Built on a Weak Spot

Red X Red M - Between Your Prayers and My Curses Our Kind May Triumph Yet LP

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:56:00 +0000

I guess this a bit of an early write up, but hell…I couldn’t wait until the end of March to do so. I’d been waiting to hear recorded output from Red X Red M for probably two years now and right around Christmas time Australian Cattle God graciously ended that wait by passing along the bands upcoming full-length Between Your Prayers and My Curses Our Kind May Triumph Yet due out March 23rd I believe. I consider it one of the better presents I got this past year.

For anyone wondering who Red X Red M is, it happens to be the band that David Uskovich of Distorted Pony, Sweet Pea, and SWITCHhiTTER fame has been playing in with fellow SWITCHhiTTER member Yuri and drummer Adam Hatley. What you get here on their debut is something that is actually not to far from SWITCHhiTTER, but Red X Red M seem to be a bit of a tighter outfit while opting for a bit less of the hefty bass lines and feedback that some of Uskovich’s previous bands have so successfully utilized in the past. I’d say the late 70’s/early 80’s post-punk vibe is even more prevalent in these songs, obviously mixed in with a bit of the rough around the edges tinny sounding guitar work by Uskovich that gives it the sort of feel fans would expect. It’s been a bit of a wait, but it has most certainly proved to be worth it.

Red X Red M – Step Now Nagurskey (stream)

Keep an eye out for this one towards the end of March; it will be available on vinyl through Australian Cattle God.

Mudlark - Mudlark LP

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:45:00 +0000

I’m not really sure if Mudlark is supposed to bum me out or not. I mean, yeah…the songs are definitely somewhere in the vicinity of stirring up a roots rock/grungy sort of vibe, just kind of being lazy while dealing with shitty weather and money problems. However, one look at the cover is enough for me, as I could step out of my house and walk down the street a ways and snap a picture of something that would probably be quite similar to that of what appears here. Then I realize, damn…I’m still living here. And that folks is Mudlark.

As the description from the label says, it does touch upon some early Dino Jr. and Meat Puppets, which is definitely not a bad thing. However, they don’t really stick to either and that’s probably a plus too in the end. Has a nice warm sort of muddy production that in a lot of ways kind of fits what they are doing, which I suppose is being down and out…so why not just drink? The singer occasionally sounds as if he might have been doing just that, but that comes tied along nicely to the bit of plodding rock that they’ve latched on to here. Good stuff.

Mudlark – Mountain [MP3]

For those interested in picking this up, hit up Fun With Smack. If you like the tune above, certainly get this.

Geisha - Maudit a Minuit LP

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:54:00 +0000

For a band that focuses on being as noisy as Geisha does, it’s pretty amazing that they’ve managed to release two pretty solid albums as quietly as they have over the past five years or so. Their last album Die Verbrechen Der Lieb, which was a favorite around here in 08, was a beastly helping of rock scrubbed down in a nasty sheet of swirling white noise. If you haven’t heard it, you might want to if “high-fidelity” is something that means very little to you.

That being said, Geisha is back with their third album in hand titled Maudit a Minuit, which is being handled by the UK based Super-Fi Records. If you’ve been following and listening to the band up to this point, then you already have a decent idea as to what this sounds like. However, don’t expect the same treble heavy hiss that played a major role of the sound found on Die Verbrechen Der Lieb. This album lies somewhere in between the more riff rock styled approach that was more prominently featured on their debut LP Mondo Dell'orror and some of the hazier distorted moments of Verbrechen Der Lieb. Overall though, this marks another solid outing for the band. They’ve gradually become one of those bands that I have complete faith in whatever they release. Definitely one of the more underrated groups based in the UK right now, so please do check this out if you get the chance.

Geisha – Achtung! Zombie [MP3]

For those interested in picking this up, check out Super-Fi Records. I think Crucial Blast is going to have copies in the future for those of us stateside; however I don’t think they’ve popped up there yet. Keep checking I suppose. Enjoy!

Quickie...

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:24:00 +0000

Just wanted to say congrats to Kevin Lavezzo as he is the lucky recipient of the PRF EP.

And on an equally important note, I wanted to say thanks to everyone that entered. The response was great and as a result I will try and continue to do this sort of thing every once and awhile. So yeah, thank you!

Monthly Mix: January 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:27:00 +0000

This is just quick a reminder for those of you out there to don’t forget to get entered for a chance to win a copy of the recently released debut EP 4 from Puerto Rico Flowers. There is still a couple days to do so, it ends on the 30th. Anyway, for those interested just shoot me an e-mail with “Puerto Rico Flowers Giveaway” or something along those lines in the subject head and you can consider yourself officially entered.

In the meantime I’ve gotten together this months mix, which is posted below. As always, if you enjoy anything contained within it, then please do pick up an album. All the artist names are linked to a place of purchase where applicable. So yeah, enjoy!

