Built on a Weak Spot

Every so often I’ll skim through the CD Baby new arrivals for items that intrigue me and every so often I’ll run across one or two albums that come up worth hearing. And most of the time it’s relatively cheap, so it’s almost always a win. This past month I came across Gangland Buries its Own and their recently released full-length The City Loves You to Death. The samples led me to believe that it would be a nice blast to the past dosage of post-hardcore, DC style. You’d think people would grow tired of it, but when done right it’s still mighty effective and Gangland Buries its Own are definitely riding the high points of the genre. They succeed in avoiding the trappings of falling into a stale retread sound that so many bands often do, and this is even with a handful of songs that extend into five minute territory and never once FEEL like they are five minutes. They’ve put some time in putting together these songs and it shows. The alternating male/female vocals are a nice touch as well, giving the record a bit more variety than it normally would. It probably won’t shock anyone that this was recorded by J. Robbins of Jawbox/Burning Airlines/Channels fame. To say there are similarities to Jawbox here is pretty much stating the obvious, but as I’m sure many remember, Jawbox were mighty good. Gangland Buries its Own aren’t up to that level, but what they are doing is pretty damn good and if anything there is promise for bigger and better things. In a year where I’ve heard very little music of this style that is of worth, this album comes as pleasant surprise. Definitely give the track below a listen…

Gangland Buries its Own – Dark Corner [MP3]

For those interested in picking up The City Loves You to Death, then head on over to CD Baby where they have it available on CD or digital download. Good stuff, definitely throw down some cash if you like what you hear. Enjoy!

A lot of times I’m in the position where I get a nice little brief explanation as to what I am about to hear when a record arrives at my doorstep (or in my case a box that requires a key). More often than not I have hard time understanding where half of those ideas came from because I’m obviously not hearing the same thing or it’s not really an ounce close to what it wants to be. It’s just the cold hard truth of it all I guess. Why am I bringing this up? Well Generalissimo passed along their record Western Medicine not long ago and like many before them it had a nice little write up attached to it. However where they set themselves apart is that the write up actually kind of works or is something that I can in fact buy into. It’s a nice change of pace.

So what is Generalissimo? They are a five piece from Oakland, CA that has members that have spent time in a few other notable bands such as Angel Hair, Stay Gold Pony Boy, and Boyjazz. I actually had to kind of take a double take when I noticed the Angel Hair connection. Quite a bit of deviation in styles, but hey that’s cool. Anyway, the band seemingly takes great pride in their strict and precision based style of punk/post-hardcore. With five members, three of which are playing guitar here, you’d think this would just be a clusterfuck of noise or giant blown out riffs, but rather Generalissimo seem to get their reputation from the restraint and execution of thick catchy rock. They aren’t working towards completely ripping your head clean off with blunt force. Their style is more so in the repetition or stealthily wearing you down so they can creep up behind you and slit your throat. It’s sneaky good in a way. While the comparisons that were expressed to me to such bands as Killing Joke and/or Melvins are pretty apt in this case, there were also bits and pieces that reminded me slightly of earlier Clutch. You know, before they were full-bore into jam band territory. It might be the rigidness in which this is played that draws me to that, who knows? Regardless, give Generalissimo a listen. It’s worth your time for sure.

Generalissimo – Yoked (stream)

Those of you interested in picking up Western Medicine can do so by heading on over to the bands website where they have it available in 180g vinyl or on CD, whichever floats your boat. Enjoy!

Back in ’06 Ventura leapt onto my radar with their debut album Pa Capona, an album that consisted of a very 90’s big riff heavy rock that I think I mentioned at the time hinted a bit towards sounding like Hum. Nevertheless, the album went on to be among my favorites for the year as I found myself going back to it more and more. Since then the band has stayed fairly active as far as touring and such, however hasn’t released much in they way of physical product. I think maybe label troubles had something to do with that, although I’m not positive on it. Anyway, I was extremely pleased to find out a couple or so months ago that Ventura would have a new one out by mid summer. It seems the up and coming European label Africantape is handling the release of the bands second effort We Recruit. With that, this one should be a bit easier to obtain for those of us in the US this time around. So that’s definitely a plus.

I remember in between albums that the band had a couple live videos on their MySpace, one of which was a cover of an old God Machine tune called “The Flower Song”. It never occurred to me until that point that Ventura shared a few similarities to the sadly underrated band. Their cover of that tune was excellent by the way, pretty by the numbers, but yet that was one of the main reasons that led me to the connection. On We Recruit Ventura do little in the way of straying from that path, keeping in line with what mostly made their first album so worthy of repeat listens. Again, I find myself running across songs that work their way to an amazing finish but leave me wishing that they did not in fact have to finish. The band has a true knack and/or ability to discover and capitalize on a simple yet extremely effective melody. And to make it soak in that much more, it typically is worked into the most tension filled moments of the song. This isn’t a band that simply stuffs its records with cheap riffs, but rather knows how to structure a song around them in a way that will command the listener’s attention. We Recruit has no trouble accomplishing this once so ever.

