Reviews Archives - Page 2 of 3

July 9, 2018

0015 – Lucius Fox – Cement Sun – Compact Disc

Artist: Lucius Fox
Album: Cement Sun
Label: Self
Release Date: May 26, 2017
Format: CD

Lucius Fox is a 2 piece math rock band from Lansing / Kalamazoo, MI. Titled “Cement Sun,” this CD came in a slick sleeve style case. The artwork features a starry landscape with the cement sun as a focal point. Simple and clean the CD top had the cover artwork printed on it as well.

This album is largely an instrumental, featuring tight riffs and intricate drums. Lots of rhythms and runs on the guitar. I feel like I’m always moving forward when rocking this album. The recording is well done, full of super clean guitars throughout. My only complaint is that on certain songs I feel like the drums could have came up slightly in the mix, I listened on various systems and kept wanting a little more thump only on some songs. Overall i loved the production of the whole album and the sound that was captured.

The ending riff on the second track, “Caged Bird” is a pure stomp fest, I love it. The song builds up so a gigantic power riff that drops into a even more gigantic ending, powerful and heavy throughout. The next song is “Shapeshifter” and it has this finger tap section that I really like. The melody is nice, and still has this heaviness underlying. Intricate guitar work and well placed drumming.

“Keith Green” is the fifth track off the disc, and it brings the first vocals. Simple and effective, the vocals are a nice addition to the math rock wreckage that is being laid down. For me, the best track on the album comes with the title track “Cement Sun.” Again, the super tight riffs and spot on drumming shine hard here. The riffs come and go, popping back and forth between the main components really making a seamless feel. When the breakdown comes with the spaced out chords it makes for a satisfying reprieve. Spaced out simple reverb soaked cords and simple drumming help with the dynamics in this song. The ending is epic as shit and again brings the stomping riff and quickly goes back to the math. Super dynamic and tight, not much else to say!

This album ruled, and as I was writing this and doing the research on the band I noted they had just released a new album! This is the second time this has happened while doing the review process! I get on the site and Bam well look there a new album out! So let’s be clear – this is the older album, Lucius Fox has a brand new one out, I have yet to hear it, hit the links below and you can check it out for yourself!

Lucius Fox on Facebook

Lucius Fox on Bandcamp

Photos by Nibiinabekwe Anchor Creek — Photos by Nibiinabekwe • Anchor Creek • Michigan

May 6, 2018May 6, 2018

0012 – Skelotonized – Defleshed Cassette Tape

Artist: Skelotonized
Album: Defleshed
Release Date: October 28, 2017
Format: Cassette Tape

Skelotonized are located in Pittsburgh, PA. They are a 3-piece, featuring former Triangle And Rhino members, Lexso and Rappa, along with fellow Pittsburgh noise native, Farkas. This release comes in a super vibrant blue cassette with silver printing featuring the name of the band, the album, and a simple “Side A” and “Side B.” The J Card features a mountain scene lush with greenery and floral, animals and lady swimmers hunted by Greek statues! The visuals are a perfect representation of the world, and the journey, that Skelotonized is about to immerse your ears in. Once you pop in the tape – you’ll understand. Hit play and you’re instantly dropped off into a prehistoric jungle, birds and primal animals abound, while jazz swells just below.

This tape has a uniqueness that I can’t quite put my finger on, that I almost can’t put words to. I feel like a jungle explorer, traveling down a river in some prehistoric time. The drums, the sax, the noise extravaganza – all create a primal rhythm, that just hits me where I want to be hit.

I can’t quite identify the how or the what all the sounds come from, but I know I hear guitars, bass, drums, keys or synths, maybe even an oscillator…or was it a Tyrannosaurus? Who knows? I do know this – it rules and I am so glad to have snagged a copy.

This tape, from beginning to end, is a nonstop jazz noise freak-out. The music has a swing and a character all its own. The songs don’t live in a freakout, but meld into pieces that have definitive ends and beginnings. This is meant to be heard in one sitting, I believe. I recommend you sit down and go on the entire journey. Sometimes, with Noise Music, the rhythm and the song become lost in the chaos, but not this. There are clear themes and riffs that carry the ears onward.

