Built on a Weak Spot

Awhile back I was introduced to Trunks by the self-promotion and circulation of their video for “Are You Trunked?”, which I believe is from a previously released full-length. No matter the origin the song had me a bit intrigued as to what these French folks were up to. Days passed and eventually I was hit up again with what is supposed to be an upcoming 7-inch for the tracks “Kniee” and “Journey to the Line”. My initial reaction was that they were doing a bit of a similar deal as the excellent avant-garde noise making unit Zu. However the two songs here on this 7-inch are softer/moodier than anything I’d heard before and the flipside “Journey to the Line” certainly ventures into more subtle post-rock territory, although still incorporating the saxophone to make a large part of their sound. While these songs are nice and all, the b-side in particular, I’d almost prefer to hear the band do more with darker swampy sort of noise that I was initially introduced to. Regardless, this is still well worth giving a listen to and I suggest that you do.

Trunks – Journey to the Line [MP3]

Not quite sure if this out yet or not, however check in with the band at their MySpace page to keep up or if you’re interested you can pick up their album Use Less.

A band from Texas called Drug Mountain just seems all too natural when you take into account some of great and likely acid fueled noise that has come out of the state over the years. Judging by this incredibly brief yet highly satisfying one sided 12-inch from these guys, they appear to be more than just interested in staking their claim within the long list of notables. I say brief because this thing is literally 7 songs in just a touch over 10 minutes, but rather than being disappointed by that I am more so left really wanting to hear more. I suppose that’s not a bad thing, but damn that’s short. Anyway, don’t let me give you people the wrong idea, this is good stuff. Taking what sounds like a dual helping of saxophone and mucking it up with the hefty pound of bass and drums, this is pulling all the right strings. I’m typically not all that concerned about packaging/design, but I must admit this record looks pretty nice. On the flipside there is some interesting art screened on to it from graphic artist Nevada Hill.

Drug Mountain – Mind Your Fingers [MP3]

If you’re interested in picking up one of these then I suggest acting quick as there are only 100 of these available from Real Vinyl.

Mazey Fade was an incredibly underrated noise-rock/experimental band from Liverpool in the early to mid 90’s. Their brief existence might have added to their otherwise now obscurity, as the band squeezed out a few releases between ’93 and ’95 before disappearing. Those that have never heard the band should definitely take a listen if it’s visceral avant-garde rock you’re seeking.

Aside from their excellent full-length Secret Watchers Built the World that was released in 1994 through Domino Records, their 10-inch EP Not Good Radio could also serve as a high water mark for the band and probably my favorite release they put out. There is plenty of trebly atonal guitar work throughout the five songs on the EP and makes it an, at times, uneasy yet captivating listen. Not Good Radio also happened to be the bands final release sadly, which came out in 1995 once again through Domino. All in all I think the band released a couple singles, an EP, and two full-length albums most of which were through the Domino label.

Draco’s Light LP:
Mazey Fade – Nightmare Sound Man [MP3]

Secret Watchers Built the World:
Mazey Fade – Anastasia [MP3]

Not Good Radio 10’’:
Mazey Fade – Version [MP3]

While it may be a bit difficult to track down physical copies of some the bands material, I do know that Secret Watchers Built the World is readily available used on Amazon or it can be purchased digitally through the UK division of Domino Records along with one of the bands earlier singles. I definitely suggest picking up Secret Watchers Built the World as it’s so cheap for such a good album.

Been meaning to get this release up on the blog; however that could be said for many other things I’d like to get around to posting about as well. Anyway, what I have here today is an interesting self-released split CD between two impressive New Orleans based instrumental/experimental bands, I, Octopus and Metronome the City. Each band has contributed one track on the release that clock in at just roughly over twenty minutes each.

