Music Reviews

Himes, Matthew – “Hold Tight b/w My Ride” – [Home & Garden Music]

carsonstreet   3/3/2023   7-inch, A Library

Experimental loner folk from this mysterious Minnesotan, who writes intimate and melancholic tunes, that are nearly tone poems. Sometimes he trickles into expansive psychedelia. The lead single “Hold Tight” is a comforting promise of better times to come, one day at a time, while the flip side “My Ride” is a sort of pre-post mortem, speaking to lost friends and ashes unspread. Square record cut in MONO to clear polycarbonate with printed labels featuring hand-stamped pink ink detail. Made in a limited hand-numbered edition of 16 copies.

Surplus 1980 – “Kremlin Gremlin (A Dull Fiddler)” – [Surplus Industries]

Albion Moonlight   2/17/2023   7-inch, A Library

Albion Moonlight 2/22/2023 7-INCH, A Library

Oakland-based musical collective Surplus 1980 returns with a single the proceeds of which benefit the Vet Crew in Ukraine, who aid animals displaced in that war. Moe Staiano and collaborators joined by J.W.Sok on vocals give us a polemical post-punk tune skewering Russian President Putin on side A, complete with Fripian guitar. Side AA (B) is a dub remix of one of the songs to come out on their forthcoming album. This music is bouncy and fun! A real time traveling experience back to the 80s. Recommended!.

The 7” single is half blue/half yellow colored vinyl to emulate the Ukrainian flag.

FCC ‘Sh*t’ and ‘Sh@t’ on Side AA (B) – ‘Some Few Facts (And One False One) About Birds

Albion-

Niton – “Maas (flexi)” – [Pulver Und Asche]

Thurston Hunger   11/30/2022   7-inch, A Library

Companion “record” to the excellent Cemento 3D cd. This has an excerpt of the audio sculpture “Maas” from Niton, a 3-piece electroacoustic project that straddles the Italo/Swiss boundaries and sonically straddles prog/industrial regions. Other pieces on the full length have more prominent electro-cello, this is more pulse/wave/squelch electronics. Really could serve as a stellar sci-fi soundtrack to alien animation. Well crafted sounds, and the clever craft continues in fabricating this medium. Sure, it is a flexi, but it has grooves on the see-through packaging, and the cardboard disk inside is just a decoy that you must take out to get the square outer record to spin round on the turntable. On the evil genius seismograph, that rates pretty soundly, glad we have the full length as hopefully this entices KFJC DJ’s to pour out more
Maas! The full length 3D is well worth a foray!
-Thurston Hunger

No Dead Monsters – “Lineup” – [Fun With Tape Records]

kittywompus   11/9/2022   7-inch, A Library

A Two track 45 recorded in 2017 but released in 2022 by Annandale, VA 3 piece punk outfit No Dead Monsters has Steve Francis on vocals/guitar, Chico Rodriguez on Drums/Vocals, and Brian Kiviat on Bass. Self described as ” high energy, driving, grinding upbeat melodic punk goodness.” This is the band’s first release since their 2018 single “Let it Burn”, that followed the release of a few other singles released all of which have a very pronounced punk sound. Both tracks, each running about 2 minutes and 30 seconds, begin with drums leading into a guitar baseline for vocals to join. “Lineup” is more energetic at the start and leans more punk with smashing fast paced drums and urgent guitar in comparison to the intro and overall pace of “D Hall”, however both carry a very similar energy and sound.

Fri Som En Fagel / Filthy Christians [coll] – [Armageddon]

whngr   11/3/2022   7-inch, A Library

Swedish Hardcore punks negotiate ferocity, blast beats, the disenfranchisement of youth, and a spray of cynical humor with alacrity and aplomb.

Fri Som En Fågel… translates to “Free as a Bird” which is surely an allusion to the avian imagery that G-anx would employ in their cover art and the stark, slightly sinister, and dichotomistic aspects of this 7″ is part of what drew me in to this release. The ferocity, innovation, and humor is why I shall return. 

