anyway, The Egg was Shiner’s last album and quite possibly their most accomplished. If anything, it’s definitely one of the most definitive albums of Midwestern rock I can think of. There just weren’t that many bands that sounded as large as they did during their run together. The Egg definitely becomes an even more interesting and impressive release when listening to the bands progression starting with Splay and their meaty alt-rock beginnings all the up until the very end. The Egg is a classic example of a band at their sonic and creative peak. It was certainly a shame to see them break up after this album, but really in what direction could they have gone? Although, with the amount of bands doing one off reunion shows, full tours, and even albums I wouldn’t complain if a Shiner reunion were to happen. Nope, not one bit.

Shiner - The Egg [MP3]

3. Rumskib – Rumskib
[2007, Darla]
Buy It!
The bands self-titled record absolutely owes a heavy dept to the Cocteau Twins, but there is a difference between simply copying a sound and taking that sound and extending upon it. I am a firm believer that the latter occurred when Keith Canisius and crew set forth and made this record. I want to say I saw something written about this album around the time I initially discovered the group and it described the album as something like “Cocteau Twins on steroids”, which if that quote does exist…I apologize to whichever publication said it as I honestly forget. But I do believer that is a fairly accurate assessment of what takes place on the bands one and only full-length thus far (Canisius has since released two solo records of his own of similar material however). The formula for this albums success really seems quite simple when looking at it, take something good and give it a few tweaks. Not saying it’s better, but it’s certainly an interesting take and something that has rewarded me upon repeated listens since its release in 2007.

Rumskib - Think Eyes Away [MP3]

2. Oxbow - An Evil Heat
[2002, Neurot]
Buy It!
I can’t even begin to fathom the idea of how many times I’ve listened to this record since it came out. It’s just one of those ultimate listening experiences that once it clicks…it really clicks. It’s also quite a bit of fun to throw on for those uninitiated to Oxbow, which is always a sight to see the facial expressions that follow. An Evil Heat is an album that when described as being terrifying, one should probably believe it. While practically all of the bands albums operate on that same sort of level, An Evil Heat is a great accomplishment both musically and in developing a mood. There are very few other albums that come to mind, especially from this decade, that manage to convey the sort of torment and horror that Eugene Robinson manages to spew forth in just his vocals alone. The rest of the band backs up the theatrics with the sort of gnarled guitar churn that shatters and comes together just as much Robinson seemingly does. An amazing album, that’s about all I can say.

Oxbow - Stallkicker [MP3]

1. The Forms - The Forms
[2007, Threespheres]
Buy It!
This album completely blew me away when I first heard it in 2007. That feels a bit weird to say about an album that, while definitely rocking in its own way, has such a smooth and soothing quality to it. The Forms get so much out of forming melodies with vocal patterns that intertwine along with the other instruments that really in the end the vocals are probably one of the most important pieces to the bands sound. They definitely wouldn’t be the same without them, I know that much. The band has seemingly been labeled everything under the sun as far as indie-rock goes and really there is no great way to describe what the band does. Their approach is one that just drifts along in little two to three minute snippets that creates a sort of dreamy atmosphere that will undoubtedly suck you in. The instrumentation is just on a whole other level than most other indie-rock you hear these days and really The Forms are a band that truly can say they have a sound of their own…because I’ve yet to find something that even closely resembles it. Also, they are the only band that I’ve come across that can make a Billy Joel song listenable, check out their cover of “We Didn’t Start the Fire” if you don’t believe me.

The Forms - Bones [MP3]

Pigeon Religion - Dead Boss & Scorpion Milk 7"s

2009-10-20T00:11:00.001-05:00

The Phoenix, Arizona based Pigeon Religion has been spending a good amount of time on my stereo lately it seems. Really ever since I had a chance to hear the Crystallized Meth cassette they put out not too long ago. However, they’ve been a mainstay in recent days because of the two new singles they’ve recently put out on Parts Unknown and Gilgongo that continues to see the band dealing in the sort of sleaze vending noise-rock that I just can’t say no to. This is some solid stuff no matter though and fans of all that late 80’s/early 90’s weirdo drugged out noise would be probably be well served in checking this out if you already haven’t. You just have to enjoy something that almost starts out like a formidable rock song then quickly devolves into the incoherent shouts and guitar feedback that most of these tracks seem to relish in. You can practically picture these guys just flailing about on the floor and presenting themselves as a danger to whomever is near them at the time. Excellent material, don’t miss it.