The first track “Craig Has a Beard Now” is from the trio of Blake Lewis (guitar/keyboards), Michael Lentz (guitars/keyboards), and J. Steigner (drums) that is I, Octopus. The track almost immediately establishes itself with a bit of a spacey/psych vibe but with the added emphasis on keyboard and electronics there is a bit more “noise” to deal with here than one might expect. The tune rises and falls many times throughout its lengthy course, and during the slower/quieter parts is where a lot of the more interesting experimental aspects of the band take place in my opinion with various ambient noises peaking out from the haze before the band works into a larger guitar filled sound. While not the every day classic pysch/space worship band, I think I, Octopus should find plenty among that circle regardless.

Metronome the City, while a band of similar nature, takes a bit of a different approach for their contribution to the disc. Their track, which is evidently untitled according to the sleeve of the CD, is seemingly a collection of recorded jams that have been edited together to make one long full length track. For the most part this works out fairly well and at one point after three minutes has a pretty startling effect when the soothing mathy plucking of guitar simply drops out in favor of a much more ominous combination of guitar and lurching low-end that creeps in out of the echoing guitar lines. The band continues on with this sort of approach for a good portion of the track; however it’s hard to not be taken in by the bands cavernous and distant sounding guitars. It’s deceptive in its prettiness that keeps the listener hanging on for duration of the medley.

I, Octopus – Craig Has a Beard Now (excerpt) [MP3]
Metronome the City – Untitled Medley (excerpt) [MP3]

For more information on the release and on the bands, check out each of their respective MySpace pages (Metronome the City and I, Octopus). Enjoy!

After the Chicago based Drunk Tank came to an end around 1992 or so, Julian Mills went on to form the even darker and dirge driven Dirty Old Man River not long after. While the band was together they released three pretty solid albums (Self-Titled, The Saddest Movie Screen, and Ageless respectively) through Radial Records. Interestingly enough, joining Mills for the last two albums was Ben Miller (brother of Mission of Burma’s Roger Miller) on stereo pre-prepared guitar.

While Dirty Old Man River traveled down the same dark murky paths of that of Mills’ previous band, they were still two completely different beasts. This wasn’t the same raucous guitar attack that Drunk Tank was. Still though, one of the center points of the band was the raspy and chilling grate of Mills’ vocals. However, picture those to the backdrop of a menacing piano and the random clinks and buzzes, that of which remind you of the sounds that a larger older house makes when you’re sitting alone in it late at night trying to convince yourself it’s nothing but the house itself. Dirty Old Man River operated on the same level of “spooky” I suppose. Doing away with most melody in favor of the tension mounting random oddball noises and bringing together the seedy red lighted sound of a late hours dive bar. Dirty Old Man River is essentially what “creepy” music should sound like. It’s basically every long drunken walk home alone in the dark you’ve ever taken…

Dirty Old Man River:
Dirty Old Man River – Katy Did [MP3]

The Saddest Movie Screen:
Dirty Old Man River – Ghosts on the River [MP3]

Ageless:
Dirty Old Man River – One More Round [MP3]

For those looking to pick up any of the releases from Dirty Old Man River, I believe all three of the albums are still available through Amazon, both used and new. So definitely pick one, two, or all three of these if you enjoy what you here!

With U.S. Maple being on hiatus for the foreseeable future, guitarist Todd Rittman and later era drummer Adam Vida set out and teamed up with former 90 Day Men member Rob Lowe and the brother of Adam, Ben Vida to form Singer. The band has just recently released their full-length debut, Unhistories, this past March on Drag City.

I remember first hearing about Singer and where it would lead. Their debut kind of snuck up on me, but something like Singer is definitely a good surprise. I guess it’s not terribly surprising the band resembles U.S. Maple in quite a few ways, most notably continuing on with the off-kilter guitar arrangements and general “making something from nothing” type of mentality that the previous outfit so successfully pulled off. There are a few key differences interspersed throughout the record though. One being that the name of the band is something to be taken quite literally, which was a complete surprise to me. I had no idea that the foursome would be collectively providing vocals. Furthermore, I didn’t expect them to be harmonized in such a way that they are on the album, albeit it’s Lowe that often takes center stage with the vocal duties. It’s quite a difference and really contrasts well with overall uneasiness that is created by the deconstructed rhythms floating along behind them.