Ventura – With Ifs (stream)

For those interested in picking this up, it’s available through Africantape on CD. However if you’re just looking to get it digitally the band has it available through Bandcamp or it is also available through Amazon digitally as well. Definitely check it out of you enjoy the tune above.

I just realized that after listening Cannons and their debut Friendly Muscles that I really haven’t heard too many records this year that would necessarily be in the area of “post-hardcore”. It seems strange to me, since in the past it seemed like such a common occurrence. Maybe subconsciously I avoided records of this type after unknowingly being beaten senseless by the tons upon tons of horrible glossed over retreads that pass for such these days. Just tune into your local “alternative” station and brace yourself for it. The Philadelphia based Cannons have done me a favor however, and that is reinvigorating my desire to listen bands that often fall in this increasingly burdensome genre. Like anything however, if you search hard enough you’ll eventually find something notable and I believe Cannons are just that.

On the surface there is certainly a minor late 80’s/early 90’s DC influence running through the bands sound, but by the time I got closer to the end of the record I found myself hearing a few more details that for whatever reason had me thinking of a more garage centric Tanner. And that’s certainly good, in that they don’t necessarily lean too heavily on one idea. The band has just recently self-released this record, despite only being together maybe roughly a year or so. Give the track below a listen if you like!

Cannons – In Times of Crisis, People Direct Traffic [MP3]

Not quite sure if there are any physical copies of this available or not, couldn’t hurt to hit up the band to see. However I do know that it’s currently available digitally through iTunes or Amie Street. Definitely throw down the few bucks for it if you like what you hear.

I just recently downloaded this, yes…I said downloaded because that’s the only way you’re going to obtain this unless you’re living in the UK around the Sheffield area and can attend one of Wooderson’s shows, which is a bit disappointing come to find out but oh well. Anyway, I recently downloaded this new EP from Wooderson and realized that more people should probably get into this relatively fresh UK group. I think they’ve only been playing together since around ‘07 or so. In between they’ve released a demo and a split 7-inch with fellow UK group Ox Scapula, which based off the strength of their tracks on that release led me to not think twice about hitting up their Bandcamp page to get this. It’s free by the way (or you have the option to donate), so really if you have even the slightest interest then by all means give this a listen. Wooderson very much influenced by the late 80’s/early 90’s Dischord bunch. Thinking Fugazi or Nation of Ulysses upon first listen wouldn’t be anywhere out of the ordinary, as it is clear Wooderson are fans. No matter what though, I dig what these guys are doing…the sort of rough around the edges post-hardcore that hits the spot. I can’t wait to hear more from these guys.

Wooderson – Bull in Shop [MP3]

For anyone interested in hearing the rest of this EP, then head on over to their Bandcamp page and download it for free or throw them a couple dollars to show your appreciation. Enjoy!

I like how Cripple and Casino has a bio that begins with “Straight Outta Croatia”, probably shouldn’t make me chuckle a bit, but it worked. Anyway, this foursome calls Zagreb, Croatia home and haven’t necessarily been together very long, however long enough to put out this relatively solid piece of work last year on Radio is Down. While they tend to cite a number of late 80’s/early 90’s DC bands as influences, I don’t necessarily hear that as much on their self-titled debut as much as I hear more of a pulsating bass driven sound akin to early 80’s post-punk. I don’t think I really need to name names here. However, the end result kind of comes off sounding similar to that of McLusky but with some pretty nice female vocals of the spoken/shouted variety. There is plenty to like about what they are doing, and really there is more of an amalgamation of styles at play here that I am probably giving them credit for. Enjoy this however, wherever it may be coming from.

Cripple and Casino – You’ll Be a Dragon Again [MP3]

For anyone interested in picking this up can do so by venturing on over to Radio is Down.

Bakery Outlet seems to have some good things going for them, with the Tubers album that was released on the tail end of last year and absolutely ripped. Feel a bit ashamed that I didn’t get around to hearing that one until after my year end list had already been fully put together. This year however I am ahead of the game in respect to their releases, with yet another smoker on the horizon with Ten Volt Shock and their third album 78 Hours. Already available overseas on the Screaming Mimi label, this one should be available here in the US shortly and when it is I urge people to jump all over it. The band features Frank Otto on guitar/vocals from the influential German post-hardcore act Kurt and unsurprisingly Ten Volt Shock carry a similar sort of sound with every ounce of quality that would be expected. Having been together for roughly 10 or so years now, 78 Hours is about as good of a representation as you’re going to find of a band that has spent most that time fine tuning their craft. With that, the album packs an undeniable power that is led by Otto’s guitar and driven heavily by some absolutely beastly drumming from member Markus Brengartner. As I previously mentioned in this post, this record smokes and if you’re a fan of what is often described as post-hardcore, then this should be a rather nice treat for you folks.