Dead Boss 7”:
Pigeon Religion – Huge Bummer [MP3]

Scorpion Milk 7”:
Pigeon Religion – White Fluff [MP3]

Those wishing to pick up either of these singles can still do so. Dead Boss is currently available through Gilgongo, while the other can be had over at Parts Unknown.

Kowloon Walled City - Gambling on the Richter Scale LP+CD

2009-10-19T00:38:00.001-05:00

A couple or so years ago singer/guitarist Scott Evans of Kowloon Walled City passed along to me the bands debut EP Turk Street and looking back on it he must have had an idea as to whom he was sending it to because it was very much within my tastes. Unsurprisingly the music stuck with me and I’ve sporadically kept tabs (or really the powers of social networking sites have) on them since. I was pleased to learn that their new album Gambling on the Richter Scale would be coming out on Perpetual Motion Machine, as they’ve done some nice work and housed plenty of bands I consider myself a fan of. But anyway, moving on to the actual record…

Gambling on the Richter Scale is the bands first full-length and it really picks up where their EP left off with eight more tracks of quality sludgy bottom heavy noise-rock. The songwriting has taken a step forward for certain by stepping back from the complete onslaught of filthy noise and interjecting some pretty catchy riffs here and there making for some songs that take on a bit of a different sound and in turn dashing any concerns of predictability that one might have. The band seems to have finely tuned their craft and it has translated well onto a full-length record. At various times Gambling on the Richter Scale reminds me of Shallow North Dakota, more specifically their album Mob Wheel which stirs up a similar set of sludgy of noise. However, if you’re a fan of this sort of deal…then you certainly can’t miss out on this and really there is no reason to as the band currently offers up the album for free download on their website. So yeah, by all means give it a go.

Kowloon Walled City – Clockwork [MP3]

The album is available currently through Perpetual Motion Machine on vinyl that also comes with a CD of the tunes as well. However, as I mentioned before…the band has been gracious enough to put the whole album up for download on their website for those that want to hear more first. Enjoy!

Sideshow - Sideshow 7'' (1990?, Caulfield)

2009-10-15T03:18:00.002-05:00

I’ve mentioned Sideshow at length on the blog awhile back. For a bit more information on the bands background you can view that post here. To quickly recap however, Sideshow was the band fronted by Caulfield Records founder Bernie McGinn and the band was actually pretty much the catalyst for starting the label altogether really. With fellow members Paul Tisdale and Rich Higgins the band released a couple albums, EP’s, and singles during their run through the 90’s. However before they were known as Sideshow the band was called Peer Puppet and their first single and the first for Caulfield was actually pressed as such with that name. However, a name change occurred and thus all the labels needed to be altered, which resulted in black permanent marker crossing out the Peer Puppet name and a freshly stamped Sideshow took its place above it. This single is also quite interesting as it shows the band as a quite different one from what people would come to hear on later singles/albums/etc. These four songs are pretty much straight up hardcore/punk with very little resemblance of what they would go on to do, however the single remains to be a neat glimpse into where everything began. So, for your listening pleasure I bring you Sideshows debut single. Enjoy!

Sideshow – Out of Mind [MP3]
Sideshow – If the Shoe Fits [MP3]
Sideshow – If No One [MP3]
Sideshow – Blame Me [MP3]

Both of Sideshow’s albums are still available through Amazon used here and here, definitely pick them up…although I would listen to the tunes in my previous Sideshow post for a better representation of what they were like. However if you enjoy it, definitely give them a go!