I hate to use the word accessible, but Singer provides a bit more of a gentler approach than what was previously experimented with in U.S. Maple. But let me remind you that I am using the term “accessible” very very loosely. Singer does a pretty good job at diving into the odd guitar/rhythm experimentations of Rittman’s and A. Vida’s previous group and delivering something with a few interesting twists that ultimately work better than I think most would expect.

Singer – Dumb Smoke [MP3]

For those looking to pick up Singer’s debut album Unhistories, then head on over to Drag City to do so. I definitely recommend this purchase for fans of U.S. Maple.

Behind the name Capillary Action you will find the mastermind of the group in Jonathan Pfeffer, who uses an ever changing cast of musicians to assist him in creating what is one hell of a mind bending sound. Now whether that is a good or bad thing, well that’s up to you because I can honestly say right here and now that this isn’t for everyone. So Embarrassing is the groups second record which has Pfeffer going full steam ahead into concept album territory by delivering a thirty plus minute palette of genres that weave their way in and out as fast as one can blink their eyes. All within this wild but surprisingly fine tuned orchestration is elements of jazz, progressive rock, math-rock, world music, and classical composition.

Generally albums like So Embarrassing prove to be much tougher of a listen than probably most people want to deal with. It’s an exercise in seeing just how far someone can push the boundaries and sometimes it’s only fun for those that are doing the pushing. One of the best aspects about So Embarrassing is that it successfully goes from being merely an experimental album to becoming a slightly more complex pop album that reveals itself as quite listenable really. That’s not to say, as I mentioned before, that everyone will enjoy this…although you never know. Really though that description remains to be a bit vague for the album as a whole as it accomplishes far more in my opinion. The many twists and turns that the album takes are paralleled with the soft melodic vocals of Pfeffer that often provides an extra intriguing element to the groups already spazzed out sound. So Embarrassing has gotten its fair share of comparisons to Mr. Bungle and Naked City, which seems fair. Fans of music in that sort of area should definitely find some interest in what Capillary Action are doing here on their latest album.

Capillary Action – Pocket Protection is Essential [MP3]
Capillary Action – Elevator Fuck [MP3]

For those looking to pick up So Embarrassing can do so by heading on over to Pangaea Recordings. I definitely recommend doing so.

The amount of interesting and often experimental music coming out of Baltimore, Maryland these days seems to be increasing. More and more I feel like I have been combing through the wealth of music coming out of that scene and a small portion of it has landed on the blog at some point or another. If I weren’t so lazy (and somewhat tired) I would go back and try and tally up the number. That’s just not to be though. Despite that, for today’s post I have an excellent new record from another Baltimore act, the trio of Thank You. Thrill Jockey just released their new album, Terrible Two, on vinyl this past April and are set to release it on CD here shortly in early June. So be on the lookout for it if vinyl is not your game.

Terrible Two is the follow up to last years album on WildfireWildfire titled World City. The band is described as an athletic rhythm/action unit, which almost seems like a good way of describing a band, but yet not really giving any idea of how they sound at the same time. However, after going through the five tracks on Terrible Two, it became clearer to me as to what exactly was meant by it…my mistake. Despite only being a trio, Thank You almost sound like there should be considerably more people standing around playing, hitting, or shouting something. The live shows are apparently something to be seen, which I can believe. The amount of different beats and rhythms they pull the listener through is genuinely impressive, which have all been drawn from a number of different sounds. The songs are drawn out in a fashion that lets them slowly work themselves into a frenzy, which generally leads to them spinning off into a whirlwind of completely different rhythms and beats. Terrible Two may only be around thirty five minutes in length, but it leaves nothing untouched and there is plenty to discover and appreciate here. On top of that it just proves to be a very fun album to listen to as well.

