Vinyl
( )
false xmas (2011/KATORGA WORKS)
NEW-WAVE/INDIE-ROCK. ( ) is the vinyl debut of MERCHANDISE's David Vassalotti's pet project. How do you pronounce it? "false xmas" was originally released as a seldom-heard tape on Cult Maternal, but now the 2 tracks found its way on vinyl. This particular ( ) record finds David channeling NEW ORDER through a more lo-fi lens with even worse vocals reciting emotionally devastating prose. These 2 songs make up what is a perfect pop single. The band is called "( )" or "parenthesis".
+/- (PLUS/MINUS)
xs on your eyes (2008/ABSOLUT KOSHER)
INDIE-ROCK. +/- (pronounced simply PLUS/MINUS) is probably one of the most underrated indie bands out there. On their 4th album, the band cut back on the sound bites, synthesizers, and programmed drum beats, relying instead on their own versatile musicianship - warm horn sections, classical guitar, and pedal steel guitar. "xs on your eyes" is distinctly more calm and confident in tone and is destined to become a favorite of many.
1.6 BAND
the checkered pasts of all kings present (2010/METASTASIS)
POST-HARDCORE. 1.6 BAND came up in the early '90s NYC hardcore scene. 1.6 BAND is one of those bands that makes your jaw drop when you see them live. Their musicianship, precise stop/start timing, and stage presence make you want to scream. Take the songwriting of DAG NASTY and the time changes of NO M EANS NO or VICTIMS FAMILY, throw in an angry screamer, and you have 1.6 BAND.
101, THE
green street (2004/RIPTIDE)
INDIE/EMO-ROCK. With "green street", Eric Richter continues to define THE 101’s infectiously catchy sound, combining the finely honed atmospheric touch of his previous band ANTARCTICA, with the emotive drive of his CHRISTIE FRONT DRIVE years, to create a well-crafted rock album with no end to its emotional depth or sense of tasteful simplicity. Richter’s writing here recalls the burning modern rock sound of JIMMY EAT WORLD and the introspection of early REM. For those out there who like rock served with pop hooks, buzzing with heady energy, intelligence, and real emotional depth, prepare to swoon to the sounds of THE 101’s "green street".
101, THE
numbers (2006/RIPTIDE)
INDIE/EMO-ROCK. Featuring members of the defunct but forever legendary bands ANTARCTICA and CHRISTIE FRONT DRIVE, THE 101 continues with the passion, beauty, and creativity where their previous bands left off. Contemporary and like-minded musicians (and friends) such as JIMMY EAT WORLD and RAINER MARIA, and their fans, will undoubtedly be pleased with "numbers" as it tugs at the heart-strings and brings its listener on a personal journey of self-discovery and inspiration.
108
18.61 (2010/DEATHWISH)
HARDCORE. Recorded over a frigid weekend in Boston, 108 have returned with their most electrifying and intense album to date, "18.61." It's apparent that a spiritual restlessness and awareness continues to write in the collective consciousness of 108 which is an attribute that has set them apart from the rest of the common hardcore scene since their inception. From there, "18.61" pounds forth with the utmost intensity. Colored vinyl is packed in an awesome gatefold-cover and includes a digital download card.
1349
demonoir (2010/PROSTHETIC)
DEATH/BLACK-METAL. 1349 have been one of Norway's premier black/death-metal bands since 1997. In those years, they have progressed and recently have thrown in elements of ambient, doom and industrial into their sound while still retaining the spirit of audible hellfire. They cemented their status touring over the years with GORGOROTH, MY DYING BRIDE, CELTIC FROST, CARCAS and more. Available as a vinyl picture-disc.
16
curves that kick (2010/RELAPSE)
SLUDGE-HARDCORE. "curves that kick", the long out-of-print debut album from Southern California quartet 16, threw the doors open to a new, post-AmRep sound of discordance and discontent. Originally released on Pushead’s Bacteria Sour label in ’93, the album exposed the nascent beginnings of the soon-to-be infamous quartet. As "curves that kick" proved then and underscores now in its remixed and remastered form, 16 is its own unique, belligerent human animal. Vinyl comes with MP3 download code.
