Monday 30 September 2024

*** TERROR CELL exclusive song premiere ***

TERROR CELL
"Silent Rapture"
exclusive song premiere
For fans ofUnder The Pier.gif from god and Man Is The Most Dangerous Animal


     On November 1st, 2024 Fisher King Records will officially release the 'All Quiet' 12"LP by Richmond VA metallic hardcore/sludge/screamo heavyweights TERROR CELL. This final single is a short and fast foray into dissonant madness in the vein of Reversal of Man and Pageninetynine covering fascism under the guise of patriotism, and pushing for a call to action against capitalist pressures present in all aspects of modern society. The release show for 'All Quiet' is November 19th at the Camel in Richmond w/Ostraca, Beggars, and Kristeva!!! Goddamn!


(2024) TERROR CELL "Silent Rapture" (from 'All Quiet')

     The track begins with pure deception as a warbly country song (a live sample of John Prine’s "Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore", to be exact) dominates the first 26 seconds, at which point the listener gets a face-full of TERROR CELL. By the one-minute mark we've already moved into groovy breakdown territory, calling to mind greats like Bleeding Kansas and Under The Pier. The closing quarter sounds like a room with all the walls closing in, as it's claustrophobic as fuck and highly effective at kicking my ass. Lyrics below!


Wake from dreams in black and white 

To Waste away the years 

Tomorrow seems so out of reach 

Trapped in this routine 

Dreams of progress snuffed like flames 

To keep the machine alive 

They’ll let us burn if it means they’ll save

Money on burial plots 

Money for blood 

Power at any cost 

Shattered nerves 

In our hearts we’re numb 

Keep searching For a 

Reason to Go on 

Keep pulling 

At the chains that bind us


ADDITIONAL LINKS & WHATNOT


Wednesday 25 September 2024

JULIE

BandJULIE
For fans ofSmush, Ovlov, Sonic Youth, Bok Suna, Stove, Helmet, Nada Surf, My Bloody Valentine, Stomp Talk Modstone, The Smashing Pumpkins, Low, and Leavs.
GenresRock / Grunge / Alternative / Shoegaze
Related artistsXella.Fella.
CountryLos Angeles/Orange County, California U.S.A.
Years Active2020-present
Label(s): Self Released / Atlantic

     I recently was pointed in JULIE, the three-piece California band, who was riding some serious underground momentum at the time and has since signed to Atlantic Records. They just released their debut album 'my anti-aircraft friend' and if you haven't checked this sucker out, I couldn't recommend it any more. So here's the first "long" review I've done in quite some time, as this band deserves it.

     After releasing single "Flutter" (bass-heavy and droning) and the two-songer 'starjump/kit' (poppier) in 2020 the band released their 'pushing daisies' EP in 2021 that showed their growth and honing their ability to make sludgy, heavy, yet melodic and gorgeous alternative/shoegaze rock. This is blatantly evident on opener and downright fuckin' incredible track "april's-bloom" which boasts hauntingly beautiful vocals over unsteady, eerie, and ethereal instrumentals that bring to mind 90s alternative with much more oomph. "lochness" harnesses some goth vibes and mixes 80s post-punk with the styles already mentioned, while "skipping tiles" and closer "daisy pusher" slide into the brighter and more positive material of the bunch with my comparison-meter pinging Frankie Cosmos meets Ovlov. For the record tracks two and four are just short interludes and in my opinion qiute passable.

     2022's two-song EP 'pg​.​4 a picture of three hedges​/​through your window' sees the band tightening up and focusing on intertwining dual vocals, which really helped them push into a sound that is their own. They even made a music video for "pg​.​4 a picture of three hedges​" (linked here) but I think the superior track is "through your window" as the uneasiness and anxiety of it is palpable.

     In 2023 JULIE dropped a ridiculous new single that they likely used to lure major labels to their cause, and by golly did "Catalogue" deliver and then some. The hooks on this are arguably the best to date, with sugary sweet vocals over hella driving, dark rock instrumentals, as well as a killer punch-in at 1:46 that really seals the deal. This track also opens that brand new 2024 release 'my anti-aircraft friend', and is a great introduction to the band's debut 12"LP. More contenders for best track are "very little effort" and "feminine adornments". The former uses Smashing Pumpkins' "1979" as a beacon while it expertly weaves in and out of control. The latter is groovy as fuck but sounds like it could rip apart at any moment, especially when the chorus kicks in with those wailing vocals. By the way Alex's singing on these ones are definitely the highlights. "tenebrist" and "tread, stitch" do a great job of hot-potatoeing the vocals from the guitarist to the bassist, they're very dreamy while also absolutely crushing. Taking an even heavier and denser approach is lead single "clairbourne practice", complete with music video embedded below. This thing is both catchy and dark, making it an obvious choice to invest further in and use as introductory bait to listeners.

