Tuesday 30 June 2020

***LYED + VIENTRE split exclusive premiere***

'Split 2020'
exclusive split premiere
For fans ofThe Bled, Shin Guard, Joliette and Viva Belgrado

LYED

Initially set for a late May release, this stellar split was pushed back a month so I've been jamming this thing for quite some time so I can say without a doubt that it's fucking killer. LYED are from Texas and have been around since 2013, play metallic hardcore/screamo and I even helped release their 2017 12"LP 'The Immolated Earth'. VIENTRE features members of Mico and play a very chill, beautiful but still cathartic brand of screamo from Colombia not unlike Viva Belgrado and Joliette.

LYED had the following to say about the split's origins:

"The idea for the split came around June 1019 (almost exactly a year ago) when Vientre did a US tour and Lyed booked a few dates with them in Texas. The connection between both bands started back in 2018 when Lyed did a tour in Mexico. Lyed had started to make some lineup changes ever since the release of the 2017 full length “The immolated earth.” For the Mexico 2018 tour we had Gabo from Saton fill in on drums and played all the dates with Emilio from Saton’s other band at the time, Derriben al Rey. They introduced us to Vientre’s music since then and eventually Lyed had the opportunity to play those Texas shows with them. We talked about the idea of releasing a split, and finally once Lyed realized a solid lineup in late 2019, headed to the studio to record two songs, which are the ones on the split. Vientre did the same and both bands have been planning the release since March 2020. For obvious reasons 2020 has not been a regular year at all, for which we’ve had to postpone the release until now. We’d love more than anything for people to listen to these songs given all the work and extreme patience we’ve had to endure to not only solidify our lineup, but also coordinate with our friends in Colombia. Lyed had plans to tour with Vientre to support this release and look forward to fulfilling all these plans in the future. Lyed’s also begun writing for an EP which will hopefully see the light of day before the end of 2020. Both bands appreciate all of the help provide by everyone involved in this project."

A tape limited release (50 copies) is now up for pre-sale at lyed.bigcartel.com, linked here.


(2020) LYED's side of 'Vientre split'
"Shadow Lands" is pretty short and quite aggressive, leaving behind the skin of their 2017 LP for they've obviously outgrown it. "Holy Locust" is longer (3:30) and dips into some post-realms, but it creates and excellent mood and still slaps.

(2020) VIENTRE's side of 'Lyed split'
"Zaga / Luna Roja" is on the band's more relaxed side and features more clean than screamed vocals, but as they can sing with the best of'em that's fine by me. "Frontieras" is much more cathartic and features a whole lotta screaming and some truly excellent guitar tones.


Monday 29 June 2020

***PODCAST #45 - Jesse Mowery (In Wolves Clothing/Apostles Of Eris)***


There's so much to say about my good friend Jesse Mowery than I wouldn't even know where to start. Oh wait...yeah I do. Love you, buddy. You've been the best touring buddy I could ask for. You let me scream over your incredible music. You also show me tons of amazing bands. So besides skinning a suitcase alive and giving its skin to an amp to wear like a goddamned second layer we discuss his bands (primarily Dawn, Marj, Karoshi, Altar Of Complaints and In Wolves Clothing) and listen to six other fantastic ones. Podcast #45 is available to stream and/or download for free via this link.

IN WOLVES CLOTHING

APOSTLES OF ERIS
Bandcamp
1
BLAME GAME - "Bankalaria" (Jesse)

2
MATHS "Culpa(Dave)
BLACK EYES - "Pack of Wolves" (Jesse)

3
HERCULES HERCULES - "Red Makes White(Dave)
LAUDARE - "Mania the Virtuous" (Jesse)
NOW NOW EVERY CHILDREN - "Not One, But Two(Dave)

~Dave

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PODCAST #45 linked here
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Friday 26 June 2020

***HAPPY VALLEY exclusive video premiere***

"Achilles"
exclusive music video premiere
For fans ofDemersal, Long Distance Runner and R. Josef


Sweet as! I've got a mean exclusive music video to show you from Wellington, New Zealand's HAPPY VALLEY. After releasing a solid debut EP in 2019 they're back with this first single titled "Achilles" as a stand-alone single before they release their new EP and it's a fucking banger. The song was recorded by Joram Adams, mixed by Fabian Prinzen and mastered by Will Killingsworth with the video being directed, written and produced by Adam Joseph Browne. Members have also played in Sicari, Tempered and Todesnot.