01 – Slug – King of Ghosts (7-inch version)
02 – Death of Samantha – Listen to the Mockingbird
03 – Les Thugs – Bulgarian Blues
04 – Dry-Rot – Seen in the Dark
05 – North of America – Oh My God, Oh My God, Everybody, Oh My God
06 – Radial Spangle – Marble
07 – Death Valley Club – Sands in the Hollow of Our Hands
08 – Doc Hopper – Assplant
09 – Big Bear – Song 14
10 – Festipals – Let’s Not Pretend
11 – Loveblobs – Cylinder Head
12 – Guv’ner – Ghost of Your Controllership
13 – Shipping News – At a Venture
14 – Starfish – Soul Searcher
15 – Towers – Mutagen
16 – Ultimate Fakebook – Tell Me What You Want (I’ll be Anything)
17 – 16-17 – Davul
18 – Bluetile Lounge – Liner

Download (.zip file)

Gumbi - Ritual 7''

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:51:00 +0000

I honestly can’t remember how I came across this single from the now defunct trio Gumbi. I assume it was in a magazine somewhere, but retracing my steps turned up nothing. Anyway, I bought this probably because wherever I read about it they made mention of stuff I already like and that generally works well with me when getting me to buy stuff from you. Crazy I know. Anyway, Gumbi dish out four fairly abrasive cuts of rock here. Although the last song on the b-side “Ritual” throws me for a bit of a loop opening with something that sounds familiar and vaguely 80’s new wave but quickly reverts back to the aggro chug that pretty much inhabits the rest of this record. Bummer these guys apparently split up recently, but these four tracks aren’t a bad way to go out.

Gumbi – Superior [MP3]

Those interested in getting a copy of this can do so by heading over to Repulsion Records.

Gull - The Thin King 7''

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:20:00 +0000

You often hear about projects in which one person composes all the music and plays all the instruments on a recording, however most of the time that requires a full band to perform live. Not often do you see what Nathanial Rappole does under the moniker of Gull, a literal representation of the one man band. I’ll admit I was skeptical when I first learned about it. It seemed like it could just end up being a gimmicky item, but after having the pleasure of viewing some videos on Youtube of Gull performing I was sold on the idea and the music Mr. Rappole creates.

Some may recognize Rappole as a member of Ultra Dolphins and Snack Truck. If you’re a resident of Richmond, VA then it’s likely you’re already quite aware of Rappole and more specifically his project Gull as he said to often be spotted playing live throughout the area. You’ll notice that a few of the videos on the internet are him doing just that. The music for the most part is an interesting combination of mathy rhythms that often venture into some spacey psych territory during the four songs contained on this debut single. Naturally, the music has a bit more staying power when seeing the performance behind it all…but the songs simply standing alone do enough to recognize this as something more than just a guy making a bunch of noise. There is a legitimate showing of talent here.

Gull – Chain Saw it Coming [MP3]

For anyone interested in picking this up, it’s still available through Molsook Records. Definitely pick up and be sure to check out some more videos of Gull in action on MySpace or by browsing around on Youtube. Very cool.

Puerto Rico Flowers - 4 12'' EP // Contest! (read for details)

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 06:11:00 +0000

Apologies for the string of inactivity around here the past week. Needless to say this month hasn’t exactly kicked off 2010 the way I would have liked it to and really am going to be quite happy when this month is over. Enough with that though…

For the past week I’ve been driving to and from work in an almost surreal sort of fog that finally lifted over the past couple or so days. Just the sort of gray and bleak conditions that if I had the choice I would have probably stayed inside the whole week. And even with it now gone, I still think I’ve only seen the sun maybe once or twice in the past two weeks. Of course, right at the beginning of this whole crap filled span of weather I would receive the debut EP 4 from John Sharkey’s new post-Clockcleaner project Puerto Rico Flowers. Those that have been reading for awhile probably know that I am definitely a fan of Clockcleaner, especially their last album Babylon Rules. Obviously the excitement to hear this new project and sound was at a pretty high level. Getting back to what I was saying though, this arrived probably right at the most opportunistic moment because what better time to listen to such a bleak offering of tunes than when the surrounding landscape is at its ugliest. It’s perfect, and probably the only thing that kept my sanity for these past few days, allowing me to sort of wallow in Sharkey’s minimalist approach of death-doom-gloom inspired rock. Nothing but bass, drums, and Sharkey’s immediately recognizable vocals grace the four songs on this EP, uncompromisingly plodding and dragging the listener down with it. Call it gothic, coldwave, whatever…the slow resurgence of this sort of thing will be welcomed with open arms by me. There are still qualities that I think fans of Clockcleaner and other past projects will appreciate, however the subject matter is certainly a change of pace.

Puerto Rico Flowers – Let’s Make Friends [MP3]

I happen to have a spare copy of this fine EP, so what better thing to do than give it away to someone out there. Surprisingly, I’ve never held a contest of any kind on the blog over the three or so years it’s been online. I wouldn’t really consider this much of a contest though as the only thing you need to do have a chance at winning is shoot me an e-mail with “Puerto Rico Flowers Giveaway” as the subject head or something along those lines. Basically just let me know you want to be entered. I’ll keep track and choose someone at random (method to be determined) on the 30th of this month. So yeah, my e-mail is up near the top right of the page. Get on it.

For those that don't like to gamble, it was just made available through Fan Death Records a few days ago, so be sure to pick this up if you’re enjoying the tune above. It comes with a nice high quality MP3 download as well.

Truth From Facts - 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 06:47:00 +0000

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.

Caterpillar Tracks & Arms Exploding - Split 7''

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:43:00 +0000

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!

Slavescene - Fuck Off Away From Me 7"

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:34:00 +0000

Slavescene are certainly doing more than enough to grab my attention. They made an appearance not too long ago here on the blog as part of the split cassette they did with MLU featuring a ripping live set. This single is one of the bands more recent releases out now on Deranged Records. They also have a new demo that was available on tour; however there is a full download of it over at the excellent I Could Die Tomorrow blog. This single features two new cuts from the band that actually has sees them slowing things down a bit instead of some of the more blistering paced songs that were on the bands other demo Heaven Only Knows. I must say I like this direction, the b-side “Shit Gait” is especially pounding and should alleviate some of the Drunkdriver comparisons that some of the earlier material garnered them. I would gladly take either but these newer songs, both here on this single and the ones found on their most recent demo, hint at what could be some very exciting future material to come from these guys.