     The band finally takes a breath on track five's "knob", but that is no knock at the song, as it ended up being one of my favourites. Keyan tackles the vocals on this, and they are the focal point and best part of the song. Take a gander from 1:29-1:40 to hear what I'm talkin' about, but be ready for more fuzzed out shoegaze mere seconds later. At this point it's worth noting that he really improved his vocal personality, delivering more infectious melodies, smoothing out his voice, and improving his cadence. "piano instrumental" follows a similar trajectory but does so in more obvious and epic fashion. "i'll cook my own meals" definitely scratches my 'In Utero'-era Nirvana itch, while closer "stuck in a car with angels" is the perfect way to end this, with the darkest of lullabies that relies on atmosphere over volume.

     Big thanks to Jay Jay for showing me this band after I pushed Smush down his throat. This new album is exactly what I was hoping it would be...amazing.

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DISCOGRAPHY

2020 - flutter digital single (stream/buy here)
2020 - starjump/kit digital EP (stream/buy here)

2021 - pushing daisies cassette/10"EP (stream/buy here)

2022 - pg​.​4 a picture of three hedges​/​through your window 7"EP (stream/buy here)

2023 - catalogue digital single (stream/buy here)

2024 - my anti-aircraft friend cd/12"LP (stream/buy here)

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(2024) JULIE - "very little effort" (from 'my anti-aircraft friend')

(2024) JULIE - "clairbourne practice" (from 'my anti-aircraft friend') [official music video]

(2024) JULIE - "knob" (from 'my anti-aircraft friend')

(2023) JULIE - "catalogue" (from 'catalogue' single)

(2022) JULIE - "​through your window" (from 'pg​.​4 a picture of three hedges​/​through your window')

(2020) JULIE - "starjump" + "kit" (from 'starjump/kit')

(2020) JULIE - "flutter" (from 'flutter')

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JULIE additional links

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Tuesday 17 September 2024

*** EMMA GOLDMAN + DRIVE YOUR PLOW + MOURN RECIF + COUP D'ÉTAT live show review ***

EMMA GOLDMAN /

DRIVE YOUR PLOW OVER THE BONES OF THE DEAD / 

MOUR RECIF /

COUP D'ÉTAT /


@Red Gate in Vancouver on July 18th, 2024

Live Show Review

The most screamo show our band MOURN RECIF has played thus far. Dubbed the "Skramz Slam 2024". Freya and I had a ridiculous foosball game prior to setup. It was epic. We were literally panting afterward (and it was only to five goals). Stoked for round two!

EMMA GOLDMAN

I just got the masters to the new album releasing early 2025 from this Vancouver-based four-piece and I gotta say, contender for album of the year without a fucking doubt. Y'all ain't even close to ready. If you watch them kill at this show, you'll get an idea though!

(2024) EMMA GOLDMAN "this is your brain on minimum wage"

For fans ofSenza and Mahria

extra video: #2 "I seem to be an adjective"

^\/`~~~~---------------00oOo00---------------~~~~'\/^


DRIVE YOUR PLOW OVER THE BONES OF THE DEAD

Goddamn this band never disappoints. Watching the drummer is just mesmerizing. They've got a new LP coming out soon on No Funeral and Middle Man, I think late October!

(2024) DRIVE YOUR PLOW OVER THE BONES OF THE DEAD

For fans ofSenza and Valeska Suratt

extra videos: #1 / #4

^\/`~~~~---------------00oOo00---------------~~~~'\/^


MOURN RECIF

We revealed a new jam during this show and it seemed to go over pretty well. Definitely one of my faves.
(2024) MOURN RECIF "Dear Deers...This Is Getting Redundant"

For fans ofFuneral Diner and A Paramount A Love Supreme

extra video: #2 "Our Kids are Orchids" need to activate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

^\/`~~~~---------------00oOo00---------------~~~~'\/^


COUP D'ÉTAT

This Victoria three-piece utilizes all members when screaming, and sounds like a more screamo/denser version of Circle Takes The Square. They just released a killer three-song demo but have a full length in the works!
(2024) COUP D'ÉTAT "New Hampshire Does Not Exist"

For fans ofCircle Takes The Square and Votive


^\/`~~~~---------------00oOo00---------------~~~~'\/^

Wednesday 11 September 2024

*** AUXIENA SAINT exclusive song premiere ***

AUXIENA SAINT
"5 Star Denny's Review"
exclusive song premiere
For fans of
Apostles Of ErisBoxcutter, Hamilton and Othiel


Yoooo after quite a wait, ex-members of Pique have their first EP 'Not To Waste' releasing September 13th, 2024 on Larry Records via 100 tapes at 9am PST / 11am CST / 12pm EST. I am very stoked to give you this premiere of '5 Star Denny's Review', which is one of four jams from this stellar debut. 