G-Anx were a fucking great four-piece of long-hair punks with grindcore leanings from Jönköping and Huskvarna that packed it up in ’92. Raw and visceral, this is the real deal for this miserable volunteer.

Filthy Christians were a five-piece crossover project from Falun with a predilection for denim that also had a couple long-hairs in their group. Check out “Vaktmästar Jazz (Olle P)” (“Janitor Jazz [Olle P]” [B3]) for the album’s oddity which features  a couple of catchy jangly guitar interludes reminiscent of pop from the 60’s or the very short “Skate And Die” (B6), a nihilist ode to my preferred rolling toy of doom, destruction, and delight. Of special note is the track “Another Metal Band” (B5) which relates (via the thorough liner notes evocative of the era) a tale of a Hardcore band that rejects their roots to explore the often absurd Satanic fantasy realms of Death Metal… which is exactly what Filthy Christians would do not long after this release. What a bunch of fucking clowns… I love it!

Sweden – 1988 

Swinging Palms, The – “The Swinging Palms” – [Hi-Tide]

carsonstreet   10/19/2022   7-inch, A Library

Direct from the shores of the Hudson River, the Swingin’ Palms blend the most rousing aspects of vintage Hawaiian, Exotica, Go Go and Surf music. Led by Graham Tichy on Hawaiian steel guitar and Don Young on electro-Spanish guitar, the Swingin’ Palms present a mix of original music, Hapa Haole rarities, and forgotten gems reconceived in a style that’s both authentic and fresh. For years, “beachnik” music audiences as well as major music journalists, have bemoaned the shortage of new, original, top-quality Polynesian-esque music. Step back Santo and Johnny, The Swinging Palms have arrived! Graham Tichy – Steel Guitar 
Donald Young – Guitar & Ukulele 
Ian Carlton – Upright Bass 
Pete Vumbaco – Drum Kit  

Hula Girls, The – “The Hula Girls” – [Hi-Tide]

carsonstreet   10/19/2022   7-inch, A Library

The Hula Girls have been busy preaching their self-described ‘hulabilly’ sounds all over Southern California. It’s the upright bass of Christian Kessler, the drumming of Doug Sanborn, the Gretsch guitar twanging of Spike Marble, and the steel guitar of Shorty Poole! They’ve played along side such modern rockabilly and surf legends as The Stray Cats’ Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom, Dick Dale, The Ventures, Duane Eddie, The Knitters, Dave Alvin, Southern Culture on the Skids, Los Straitjackets and Hot Rod Lincoln. It’s up-tempo tiki and surf themed music, all filtered through the late 1950’s and early 60’s rockabilly and rock n’ roll sound.

Bunny Numpkins and The Kill Blow-Up Reaction – “Wandering Caroline/Those Candy Hearts”

carsonstreet   9/27/2022   7-inch, A Library

Bunny Numpkins & The Kill Blow-Up Reaction formed up around 2002. They started as the backing band for a puppet but eventually went on to simply make quirky pop. They are from Oakland CA and have played at the Bunny Jam, The Finch Gallery and clubs including Elbo Room, The Starry Plough and The Stork Club. Good clean fun for all. Good pop fun for all.

 Mess, Kristin / Birds of California [coll] – [555 recordings]

kittywompus   9/14/2022   7-inch, A Library

Released 2009

Side A is a mellow and dreamy indie rock album with just enough casual strumming and echoey vocals to make this the perfect backdrop to any quirky 2010 indie love story. The second (Paul Is Dead) and third track (Brief Addendum) bleed into one another creating a psychedelic whirl down the spiraling emotions of the bittersweetness and resentment of heartbreak, a unifying thread between both sides. Kristin mess’ sleepy voice leads side B with acoustic guitar through reflections on past love, youth and sadness, tear-stained cheeks and all. Touching on lost friendships once thought undying, “Eleanor” harkens to a time when we all asked our childhood bestie “We’ll be best friends forever right?”.