Slavescene – Shit Gait [MP3]

For those looking to pick this up, it appears that Deranged is still selling them…so I assume they are still available. 500 on blue, so pick this up while it’s still out there.

Michael Jordan & Rainbow Party - Split Cassette

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 06:50:00 +0000

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.

Ex Wives - Fucking Dutch 7''

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:12:00 +0000

After reading the bands fake bio, I actually kind of want to hear the band that is portrayed in it. Who wouldn’t want to hear a band of two divorced women and a drum machine making noise loosely based off of the Michael Douglas & Demi Moore flick Disclosure?

As interesting as that sounds, it would probably be more humorous than actually listenable on a musical quality. So what we do have in Ex Wives are three guys from Glasgow that seem to get overly enthusiastic about the same sort of indie/noise that makes appearances here on the blog on a continual basis. So naturally the four songs on Fucking Dutch, their second release and first for Radio is Down, are heavily inspired by the familiar sounds of 90’s indie. It’s pretty easy to tag these guys as similar to Shellac, but really I think if it wasn’t for the singer’s voice that wouldn’t be so much the case. Yeah, Ex Wives also employ a liberal amount of the same razor sharp guitar sound that also makes it way back to Albini. This kind of remains hidden though as the band veers off into a heftier and chunkier melodic style than rather the oppressive monotonous nature of say Shellac. But really though, aside from these four songs on Fucking Dutch (which are all pretty solid by the way) and the two from their CD-R release, that’s all there is to go on for now and they are plenty good enough to get me interested in what these guys have lined up for the future.

Ex Wives – Otters [MP3]

Fucking Dutch is available now through Radio is Down for those interested. The bands 3” CD-R single is also available for download from the band by simply visiting their MySpace page.

Kuan - On/Standby

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 06:45:00 +0000

Kuan are a Dayton, Ohio instrumental group that recently passed along their EP On/Standby to me. In actuality it’s two discs, however one of this discs (the “Standby” one) serves as basically a bonus disc of material the band put together while a three piece back in 2007. While paired up with the actual EP “On”, it provides an interesting parallel between where they started and what they’ve worked towards becoming for the six songs that are contained on the disc. Kind of a nice thing to do and an incentive to picking this up I’d say. The screen printed artwork is also a nice added touch.

As for the music, the On portion of the release is where the majority will want to be focusing. There is a nice mixture of post-rock, jazz, and math-rock influences bouncing around in Kuan’s music with some smartly placed guitar effects put to use as well. One thing that I immediately enjoyed was how the second track “G” comes in from a bit of an intro and really sets the tone for the EP with a much more bouncy upbeat quality that I think a lot of post-rock/math-rock groups tend to completely dismiss. Kuan seem to be able to jam out in an improvisational fashion, however seem just as interested in piecing together a nice hook or melody as well. It all just kind of makes you feel good, which is odd to say…but it really does put me in a better mood. At close to 40 minutes on just these six songs alone, there is plenty to wrap your head around.

Kuan – G [MP3]

For those interested in picking this up, it’s available through the band directly on their MySpace or you could hit up CD Baby and get it there. Either way, if you like the posted tune above, it’s definitely worth grabbing.

Monthly Mix: December 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 06:20:00 +0000

Hope everyone had a nice New Years. I wanted to get this up before the holiday, however work kept me a bit busier than I’d anticipated and thus put on hold for a little bit. I suppose this is a good way to kick off 2010 though, so maybe it all works out. This was a busy month in general really, so the mix this probably has a bit more golden oldies on it than usual. As usual, if you like what you hear then click on the artist links for a place to pick up the tunes, where applicable of course. Updates shall resume as normal, as I have a couple or so more things to get up on the blog this week. In the meantime, enjoy!

01 – Babe the Blue Ox – Snicker
02 – No Balls – Come Clean
03 – Vergogne – France a Fric
04 – 1994! – Reptile Dysfunction
05 – Dethscalator – Canadians
06 – Bob Evans – Ayer
07 – Harry Pussy – I Fought the Police
08 – Galen – Hey Hey Jodie Mecanic
09 – Gold Standard – Motor Skills are Hard to Control
10 – My Mind – Air Tomb
11 – Loves Ugly Children – Suck (Single Version)
12 – Thoughts of Ionesco – Withdrawal Syndrome
13 – Slowride – Rust Killer
14 – MSL JAX – Guys Like Me
15 – Taco Leg – Freemasons’ Hall
16 – Crush Kill Destroy – Toreader
17 – Corndolly – Angie
18 – Wormdoom – One Way

Download (.zip file)

Pollution - n.s. Drugs 7"

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 06:52:00 +0000

Probably should have had this mentioned among my favorite singles this year, however kind forgot that it got the vinyl treatment thanks to Desensitized Records. I keep thinking of it as a cassette, which is what it was originally released on/as. But yeah, let me clear it up now and say that this SHOULD have been listed as well, because this thing rocks. Pollution does some good old fashioned nasty hardcore/noise-rock through five songs on this 45, although for those lucky enough to have the cassette version…it contains a pretty great cover of the Lush song “Downer”. They get points for that choice alone. Things on the A-side get loud and have a bit of an AmRep-ish ugly quality to them and there is not a bad thing to say about a song as head stompingly heavy as “Fuck Hope”. The B-side mixes in a more standard hardcore number with “Reds” followed by an interlude/noise piece of sorts with “Ashes III”. Pollution doesn’t stop there and figures to cover more ground by turning up the metal a bit for the final song “D-IX”, just listen to the riffing. No matter what they choose to do, they seem to be doing it rather well. This shouldn’t be missed.

