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ANVIL - Legal At Last LP
I've been curious about what Anvil has been up to for a while now (ever since I got the surprise of learning they were
still around via their documentary) so when I learned they were putting out a new album I decided to give it a listen. The
new album from Anvil continues the trio's heavy metal journey full of crunchy wall of heft guitars and driving rhythms that
have kept the band going for over 40 years. This time around they take on the current state of marijuana laws both good and
uneven, environmental pollution, stupid people in power, surveillance and the loss of privacy among other things. Sonically,
the band's blend of 80s era power metal with a touch of proto thrash woven in creates an energy that mails the listener to
the wall and won't let up. Fans of vintage (and vintage style) heavy metal will find a lot to dig in Anvil's latest, whether
they've been into the band since the 80s or not. Need to get a physical copy of this once this damn pandemic is over. (BOONE)
(AFM Records)
BACCHAE - Pleasure Vision LP
I had heard some good things about this band so when I heard they were doing a new album I decided to wait on the online
streaming singles and listen to the whole album when it came out. The latest album from Bacchae is a catchy melodic blend
of raw-ish punk, tight pop leaning rock and introspective yet energetic hooks that simmer into driving songs where personal
themes hint at bigger meanings when once searches beneath the surface. Lyrics discuss a mix of love, loss, hurt, and survival
within these tracks. The overall effect is low key at times but goes for the throat when necessary while never losing track
of the song. This is an album more people should check out and make up their own minds about. Note to self: need to get
myself a physical copy of this. (BOONE)
(Get Better Records. P.O. Box 19267. Philadelphia, PA 19143. getbetterrecords.com for links to mail order. Downloads
available at: getbetterrecords.bandcamp.com)
KELLY BETZ - Kelly Betz And His Imaginary Friends download album
One of the unexpected bright sides of all the fallout from the COVID-19 response is a chance to sit down and hear more
music to review in between the paying job and the like. On the latest official release Kelly has created a one person band
dishing out some catchy though occasionally off kilter indie rock largely built on edgy song hooks, and unexpected instrumentation
here and there. While much of it is acoustic guitar driven he also takes detours along the way (including a punk rock middle
part in a piano driven track) that underlie these personal tales of struggle, alienation and the like as they float through
the speakers. This is an album fueled by upheaval and the need to overcome personal issues as well as the need to face it.
Kelly Betz' music has taken its share of twists over the years (he's worked in punk, indie, and hip hop over the years - and
this download shows him making a pit stop in indie rock and showing his total comfort there. He also has a secret album and
is working on more music so who knows where he'll go next musically. (BOONE)
(kellybetz.bandcamp.com)
FUMES - In My Skin download EP
I know this had been out for a few months but it slipped under the radar and I hadn't had a chance to listen to this until
now. The latest EP from Lou Nevins and company is a laid back batch of languid introspective rock that can live in indie
circles but has moody overtones that draw from folk and vintage 70s rock at points. Male and female vocals interplay on songs
detailing the ups and downs of love, loss, and the like. With a organic vibe and a straightforward approach, this music creates
an artistic bittersweet statement on the end of a relationship and its aftermath. It’s moody, a little somber even,
but there's something in the space that breathes within these songs and will appeal to those dealing with frustration, anger,
and the like (I have a feeling a lot of people have those feelings right now). In My Skin takes the listener on a journey
that's melancholic, a bit somber, but somehow holds on through the ups and downs and makes you want to listen again in the
process. (BOONE)
(thefumes.bandcamp.com)
GYMSHORTS - 90 MPH single
I had no idea this was coming out until I saw it online when I was looking for something to stream rather than look through
the music selection for a CD to hear. On their new seven inch, Gymshorts throws down some rip your face off garage rock meets
punk. "I'm the Jeff Gordan of My Generation" is a driving song about driving fast (and multitasking while doing
so - such as eating burgers and sending an e-mail) that seems slightly medium tempo but has the energy and feeling of early
Stooges. "0 Thanks Given" is a slab of loud fast punk about that November holiday where one wants to avoid family
but eat for free full of breezy power chords and a snide attitude throughout. Both songs aim almost to break down the sonic
wall and refuse to let up until the end - in true Gymshorts fashion. This band has had their share of ups and downs over
