Promos
Here is a list of 10 records that have been sent to me over the last few years (some more recent than others) that for whatever reason, I liked but had never covered on my list before.
The Lost Patrol – Midnight Matinee (self-released)
Of all the bands on this week’s list, this New York-based post-punk outfit is definitely the best known amongst Big Takeover readers. In fact, they even recorded some songs for a Rabid in the Kennel session last year. Anyway, if you like Cocteau Twins, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Slowdive, you will probably enjoy this album.
Lucky Pineapple – The Bubble Has Burst in Sky City (Noise Pollution)
This Louisville-based band’s second and final full-length album could be loosely classified as prog-punk, but even then this is probably most similar to some of Frank Zappa‘s early records. Regardless, this band was totally unique and it’s a shame that they broke up earlier this year.
The Silverites – Grand Opening (self-released)
This is a Baltimore-based band whose sound is evocative of mid ’90s indie rockers like Guided by Voices, Sebadoh and especially Pavement, but mixed with fairly healthy doses of late ’70s/early ’80s new wave and power pop stuff like Elvis Costello and The Jam. It’s a combination that works well, especially on the Jam-like title track and “Ishkabibbie” along with the catchy album closer “My Little Balantine”.
Hostage Calm – Demo EP (Headcount)
If you want Headcount’s answer to ’90s political and melodic punks Good Riddance, Hostage Calm is a sure bet. Others have compared this band to everyone from Dag Nasty and Gorilla Biscuits, but I don’t really hear that on this release. This is raw, yet melodic, punk rock with political lyrics that are more intelligent than most.
Mirrors and Wires – Mercitron EP (Headcount)
Please see my full review here.
Seasick – Ennui EP
Seasick, who are currently on hiatus, are a New Brunswick, NJ based hardcore punk band of recent vintage, but you’d never know it from listening to this EP. Simply put, this rages like something on Ebullition, Gravity or Vermiform circa the early to mid ’90s and even has appropriate packaging to boot. Think End of the Line, Heroin or perhaps most appropriately Downcast and the ’90s New Brunswick-based band Endeavor and you’d be close. Lyrically, the title clues you in that this is somewhat of a concept record in the sense that all of the songs express disillusionment with the scene they’re a part of, though they’re still idealistic enough to thank Food Not Bombs (amongst many others) in the liner notes. It makes me wonder what they’ll do next.
Face the Rail – “Fractures” EP (Headcount)
I like this record. Some reviews have mentioned Jay Reatard and I guess I can hear that, especially on the title track, but I also hear mid ’80s DC stuff (particularly Gray Matter) on that track as well. “Bleeding Eyes” is a short ditty that closes out side A in much the same style, but faster. Side B is the almost seven minute-long “No Hope” reminds me a slightly math rock-ish version of the Chicago punk sound ala Pegboy or someone in that vein if you can imagine that. There’s even an instrumental coda that brings to mind Drive Like Jehu.
Devour – Insect Circuitry EP (Headcount)
This North Carolina based band’s latest release, a 4 song EP, is tough as nails hardcore in the vein of ’80s Neurosis, Born Against or even early C.O.C. Most of the lyrics seem like personal critiques and are anguished with “Greensperm” being the standout since it’s hyper critical of the “incessant politicing” of the punk scene. It’s nice to see some bands point the finger inward on occasion instead of outward.
Doomed to Obscurity – Drug Luck (Jizz Mobile)
Please see my full review here.
Hotel Lights Girl Graffiti (Bar/None)
Please see my full review here.
