I, Octopus & Metronome the City - Split CD

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!

Dirty Old Man River...

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!

Singer - Unhistories

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.

Capillary Action - So Embarrassing

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.

Thank You - Terrible Two

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!

Gravitar - You Must First Learn to Draw the Real

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!

Sightings - Through the Panama

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.

Motherhead Bug...

Earlier today someone inquired about the album Zambodia by the band Motherhead Bug and I figured since it was still relatively fresh in my head it would make for a pretty good post for today’s update. It’s nice how things work out like that sometimes, especially when it’s something that I really enjoy but for whatever reason I wouldn’t have thought to write about it on here.

Anyway, Motherhead Bug was formed in 1989 by David Ouimet who was previously a member/co-founder of the legendary noise-rock outfit Cop Shoot Cop. He has also toured and/or worked with the likes of Foetus and Swans. Unsurprisingly his pet project of Motherhead Bug fit snuggly alongside the projects in which Ouimet collaborated with in terms of weirdness and making your skin crawl. The group itself was massive, containing more members than I want to count right now. However when you hear the band, you’ll realize why there are so many as their sound is something that definitely needs to be heard to fully get an idea of what they were like. The sound they produced was more or less the soundtrack to a very twisted nightmare. They incorporated an array of instruments including accordions, violins, trumpets, and a saxophone to just name a few. Really, all I can visualize when I hear Motherhead Bug is a circus if it were run by Satan, and while some wouldn’t think of that as a compliment, it most certainly is…believe me. Sadly Zambodia was the only album the band put out and due to the lack of distribution during its release it goes largely unnoticed these days. There are also a couple singles out there too worth tracking down.

Zambodia:
Motherhead Bug – Demon Erection [MP3]
Motherhead Bug – Bleating Heart Incident [MP3]

Raised by Insects 7’’:
Motherhead Bug – My Sweet Milstar [MP3]
Motherhead Bug – Mr. Whistle [MP3]

Thankfully there are still copies of Zambodia floating around the used markets places like Amazon for a not a bad price at all. Definitely pick this up if the tunes above are of interest because the whole album is filled with equally great twistedness. If anything pick this up and play it for those that come up to the house on Halloween looking for candy. Well worth it.

Death Unit - Infinite Death

Finishing off the week is a record that I had been looking forward to for a little while now, and that is the newest from the noise/avant-rock all-star collection Death Unit. Their latest album Infinite Death was just recently released on Important Records and by no means does it disappoint.

The word “supergroup” gets tossed around when speaking of Death Unit, and I suppose that is what they are in a way. The group features electronics specialist Carlos Giffoni, guitarist Brian Sullivan (Mouthus), Trevor Tremaine (Hair Police) whom plays drums on this album, and drummer extraordinaire Chris Corsano. That is definitely a hefty lineup.

Infinite Death is two tracks of about every possible exploration in noise that someone could think of. It dabbles in every area it can within its short 35 minute time frame. The first track starts off with some fairly impressive interplay between the two drummers before it is completely interrupted and skewed by the electronic and guitar distortion mish mash of Giffoni and Sullivan. From there it’s a no holds barred rush of noise and chaos before the next track sets in.

The second track opens with a sludgy and downtrodden squall of distortion that sounds as if it were being played in the depths of someone’s cellar. The guitar sound that Sullivan achieves on this track in particular is just sickening and at times terrifying like something not from this world. Eventually the track soars into more feedback and an impressive display of power electronics, but really that could be said for both tracks on this album. Regardless, Infinite Death is a great collaboration and will almost surely have something for just about everyone. Give it a listen if you’re a fan of any of the bands that these guys are a part of. Each member’s talents are brilliantly showcased on here. Pick it up, it’s definitely worth it.

Death Unit – Untitled 1 [MP3]

For those interested, Infinite Death can be picked up over at Important Records. With that, I am out for the weekend!

Cuckoo Canoe / Shining...