Pollution – Fuck Hope [MP3]

The band also has a 12” floating about through Feast of Tentacles that if you can get a copy of that, would be much recommended. For the n.s. Drugs 7”, it would appear that both Deranged and Sorry State have copies of these still available in their distros. Get on it while they are still out there.

The Cold Beat & Movers and Shakers - Split 7"

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 06:12:00 +0000

This is an upcoming split from two Boston based bands The Cold Beat and Movers & Shakers drumming up the old roots/Americana rock territory that immediately sends you thinking of the obvious comparisons. You know them; I don’t need to go through them. Anyway, The Cold Beat apparently already has an EP to their name titled Dumbwaiter. If it’s like the two songs on this split then I may very well be tracking that down. They seem to be playing it more towards the straight forward indie-rock line, with a couple songs here that throw some big melodies and a memorable chorus at you while still managing to get you feeling down and out. Although it’s not revolutionary by any means, it’s solid stuff. I can get behind a tune like “Tracks” just about anytime I hear it.

The Movers & Shakers side is definitely mining the alt-country of the past couple decades much harder than their companions here, however again it’s done tastefully. I would have to say “Movin’ On” wins out as far as their songs go. Although maybe not intentional, their style of play and general tone makes for a good contrast of emotions from side A to side B with The Cold Beat channeling a bit of desperation while Movers & Shakers provide a bit warmer sound with a glimmer of hope.

The Cold Beat – Tracks (stream)
Movers & Shakers – Movin’ On (stream)

Be on the lookout for this split come early January. In the meantime continue to check in on the bands for more information on this split and to pick up any previous material.

FNU Ronnies - Golem (US reissue cassette)

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:29:00 +0000

Hope everyone had a nice holiday. I am just now finally catching my breath a bit after the wonderful snow storm we had here in the Midwest made things that much more busy/hectic around here. I don’t think I’ve ever had Christmas feel like it drug on as long as it did this year. But no matter, I am looking forward to 2010 as BOAWS enters into its fourth year of existence (wow really?). Many thanks to everyone that has left comments, sent e-mails, and to all of the labels who have been very cool and supportive.

A slew of new (or in this case re-issued) releases hit my doorstep during this month that I’ve been meaning to get up on the blog, but a flurry of outside activity has really hampered many attempts of doing so. This one from weirdo noise-rockers FNU Ronnies was actually released as a hard to obtain cassette release in Denmark before being released on a one-sided 12” inch earlier this year through Night People. This US cassette re-issue of the Golem EP however contains a bit of a bonus for those that may have missed out on the previous two releases or to anyone that just can’t get enough of this band. Along with the three songs that destroyed skulls originally, those interested can pick this up and hear a seventeen minute long exclusive b-side that again pounds and blasts forth in the sort monotonous and somewhat hypnotizing fashion that these guys are amazingly good at. While I wouldn’t typically say pick this up if you already have one of the other versions, this is definitely worth grabbing for the price since it’s on cassette. It features different artwork too, if that matters at all. Plus, “Golem Smoke” is just a really good track…why wouldn’t you want multiple copies of it?

FNU Ronnies – Golem Smoke [MP3]

For those interested in grabbing this, just head on over to Fan Death Records where they have this and many other excellent items from this past year up for sale. Hop on if you’re enjoying what you hear.

BOAWS Top 20 Records of 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:20:00 +0000

Well it appears that 2009 is about to come to a close and in preparation I’ve spent a portion of my time this weekend putting together that inevitable task of a year end list. After looking through it a couple times now, I feel like this was a pretty strong year for releases and it seems like a fitting list to cap off a decade or to kick off the fourth year of BOAWS. Either way, I hope everyone enjoys the list and possibly finds some more music to listen to along the way. However, to start things off here is a list of singles that came out this year that deserve some mention here:

Condominium – Barricade (Fashionable Idiots)
Drunkdriver - Knife Day (Fan Death)
Grids – PGCOBUIBQTAUWTCS (Lunchbox)
Kim Phuc – Weird Skies (Deer Skull)
Pigeon Religion – Dead Boss (Gilgongo)
Pigeon Religion – Scorpion Milk (Parts Unknown)
Pop. 1280 – Bedbugs (Self-Released)
Sleepwall – Is That Factual (Toxic Pop)
Sun God – (S)pain (Pizza Pants)
Watery Love – Debut 45 (Richie)

Now on to the albums…

20. Double Dagger – More
[Thrill Jockey]
Buy It!
Having Double Dagger’s third album More here opening the list has me realizing that this year was in fact a pretty decent year for music, at least for me. I obviously can’t speak for every other obsessive music listener out there currently compiling a list. But anyway, Double Dagger signed to Thrill Jockey and didn’t miss a beat in delivering an album that…well…sounded like Double Dagger but with some more rhythm and pop and that little bit of added flavor just made them that much better. One of Baltimore’s finest remained just that.