(2020) HAPPY VALLEY "Achilles"

Lying somewhere between darkened post-hardcore, black metal and screamo, the song wastes no time drowning the listener in desperate screams. As the ascent on the stairs begin the drums double-up, creating a very tangible and frightening experience. At 1:40 the climax hits and it's extremely gratifying, thus concluding a most excellent new single.

Monday 22 June 2020

***PODCAST #44 - Seb Alvarez (Meth/Virgin Mother)***

Seb Alvarez is synonymous with sick-ass music, plain and simple. Residing in Chicago, he has played in a multitude of bands including Meth., Carnivores At Grace, Liberal Scum, Tweak, Other Masquerades, Split Tongue, Citrus Wavelengths, Wild Abandon, Cadence Fox and his new solo project Virgin Mother. I was supposed to meet Seb with Meth. who were set to play Zegema Beach Records Fest 2020 but then covid happened, so we decided to do this instead. We obviously grew up with similar music and I felt like we connected really well considering this was the first time that we've ever spoke. Find out a ton of info including his initial music sources, the band that impacted him enough to start one, his sources for genre-hopping, Meth., Virgin Mother and a ton more. Podcast #44 is available to stream and/or download for free via this link.

VIRGIN MOTHER

SEB ALVAREZ
Bandcamp

METH.
1
ZACH HILL - "Face Tat" (Seb)

2
BLACKLISTERS "Mouthpiece(Dave)
GILA MONSTER - "I've been thinking of becoming celibate" (Seb)

3
SINE NOMINE "Today There Was An Outbreak Of West African Killer Bees Along The Alaskan Pipeline(Dave)
NITKOWSKI - "Broken Rites" (Seb)
OKTOBER SKYLINE - "The Story of Jimmy Plaid Pants(Dave)

~Dave

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PODCAST #44 linked here
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Saturday 20 June 2020

***2020 OMSB mp3 Mix #7 (July)***

(((((OPENmind/SATURATEDbrain)))))
June 2020 updates

***
Okay straight-up, since COVID I've been in overdrive and am burning out fast. Having my two kids home with no school occupies my days and Zegema Beach Records occupies my nights. I will keep doing this cuz I love it, but as summer approaches I will forced to do about 1-2 posts per week. If school is full-on come September I can get back on track, otherwise this is the new norm. I'm tossing out the blog mixes unless someone actually complains, cuz I don't think they are really downloaded and it takes a good hour to get everything in order. In the future I will use the posts as a recap and give exclusive Zegema Beach Records news and contests.

SUPPORT BLACK LIVES MATTER and please EDUCATE YOURSELF


Here's the tracklisting for OMSB mix#5 that was reviewed in May/June:

1) KUROI AME - "Black Rain"

2) STREGA MORTA - "Hedge Apple"

3) DEAD HOUR NOISE - "In Shackles"

4) VON WOLFE - "The Great Kneer"

5) BURIAL DANCE - "A Shadow"

Much love,

Dave @ (((((OPENmind/SATURATEDbrain)))))

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ZBR Store/Bandcamp

NUVOLASCURA - 'As We Suffer From Memory And Imagination' LP
OKTOBER SKYLINE - 'Diskokraphy' LP
cassette (order here for US / here for everywhere else)
(listen here)



MATTACHINE - 'Isolation as a Form of Torture' EP
BLUE NOISE - 'World of Harm' LP


CROSSED - 'Barely Buried Love' LP
MAHRIA - 'Analemma' cassetteLP

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***Interviews/live shows/premieres coming up this month for sure:
- Seb Alvarez (of Meth. / Virgin Mother / Carnivores At Grace / etc.) podcast
- Jesse Mowery (of In Wolves' Clothing / Apostles Of Eris / Majorel / etc.) podcast
- Sean Leary (of Loma Prieta / Elle / Stormlight / etc.) podcast
- Mark Boulanger (of Massa Nera / Our Wits That Make Us Men / Miriam / etc.) podcast
- a Tarquin review (I swear)
- DEAD HOUR NOISE exclusive interview (I swear)

