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BLOOD SPELL - cassette EP
I first checked out this band at their tape release show back in April and nabbed a copy but hadn't been able to really
listen until now. On their debut EP Blood Spell unleash deep, plodding doom metal (with a hint of stoner rock at times) forged
by drums that pummel the point home and triple thick guitar tones that are noisy yet not all that scooped on these four songs.
There is an intensity here that captures the feel of their live shows as they methodically unleash their heaviness, hinting
at the anger and anguish as they do so. This trio carries on the doom metal template fairly straight-ahead but I do see room
for them to take it in other directions. Still, this is an interesting start for this band and readers into doom and stoner
metal or Melvins style noise rock might find them quite interesting. (BOONE)
(bloodspell.bandcamp.com)
THE DARTS - Subsonic Dream/Bullet
I first found out about The Darts online and was curious. So when I learned they had a new single I decided to take the
plunge and give it a listen. "Subsonic Dream" is a simmering piece of psychedelic tinged garage punk where medium
fast tempos drive a bed of fuzzy guitar and reed like organ into a sonic journey past deep sleep where there may be more than
what appears. On the flip side "Bullet" is a driving rock rave-up ode to lust and longing with a primal production
and an overdriven organ solo that takes things higher. Both songs carry on a crude yet just right garage punk vibe with the
right amount of energy to nail things down and drive it on home. The Darts have taken the energy and spirit of their previous
albums and harness it further into a garage meets punk frenzy that demands to be heard. Need to check out more from this band.
(BOONE)
(Alternative Tentacles Records. P.O. Box 419092. San Francisco, CA 94141-9092 USA. alternativetentacles.com)
KITTEN FOREVER - Semi Permanent LP
I'd been curious about this album since I heard they were releasing it so when I saw them live I picked up a copy and
waited for a time to really listen to it - that time is now. On their new album Kitten Forever throw down more of the stripped
down raw overdriven bass and drum punk anthems that are almost their trademark. Thick distorted bass lines and fast drumming
pushes these songs about sexism, societal expectations, and the like with an energy and joyousness that still manages to showcase
the anger driving the lyrics. The band manages to stand out not just in their format (just bass and drums) but also by their
side stepping punk clichés and reminding us how the personal and political interconnect. Kitten Forever harnesses their blend
of Riot Grrrl influenced chaos and stripped down raw punk ethos and sharpens it into an audio weapon that's just as necessary
now as it ever way; maybe now more than ever. (BOONE)
(Rat Queen Records)
THE MYRIAD ONES – The Hardest Part cassette
This came out a few months back and piqued our curiosity but I was unable to truly spend time to review it until recently
so it got pushed back to here. The debut from this meeting of experimental music minds almost gleefully careens between genres
ranging from industrial like noise
drones to fuzzy guitar fueled power pop to artsy rap and introspective languid almost country like folk material in the
mix. The songs almost collide into each other from one style of music to another creating an aural ride that comes at you
from all directions but also somehow fits each other
in some strange way that you grow to appreciate. All of this leading up to an atmospheric drone meets art rock climax
that lures you in and refuses to let go in its bed of synthesizers and guitar lines. There are still a handful of cassettes
left (4 [at time of print issue publication - ed], I think but you need to check the link at the label’s website
to know for sure) but if they’re gone by the time you read this review I recommend taking the time and getting the
download. Trust me on this one. (BOONE)
(Already Dead Tapes & Records. c/o: Joshua Tabbia. 161 Magnum St. SW #106. Atlanta, GA 30313. alreadydeadtapes.com.)
TIRES - Handing off the Egg download EP
I first learned of this EP when I saw the band play live a few months back but didn't really get a chance to hear it until
I learned it was a download only release. On their latest EP Tires delivers a trio of tunes that acerbically blend elements
of dance music within a palette of ambient
leaning space rock. Driving yet moody, their layers of keyboards mesh within tight rhythm pockets and guitars that sometimes
lilt over the listener. It's a journey that's part ethereal and part moody rock instrumentals. While
this isn't typical fare for this zine we believe readers who dig space rock or ambient or post rock may find this of
interest to them. (BOONE)
(tires.bandcamp.com)
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