the years but it's good to see them still at it. (BOONE)
(Greenway Records. P.O. Box 380434. Brooklyn, NY 11238. greenwayrecords.com)
IGNORADO COMEDIANTES - Roy LP
This band came to my attention recently and piqued my curiosity so when I heard the new album was finally out I decided
to stream it and see what was up. On their latest, Ignorado Comediantes delivers short fast blasts of punk rock that draws
in elements of vintage pop punk and early HC into the mix. Buzzy guitar chords and medium in your face rhythms carry these
Spanish languages songs that mix of the personal and the socially aware. Confident and energetic, the band goes for the throat
and keeps your interest throughout and overcoming any possible language barriers in the lyrics along the way. While this
band doesn't reinvent pop punk, they tackle the sound in front of them and make their own mark on it. This is one of those
albums that knows what it wants and won't let up until they get it. I wonder how these tracks come across live. (BOONE)
(Head2Wall Records. head2wallrecords.com)
PEARS - LP
I'd been interested in this band ever since seeing them open for the Homeless Gospel Choir a few years back so when I
learned about this album I wanted to give it a listen. The self-titled new album from Pears finds them carrying on their
knack for catchy punk rock that walks the thin line between the melodic punk and hardcore. Medium fast rhythms and driving
crunchy guitars power these songs that detail personal themes such as anger, growing up, life during the era of dial up internet,
growing up and the like. The songs are tight with harmony laden choruses and an almost corrosive edge to the vocals as the
tales unfold up to a mid-tempo near ballad near the end. The album is an overview of growing up as much as being cynical
in the current climate as it blasts through the speakers. Fans of straight ahead punk or hardcore's more melodic leanings
will find a lot to appreciate and enjoy in the new album by Pears, (BOONE)
(Fat Wreck Chords)
TESTAMENT - Titans of Creation LP
Learned this was ready to go the night before it was released when most people with sense were staying home to try and
flatten the curve of the damn pandemic so I decided to stream it when I had a chance to do so. This time around the Bay Area
thrash legends come out firing on all cylinders with some straight up in your face metal anthems built of tight rampaging
rhythms, dual saturated (yet not totally scooped death tone) guitars, and a go for the throat and don't let up vibe throughout.
Whether singing about escaping one's current state, World War III, 80s serial killer the Night Stalker's effect on LA in the
80s, false prophets or the need to heal the planet, among others, the band keeps all cylinders firing from start to finish.
Testament has long walked the thin line between pure aggression and sonic tightness and manages once again to pull it off
with relative ease. If you have an interest in metal you should check this disc out. (BOONE)
(Nuclear Blast)
VARIOUS ARTISTS - “A Lordz Work” A Cafe Berlin Compilation” download album
An extremely unfortunate aftereffect of the COVID-19 related shutdowns is the closing of concert venues ranging from
arena to DIY venues and house shows. As artists are forced to cancel tours and people who worked at clubs and bars get laid
off, the question of whether these venues will survive this is valid to ask. In the wake some venues are holding fundraisers
and benefits to help counter the loss of income this crisis has created.
A Lordz Work is a download album meant to benefit Cafe Berlin, a concert club and brunch restaurant in this zine’s
original homebase of Columbia, MO. Put together shortly after much of Columbia (including Berlin) decided to close down in
response to the coming pandemic, it’s a wide ranging sonic document of artists who have played the venue over the
years. Musical styles on this comp range form experimental (M.Crook and Oxherder, Maxito Lindo, Telepathy Club) to black
metal (Acid Leather) to classic rock meets power pop (It’s Me: Ross) to rootsy blues and country (Jack Grelle, Dav
id Dearnley, Athony Wuilkerson) to hip hop tinged jazz/soul hybrids (Loose Loose) to punk (GORBZA, Mirror Mirror) to indie
(em Downing, Rae Fitzgerald) and a whole lot more (I guarantee that what I just described skims the surface) for a full picture
of what’s gone down on their stage over the years.
Overall it's an expansive sonic palette with stuff you’ll likely enjoy and some things you never experiences.
Regardless, it’s for a place that totally deserves support and has done a lot to expose local, regional, and touring
acts to people. While I can't guarantee everything on here will be your bottle of bourbun, Open minded readers and those
wanting to check out sounds they’re unfamiliar with (both in terms of bands and musical styles) will find something
in here more than worth their time. I have a feeling this could be a great aural playlist on its own for potential roadtrips
if we ever get out from under this pandemic shutdown.
- Boone
(cafeberlin.bandcamp.com)
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