FCC: track 2 “Paul is Dead”(Fuck)

M. Pluckett – “Rust Water” – [L.Rossi]

kittywompus   9/7/2022   7-inch, A Library

Muffled electronic keyboard, distorted sounds, and morse code; M. Pluckett’s “Rust Water” is a four track vinyl, a slight detour from that of his previous project “Monocle Eye” which also has a home in the KFJC library. This album is mostly instrumental barring a few distorted voice samples from what sounds like a mish mash of media (shows, movies, commercials). It begins with “oneMorePush” and ends on “oneLastLaugh”, static-y and beep filled tracks reminiscent of a phone call from a fever dream, creating a fluid journey through all four tracks. It is noticeably more electronic than their first release, though “killWithSmiles” and “thinker” are on the grittier side. If you get lost listening to this, just remember to wiggle your big toe.

The Manakooras – “The Manakooras” – [Hi-Tide]

Cousin Mary   8/15/2022   7-inch, A Library

Exotica with a capital E from this North Carolina band. Three instrumental pieces that are gorgeous and tropical. Love, love, love the steel guitar. (Manakoora in Polynesian language loosely translates to witchcraft. Manakoora is a reef in Western Australia)

La Misma – “Negociacoes De Paz Continuam Como Fazem As Fabulas” – [Toxic State]

whngr   8/3/2022   7-inch, A Library

Low Fidelity female driven punk rock from NYC.

Up-tempo jangly guitars, over simple yet energetic rhythms, riffs and youthful, laryngeal vocals in Portuguese from this vibrant four-piece (perhaps three-piece, possibly defunct).
The title of this 7″ might be translated as “Peace Negotiations Continue Like Fables Do” and seems to be in line thematically with the other projects from Toxic State; the youth are dispossessed and they’re gonna rock the fuck out about it.

New York City – 2018 

The Burning Reprieve / Shifting Transcendental [coll] – [Martyrdoom Production]

whngr   7/27/2022   7-inch, A Library

Death Doom Deities

Witchrist of Auckland, NZ are, along with Diocletian, one of two bands that comprise a (sub)genre of Death Metal that they have deemed Doom Cult. Brutal, guttural, and low-end, Witchrist state that they are less musicians than practitioners of a “dark ritual” that is thematically centered around Hindu mythology, a theology that was part of the band’s upbringing. This is the murkier of the two sides, raw and without relent, sorrowful howling guitars add a haunting atmosphere to the sludge that rides just above the battering of double drumming and trash cymbal crashes. Occutorture (gtr) is also a member of active and excellent Death Metal project Distant Fear.

Antediluvian are a three-piece from Edmonton, Canada conceived of by Haasiophis (gtr/vx) and Mars Sekhmet (drms) in 2006. Guttural, brutal, and while very low-end employ more guitar slaying than the project on the reverse side of this 7″ (and the globe). Frenetic trem-picked runs soar and dive over a distinctive diaphragmal bellow. Haasiophis has an academic background and a profound interest in history, archaeology, and theology which informs the themes that inspire the un/holy direction of this project. Worthy of note is that Mars Sekhmet is also Nebel Torvum and that she has several compelling medieval/dungeon synth releases under this alias and Haasiophis is also known as Raphaim Specter in the project Black Death Cult, an active Black/Death/Doom project with interesting electronic accompaniment.

CA/NZ – 2014

Bad Acid Trip / Benumb [coll] – [Agitate 96]

whngr   7/22/2022   7-inch, A Library

Nor Cal vs. So Cal Power Violence / Grind 

Explosions in the key of neural meltdown.

Strangeness (Bass breakdowns). Spit (Back of the throat). Some hooks (Bait the hook, catch a listener). Samples (B.A. Baracus). Short (Be diligent).