Snowblood - Snowblood

2009-10-14T00:07:00.001-05:00

It really is a shame that a band like UK’s Snowblood can go relatively unnoticed during their run while other critically praised bands that operate within the same area musically continue to do so, however less effectively. I was introduced to the band when their second album Being and Becoming was released in 2005 and it was a massive listen of sludgy doom ridden tunes that grabbed my attention from the start. I have never been a big fan of that sort of thing over the years, however when done right it forces you to take notice and that’s part of the beauty of what Snowblood managed to accomplish while remaining in the shadows of so many others sadly. Their music can definitely be considered exhausting to sit down and listen to fully in one sitting, much like I felt when I first heard the debut Jesu LP. Except the thing I appreciate about Snowblood, other than the music itself, is that the band didn’t shy away from that approach as they progressed. They still insist upon creating the type of slow and successive punch that grinds and toils until it hits the payoff, and the payoff almost always proves to be worth it. Here on their third and final album the band is undoubtedly at peak form and at their most challenging with four lengthy compositions for the listeners to digest.

Snowblood – Untitled 1 [MP3]

Those looking to pick this up can do so by heading on over to SuperFi Records. Right now the CD version is available, however be on the lookout in the coming weeks for a limited 2xLP release of this monster. Enjoy!

Sleepwall - Is That Factual? 7''

2009-10-13T00:20:00.001-05:00

Man I was all over this new Sleepwall single when I saw it was finally made available, as any chance to hear new tunes from these guys will likely end up with me throwing money in your direction. Some may remember that I was a big backer of their debut single that was released on Toxic Pop last year and with good reason as it was mighty rocking. Is it Factual? definitely doesn’t change my opinion of the bands ability to crank out solid and catchy rock songs. The A-side Tennessee Sun keeps right in line with the sort of Dinosaur Jr./Sebadoh influenced material the band displayed previously, however the B-side takes on a bit more of a different feel as if they were channeling a bit of Codeine if…well…Codeine didn’t play at a snails pace. Whatever it may be, it’s good stuff and absolutely what I was hoping to hear from these guys. Next up will be the Ripe EP that they’ve had in the works for awhile now…although I think you can purchase mp3’s of it through iTunes currently, but I can’t bring myself to do that. I want something I can hold.

Sleepwall – Tennessee Sun [MP3]

For those interested in picking up a copy of Is it Factual? then be sure to check out the Firestarter distro for that. In the meantime, enjoy the tunes.

Pygmy Shrews - The Egyptian LP

2009-10-12T00:12:00.002-05:00

This album from Pygmy Shrews came in the mail a couple or so days ago, just in time for it to get tossed on the player for the weekend. I’ve come to determine that it basically rips after many listens at high volume, eardrums be damned. I wouldn’t expect anything less from a band that also happens to feature members from fellow Brooklyn acts Zs (guitarist Ben Greenberg) and Drunkdriver (drummer Jeremy Villalobos). Not to be forgotten among the mix is bassist Tia Vincent who also lends her excellent vocals to a number of the albums tracks. In fact her vocals during the bands more spontaneous noise outbursts throughout the album often make me think of Picasso Trigger, which certainly isn’t a bad thing.

On first listen The Egyptian comes off as an impressive blast of noise for twenty five minutes for sure, but to leave it at that is undermining some of the fine work taking place behind that rough exterior. Greenberg makes this record that much more interesting by interjecting flurries of guitar riffs and noodling that if you blink you may just miss due to many of the songs brief run times. No matter, fans of noisy blown out rock will likely find something to enjoy on The Egyptian. Excellent stuff from this relatively new group that bring a bit something different to the table. Check out the tune below.

Pygmy Shrews – Deep Xuxa [MP3]

Wantage just put these up for sale the other day for anyone that is looking to pick up a copy. Definitely recommend it. Also, be on the lookout for a new 7-inch from the band on Fandeath here shortly. Enjoy!