Ten Volt Shock – People Get Settled [stream]

Be sure to pick this up whenever it becomes available through Bakery Outlet Records. For anyone residing overseas, this is currently available through X-mist both on CD and LP. Enjoy!

Truth From Facts are a Melbourne, Australia based three piece that have opted to go without a bass and instead use two guitarists and a drummer. Their reasoning was more so because that’s how it worked out rather than just making the choice. When you have a flow, I imagine you might as well stick with it and whatever flow Truth From Facts is in right now is most definitely working. They passed along their recently released album titled 2009 through Tenzenmen Records not too long ago and it’s been a more than enjoyable throwback of math/post-hardcore tunes. Despite the twin guitar and bass-less setup, their sound actually remains quite thick. In fact, it sounds better than a lot of bands that actually do employ a bass player. They are backed with a pretty good drummer as well, who does a fair amount of damage throughout this record and is most definitely a highlight. A lot of the song structures and the bands overall sound reminds me a lot of that first Thumbnail LP, as you could probably take 2009 and send it back in time to 1994 and it would fit in just fine alongside that record and many others. I don’t mean that in a bad way at all either, I actually wish more records DID sound like that. Anyway, this is a pretty solid record that is actually a bit refreshing when compared to a lot of bands that try and recreate Drive Like Jehu, etc.

Truth From Facts – Passing Termination Shock [MP3]

Anyone interested in picking this up can do so through stopping over at Tenzenmen Records. If you’re liking the tune above, then I strongly recommend getting a hold of the album. This is good stuff.

This is just one of a handful of recent releases from the Cincinnati based label Phratry Records. I do suggest checking out their entire roster, as they are home to a number of solid bands.

First up is the split between the two Cincy acts Caterpillar Tracks and Arms Exploding. This is really my introduction to both bands and by the sound of it they both enjoy 90’s post-hardcore…a lot. Caterpillar Tracks kick off the a-side with a nice bouncy bass driven track that pulls off something more representative of Jesus Lizard at times, although a friend said it reminded him of Stanford Prison Experiment. Either way, I think it achieves at what they were aiming for and that’s stirring up some nice muscly rock. This is probably a good preview of what’s to come on a full-length the band has planned for an early release this year that I’ll likely be checking out.

On the flipside is Arms Exploding which seems to be the harshest of the pair and are more in line with the past bands like Refused or Botch. While their bio makes mention of some progressive influences, there really isn’t much of that here on this track at least. I’m assuming most of that stems from their previous EP’s, which I have yet to hear. The track here is notable though, and if you’re into music with a good dosage of vitriol then Arms Exploding certainly would be a good place look for that.

Caterpillar Tracks – It’s a W.I.N. For the Home Team (stream)
Arms Exploding – Of Luxury and Branding (stream)

For those interested in picking this up, it’s currently available through Phratry. The single comes with download codes for those concerned about that. Enjoy!

I was a bit less productive this week than I had planned. More snow here in KCMO, a rather long week of work, and the Royals continue to sign shitty worthless players like Scott Podsednik and Jason Kendall. Enough of that though, you’re not here to listen to me whine.

Got this split cassette awhile back, featuring two bands from the east coast in Michael Jordan (Brooklyn, NY) and Rainbow Party (Allentown, PA). Not hearing either of these prior to this release, I was initially intrigued by some samples I’d heard of Michael Jordan and led me to pick this up I’d say on start up tape label Nervous Attack. Michael Jordan contributes three songs to their side of the tape, and all have a satisfying unhinged emo/hardcore sort of sound and feel to them that I find myself liking more and more upon each listen. They have another cassette out as well, which I am beginning to think I should hear.

I kind of don’t know what to make of Rainbow Party. They make for a bit of an odd pairing here with their minimalist indie/post-punk that doesn’t take itself too seriously it would appear. I mean they do have a CD called Butt Jamz after all. Rainbow Party has four songs on their side, three of which are from a radio session live set. I suppose this isn’t my cup of tea, but if you’re looking for something a bit fun then you could probably do a whole lot worse.

Michael Jordan – I Don’t Want to Write This Song (stream)
Rainbow Party – F.P.S. (stream)

This is still available it appears through Nervous Attack, so if you’re enjoying it then definitely throw down the five dollars for it.