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New releases & junk, July 2012
Beak> – Beak>> (Invada)
Geoff Barrow, Matt Williams and Billy Fuller return with their second full length, and as usual they out-do themselves (and every other band in the world) with a double LP recorded live in their studio. Beak> are the same studio band that Anika used for her debut in 2010, not to mention the very same group of fellows (and analog equipment) that wrote the last Portishead record. Which begs the question how can any band be that versatile? Each facet of their work has it’s own distinct identity, it’s own micro agenda AND it’s own tone. Did I mention that they also own their own record label? Bottom line: Beak> are probably geniuses.
Mission of Burma – Unsound (Fire Records)
The most underrated American post-punk band EVER continues with their second chance. And lucky for us, we have the pleasure of hearing all of their new records, each one better than the last. Essential.
No Joy & Lower Dens – Live at Larimer Lounge
Caught one night of this phenomenal tour last Tuesday, was equally impressed both bands. Personally, I’m not a “show review” kind of guy, to me shows are very subjective to the observer and are dependent on your mood and the relative awesomeness of the venue. Or lack of. But I should mention that the evening started out with some entertainment that they brought on tour with them: a stand-up comedian who gave a powerpoint speech about creating his own virtual avatar that will live forever. That kind of set the mood for No Joy, who then came out on stage and performed a seamless 35 minute set, a wall of oblivion and hair-shaking stoicism that left most of us speechless. These ladies can play, and they can play better than most. Then came Lower Dens and their hushed dark psychedelica. The room fell silent, a true rarity for Denver. The entire audience was submerged in a trance of flashing lights and kraut-rock poly rhythms. But maybe the best part of the night is singer Jana Hunter and her unique vocal approach. It’s highly layered and dense, but her style cannot be identified through obvious influences. Plus, her pitch is incredible. The harmonies she comes up seem to be improvised (although they are very deliberate), can often sound very foreign, yet at the same time they always work and they usually leave you stupefied. I think I can safely say that everyone was floored. Everyone from the young pierced punk kid to the old bearded guy in pleated cotton pants. THAT is a testament in itself.
Rayon Beach – This Looks Serious (Hozac)
Deformed post-punk noise with plenty of hooks and lots of spring reverb. Don’t let the Family Ties artwork scare you, thankfully this record is free of both Tina Yothers and conservative family values. Plus it’s way too finely detailed to be dismissed as another “teen beach” band. Love it.
Post Teens – The Heat 7” (No Idea)
Loud and obnoxious sleeze-rock from Gainesville by ex-members of Torche, Asshole Parade, Kite Flying Society and Shitstorm. Some very awesome and weird stuff going on here, early Dwarves meets early 90’s Am-Rep noise bands.
Teledetente 666 – Teledetente 666 7” (Sweet Rot)
Damaged drum-machine punk from Strasbourg France, the kind that Chrome or Terminal Cheesecake would be proud to tour with. Love the constant guitar drone, whips and sheet metal noises juxtaposed with the melodic vocals. Excellent excellent excellent. Can’t wait to hear more from these guys.
Chips & Beer Magazine
Newest issue of Chips & Beer Magazine features an exhaustive overview of the history of underground New York metal, complete with flyers, stories and hand-drawn illustrations of Kiss with hookers. Mandatory reading. Personal request from me to the editors: please include more stories about Ripping Corpse and Carnivore. I appreciate your level of depravity, but I’m pretty sure you can go even lower.
Landing – s/t (Geographic North)
Latest LP from Landing, who are back together, playing shows and recording after a five year hiatus. I really like this band and I like how they do it. This month I am interviewing them for Big Takeover, we are almost finished. Our discussions about Fleetwood Mac and ambient rock have gotten in the way, we haven’t even gotten into talking about this record. But the other day I read a great anonymous description of this LP on Discogs dot com, it said, “Record of the century. don’t believe me or agree? i don’t care…im in audio bliss…magical and transporting….thank you guys for this otherworldly gift…” and that about says it all.
Dead Kennedys – Frankenchrist (Manifesto)
DK’s third LP, remastered and reissued. Let’s face it a big part of this band’s audience can’t or won’t get beyond “Fresh Fruit” or “Plastic Surgery”, because, well, they are almost perfect in every way and it’s hard to imagine them getting any better than that! But out of all of the later DK records this one is probably my favorite, it’s far less silly than “Bedtime for Democracy” and is kind of the oddball out in terms of lyrical content and tempo. Ray’s guitar (and DH) sound huge on this recording, Jello seems slightly subdued and somewhat insane; the band tries (and succeeds) at everything from breakneck thrash to country to Ministry-inspired pop songs. Let’s not forget the big picture, this is the record that killed the band and the record that brought Jello to Washington DC. They paid for this, and they paid dearly. But “This Could Be Anywhere” is still one of their best songs, almost a part two of “Moon Over Marin”.
Youth of Today – Can’t Close My Eyes (Revelation)
Remastered on CD and colored vinyl, includes the original EP from Positive Force Records and their 5 songs from the “Connecticut Fun” compilation recorded in 1985. CD includes two extra tracks, both from the Make It Work 7” compilation also from 85. Early Youth of Today is raw and unfiltered, somewhere between Craig Ahead and Richie Underdog they became more polished, but this is how most of us want to remember them. There is a healthy nostalgia for YOT, evidenced by their recent and upcoming shows including Fun Fun Fun Fest with OFF! and Run DMC. Sure, “Time to Forgive” and “We Just Might” are the same song, sure they may have made some questionable decisions at Morrissey concerts. Technically they’re not youth’s anymore either. But trust me, when you hear “Expectations” come out of your speakers, none of that is going to matter. In the 1980’s, Youth of Today had the balls to make big statements, so consequently they still have to deal with the fallout of those statements. What’s ironic is that, despite all of their baggage, perhaps no other hardcore band is better prepared to carry out their objective and to appeal to a new generation of kids. Because they are still physically strong and morally straight, and because they are still an incredible live band.