Double Dagger - The Lie/The Truth [MP3]

19. Black Cock – Robot Child With a God Complex
[Australian Cattle God]
Buy It!
Took a flyer on Robot Child With a God Complex and it paid off with a completely unexpected mixture of Jesus Lizard-ish riffing and a heavy dosage of synth. I know that doesn’t exactly sound appetizing on paper. Hell, if someone would have just told me that I would have had a much harder time of bringing myself to listen to this album, however thankfully I didn’t have any idea of what I was walking into and this band pulls it all off rather well. It’s an interesting spin on a familiar sound that is already good in its own right.

Black Cock - Harvey's Machine [MP3]

18. Francis Harold & The Holograms – Who Said These Were Happy Times
[Going Underground & Square Wave]
Buy It!
First and foremost this has an excellent cover for what is an equally excellent album that delivers some seriously off the rocker lo-fi garage rock/noise. You don’t need to look at this album more than once to know that this is going to be a pretty large scuzzfest and it most certainly is. Lots of distortion, howling, and plain insanity. Coming off some fine 7-inches, this album easily lives up to the same sort of ugliness that preceded it. There is just nothing good natured about it at all, way creepy and entirely better for it.

Francis Harold & The Holograms - Glitter Girls [MP3]

17. TODD – Big Ripper
[Riot Season]
Buy It!
Here’s kudos to Riot Season for getting this album out there. I honestly didn’t expect to ever see another TODD album, but this came as a late ’09 surprise that I’ve been enjoying immensely. Due to the name I always picture TODD as a person who shows up to the party, drinks everyone’s beer, starts plenty of fights, and then starts throwing things around. Big Ripper sounds like the end result of all that, or really just things being thrown around. It’s blown out, nasty, and looking to take you down with it. For anyone that is already a fan of the band, then Big Ripper is only going to make you smile.

TODD - Happy Easter Florida [MP3]

16. Long Legged Woman – Nobody Knows This is Nowhere
[Pollen Season]
Buy It!
This probably came in the most outrageous package that I received all year in the mail. An oversized cardboard collage mess that I am sure the mailman thought better to leave on my doorstep rather than ring the doorbell in fear of who may answer. While the record itself isn’t of that sort of insanity, it does manage to provide a bit of a grungy riff rock throwback mixed in with some of today’s no budget rock sort of traits. The song “When I Was Asleep” was definitely up there in my favorite tracks I heard this year. The whole album is solid and takes on a few different styles as it progresses as well.

Long Legged Woman - When I Was Asleep [MP3]

15. Rusted Shut – Dead
[Load]
Buy It!
Another record I also had no idea was coming out. Anything new from Rusted Shut is more than welcome however. There really is no reason to go into great detail as to why this album is here on this list or, even more so, what it sounds like. Most people who stop by this blog every so often probably already know what the band sounds like and in fact have this record. But for shits and giggles I’ll put it simply as “very pissed off and noisy”. Rusted Shut assuredly has earned the right to be considered kings of hate fueled noise-rock and Dead does nothing to take away from that.

Rusted Shut - Feelin' Weakened [MP3]

14. New Brutalism – Actual Record
[ABC Documentation & Rejuvenation]
Buy It!
It’d been awhile since I had heard from New Brutalism before this record came out. Actual Record continues forth with the sort of razor guitar shred that the band has treated us with during their previous releases. Song wise however, this is definitely the strongest of the batch I’ve heard yet and the lead track “063” is probably one of the best things they’ve laid to tape yet. The obvious comparison has always been Shellac and that sort of ilk, but New Brutalism does the style much justice and hopefully continues onward doing so instead of going dormant for a long period of time. These guys definitely need to be around and deserve any attention thrown their way.

New Brutalism - 063 [MP3]

13. The Sky Drops – Bourgeois Beat
[Fridabear]
Buy It!
A long time in the waiting, The Sky Drops got their debut album out this year after a largely praised EP back in 2006. The uncertainty of what direction the band was going to take after such a gap between releases and upon hearing early versions of a couple songs had my expectations for the release sort of down when it arrived in my mailbox. Bourgeois Beat erased many of those uncertainties within the first few tracks, capitalizing on the same rock driven shoegaze that graced their EP. This thing is full of great melodies and the vocal combination between Rob Montejo and Monika Bullette is top notch.

The Sky Drops - Truth Is [MP3]

12. Hawks – Barnburner
[Army of Bad Luck]
Buy It!
There is much to like about this record if the terms AmRep and noise-rock mean anything to you. Hawks are one of many bands that currently share adoration for such things, but rather than come off as nothing more than imitators the band as a whole revel in all of the perversity and noise. The vocalist Michael Keenan, between his mad howls and lyrics, make the music even more sinister due to his presence. Thus making Barnburner one of the more inspired and thrilling listens to make the rounds in recent years.

Hawks - The Thrust That Missed [MP3]

11. The Life and Times – Tragic Boogie
[Arena Rock]
Buy It!
This was certainly one of my most anticipated releases of the year. A record that had me crossing my fingers and hoping that the band would create something that realized their immense potential. In the end, I’d say it came very close. Tragic Boogie retains the characteristically large Midwestern sound while pushing it towards the sort of sonic territory that bands like MBV, Swervedriver, etc had explored at various points in their lifespan. Having as much time as needed in the studio was definitely benefiting to Allen Epley and crew, as the album unfolds in the sort of epic fashion that the band had always hinted at in their live settings with songs that remain highly memorable long after the record has finished.