16
drop out (2010/RELAPSE)
SLUDGE-HARDCORE. The beastly, throbbing riffs and tortured screams of 16’s now-legendary "drop out" album sent shockwaves through the international music scene upon its ’96 release. It's obvious why over a decade later; the band made visceral anguish, angst, and disillusionment sound downright anthemic. 16 put an ugly, angry face on disenfranchised youth and "drop out" became a touchstone and soundtrack for the next generation of heavy rock trail blazers and trendsetters. Vinyl includes a MP3 download card.
18TH DYE
amorine queen (2008/CRUNCHY FROG)
POST-ROCK. With their groundbreaking, catchy and consistently explosive rock 18TH DYE earned great recognition in the international music press during the '90s. Noise-rock has moved since the last time 18TH DYE were around, conquering new grounds in way heavier territory. So "amorine queen" seems to be their psychedelic album (in the same sense that WIRE went psychedelic) right down to the cover art. Way less minimal than where they were headed and very different production than Albini supplied. Vinyl version includes coupon for free MP3s of the entire album.
1985, THE
s/t (2001/MONOTONSTUDIO)
POST-ROCK. So, you wanna talk about contemporary avantgarde? Alright, how about talking about THE 1985, they are avantgarde as avantgarde can, they’ve got Andy Warhol-isms, they’ve got never-heard-of-before chemical drugs, they’ve got intense musicianship like krautrock, they’ve got weird style-dogmas like BAUHAUS, they’ve got underground credibility like early '80s wave from some NYC basement club or somewhere or early '90 San Diego art-rock.
1994 / SPIRES
split (2009/INKBLOT)
POST-HARDCORE. Oakland's SPIRES builds on their soaring melodic chaotic sound while 1994 continues on in the vein of their "revolution summer" meets intricate, anthemic post-hardcore style.
22 PISTEPIRKKO
lime green delorean (2011/BONE VOYAGE)
INDIE-ROCK. The Finnish veteran rockers 22 PISTEPIRKKO are back from the woods with a new album. They're best swimming the swampy blues rawk pool, while humming their trademark, sugar-coated pop-songs, blended with electronica oddities. It's not that everything they touch turns into gold, but if the world has been a more fair place, 22 PISTEPIRKKO would have been a more recognized and cherished act. Just like THE WHITE STRIPES all of a sudden became - using the exact same formula as the one 22 PISTEPIRKKO had been distilling, refining for years. DoLP comes with an etching on the d-side and includes a MP3 download card.
22 PISTEPIRKKO
well you know (2008/BONE VOYAGE)
INDIE-ROCK. The fab three, back with guitar-based spaced-out bohemian blues-rock and proto-garage-psychedelia. 22 PISTEPIRKKO step forward with their idea of impressive simplicity, lively trio-playing and good melodies. Now, with the new album one can hear it in full bloom. P-K Keränen’s vocals and guitar playing have gathered depth that one doesn’t hear too often. Additionally, drummer Espe Haverinen simplified his playing to a great effect and sings more touching songs then on any other album. Asko Keränen's sonic bass, weird organs and effects add a room with a view, so specific 22 PISTEPIRKKO and just right for producer Kramer to play with those bits and pieces in a most gentle and subtle way.
2nd DISTRICT
emotional suicide (2006/PEOPLE LIKE YOU)
PUNK-ROCK. 2ND DISTRICT have managed to retain the good old-fashioned punk suss of DISTRICT, along with a hint of glam stemming from THE REVOLVERS, all culminating in a glittery explosion of wonderful, singalong guitar pop, which reflects the fact that this bands' influences are drawn not only from old '70s punk pioneers, but also from the likes of the ROLLING STONES, SLADE and more besides. “emotional suicide” contains 13 songs.