Haymarket Riot - Endless Bummer LP

2009-10-08T03:08:00.002-05:00

It’s been roughly 5 years since the last album from Chicago’s Haymarket Riot and probably at least 3 since I’ve heard fresh tunes from the band in any form. I guess they put out a single sometime last year that I shamefully missed, but they’ve come roaring back this year with the release of their new album Endless Bummer on Divot Records. It’s actually been out for a couple months or so now, however the initial CD pressing was fairly limited and sold out within a short period of time. Again, I shamefully missed out on that…however there was silver lining to it all as it allowed me just get it on vinyl which was just made available in the past two weeks or so. The LP features some alternate artwork and come with a nice gigantic poster as well. Nice. For those concerned, it does come with a digital download of the album with a couple extra bonus tracks thrown in as well and is certainly a good deal.

For those that are new to the band, well they’ve been around since 1999 and play the sort of post-hardcore we (we being just me really) love around here. And they do it very very well I might add. If anything, people should check out these guys because likely one of the members was in a band you heard and liked at some point, ranging from Big’N, Sweep the Leg Johnny, Gauge, Radio Flyer, Traluma, and so on. Seriously, that’s a pretty nice list of rock solid bands right there and it certainly carries over into what Haymarket Riot have been doing for the past ten years, Endless Bummer is only adding a nice big exclamation point to it all. So don’t miss out on this album and then obviously work your way back if you like what you hear on it. In the meantime check out the tune below.

Haymarket Riot – Raked Over the Hot Coals [MP3]

For those interested in picking up Endless Bummer, then just head on over to the bands online store. The LP is still available along with digital downloads as well. Enjoy!

Tigon - Proud Americans 7''

2009-10-07T02:33:00.002-05:00

Awhile back these guys passed along their debut EP to me and ended up liking what I heard from them. It sort of reminded me of Botch, Deadguy, and the likes in a few ways. Back when that sort of thing was listenable. If there was one criticism to be had, it was maybe a bit too busy with each song being crammed full of time changes, etc. However, the band recently sent me copy of their follow up single and the three songs here sound like a band refining that sound a bit more and cutting away some of the excess fat that seemed to jumble up the songs a bit too much for their own good. All the while, the songs here sound just as heated as the material that I heard previously, which is certainly a good thing. In the end, I am digging on what these guys have to offer.

Tigon – Proud Americans [MP3]

The band is offering up this 3 song 7-inch for free download via their website, so I would definitely recommend doing so if you enjoy what you hear posted above. If you're looking for a physical copy of it, then the band has them for sale over here. Enjoy!

Regraped & Shiny Beast - Split 12" (1995, Blast-O-Platter)

2009-10-06T00:33:00.003-05:00

Been awhile since I’ve stepped back and posted about some older material. What I have today is a split LP from the two very excellent and criminally overlooked Raleigh, North Carolina bands that were around in the early to mid-nineties, Regraped and Shiny Beast. I’ve seen this pop up a couple other places on the internet, but I got bored this weekend and decided to sit down and rip this. Gus over at The Dust Bowl does a fine job of summing both bands here and here so I won’t go into lengthy back stories on either, but in short Regraped were a mathy sort of band that featured two bassists and a drummer. Very cool stuff that is pretty unlike anything I’ve really ever heard since. And yeah, I am quite aware that there were and are currently plenty of other math-rock bands doing the two bass thing, but Regraped were a bit more aggressive and were just downright more interesting than many of the others that would come along. Shiny Beast was mostly an instrumental math-rock band, however they are completely instrumental as far as this split goes. They did occasionally feature the singing of Mike Carden though. Brian Walsby of Polvo fame also drummed for them. This here split that came out on Blast-O-Platter was pretty much the largest release that either of the bands would end up doing. Regraped also put out a cassette and a number of other compilation tracks. Shiny Beast had a 7 inch/EP on Boner, and of course a number of compilation tracks as well. Anyway, do check this out if you don’t already have it, especially if you’re a fan of math-rock, etc. It’s excellent stuff that never got out to the masses that should have heard it. So enjoy this nice high quality rip of this long out of print gem.

Regraped & Shiny Beast - Split 12'' (.zip file)

I've went ahead and scanned some of the inserts. You can click on the images below if you wish to see larger versions.