Skelotonized Facebook

Skelotonized Bandcamp

Photo by Nibiinabekwe Snow Trees — Photos by Nibiinabekwe. Atlanta State Forest Area, Michigan.

April 16, 2018

0010 – Nakay – Chronic Demise Split

Artist: Nakay – Chronic Demise Split
Album: Split
Label: ???
Release Date: ???
Format: Cassette

This cassette is a split of two grind bands, Nakay and Chronic Demise. The J Card is a printed folded paper with the band names and a track listing. The tape itself is plain grey clear color with just simple markings for each bands side. The tape looks to be a DIY job as I would expect from grindcore bands, although the cassette itself may have been pro done, as it sounds consistent. The labeling on the tape looks like it was pro done, even if it is just a stencil of each bands name, so either way, good job guys.

Nakay’s side starts right in and does not relent for the whole side of the tape – blast beasts, guttural vocals, with brief spattering of samples / effects in the transitions. The grinds are fast as fuck, and beyond tight, guitars are thick and the vocals are powerful and present in the mix, just at the right spot.

The Chronic Demise side brings a stark contrast, starting with slow sludge riffs that transition into grinding fast blasting sections. Big fat riffs, big thick cords, nasty grinding parts and shrieking vocals, not as fast as the Nakay but the slow-fast effect makes up for that.

This was another pick out of my racks. I sometimes get these tapes and listen once or twice, and forget. With this project I get to really delve in, take time, and listen to the nuances in the sound each band put forth. As far as I can tell Nakay is still active, while Chronic Demise seems not to be. Links are below to band pages for each.

No labels, no bullshit, just 10 minutes of grind. There is an email address printed below the track listings on the back of the tape, no middlemen here. Just put the tape in and shut up already. I like this part of grindcore. It’s about the music, anti capitalist, anti everything. I can dig that.

Nakay Bandcamp

Chronic Demise Bandcamp

Chronic Demise Facebook

Snow Pine Tree Sunset Panorama — Photos by Nibiinabekwe. County Road 628, Atlanta State Forest.

April 1, 2018April 10, 2018

0009 – Plurals & Black Sparrow Press Split 7″

Artist: The Plurals & Black Sparrow Press
Album: Split
Label: GTG – Something Dancey – Minor Bird Records
Release Date: April 1, 2014
Format: 7″ Vinyl Record

This release is another treasure that I acquired some time ago. A split from Lansing, Michigan’s The Plurals and San Pedro, California’s Black Sparrow Press. The cover of this split features printed line drawing with colored pencil “coloring.” The effect makes the cover super vibrant and fun to look at, a different take for sure. The actual record is a black 7″ labeled as “P” and “B” respectively.

The first song from The Plurals, “How About The Weather?” brings shredding guitars and punk rock insanity all encapsulated in one track. Melodies flow in and out while the drums and guitars pound out the punk rock fun. The second Plurals track, “Clouds,” brings a more traditional punk sound. The breakdown in the middle gives the song the touch of awesome that I have come to know from the Plurals.

Black Sparrow Press open right up with a mid paced pop punk song titled “Adult Braces.” This song exemplifies everything I would expect from a pop punk band, upbeat guitars and punk rock choruses . The second track “Lady, I Love You” is by far my favorite from them, the guitars for me are reminiscent of The Wipers. Black Sparrow Press really show the west coast sound here.

For me pop punk has never been my favorite genre of music, and I would classify The Plurals as more punk than just pop punk. I love the sound they create, punk rock with melody and nasty driving guitars. Smash the Beach Boys with the Minutemen and you might get close. The flip side brings Black Sparrow Press which is much more of a traditional pop punk sound, well recorded and performed. Opening my ears allowed me to find a way to appreciate pop punk in a different way.

