Reviews of Underground, Underappreciated, Experimental Music

July 17, 2018

0016 – The Breeders – All Nerve – Orange Vinyl Record

Artist: The Breeders
Album: All Nerve
Label: 4AD
Release Date: March 2nd, 2018
Format: Vinyl Record

The Breeders have been part of the soundtrack of my life ever since I was a teenager in the 90’s. I have always been a fan, so I will acknowledge that there is some bias before delving into the meat of this album. Currently the emotions in the world at large are rather raw and full of nerves and tingles, for me this album electrified all of the nodes in my brain. Melody and sheer heaviness of the arrangements really bring it all together for me.

I was fortunate enough to pick up the limited edition translucent orange release. Put out by 4AD this is The Breeders first full length album in 10 years. Looking at the Wiki apparently this is the original lineup from the “Last Splash” album. They haven’t been together in 25 years!

The guitars are so heavy on this album, but not in a metal way. Rather, with weight of emotion and nerve, for me this is the real deal. I love the guitar work, flat out it’s just beautiful. The drums are powerful and well placed. This album really feels like a fragment from the 90’s Breeders. I love the feeling I get – they just came back in the room, plugged the amps in, picked up the sticks, and here we are.

“Nervous Mary” is the leading track and it opens with sparse thick guitars and a soft melody, followed by drums and bass bringing the listener in. Here are The Breeders you have been missing. Now listen up! The second track is the first single from this album – and I believe the first song recorded with the reunited lineup. “Wait In The Car” again feels like a lost track or just a reimagining of The Breeders. Heavy, clangy, angry, and overall fun as hell while keeping a tinge of darkness.

The third track, also the title track, “All Nerve” is the star of the album for me. The vocal harmonies that lead the track in give me the fuzzy feelings up and down my spine. Followed by guitar chords that drop in just so heavy – I’m left with no words. I feel the weight. I feel the nerve.

Music that triggers the primal feelings in my brain is what got me hooked on this audio dependency. I first used music as an escape, a way to not feel, and now I find it rare to hear a song that sends the tingles down my spine like this. But here it is. Godamnit – we needed The Breeders in 2018.

“Dawn: Making an Effort” is the third to last on the album, and again brings the melodic vocal delivery and super thick jangly guitar work. The mix brings the drums back and the vocal guitar work forward. There is a swing and a sadness to this song that again encapsulated the heavy beautifulness that is The Breeders. It’s sad, its pretty, its uplifting, it has weight. What a song.

I keep writing about this, but one of the reasons I wanted to start this blog was to reemerge myself in the music. I can’t say for sure I would have delved this hard into this album if it wasn’t for this project. However, listening to this album over and over the last few months, it just keeps getting put on. Honestly, I love it, I love The Breeders and most likely always will. No shame.

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

June 17, 2018

0014 – Charcoal Squids – Self Titled Cassette

Charcoal Squids Self Titled Cassette Tape

Artist: Charcoal Squids
Album: Self Titled
Label: Levitation Recording & Tapes and Ghost Carrot Records
Release Date: April 19, 2017
Format: Cassette Tape

Previously I had never heard of Levitation Recording & Tapes or of the Charcoal Squids. One of the exciting parts of this blog is reaching out of my known territories and discovering new bands and labels. I take enjoyment exploring DIY small runs of cassettes, with bands I have yet to hear of. This cassette I picked purely off of the write-up on a web store and the cool factor of the artwork, this looked like the dirtiest nastiest of the bunch! Psychedelic surf? Sure why not!

The cassette itself is a sweet magenta color, with paper labels in a clear case, with slick looking J-card. DIY as F in the best way, the text and fonts on the J-card give that underwater feel, preparing the eyes and ears for the oncoming sonic adventure! This tape was put out in a limited release of 100 from both Levitation Recording & Tapes and Ghost Carrot Records from Missoula, MT. Well laid out, recorded, and packaged – the trifecta for DIY tapes.

The sound these guys create is a noisy, psychedelic, surf extravaganza. Listening to this modern take on surf is really refreshing. This is what I imagine you would get if you took a standard dirty, smelly garage band and dropped them overboard to be soaked in ocean fuzz. Fuzzy hooks soaked in reverb, dragging along the ocean floor, occasionally popping out with some explosion of insanity.

The recording of the album is spot on! I could hear all the nuances in the recordings, and all instruments share the space well. I really struggled with breaking the different songs apart and picking favorites. When I listen to the album it all just flows together really well. It plays in a seamless way that makes the entire album listenable as a piece. No one hit wonders here, you must take the whole journey!

That being said the hooks in “Peppermint Spiders” bounce and stick in my brain like a half eaten candy cane sticks to a wrapper. Simple, clean riffs full of fuzz and hazy hooks. This fully encapsulates what is the great uniqueness that is Charcoal Squids and the soundscape that they meld! So, after close examination, I can choose that as my favorite track.

I look forward to delving further into the catalog of these guys! Links below for the music and more!

Charcoal Squids Bandcamp

Charcoal Squids Facebook

Levitation Recording & Tapes

Ghost Carrot Records

Camp 8 Road Atlanta, MI Snow by Nibiinabekwe — Photos by Nibiinabekwe. Camp 8 Road • Atlanta, Michigan.

