I imagine this album would be great to riot to. Smashing windows and throwing Molotov cocktails to punk is something I want to see. … read more
Review: Two Cow Garage – The Death of the Self Preservation Society
The whole album’s forte is their cynical yet often poetic lyrics. “Mantle in ’56” is a slower, blues-based ballad in which Schnabel compares his life to that of the New York Yankees’ most valuable player circa 1956, Mickey Mantle. I enjoyed this album—it’s very upbeat and has that classic ’90s punk rock sound in it. … read more
Review: Ty Segall – Sleeper
The unceasing energy and “up yours” attitude for which I’ve come to love Ty Segall is not what this album’s about. What I’ve found instead is a more mature Segall, basically the man and his real problems behind the usual curtain of fuzz and shouting. … read more
Review: Vaadat Charigim – The World Is Well Lost
The World abounds in primary shoegaze elements: swirls of lush guitar and nostalgic, monotone vocals. Tracks here move in and out of noise and meandering sonic contemplation, with a dark energy reminiscent of Slowdive’s Souvlaki. … read more
Review: Various Artists – SMM: Opiate [Ghostly International Comp.]
A Winged Victory for the Sullen, Noveller, Celer, Black Swan and Pjusk (plus many more) breathe life into their structured explorations of softened noise and white, foamy swells of feedback and elongated tones. Concentrated as this compilation is, there is a surprising amount of variety running through the curated contributors. … read more
Review: Ultra Bidé – DNA vs DNA-c
Ultra Bidé have long been a source of aggressive music that could be described as noise rock mixed with artsy post-hardcore. … read more
Review: Vastum – Patricidal Lust
I’ve mentioned before that death metal is getting a weird reputation because of new bands mixing in stuff that doesn’t make sense just to be different, and that old bands that should just give up putting out lousy albums. Breathe in the putrid air of Vastum—it’s a bit newly putrid and just as properly old school putrid. … read more
Review: Tyler Newman – Zonekiller (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
As I contemplate a robot apocalypse or a tyrannical future controlled by a mindless government, I take with me a soundtrack that gives life to these ideas. If you enjoy ’80s-infused dark electro comparable to the Quake soundtrack, I highly recommend this album. … read more
Review: Various Artists – Persuasive Experimentations Vol. 1 – Roach Clip Records Comp.
Mick Harris’ Raptor D7 mix of Little Sap Dungeon’s “A Dinner Guest” was one such slimy track that really sucked me in, as was Durandal’s “Mothers Nightmare.” There’s definitely some freaky shit on this album, and I really appreciate that. … read more
Review: Various Artists – Kitsuné Maison Compilation 15
Kitsuné Maison Compilation 15 has nu-dance vibe with a splash of disco that made my imagination dance. One of the tracks that instantly made it on my repeat playlist was “Chateau Marmont” by Krystal Klear—it made me think of the movie Clueless and the California sun. … read more
Review: Various Artists – Boats – Transgressive North Comp.
The tracks themselves are all completely diverse and seemingly reflect a sense of community and love. With outstanding musicians such as Four Tet, Deerhoof, Jamie Stewart and Rustie, you can’t help but fall in love with the dynamic, symphonic vibrations of this project. … read more
Review: Tycho – Awake
Hansen has created a blend of organic and digital that isn’t overwhelming to fans of Tycho’s earlier work, but heavy enough that it might even be enjoyed by an indie rock fan. The final three tracks of Awake show how far Hansen has come with not just his understanding of music but his ability to grow and evolve, bringing his listeners along for the ride. … read more