The Plurals Facebook

The Plurals Bandcamp

Black Sparrow Press Facebook

Black Sparrow Press Bandcamp

Photos by Nibiinabekwe. Alpena County Michigan.

Thoughts on the photo shoot, I feel the need to address.

This project is about getting out of my comfort zone, finding music, exploring the world around us, and putting the media in a memorable place. Also attempting to capture my feelings about the music in written form.

Nibiinabekwe and I hesitated on doing the shots at this spot but we went ahead with it.

Personally as an Anishinaabe, I found this to be somewhat disturbing, but also felt a need to document this in our project. The road where this was shot is on our way to town. I pass this regularly, no one is ever “home” and I think this is a hunting cabin. But he is always there, looking at me.

Alcoholism, and the evils it is associated with, has hit close to my family for generations, not only in my personal bubble, but my fathers, his fathers and beyond…

So, here sits a “red man” with his booze and his gun. And this is all in good humor right? I cant even put into words all the emotions this brings up. But here it is, everyday in my life.

Hate is alive and real today. Just good fun right? Or is it hate? I have my feelings and opinions.

– Binesi

March 22, 2018April 1, 2018

0008 – The Swill – Thirst For Misery

Artist: The Swill
Album: Thirst For Misery
Label: Self Released
Release Date: Nov 7th, 2013
Format: Cassette

This is the first pressing, limited edition cassette from Lansing, Michigan’s The Swill. The bands self released debut album, titled Thirst For Misery. Cover art is done by Brad Moore and features a gargoyle before a moonscape. The tape was released 3 times, this is the first version that came on black, all releases are sold out on Bandcamp.

This recording, is super well done, the drums carry the songs well, while Matt Preston and Dan McCormick lay down thick riffage with super intricate and melodic passages throughout.

The last song, “The Void and the Vision” has a great galloping beat, the drums really lead you into the song. Then the guitars build in, swelling to a huge solo. Rael Andrews drums really highlight the awesome guitar-work on this track, pushing the driving feeling all the way to the end.

It was fun to pull this tape out, these guys rule. Part of this project is digging out old gems or finding new ones to appreciate. This tape was definitely lost in the shuffle of my collection, mostly forgotten, but not anymore.

The Swill On Bandcamp

The Swill Facebook

Photos by Nibiinabekwe. Point Iroquois Lighthouse, Lake Superior.

March 12, 2018

0007 – The God Eaters – Fading Horizons

Artist: The God Eaters
Album: Fading Horizons
Label: Invertebrata Records
Release Date: Feb 15^th 2018
Format: Vinyl 10” Smoke Colored

I ordered this album from The God Eaters off Bandcamp, released in a limited edition 10” smoke colored vinyl. The cover is a heavy weight black stock paper with a black screen-print of what I am guessing is Lake Superior. The back of the cover features a letter pressed foil stamped track listing. The care put into the physical production of this record is incredible. Art and design was done by Nick Erickson who also pulls drummer duty! As an added bonus for me, the band signed my liner notes. Thanks guys!

The God Eaters consists of 2 brothers, Dylan Trost on guitar and vocals and Devyn Trost playing the bass. This is along with the, as mentioned earlier, Nick on drums. There is something unique that is created when 2 brothers are in a group together, and the God Eaters are no exception. The riffs are thick, fast, with lots of intricate parts twisting together. The liquidity, with the way the riffs come across, is so well executed and cohesive, you can tell the brothers have that special connection. Nick’s drumming is just as impactful and well executed, hes all over the kit keeping the beat interesting and fun. Fast punk rock with great drums and sweaty fast guitars – whats not to love?

The longest track, and my favorite on the album, is “Carcharodon Carcharias” and at 6 minutes, I feel this totally encapsulates all the best aspects of The God Eaters. It starts out with a jangling punk section devolving into a total jazz freak out, flowing into a punk rock dinosaur stomp fest. Fun rock and roll with a punk grunge vibe, the whole disc is incredibly tight and a blast to put on.

