0011 – All Souls – Self Titled

Artist: All SoulsClear Record Black Splatter Sunlight
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.All Souls Record Back Cover in Snow

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.
Kat Von D All Souls Art Cover in Tree Snow

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.

All Souls Vinyl Record Hanging in TreeRuined Vibes Clear Vinyl Black Splatter Hanging TreeAll Souls Website

All Souls Facebook

Ruined Vibes

Sunyata Records

 

 

Photo by Nibiinabekwe
Photos by Nibiinabekwe. Camp 8 Road, Montmorency County Michigan.

 

0009 – Plurals & Black Sparrow Press Split 7″

Artist: The Plurals & Black Sparrow PressThe Plurals Black Sparrow Press Split 7" Vinyl Record
Album: Split
Label: GTGSomething DanceyMinor 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 Plurals Lansing Michigan Vinyl 7 inch

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.

The Plurals 45 RPM disc

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.Black Sparrow Press record

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