(2024) AUXIENA SAINT "5 Star Denny's Review" (from 'Not To Waste')

     This jam is very sick, and tied for my fave on the EP. The gorgeous instrumentals that begin the song are quickly matched with screaming, then some riffin', and then some twinkly stuff. Song over? Nope, first minute over lol. This song has lots of parts, twists, and turns but it's all held together really fuckin' well, including the conclusion which revolves around a dirty-ass breakdown.


ADDITIONAL LINKS & WHATNOT

Friday 6 September 2024

*** PODCAST #161 Detach The Islands ***




    Emmet (drums), Siddhu (guitar), and Jay (guitar) play in a plethora of bands together including Juan Bond, Semaphore, and DETACH THE ISLANDS. With their most recent album 'A Highly Magnified History' releasing a few short weeks ago I figured it was time to dissect the nightmare that is most ambitious endeavor to date. Also of note is the band's upcoming release show (and first show in years) on October 12th w/Fluoride, Respirator, and Euclid C Finder! (poster embedded below) A few things discussed in this podcast: dead fingers, going inside your own clothes, being a rapper, 311 self-awareness, being scouty, incestuous bands, swimming in dissonance, screamo man, sampling angry moms, etc. Bands played in this podcast: Arka'n Asrafokor, Nicole Dollanganger, Los Campesinos, Nhomme, and Tautumeitas. Listen to podcast #161 which is available to stream and/or download for free via this link.

DETACH THE ISLANDS





Guitar Trauma
LOS CAMPESINOS "To Hell in a Handjob" (Siddhu)
NICOLE DOLLANGANGER "Alligator Blood (demo version)" (Dave)

2 Front Flips and 311
ARKA'N ASRAFOKOR "Walk With Us" (Jay)

Food Poisoning in Audio Form
TAUTUMEITAS "Arājiņš" (Emmett)
NHOMME "iii" (Dave)


~Dave

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Monday 2 September 2024

HEAVEN THROUGH VIOLENCE

BandHEAVEN THROUGH VIOLENCE
For fans of...And Its Name Was Epyon, Votive, Dianacrawls, Excrucis, Foxmoulder, and Letterbombs.
GenresPunk / Hardcore / Emo / Screamo / Skramz / Emo-violence
Related artists: ...And Its Name Was EpyonDysthymia, and Castling.
CountryBoston, Massachusetts U.S.A.
Years Active2024-present
Label(s): Self released

     This new EP from this new band was just released last week and I can't deny that I'm in love. HEAVEN THROUGH VIOLENCE features the vocalist of And Its Name Was Epyon, giving it a warm and familiar feel while the screamo/emo-violence rages harder than its predecessor, creating an incredible first experience.

     Opener "A World For Us to Love You In" begins with dark and somber guitar, lullaby bass, plodding drums, and a movie sample. This introductory passage really sucks the listener in and takes full advantage at 1:15 when the song kicks in and throws massive instrumentals at the listener while the vocalist croons and screams. The conclusion post-two-minutes is incredible and really brings the sound back to panic-ridden emo-violence with hauntingly passionate vocals. "A Cloak of Dirt to Cherish" utilizes another movie sample before morphing into anxiety as an audio form. This build culminates in a jarring, screaming, angular explosion leaving a dancey, almost-synth sounding midsection in its wake before a short shockwave ends the jam. Closer "Filth Teaches Filth" is the only song that doesn't begin with an audio clip (but do they do sneak in a sentence at the end). It's also the most unhinged song here, featuring a wonky beginning, epic midsection, and abrupt close.

     Hot damn what a start!!! I've been told some splits are coming as well as a tape release of this EP from Larry Records.

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DISCOGRAPHY

2024 - Heaven Through Violence digital EP (stream/donate/download here)

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(2024) HEAVEN THROUGH VIOLENCE - "A World For Us to Love You In" (from 'Heaven Through Violence')


(2024) HEAVEN THROUGH VIOLENCE - "A Cloak of Dirt to Cherish" (from 'Heaven Through Violence')


(2024) HEAVEN THROUGH VIOLENCE - "Filth Teaches Filth" (from 'Heaven Through Violence')

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