The Life and Times - Let it Eat [MP3]

10. Pygmy Shrews – The Egyptian
[Wantage USA]
Buy It!
Judging from what I’ve heard come out of the east coast this year, I’m lead to believe just about everyone from that side of the country is pretty angry. At the very least, they sure give the impression as a vastly more irritated and antisocial part of the country. Of course I am probably wrongly basing this on a handful of bands similar to that of Pygmy Shrews that have been ushering in a bit of a noise-rock revival of sorts. The Shrews, whom share members of Drunkdriver, ZS, The Fugue, etc. released this smoking LP this year through the great Wantage USA and it rips through ten tracks in just around twenty five minutes. Those interested in some noisy rock with a bit more underneath the surface going on, would do well in checking this one out.

Pygmy Shrews - Xuxa [MP3]

09. The G – Hold My Gold
[Shdwply]
Buy It!
Seemingly a bit out of place on the Shdwply roster, this one took me a bit by surprise for that very reason. This isn’t some bedroom pop or heavy throwback garage rock stuff, this sounds like something that would have come out on a number of mainstay indie labels in the 90’s. It’s a bit grungy but at the same time carries far more emotion than that with some classic pop/punk influences scattered about for good measure. Really just a solid dosage of hazy throwback indie-rock that shouldn’t be missed by those wanting a bit of nostalgia of heavy drinking, working a dead end job, and then going out and having a blast all night. Rinse and repeat. Good stuff.

The G - Trouble in Heat [MP3]

08. Shelflife – Shelflife
[Self-Released]
Download It!
This album probably netted the most response of anything I posted about this year whether it was through comments, other web mentions, or just e-mails. I had the privilege of getting to write about the album upon it being first made available for free download earlier this year. The group, which play a brand of mostly instrumental mathy Midwestern rock, are oddly enough from Denmark. If anything it’s been a treat getting to hear many of the sounds and influences that have come out of this small area of the US make it all the way over to a bunch of twenty something’s in Denmark of all places. Even more impressive is that they created an album that represents it so well but are clearly not creatively hamstringed by it. The melodies are some of the richest you’ll find and since it was mastered by that of Carl Amburn, it was a nice big thundering sound to it as well. Remember, it’s free for download…so there is no excuse in not taking a listen to this.

Shelflife - Tape Song [MP3]

07. Traindodge – I am Forever
[Ascetic]
Buy It!
At some point I just need to start omitting these guys (that won’t happen) from lists, etc. Somehow, every year that they put out an album they find their way onto my list of favorite records and I imagine people are beginning to think I have some weird bias. I really don’t however, it’s just I REALLY like what they do and continue to progress into. Probably one of the only bands that as they’ve changed sounds, styles, and incorporated different influences into their music I’ve been on board for damn near all of it. They just do no wrong to these ears. Their fifth album in roughly a decade saw the band heading further down a progressive rock path that turned out to be the groups most fully realized album to date if you ask me. Recorded by John Congleton (of Paper Chase fame) for the first time, I must say I am a fan of the less booming and dryer sound especially with the drums, which has nice crispness to them. The stripped down production actually works quite well for the band. As always I will be eagerly awaiting the next batch tunes from one of the Midwest’s finest and unsung bands.

Traindodge - The Best Thing You Never Said [MP3]

06. Keith Canisius - Waves
[Quince]
Buy It!
Waves is the second solo album from Keith Canisius, who has been refining his vision of bombastic Cocteau Twins influenced dream-pop for a while now. First giving us a taste with his project Rumskib and then moving on to his solo work. Waves is more or less a progression of that and a very good one as well. There is a bit more emphasis on ambient textures to be found on Waves and the inclusion of a few segue pieces made for a wonderfully enjoyable and coherent listen from start to finish. As usual there are layers upon layers of melodies to be found here, along with Canisius’ signature big programmed drum beats. Although, I’d say they are considerably more toned down here than they have ever been, and much more so than what were found on the Rumskib releases. While it most likely isn’t for everyone, fans of dream-pop should give Canisius a chance whether it is on Waves or any of his other releases.

Keith Canisius - Waves [MP3]

05. Love of Diagrams – Nowhere Forever
[Remote Control]
Buy It!
Before this album I had never really given Love of Diagrams a fair shake. I’d listened to their previous couple albums and just kind of nodded and continued on. However, the bands third album Nowhere Forever really grabbed me as soon as the first track came blaring out of my stereo speakers. The band has suddenly become louder and honestly sounds like a nifty combination of Amusment Parks on Fire’s large guitars and early underrated British act Bleach’s chord progressions. The results are much more rocking than anything that I’d expected, that’s for sure. The band can also lay claim to recording one of my absolute tracks this year in “Lookout”. If you dig it, then this album has plenty more catchy indie-rock to go around with a bit of shoegaze influence mixed in here and there as well.

Love of Diagrams - Lookout [MP3]

04. The Men – We are the Men
[Self-Released]
Buy It!
One of two four song 12” EP’s to make the top five (the other following this one). The first here was released by The Men and is yet again another group making plenty of noise out of the Brooklyn, NY area. The EP seems to span across a few different genres, kicking it off with a noisy blast of post-punk while then venturing into a more melodic and catchy tune like “The Man”. They finish things off by heading back into the blown out post-punk territory on “Sketchy Pussy”. I can’t really do this thing justice here, but what I will say and I hope that you trust me on it is that this EP completely rocks and I certainly hope more people have a chance to hear it. In fact the band has it for download on their site although if you like the track below, I do urge you to pick it up from Insound.