***Interviews/live shows/premieres posted last month:
Lucas Norman (my son) podcast
NEW FORMS podcast
- OBROA-SKAI podcast
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Any bands/labels that are interested in having their stuff reviewed, please email zegemabeachrecords@gmail.com: with "Open Mind Saturated Brain" as the subject. Please keep in mind that I don't review everything, just what jives with the blog. I will, however, listen to everything you send me. I would recommend emailing with an idea for a song/album premiere 2 months prior to that song/album release date for a much stronger chance at being reviewed on this blog. Bands that have already had their discography reviewed can also submit new albums for review if they include song/album premieres.

Friday 12 June 2020

***PODCAST #43 - Amy + Cory (Obroa-skai/Rayleigh)***

Who doesn't love Amy and Cory? Honestly? These two have been ridiculously active in the Edmonton scene for years, as both played in Rayleigh and now rock out with Durell in OBROA-SKAI. My partner Lisa and I got along with the two of them swimmingly at 2019's Zegema Beach Records Fest so we decided to do a double-date podcast. Find out the couple's origin story, what they're gearing up for, and why your band should play Edmonton if going playing Western Canada. If you haven't checked out their new split with Ysidro and 4-Way with Coma Regalia, Indisposed and 소나기 then you can by clicking through the OBROA-SKAI bandcamp below. If interested, you can check out the podcast I did with Durell right here in which we also discuss his old band Mahria. Podcast #43 is available to stream and/or download for free via this link.


OBROA-SKAI

1
ASPERGERS - "Пыли" (Dave)
ZETA "Mochima (feat. Alejandra Campos)(Amy+Cory)
DANIEL STRIPED TIGER - "Goldwood" (Lisa)

2
PYRAMIDS "Stationed(Cory)
BLACK CHANNELS - "Visit the Windows" (Dave)
MARÉE NOIRE - "Aller (Sans revenir)(Amy)MARA'AKATE - "Congratulations On Your Impending Nupitals" (Lisa+Dave)

~Dave

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PODCAST #43 linked here
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Thursday 11 June 2020

DEAD HOUR NOISE

GenresPunk / Hardcore / Metal / Chaotic Hardcore / Metallic Hardcore / Mathcore / Grindcore / Sludge
Related artistsCroatone and Reconnect.
CountryLansing, Michigan U.S.A.
Years Active2013-present
Song: "In Shackles"
Album: "Sleeping Dogs"
Year: 2020
For fans ofEvery Time I Die, Bleeding Kansas, Curl Up And Die, Von Wolfe, Converge, Lavotchkin, Creeper, Officer Jones And His Patrol Car Problems, Botch, Coarse, The Minor Times, Llynch, Dangers, Olam, Ken Mode, Orphan Donor and Norma Jean.
Label(s): Self Released / Tomb Tree Tapes / Silver Maple Kill Records
This post's artist is from the April 2020 Mix. This is track #3.
You can download: the May 2020 Mix#5 right here or get the new June 2020 Mix#6 here.

I first heard about DEAD HOUR NOISE when they sent me their 2020 'Sleeping Dogs' full length to review and I fell pretty hard for them. Right away there was a confidant swagger to their mathy, metallic hardcore approach that calls for comparisons to Every Time I Die, Curl Up And Die, Von Wolfe and Bleeding Kansas. I delved into their back catalogue and the following are my thoughts, but be sure to check out that new album (and cds from the band + gorgeous swirl tapes from the band and Tomb Tree Tapes) because it hits all the right notes if you like the aforementioned bands.