The recording was done at Electrical Audio in Chicago, and it sounds great as you would expect from a studio of that caliber. The mix is spot on, everything sounds like it has its own place and presence in the “room.” Coupled with a bad ass recording and the super cool layout and design of the record itself, this makes for one hell of a release. I cant wait to see what future releases will these guys will bring.

The God Eaters Bandcamp

The God Eaters Facebook

Invertebrata Records

Photos by Nibiinabekwe. Pendills Bay, Lake Superior Hiawatha National Forest.

March 12, 2018

0006 – Cavalcade – Swale 7″

Artist: Cavalcade
Album: Swale
Label: Bermuda Mohawk Productions
Release Date: Dec 10^th 2013
Format: Vinyl 7”

I believe I got this 7” at the release show, a very long time ago. I then promptly lost it in the shuffle of life, only to be re-found when I recently got a new record shelf and organization system. Hurrah for me because this one is a gem! Swale is a 7″ with a minimal brown sleeve featuring a monster stamp as the main focal point. I really like the layout of this release, done by Craig Horky, who not only is a prolific and unique artist, but also the bassist of Cavalcade. I believe as an added aside this is Sean Peters first release with the band, replacing Zak Warren on vocals.

“Swale,” the opening track, comes in slow and weird, in typical Cavalcade fashion, building up into a crashing swaying mess of noise. “Metronome On Sleep” is the highlight track for me; it has a hard groove with lots of intricacies, eerie melodies shine through the sound-wall amid the chaos.

Cavalcade is a strange carnival of a band and the music is a perfect representation of that. Stoner metal meets punk rock meets who the hell knows what or where. The noise flows in and out while a Gollum spits and sputters vocals through the mix. The recording on this release is well mixed and presented, taking the listener under the tent with Cavalcade. I have always enjoyed catching these guys live, whether in a basement or a stinky dive bar, Brad always brings the headbanging while the other guys bring the weird.

Cavalcade on Facebook

Cavalcade Bandcamp

Bermuda Mohawk Productions

Photos by Nibiinabekwe, Gaffney Creek, Salina Rd, Alpena County Michigan.

March 8, 2018March 12, 2018

0005 – Earth – Live At Third Man Records

Artist: Earth
Album: Live At Third Man Records
Label: Third Man Records
Release Date: Nov 24th 2017
Format: Vinyl LP

Earth – Live at Third Man Records is the second part of a 2 part experience. The first being Boris – Live at Third Man, both recorded on the 2016 tour the bands endeavored together. I had the privilege of checking the show out in Grand Rapids, which stands as one of my all time favorites. I had yet to catch them live, and the chance to do it with not only with Boris, but with a stripped down traditional setup of drums bass and guitar from Earth. Dylan Carlson even came out for the encore at the end of the Boris set, playing an old Earth song with Boris! Continue reading “0005 – Earth – Live At Third Man Records”

March 8, 2018March 12, 2018

0004 – Boris – Live At Third Man Records

Artist: Boris
Album: Live At Third Man Records
Label: Third Man Records
Release Date: Nov 29th 2017
Format: Vinyl LP

This album Boris – Live At Third Man Records, along with the next I will review, are special to me. I got a chance to see this tour that they were recorded on. Boris is by far one of my most loved bands and with the addition of seeing them with Earth, I considered this a once in a Continue reading “0004 – Boris – Live At Third Man Records”

March 8, 2018March 12, 2018

0003 – Cloakroom – Further Out

Artist: Cloakroom
Album: Further Out
Label: Run For Cover Records
Release Date: January 20, 2015
Format: Double Clear Vinyl LP

I purchased this LP at a show in Grand Rapids when Cloakroom opened for Hum! That was an amazing show, Nibiinabekwe was beyond excited to see Hum, and I was just as excited for Cloakroom. Luckily for me I had the monies to buy the LP from them at the show.

Released by Run for Cover Records, the version I got came as a double clear Continue reading “0003 – Cloakroom – Further Out”