|
ALIEN WEAPONRY - Tangaroa double LP
This is one of those albums I'd been curious about since news came it coming out so when I had the chance I gave it a
listen. The latest from Alien Weaponry carries on their take on simmering thrash metal built of overdriven riffs so thick
they have to be spooned out the speakers and a rhythm section laying down medium fast grooves that push things forward while
hints of progressive rock, industrial and other sounds get woven in at moments. With songs in both English and their native
Te Reo (sometimes in both) they detail issues ranging such as personal struggles, ocean pollution, Maori myths and history
among other things- all while throwing down heavy riffs that go off into other directions while not losing their roots. I'll
admit my hopes were high when news came of a new Alien Weaponry album and I have to say it's definitely worth the wait to
hear it. If you're into metal you should check this out. (BOONE)
(Napalm Records)
BLIGHTS - Years of Bad News LP
I had been waiting to hear this for a while so when I decided to pre-order the vinyl and got the download when I could.
On their debut album Blights kicks out the jams with some moody post punk songs that blend often medium tempo often simmering
rhythms, effects tweaked guitars, and atmospheric airy keyboard textures throughout. From this sonic cocktail are songs exploring
things such as nationalism, alienation, classism, racism, gender et al that draw from classic post punk and artsy rock of
the past 40 or so years and reframes it in their own image, driving the music forward as the album progresses. Years of Bad
News takes the listener down an aural path that a lot of artists don't really touch upon and lets the listener explore the
moods and scenery woven within it. This album finds Blights taking things on their own terms and making those willing to
take a chance want to hear it often. (BOONE)
(Phratry Records. P.O. Box 14267. Cincinnati, OH 45250 USA. Also available from:blights.bandcamp.com)
GHOSH - Alien Nation cassette EP
I was searching around online when I learned briefly about this band and made a note, finally streaming this EP when taking
a break from something else. Ghosh's latest takes rap and hip hop tropes and spins it on its head. Fast beats with drum
machines (or a software version of such), (likely synth) bass, some synths, and the occasional sample ranging from keyboard
texture to metal guitar lines is the sonic bed for tracks that tackle sexuality, the funk, the system, and the like with a
tight flow and a vibe that combines the raunchy and the political in the mix. Coming from left field this duo unleashes music
that draws from elements of industrial, electronic, funk and even punk and metal for bangers that are a far cry from a lot
of commercial rap these days but should appeal to those wanting something different. The cassette version is sold out but
you can still buy a download of it. (BOONE)
(Get Better Records. P.O. Box 19267. Philadelphia, PA 19143. gettbetterrecords.com. Download available at: ghosh.bandcamp.com)
LUNG - Come Clean Right Now LP
I picked up a CD version of this (the vinyl hadn't gotten to the band yet) after I saw them live at Maplewood Barn Theater
(see review this issue) and was curious. On their new album, Lung throws down a batch of art punk where the personal and
political seem to meet, blurring the boundaries at times. Often overdriven cello, frantic yet on point drums, and the occasional
sample for texture collide in a sonic smorgasbord that draws from grunge, art rock, and hints of progressive rock along with
punk. From songs about failed relationships to takes on polarization to odes about longing and more there's a hard edged
feel that's familiar to fans of both underground and modern rock though without the clichés. While Lung have always walked
a fine line between rocking out and their artier leanings Come Clean Right Now harnesses them into a musical statement that's
far reaching but doesn't lose sight of their roots along the way. (BOONE)
(SoFaBurn Records. sofaburn.com)
NATURE BOYS - IV LP
I actually learned about this coming out by accident when I was online fooling around for no reason so I decided to go
ahead and give it a listen. On their fourth album Nature Boys blasts out some rough edged punk infused underground rock with
raw overdriven guitar powering these fast yet simmering tempo rave-ups. The songs here have a bit of an obtuse vibe as they
reference a variety of topics form feeling trapped in the Midwest to Putin to wizards in their audio stories. All of this
delivered with a simmering yet powerful attack that can seem ramshackle on occasion but always keeps their sonic vision on
the prize and goes for it. I admit I have a bias when it comes to Nature Boys' music but they manage to rise to the challenge
when it comes to blasting out some driving underground rock. There are still a few copies of the vinyl version left but if
they sell out the download is still available. Seek this album out and make up your own mind. (BOONE)
(Dead Broke Rekerds. deadbrokerrecords.com. Download available at: deadbrokerekerds.bandcamp.com)
|