May 11, 2018May 20, 2018

0013 – The Great Sabatini – Napoleon Sodomite 7″

Vinyl Record Straits of Mackinac North Side

Artist: The Great Sabatini
Album: Napoleon Sodomite
Label: Sludge Hummer
Release Date: April 15th, 2011
Format: 7″ Vinyl Record

I picked this 7″ up at a basement show some years back. My band opened for The Great Sabatini, who were on tour from Montreal. They put on a hell of a show, heavy, noisy, angry, tight, and unrelenting! I snagged a copy of this 7″ along with their full length LP, “Matterhorn.” The full length has made it into heavy rotation for me, but this 7″ I only listened to a handful of times. Then forgot, or lost, in my old organization system, or lack thereof. As mentioned in the previous posts I have new shelving for my vinyl hoard and these lost gems keep popping up in my collection.

Released on, what I believe is the bands own label, Sludge Hummer. The cover features artwork from Wurmzilla, who also pulls guitar duty. The artwork itself consists of line drawings and a unique “band” around the slip cover to hold the 7″ in the case. This is great design work equally using beauty and function! I really love the illustration of the monster and girl on the back cover as well. One of my favorite parts of this project is getting to sit down, feeling 13 again, and really look at all the aspects of the art of the release. Then I put it on my Marantz, loud as F, and just soak it all in. All too often I found myself not really appreciating all the little touches that are put into these beautiful physical objects I hoard. My pretties!! My precious!!!!!!

As stated earlier, I have a previous love for these dudes already, and this release was nothing but a happy little surprise for me. The Great Sabatini are kings of noise rock riffage, with guitar tones that are tight and complex. Napoleon Sodomite is the leading track on the 7″, and the guitars and drums start right in, slamming you in the face. This track showcases that these Canadians have a mastery of all things heavy.

The end of the first side brings a short track titled “Helter Skeletor.” This track feels like the interlude and gives a chance for the ears to breathe in some weird. It comes in at under 2 minutes and features droning guitars alongside a banjo-stomp riff. Kind of hilarious and weird, making for an excellent transition into the second side, and closing track, “Trap Sequence.” Again, the guitars and drums hit you right in the gut. Powerful chords and pounding drums quickly lead into a meandering riff and then drop off bringing the contrast of both quiet and loud into this song.

I have yet to pick up the 2014 release “Dog Years” from these dudes. I did not know it was out until jumping on their Bandcamp for this review. Damn! Now it’s on my list! Click the links below for more info, streams and yadda yadda from these guys.

The Great Sabatini on Bandcamp

The Great Sabatini on Facebook

Nibiinabekwe Straits of Mackinac North Side — Photos by Nibiinabekwe. Straits of Mackinac • St. Ignace, 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

0011 – All Souls – Self Titled

Artist: All Souls
Album: ST
Label: Ruined Vibes
Release Date: February 2018
Format: Vinyl

I have been a fan of Totimoshi for years. When I heard that Tony and Meg had a new band, “All Souls,” I jumped at the chance to get the limited edition release. The new self titled album comes in multiple versions. The one I picked up was released on a sick looking limited edition vinyl featuring a clear with black splattered record. It was released by a boutique label specializing in small runs called “Ruined Vibes.” Cover art for this edition is designed by Kat Von D, the cover itself is hand screened on folded heavy weight paper. The print is super sharp. At first glance I wasn’t even sure it was a print, I had to really look close at the cover in order to see the print job. As an added bonus, on this release Ruined Vibes threw a poster in the sleeve featuring the alternative artwork from the standard release of the album.

For me this band is all about the interplay of Toni’s vocals with the guitar work. Top notch rock at its finest, full of flourishes and textures that really make each song stand on its own. Each song blends together, all the elements mixed seamlessly, each song delivers that sweet mix of the bass, drums, and vocals. Toshi Kasai handled the recording and mixing duties. Also known for his work with the Melvins, among others, this represents another great example of his skills, capturing chaos and putting it onto a recording.

The opening track, “Party Night,” features a powerful riff and drum combo, super heavy and fun, the intro guitar work is instantly memorable. I found this song to have a feel reminiscent of early QOTSA but with a much more technical edge. The following track, “Never Know,” has a mellower sound, bringing to the forefront, again, the great guitar work. This time around the chorus features this hook that I find sticking in my head at the oddest times. Even typing this out brings it ringing right back to my mind.

Something I found interesting while writing this review, the track “Sadist/Servant” features Danny Carey, from Tool, on drums. I haven’t been a fan of newer Tool releases, but as a child of the 90’s, “Opiate” still holds a special spot in my heart. I didn’t know there was a guest drummer until writing this, so I found this to be a cool aside on reevaluation. The track holds true to the “All Souls” formula, great guitars, heavy drums and a good chorus. Danny’s drum work fits right in and isn’t a change in the sound. I thought it was cool that I didn’t immediately notice, but as I re-listen I keep finding little intricacies that are reminiscent of Tool.

One of my personal favorite tracks off this album is “The Ghost Is Flying Home,” super heavy with deep thumping bass, and again, the great guitar accents and leads. The drums find this perfect robotic beat throughout that carries the song well. Again, another example of everything I love in rock and roll, pounding drums, great hooks, and fat riffs. All Souls brings a sound that is classic and almost timeless, overall heavy, featuring lush tones and melodies. Every time I put this record on I find a new nuance to enjoy. It’s hard to put a genre on All Souls, I would just say it’s real music, timeless rock – in the best way possible.

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