The band's hey-how-ya-doin' was 2014's 'Tension' which, when compared with pretty much everything released after, is dirtier, grittier and a bit less technical. It houses 8 tracks and for a debut this is fucking stellar, bringing to mind Curl Up And Die and Creeper in the way the songs seem to drip in black from the ceiling but are still fast and heavy enough to catch you by surprise and subsequently crush you. "Slumber" and "1960" are fast and deadly, both of which stay in the chaotic hardcore realm more than the mathy, metallic hardcore one you'll find them in now. The most out-of-the-box song is "Affliction" although closer and lengthiest number "Pardon Me" boasts some very different sounds which are still highly effective in kicking my ass. My personal favourite is "Sinner", although straight-forward in approach, it goes super hard and lays down some mad licks at around 40 seconds as well as a deathly breakdown thereafter.

After two decent tracks 'Bad Things Are Going To Happen To Good People' really gets going. "Gambler" is dirty-as-fuck with a breakdown at 45 seconds that is bloody disgusting. "Guerra" is chunky and apocalyptic with a bit of Botch going on and "Wood Chipper Abortion" is fantastic, sounding just like you think it does in a mere 30 seconds. Ace in the hole. "Dead Dreamer" is another righteous banger not unlike a dense, spastic ball of energy bouncing seemingly at random off the walls.

In 2017 they released a split 7" with Hordes, the first in the 'Hard Split' series, and their song "4138" is the bridge from the early material to the later, as once that breakdown hits just before the minute mark...well, that's essential DEAD HOUR NOISE right there.

First off, the production on 'Sleeping Dogs' is fantastic, making everything crystal clear. Opener "Scatter" wastes zero time in creating raw excitement, but it's at 50 seconds when the flexes a driving riff that eventually topples the entire song with a crippling breakdown. "The Texas Effect" is next and also boasts some seriously killer time signatures, shifts and another swelling, circular riff that ushers delicious screaming. The methodical breakdown in "Nerves" that crosses the three-minute mark is a joy to listen to on headphones, and good lord those drums kick-ass. "The Waltz" is more Ken Mode and Curl Up And Die then I think I've ever heard another band do, and it's done in DEAD HOUR NOISE-mashup style, making it even sicker. The nightmarish bass and drawn-out/eclectic screams lead into an insanely sludgy, stop-start at the two-minute mark, and is topped at four minutes with some mad Bleeding Kansas solos. "Vessel" is another banger that brings their Botch love to the foreground, while at 1:20 in "In Shackles" shit gets gets fucking wild, with the remainder of the song going so hard that I just have to mention The Minor Times. The most adventurous tune on this album is track 10's "Audience Joins Murder" which surpasses seven-and-a-half minutes, hitting all the major DHN hallmarks and adding a few ones, including that magnetic, epic riff that permeates the midsection of the song.

I should reiterate again that the Tomb Tree Tapes cassettes for 'Sleeping Dogs' are very sick and come on three variants (opaque swirl, transparent swirl & white) that can be picked up from the band or the ZBR distros. I've been interviewing the band and we just wrapped it up so expect that later June!

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DISCOGRAPHY

2014 - Tension cdEP (stream/donate/download here)

2016 - Bad Things Are Going To Happen To Good People LP (stream/donate/download here)

2017 - Hordes split 7" (stream/donate/download here)

2020 - Sleeping Dogs cd/cassetteLP (stream/donate/download here) [buy tape from ZBR U.S.A. or Canada/Internationally]

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(2020) DEAD HOUR NOISE - "Vessel" (from 'Sleeping Dogs')

(2020) DEAD HOUR NOISE - "The Waltz" (from 'Sleeping Dogs')

(2020) DEAD HOUR NOISE - "In Shackles" (from 'Sleeping Dogs')

(2017) DEAD HOUR NOISE - "4138" (from 'Hordes' split)

(2016) DEAD HOUR NOISE - "Guerra" (from 'Bad Things Are Going To Happen To Good People')

(2016) DEAD HOUR NOISE - "Gambler" (from 'Bad Things Are Going To Happen To Good People')

(2016) DEAD HOUR NOISE - "Dead Dreamer" (from 'Bad Things Are Going To Happen To Good People')

(2014) DEAD HOUR NOISE - "Sinner" (from 'Tension')

(2014) DEAD HOUR NOISE - "Pardon Me" (from 'Tension')

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DEAD HOUR NOISE additional links

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