Although this is a bit of a departure for the type of music that I generally feature on this blog, I felt like it deserved a bit of a mention on here. I only recently had a chance to listen to the album Basketball Freedom Overdrive by the NYC trio Cuckoo Canoe. Goofy name aside, their album is actually pretty impressive despite the obvious Strokes pseudo garage influence they have going. Even though they do have that sort of style to them, their music is undeniably catchy. I never find myself listening to a whole lot of fairly straight up indie rock, but this certainly grabbed me after I listened to it a couple times through. It’s actually kind of nice to hear a band that is working within tight limits of funding and a DIY attitude release something that I would consider much more listenable than whatever the latest overly hyped indie darling is. Cuckoo Canoe may not be forging any sort of new ground with this release, but they obviously know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to creating catchy pop songs. Hopefully this will make its way across indie land and get some attention, because it’s solid enough to warrant some, that’s for sure.

Cuckoo Canoe – Aderol [MP3]
Cuckoo Canoe – Turtle Envy [MP3]

There really isn’t much information on the release or really the band itself. However, for those interested, they do have a MySpace.


Another album that I gave some attention to over the weekend is the new one from Shining entitled Grindstone. After their last album In the Kingdom of Kitsch, it’s pretty evident that these guys have made a name for their selves as being possibly one of the most original bands currently out there right now. They originally started out as an odd post-bop jazz quartet; however the band has over time taken that sound and greatly built upon it and turned into an interesting art-rock blend. I have no idea how to capture Shining’s sound in the form of words. To say it’s completely all over the place is probably an understatement. The influences are many, and they hit them hard here on their latest album. While I have yet to determine whether this album is as great as In the Kingdom of Kitsch, I can still tell you that it’s definitely going to be pretty good regardless. I do have to admit I wasn’t high on the opening track, but Grindstone seems to gain steam as it rolls on. Some of the songs like “Psalm” are pretty mind blowing and continue to strengthen this bands place in the upper tier of avant-rock.

Shining – Psalm [MP3]

This has yet to be released in the US and doesn’t look like there will be one for a couple months or so. Until then keep checking out the Rune Grammofon for a more definitive release date. Enjoy!

Oxbow - An Evil Heat

Since there isn’t much in new music hitting right now, I will just stick with a past favorite for the time being. I was putting together a mix a couple weeks ago in which I wanted the first disc to be sort of menacing in a way. Although it didn’t take me long to compile enough songs for that disc, one band that immediately jumped into my head was San Francisco’s very own, Oxbow. Really, they were almost perfect. When it comes to all things deranged and possibly borderline insane, they are pretty much one of my top choices. The toughest part was choosing a song from them. I mean, I could have pretty much closed my eyes and pointed and whatever it was would have worked. However, I went with the song “Sorry” off of their magnificent release on Neurot titled An Evil Heat.

I hold it in such high regard when compared to the rest of the bands catalog because it was recorded five years after their last album. With such a layoff, one might have expected a bit of rust. However, to even once think that or doubt them was a mistake in the first place. An Evil Heat ended up becoming my favorite album of theirs, as they pretty much came back and blew me away. Although Eugene Robinson’s maniacal tirades and fairly disturbing lyrical content might be a bit much for some, I’ve always personally found it to be quite compelling and if anything, brutally honest. You can’t ask for anything more than that from music.

An Evil Heat is probably the most in your face album of theirs. Although quite simplistic, it manages the mood and balance of psychological prodding that it performs on the listener better than any record I’ve heard from them. Its effectiveness is undeniable in that area. Even to this day I honestly don’t see Oxbow mentioned enough, but having the ability to make a casual music listener highly uncomfortable has its price and that’s probably one of them. However, those that find some sort of solace and understanding within their music absolutely love it.

Oxbow – S Bar X [MP3]
Oxbow – Sorry [MP3]

I am thinking that the majority of Oxbow’s earlier material is out of print, however you can still pick up An Evil Heat and the great compilation that just came out this year Love That Lasts on Amazon. Enjoy!

20 Years of Dead C...

Dead C is one of the pioneers of the noise/drone genre and has been making advancements in the genre for quite some time now. Over the past 20 years the band has been putting out releases of some of the most intriguing and noteworthy material to grace the genre. Although remaining under the radar for most of their career, the band has rightfully been recognized this year by Ba Da Bing records by putting out a 2-disc compilation of out of print material for their 20th Anniversary. The comp is titled Vain, Erudite and Stupid: Selected Works 1987-2005 and which all the tracks were chosen by the band members themselves. Judging by their selections, I’d say this compilation serves as a great representation of the bands growth and key points in their brilliant career.