California – 2000

Cliff and Ivy – “Bring Us the Night” – [House of Extreme Darkness]

karma   7/20/2022   7-inch, A Library

Cliff and Ivy are a goth duo from Anchorage, Alaska. This four-song EP was recorded in a fur storage closet. All tracks pelt you with guitar riffs as fast as St. Jimmy up the boulevard. ‘Bring us the Night’ is darker than Christmas in Fairbanks. Through wittier lyrics and interesting rhythm and chord choices, Cliff and Ivy chase the intensity that the Last Frontier radiates. This is a goth metal album you’ll want to turn again and again, you won’t be bored! I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I have.

Braindead – “Priest Killer” – [Feast of Tentacles]

whngr   7/15/2022   7-inch, A Library

HXC / Power Violence / Thrash

Suspended by his own viscera amidst flying buttresses and blood spattered idolatry , the priest has joined his father in heaven amidst staccato rhythms (less 4/4 and more pour gore), guttural bellows, primal screams, frenetic guitar, and samples that malign and denigrate the Christ. 

Credited to One Rob Tyers of Moloch (UK), Perspex Flesh, Arson, and most recently Whipping Post.

U.K. – 2006

D-Vices, The – “Adequate / Modern Boy” – [Celluloid Lunch Records]

Thurston Hunger   6/21/2022   7-inch, A Library

Bass bopping driving no wave from Montreal 1980, freshly reissued in 2022. Was stoked to see this in Cinderaura’s recent haul for KFJC, as by chance I had recently heard the American Devices “Gory Story.” (Gotta give props to Tremendo Garaje for that.) The D-Vices are an earlier incarnation still with an accent on Vivce, featuring Phil Nolin on vox/guitar. Nolin’s guitar brings a sort of Television-style search-and-slash-and-destroy. Nolin’s vox are full of piss and vinegar. These two short blasts really stand up over time, “Modern Boy” could get people Contorting on the dance floor. Nolin’s lyrics are delivered like body blows, at times his guitar and voice step back to let Rick Trembles bass and Guy LaPointe’s drums cruise for a few measures. Maybe live those measures would stretch out for minutes, it’s a pretty gritty groove. Trembles was the only Canuck to stick with the American Devices phase.
-Thurston Hunger

Contranistas – “Center Negative/Memory Divided By Time” – [Killer Kern]

humana   6/2/2022   7-inch, A Library

Although this Bakersfield duo has been called gloomy, I’d say their sound on this release matches the rather bright blue of the 7″ vinyl it’s etched into. “Center Negative” sounds rather positive to me, while “Memory Divided by Time” is bit more intense and you can hear more of the live looping sounds. The percussion, drums, and bass add to the atmosphere. You decide where it leads your mind. Personally, I like it both a lot.

Versa – “Seed” – [ZamZam Sounds]

rasbabo   4/27/2022   7-inch, Reggae

Another great release on Zam Zam. Instrumental spacy dub for top shelf enthusiasts. Side A- ‘Seed’ is a high-energy sativa-esque up-tempo 130 bpm four on the floor dub stepper, that dips and darts smoothly through time.

Side B- ‘Plant’ is an indica-induced dream-state meditation, running at half time of its counterpart. Plodding bass and hypnotizing melodica eerily gives a nod to Augustus Pablo, but this is music for this decade of dub, these times. Rough and gritty, raw and powerful. Photosynthesize your Dub.

Riley Geare/Time/Joker’s Chair

carsonstreet   3/27/2022   7-inch, A Library

Riley Geare is a Los Angeles singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. This 7″ is a mix of chill wave and jazz-laden funk. Geare’s sound blends soft-jazz and mid-tempo electronica. Riley is jazzy with a little lean toward progressive rock. Shoegaze, dream pop, ambient and electronica could all apply. Very pleasant and a nice way to segue between genres.