Thank You – Empty Legs [MP3]

As mentioned earlier, Terrible Two is only available out on vinyl as of right now and will be released on CD here come June. For anyone out there looking to pick it up right now however can do so through Thrill Jockey. Enjoy!

It’s tough when a bands discography is littered with enough highlights and good albums that it makes it entirely too hard to go back and justly cover it all. In that case I have to make the grand old hard decision of plucking one album out of the bunch and using it as reference point of some sort. Facing that dilemma today for Detroit avant-garde noise/psych greats Gravitar, I decided to go with one of my absolute favorite records they put out, You Must First Learn to Draw the Real released on Monotremata Records in 1999.

You Must First Learn to Draw the Real is sort of one of those albums that I feel could divide opinions among pure noise enthusiasts. It’s definitely full of noise and packs enough visceral punch to it that it’s by no means going to be mistakenly filed under “pop” in a record store. However, there is a structure here and even the occasional riff buried underneath all of the fuzz and tumbling feedback. It all falls on borderline noise, but it’s a hefty slab of very well done skronk that takes on a psychedelic groove in more than few instances. As with almost all Gravitar albums though the one constant highlight is the freaked out free jazz inspired drumming by Eric Cook. The track “U.R.R.” is worth listening to alone for that very reason as he basically drives the whole 8 minute tune with a barrage of beats and crashing cymbals. The live track tacked on to the end of the disc is another favorite that displays Gravitar’s overpowering and relentless volumed attack.

As a bonus I uploaded one of my favorite tracks by the band off their split with Universal Indians on American Tapes. Great stuff.

You Must First Learn to Draw the Real:
Gravitar – U.R.R. [MP3]

Split w/ Universal Indians:
Gravitar – Automaton [MP3]

You Must First Learn to Draw the Real is still available over at Amazon and most other online retailers. If that doesn’t happen to work out, then it’s also available through Emusic. Enjoy!

A lot of articles lately about the Brooklyn, NY based band Sightings have noticeably pointed out the bands latest album Through the Panama due out on Load (CD) and Ecstatic Peace (LP) on Oct. 28th just happens to come out right before Halloween. I honestly didn’t think much of that at first, because whenever I think of the Sightings all I ever picture is ungodly amounts of distortion played at the highest possible volume in hopes of causing hearing loss to anyone that dares put it on the stereo. While that doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement for the band, some would be surprised to know that their album Michigan Haters is probably one of my favorite pieces of abrasive noise that I have in my collection. So I am sure the band would be entirely happy to hear that. Thankfully for me though I still have my hearing, for the time being.

Now hear we sit with the Andrew W.K. produced Through the Panama and all I am still pretty much trying to wrap my head around this one, because the buzzsaw of white distortion and relentless assault of trashy noise isn’t to be found as much on the bands latest. I assume this is where all that Halloween talk and it being a timely release comes in, because now I fully understand why. Sure, their previous releases could have just as well been the soundtrack to your party, but you’d be hard pressed to find more than five people still in the room afterwards. However, on Through the Panama they have taken a turn towards the creepy, apocalyptic, and the avant-garde. With a little bit of compromise among the ear piercing cries of abuse from their guitars there is now a bit of a driving rhythm to some of this brash noise and a slight pulsating beat. Albeit, it’s a very cold and unwelcoming beat, just the way a band like Sightings would have it. This is either the music for when the dead finally walk the earth (and I’m still crossing my fingers for that one) or music to accompany one being lost in a hot and muggy catacomb. I hope everyone out there enjoys it, because I sure am.

Sightings – Perforated [MP3]
Sightings – Debt Depths [MP3]

For those interested, the album will out on the 28th on Load to those that want the CD and the vinyl version can be had from Ecstatic Peace for anyone looking for that instead. Definitely pick this up though, one way or the other, it’s a very solid and quite different approach from these consistently good noise-rockers.