And with that I’ll be back tomorrow with more tunes.

Twin Stumps - Twin Stumps LP

2009-10-05T00:17:00.000-05:00

You like noise-rock and want something new to hear? Well here you go then, Twin Stumps has you covered. This is probably the most damaged and ugliest record I’ll hear all year and it only took until October. The band, who resides in or around Brooklyn, has just recently unleashed their debut LP on Dais Records and if you’re a fan of this sort of thing then you can’t possibly miss out on this record. I beg you not to in fact. It’s simply that good. Obviously it’s not for everyone, but if Brainbombs and Rusted Shut get your juices flowing then…well…this might just be up your alley. I am thinking it will be. It’s angry, hateful, and sickeningly loud just the way I like it.

Twin Stumps – Scar [MP3]

There were only 300 of these suckers pressed so those looking to pick one up should probably get on it. Dais Records apparently still has some, along with Parts Unknown and Fusetron. Excellent material here.

Monthly Mix: September 2009

2009-10-01T00:05:00.000-05:00

Well September sure flew by, which I suppose it’s probably time to get the latest monthly mix up. A few fresh things to be found here, including new tracks from Cheveu, Herds, and Pigeon Religion who very well might pop up again on the blog in a week or so. Anyway, as usual the artist names are linked to a place of purchase where applicable, so please do click away if you’re enjoying some of the material included within the mix. In the meantime, enjoy!

01 – Pigeon Religion – Crystallized Meth
02 – Country Teasers – Satan is Real Again
03 – Fine Before You Came – Natale
04 – The Light Sleepers – Chaperones
05 – The Voices – Silver Queen
06 – True Widow – Flat Black
07 – Eleventh Dream Day – Death of Albert C. Sampson
08 – Cheveu – Kador Du Porno
09 – Brainworms – Ropes Course
10 – Crust – Nothing
11 – Big Dipper – Loch Ness Monster
12 – Actionslacks – Last Date
13 – Herds – Trees
14 – Katadreuffe – Monotone
15 – St. Elias – Casuistry
16 – Strangemen – Forgotten, Denied, Betrayed
17 – X-Ray Press – The Pitch
18 – Sweet Trip – Acting

Download (.zip file)

Broken Water - Broken Water 7''

2009-09-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

I think I’ve listened to this debut single from the Olympia, Washington trio Broken Water a dozen or so times now and I am still not quite sure what to say about it other than it’s pretty damn good. Yeah, it kind of sounds like MBV if they were slowed even further down to a molasses like pace, in fact I thought I was playing it at the wrong speed to begin with. However, that’s not the best way to put it really, as there are elements of that cold dingy 80’s gothic post-punk mixed in here and there and the singer sounds so exhausted on these two tracks that I can almost feel the energy being sucked right out of me. Which really isn’t surprising I guess when taking into account that two thirds of the band is made up of members from Sisters, the other member being from Congratulations. Anyone who listened to the Sisters album on Parts Unknown already has an idea as to the type of after hour’s activities that they are channeling. Not too dissimilar from early Sonic Youth records I suppose, which really probably works just as well for Broken Water. Judging by the other tracks they have up on their page, they seem to venture more down that path than the two feature on this single. No matter, take a listen and decide for yourself. I know I’m hooked.

Broken Water – Boyfriend Hole [MP3]

I believe there is a demo CD they are selling that has these two tracks on it along with four others; however don’t hold me to that. Anyone wishing to pick up either the 7-inch or the demo CD can do so over at the Parts Unknown webstore where they still have both available it appears. Enjoy!