The Men - The Man [MP3]

03. Mayyors - Deads
[Mt. St. Mtn.]
Buy It!
It’s weird to think that with just eight minutes of music this band managed to make something that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed more so than a number of other fantastic releases this year. That right there should say plenty as to how great these guys and the four tracks that make up this release are. I never got around to writing about it on this blog, however I think it’s rather known by this point as to how stunningly good they are. Judging by how fast the first pressing of this EP sold out, I’d say many out there certainly agree. Those who haven’t heard Mayyors yet, well think of some of the best noisy scuzz rock that you can think of and then think of the first time you heard it. It’s like that, all over again. It’s absolutely great.

Mayyors - Clicks [MP3]

02. Twin Stumps – Twin Stumps
[Dias]
Buy It!
This record floored me from the second the needle hit the wax all the way until the very end. I was pretty high on it to begin with, but I don’t think I was quite expecting the sort of uncompromising relentless noise that spans across the six tracks included here on the groups debut full-length. I can say with all honesty that it’s been quite awhile since I’ve heard a record that sounds this evil and nasty. Props to the good album art as well, however none of that really matters once you throw this on and proceeds to destroy you. Mr. Owings over at Chunklet recently tagged this as a “stone cold classic” and I couldn’t agree more.

Twin Stumps - Scar [MP3]

01. Polvo – In Prism
[Merge]
Buy It!
Oh where do I being with this record? This was hands down the most anticipated release for me and I’m assuming a few others out there for the year of ’09. The “reunion” album can be a dreaded result at times. In fact, I’d say it often results in bad. However, Polvo has safely and easily joined the ranks of a few others such as Dino Jr. and Mission of Burma as bands that buck that trend and come back to release some of their finest work to date. In Prism is in many ways different than what I’d remembered of Polvo over their discography in the 90’s. However, In Prism still manages to be Polvo, if that makes any sense at all. Is it more focused? I don’t know, but the songs on In Prism sound tighter than just about anything else I’ve heard the band do. Some of the ins and outs of these songs still boggle my mind when I listen to them, most notably the set of songs that make up the second half of this record (“Lucia”, “Dream Residue/Work”, “Pedlar”, and “A Link in the Chain”), which is where this album REALLY gets rolling. If you can’t listen to “A Link in the Chain” and not get completely lost in it, then I just don’t know what to say…to each their own I guess. What a way to cap off the decade. Thank you Polvo.

Polvo - A Link in the Chain [stream]

Moonspeed - Flowers of the Moon

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:03:00 +0000

It appears that Flowers of the Moon is the official debut for Jeff Suthers’ project Moonspeed, which has been around in some form or another since 2003 or so. I remember hearing songs the Flight Approved website from way back that were pretty interesting and made appearances on a couple fairly limited run discs. This however is the full-fledged album from the band and it’s a welcome addition to the already lengthy number of solid records I’ve heard this year. Suthers along with Shannon Stein have both worked together for a number of years, originally hitting the ground running with the more shoegaze angled Volplane in the mid 90’s then moving on to the incredible but sadly departed Bright Channel throughout a good portion of the 00’s. The next logical step for them was to focus their attention on Moonspeed, which takes a lot of the great traits from both of those bands fleshes them out further by enlisting a much larger cast of musicians. There is eleven to be exact, counting both Suthers and Stein.

What has kept me coming back all the years to the work created by Suthers and his collaborators is their ability to make music that really develops and works within a certain mood. There are few that have done it better than them if you ask me. Bright Channel had a very unsettling coldness to the music that was greatly contrasted by the volume, however with Moonspeed much is subdued and the music paints more of a picture of isolation with the numerous airy melodies that make up the nine tracks on Flowers of the Moon. Whether this ends up being up the release from the band or not, the tracks record of the members involved will be more than enough to follow them to wherever they may end up. It’s worked thus far and Flowers of the Moon leaves me no reason to believe it won’t last.

Moonspeed – Harvest [MP3]

For those interested in picking up Flowers of the Moon, the band has it available through eCrater or CD Baby. No matter, pick this up if you like what you hear and be sure to check out any of the other acts on the Flight Approved roster while you’re at it.

Landlords - Wheelchair Night CS

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:27:00 +0000

Landlords are more scum peddling noise coming from the east coast. Picked up their debut release Wheelchair Night a couple or so weeks ago looking for exactly that and got it. This is pretty top notch twisted material that seems ride a bit of an early Swans vibe while being scrubbed down in some pretty nasty distortion. The opening track “Vanity Plates” sent me on a mad dash to the cassette deck as it sounded almost as if the tape itself was being eaten. Should have just guessed that it was the actual track and not my hardware, but this thing is a second hand deck after all and well…I don’t trust it THAT much. Anyway, take a listen a below…

Landlords – Indian Giver [MP3]

For those that wish to pick up this fine release, then just head on over to the bands MySpace page where they are offering them up for five bucks. Well worth it, so don’t miss out.

They Never Sleep - Mother Nature Sings Her Lullaby

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:47:00 +0000

I came as surprise to me a month or so ago to learn that Mike Hard was fronting a new band called They Never Sleep comprised of fellow former God Bullies David Livingston and Adam Berg along with Karen Neal (aka: Queen Bee) whom played with Hard in Thrall and The Brain Saw. Although I can’t say I was too big on Thrall, I can certainly get behind many of those God Bullies records and that alone warrants checking the bands debut record Mother Nature Sings Her Lullaby out.