Dead C - Hell is Now Love [MP3]
Dead C - Bitcher [MP3]

For those who haven’t had a chance to listen to this band, I highly suggest it as they blazed the trail for many of today’s most notable acts like Sunn O))), Lightning Bolt, and Wolf Eyes. Due to the expansive catalog of Dead C and the amount of out print material, the compilation also is a great starting point for anyone looking to get into the band. For those who are fans, you’ll want to pick this up too as a lot of the material on here might be bit hard to find by any other method and is probably new to most.

Buy Vain, Erudite and Stupid: Selected Works 1987-2005!

Yet a Different Formula...

I was making a mix CD yesterday, and originally I had planned for the final track to be something drone oriented and a bit lengthy, however that changed when I was going through possible options. I ran across the album Formula by O.L.D. (Old Lady Drivers), which I hadn't listened to for a couple years at least. However I immediately knew then that I was going to use "Last Look" as the final track for the mix. Why? I really don't know or have a good reason as to why other than it fit well and I remember listening to the song an outrageous amount times when I was younger.

For those that might not know, O.L.D. was the ever changing experimental project of James Plotkin, a name that I am sure is fairly familiar among most, especially those who are fans of experimental or electronic music. What originally started as a death metal/grindcore outfit on their debut self-titled album, eventually ended on a completely different note that was Formula. Each album carried a different sound, extending and branching the original sound past any sort of present boundaries there might be. As much as I like the albums Lo Flux Tube and the Self-Titled, I've found myself coming back to Formula more often than not due to it being an incredibly captivating listen.

Being released in 1995, I can imagine how this probably didn't sit well with many older fans and overall probably didn't really fit well among various Earache acts at the time. You often hear the phrase "ahead of its time", and sometimes those statements are true, however with Formula there is no doubt in my mind that this was ahead of its time. Moving even further from conventional metal, Formula is an album heavy on keyboards and harmonics. Focused more so on ambient loops, droning melodies, and some impressive textural guitar work from Plotkin himself. The end result is something that has a certain beauty to it while maintaining a bit of abrasiveness and an underlying darkness that could be found on older releases, as displayed on tracks like "Devolve" and "Thug".

O.L.D. - Last Look [MP3]
O.L.D. - Thug [MP3]

It's sad to see an album like this to be out of print since really I think it deserves a bit more recognition in shaping the electronic/dub genre. However, you'll be cast off to scour used record bins and all the other online sources for this one.

James Plotkin has since went on to do numerous projects and collaborations since O.L.D. came to an end, the most recognizable of them being Khanate, which contains former O.L.D. vocalist Alan Dubin and Stephen O' Malley of Sunn O))), Burning Witch, and Thorrs Hammer fame.

Kayo Dot...

I haven't gotten on the topic of many albums to come out this year yet, so I figure this is a good time to mention one album that has genuinely caught my attention thus far into 2006. The avant metal band Kayo Dot has just released their second album titled Dowsing Anemone with Copper Tongue. Formed from members of maudlin of the Well along with some new faces as well, Kayo Dot is merely a continuation of the direction that maudlin of the Well would of probably taken. The music isn't to terribly different if compared next to each other. However, Kayo Dot have added something to the mix with this album. On Dowsing Anemone With Copper Tongue, Kayo Dot spans across many genres of music, mostly meddling in post-rock, metal, jazz, and some classical. The album consists of 5 songs, most rolling over the 10 minute mark with ease. The most appealing thing to me about this album is the fact that at moments it is incredibly soothing and the guitar work is so beautiful. However, in mere minutes it can turn from slumber to devastation and become something incredibly different, a Jekyll and Hyde of sorts. The combination pays off though, as the music is very well crafted and will easily keep you listening for the 70 or so minutes this puppy runs. This the first album of 2006 that has truly impressed me, so take note! I would also highly suggest picking up their first album Choirs of the Eye if interested.

Kayo Dot - Gemini Becoming the Tripod [MP3]

You can either pick up Kayo Dot albums directly from their website or hit up Amazon if they are sold out.