Tornavalanche - Get Rich, or Cry Trying 12''

2009-09-29T00:02:00.003-05:00

Man, did I like Ten Grand. I can’t say the same for Forstella Ford sadly, but that’s not because I disliked them or anything…I just don’t recall ever listening to them. Why do I mention those two bands you ask? Well, because former members of both combine to make up Tornavalanche who have recently released their new EP Get Rich, or Cry Trying on Modern Radio and it’s pretty gosh darn good. Their debut mini album or EP was pretty good in it’s own right too, but Get Rich, or Cry Trying makes the three year wait between records a bit easier to forgive. Hell, let’s just make amends right now…I like it that much. But in all seriousness, Tornavalanche have put together a fine piece of mathy/post-a-number-of-things that I’m afraid far too few people will hear. While featuring two drummers is surely nothing new, as can be attested to by flipping through the archives on this very blog, Tornavalanche put them to good use by incorporating a few interesting patterns to keep pace with flurry of guitar notes spread across these five tracks. The capricious nature of Ten Grand still finds its way into much of Tornavalanche’s music, which ultimately leads to these five tracks being noticeably varied, but rocking nevertheless. They have no problem keeping it interesting and the little mock of our nation’s sudden love of autotune at the end of first track earns mucho points.

Tornavalanche – My Balls Are a Magnet for Pain Heat Fire [MP3]

Get Rich, or Cry Trying is available currently at Modern Radio. The album also comes with a digital download. Definitely check it out.

Part Chimp - Thriller

2009-09-28T00:11:00.003-05:00

Apologies for the short hiatus, but various outside matters kind of got me down and the site kind of suffered for a week from it. Anyway, all is well now and I am back with some more jams that will hopefully interest a few of you.

I think Part Chimp are one of the few bands that when they come up during shuffle on my iPod I find myself being impressed with them all over again. There are songs on I Am Come that pop up that still blow me away. I can’t really pinpoint why, but being excessively loud both on record and live might play a part in it. Thriller happens to be the London based group’s third full-length album, which has been handled by the Mogwai imprint Rock Action. While I’m not big on Mogwai, someone in the band must know what’s up if they had the good mind to sign this band. So props to whomever that may have been…you are now my favorite member of Mogwai.

One thing noticeably apparent upon first listen of Thriller is that the production is cleaner, not as muddied and overall distorted as previous material I’d say. I mean there is plenty of distortion, it is Part Chimp we’re talking about here after all, but I guess maybe all that fuzz is just a bit more defined? I don’t know. There is certainly more depth here than I could ever really pick out of the bands sound and really with a band as forceful and overwhelmingly heavy as Part Chimp something like that is just icing on the cake. It’s hard to argue with the results after three albums of the bands volume intensive sludgy riffing, but every time it seems to work and genuinely impress. Thriller opens with the stoner exploration tune “Trad” and from there continues to pour it on for eight more tracks. Excellent as always.

Part Chimp – Trad [stream]

No word that I could find on a release date for the US, however it’s available on CD and digitally through Rock Action. If you’re already fan, then you likely already have it…but if not this is as good of a place as any to jump in and enjoy.

Weed Hounds - Demo Cassette

2009-09-22T00:25:00.003-05:00

You mention the Swirlies enough times and I am bound to listen. That’s just how my mind works. I’m simple like that; you don’t need to go much further. Sure enough Weed Hounds, along with getting heaping amounts of praise all over the web for their recently released demo cassette, have been likened to those legendary Bostonites more than a few times. The comparison seems fitting after getting a chance myself to sit down and listen to the four songs contained within the demo. While probably not as off the wall and experimental as they were, there are definitely some similarities in terms of the lo-fi fuzz worshipping and the boy/girl vocals. There is more to find here though once you dig into it that reveals many more nods and winks to some of indie-rocks finest, from the completely blissed out “In the Afternoon” to the much more straightforward “Save Me from My Lethargy” that oozes with the sort sugary indie-pop goodness that fans of the genre will eat up. As they should since this is some damn good material. These four songs just aren’t enough, but will have to suffice until future releases.

Weed Hounds – Save Me From My Lethargy [MP3]

You can currently purchase the demo over at Crooked Direction, or if you’d prefer, the entire demo is available for download for free from this location. Word has it that they will be releasing a split on Rok Lok here in the future with another great band at the moment Dude Japan. Kind of excited for that one, however in the meantime enjoy the music!