To no ones surprise the album is high on the sleaze factor, that’s a good thing. Although I wouldn’t say it touches the sort of terrifying levels that the Bullies’ Mamawombwomb achieved. If you’re reading this and haven’t heard that record then stop what you’re doing, find it, and listen to it. Mother Nature Sings Her Lullaby sounds every bit as inspired as one could hope however, and Hard certainly sounds like he is having as good of a time as ever trying to make anyone listening or near him uncomfortable. Along with the songs being pretty rockin’, it definitely makes me want to see them live as I guessing that’s where the real treat is. However, for a band that probably relies heavily on their stage so, the album definitely succeeds on its own merits in terms of songwriting and drudging up a nice filthy rock n’ roll affair.

They Never Sleep – Never Enough (stream)

For those interested in picking this up, it’s currently available from the band on CD in a limited run of 1000. Definitely put down the cash for it if you like what you hear or just have big craving for nostalgia.

Magic People - You Are the Magic People LP

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:59:00 +0000

Seems like I’ve seen You Are the Magic People mentioned all throughout the year from the Boston based arty noise-rock unit Magic People, yet I didn’t really realize it hadn’t actually been released. I think that may be about to change, albeit it may be in a very limited run through Oklo Audio here in the near future.

Magic People, during their nearly 5 year run of existence, has seen a number of changes over that time however has emerged as essentially the core of former Neptune and Grand Island drummer John Manson (now on bass) and keyboardist Al Deaderick. Together along with a cast including Jesse Hubbell (guitar/percussion) and Joshua Owsley (drums/saxophone) they recorded You Are the Magic People to be released on Oklo Audio. Those familiar with Manson’s previous groups don’t need much an introduction to Magic People. The odd sounds and lyrical wit that surrounded those outfits manage to work its way into a portion of Magic People’s material. On You Are the Magic People however, the groups sound is largely driven by an alternating assignment of consistent grooves provided by either Manson or Deaderick, which at times sound like a demented theme for a children’s show when paired with the spoken word and borderline ranting lyrical style of Manson. It’s not necessarily out of left field weirdo, but it certainly keeps things interesting and songs like “The Pigeon and The Eggs” and “Fuck the Wind” contain a deceptively catchy quality to them that has me repeating them over and over again. It’s a solid record for sure that fits right along with many of the great experimental/noise-rock related material that Boston spawned over the years.

Magic People – Fuck the Wind [MP3]

While the physical album doesn’t appear to be available quite yet, it has been made available freely through online label Inman Street Records. If you like what you hear definitely drop them a five dollar donation which I am sure would be much appreciated. While you’re there…download that Reports LP they have available too. Keep checking up on the bands Facebook page or the Oklo Audio blog for information on LP version of You Are the Magic People.

Festering Rinyanyons - Peacful Easy Feelin' 7'' (1993, Bovine)

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:37:00 +0000

Here is a single from the underrated Dekalb, IL trio Festering Rinyanyons. They were around for a short period in the early 90’s and released three or so singles and a full-length record before splitting up. This one, the Peacful Easy Feelin’ 7-inch, happens to be from the great Madison, WI based Bovine Records and contains a couple songs that I don’t think appeared elsewhere. Those that haven’t heard the band, well…it’s pretty much right in line with all of the scuzzy sort of noise-rock/punk that spilled out during that time. Their full-length Flatlander Recluse was released in 1994 on Bovine as well, and the band seemingly deteriorated not long after that. Not really sure what the members are doing these days. Bob Schaeffer was part of a side project with Todd Rittman, Tim Meshcer, & Mike Waterman called Double Boar that released a single on yet again…Bovine. Schaeffer has since done solo work that I know of but that’s as far as my knowledge extends. Other Rinyanyons member Jace Krause dabbled in electronics under the moniker of Lost in Translation for awhile.

Festering Rinyanyons – Satisfaction Slips Away [MP3]
Festering Rinyanyons – Steve Johnson Society [MP3]

If you’re enjoying that and don’t already have it, definitely track down their full-length. Well worth it.

The Chinese Stars - Heaven on Speed Dial LP

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:42:00 +0000

The Internet used to seem like a really endless source of things to do and check out, but these days as I’ve gotten progressively more spoiled by its abundant amount of information and entertainment, it’s become a bit more difficult. However, if there is still one go to activity of choice to do, it’s read peoples reactions to an album like Heaven on Speed Dial by The Chinese Stars from someone who has probably only ever been asked to say nice things about Nickelback. It’s pretty good entertainment really and I am thankful for the fact that this does indeed happen.

Anyway, if you haven’t already gathered, Heaven on Speed Dial is the new album from The Chinese Stars and has recently been released on Anchor Brain Records. If you didn’t care for Arab on Radar at all, then this probably isn’t going to float your boat either. However, if you did then this may be well worth checking out. Consisting of former Arab on Radar members Eric Paul and Craig Kureck, they’ve continued on with The Chinese Stars to make their brand of completely freaked out bright lighted post-punk and Heaven on Speed Dial is the third installment from the band. While I don’t know if this is “danceable” or not as described elsewhere, it certainly would make dance clubs an ounce more tolerable. Although, I am hard pressed to believe that anyone would ever come back if this came on. And in hindsight, that would likely be for the better as well. In short, The Chinese Stars deliver again in radical fashion.

The Chinese Stars – Rabbit Face [MP3]

Those interested in picking up Heaven on Speed Dial, can do so through Anchor Brain. The LP comes with a download code as well.