Fantomas - The Director's Cut
Label: Ipecac
Rating: 90
Fantomas stand with their feet planted horizontally across the soft dimensions
of your face, warping the shape of your skull and shoulders with their off-color
explosions. With expectations withering on the floor, leaving a viscious stink,
nothing in their hands is concrete. As a follow up to their 30 song debut,
throughout which vocalist Mike Patton never formed a single actual word, Fantomas
offer these sixteen new creations, all realigned versions of film soundtracks,
ranging from the notorious theme to Rosemary's Baby to the obscure and peculiar
wank of 'Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer'. While there are many similarities
to the dispersed flip-flopping styles of their earlier work, 'The Director's Cut'
breaks new ground with a thick jagged axe. First, most noticably, are the even
more varied vocal stylings; Patton's sweet croon on 'Experiment in Terror' is
nothing we've heard before from him on a Fantomas recording, along with many of
the other croaking spitting pissing screaming noises he excretes. Yet another
testament to the unabashed genius of Mike Patton and his co-conspirators, leaving
those caught up in the rapture with mouths even more full with thick drool. An
album full of original material is expected hopefully by the end of the year, to
bend us out of shape and into warped format even more.
Faraquet - The View From This Tower
Label: Dischord
Rating: 94
Fusing together the musical complication and ingenuity of King Crimson with
the ferocity and D.C.-sound of Fugazi, interlaced with a bit of the flare of
the later Police, Faraquet emerge, creating an album of technical, churning,
and passionate frenzies collapsed into melodically pleasing atrophy. After
several smaller releases of 7" singles and four songs on a split single with
the choppy, quirk-filled Akarso, the band moved to Dischord for the release of
their first full-length, The View From This Tower. Any and all excitement
created by those previous releases, or the smattering of incredible live
appearances (including a stint with Fugazi and All Scars on their brief
winter 1999 east coast tour) could not have been quelled in a more breathtaking
way with these ten songs- all overflowing with rhythmic melody, well timed and
trained percussion and perfectly placed vocals, executed with inarguable musical
finesse. This is without a doubt one of the best debut full-length albums to be
released in quite some time. Moronic, short-sighted critics should stop
philosophizing on the supposed themes and genius of the art-rock wannabe
pseudo-intellectual-"masterpiece" called 'Kid A' and start paying attention to
something that REALLY moves. Praise the lord for Dischord.
Faraquet/Akarso - split LP
Label: 404 Records
Rating: 88
This split LP features 4 songs from each band-
Faraquet : Meld quirky, moving jazzish textures and sounds with
the intensity and energy of the Washington DC sound and you have somewhat
established the feel of Faraquet. A tight and relentless rhythm section
laid over with complex and beautiful guitar work as well as soothing
melodic vocals. Note for note, Faraquet offers something awe-inspiring
as well as moving, coming from a direction that few bands are able to pull
of with such precision. To add a bit of credibility to the musicians in
the band, it should be noted that two-thirds of Faraquet were a part of
the incredible Dischord band Smart Went Crazy. Performing live, Faraquet
is just as inventine, and even more dynamic. As a young band, they will
definitely be something to watch grow into the future, as a full length
album is supposedly in the works for a release in 2000.
Akarso : Choppy and aggressive tides of movement transforming
themselves over and again amidst a dark feeling mood. Teeth-bared
vocals highly reminiscent of Steve Albini (Big Black/Rapeman/Shellac) that
fit very well into the complex and somewhat scattered yet deadly focused
mood. The sound continues to shapeshift as it progresses in each song,
ranging from broken and minimalistic, to spastic and metallic, to start/
stop rhythym progressions, to flowing and beautiful, and on into many other
interesting places. Although they differ greatly from Faraquet, the
combination of the two bands fits very well together, offering two different
tastes yet maintaining some form of commonality.
This is definitely a release that fans of "indie rock" should add to their
collection.
Fugazi - End Hits
Label: Dischord
Rating: 92
The amazing new full length from one of the most innovative and
influential post-hardcore bands ever. Very much in the vein of the
previous album 'Red Medicine', in the mood and expanding ideas of
innovation. The tracks are filled with the classic Fugazi energy
and spirit- unable to be pulled down and highly inspirational.
'Arpeggiator' comes out as one of the best instrumentals they've ever
done; 'Five Corporations' is blatant and addictively tough; the
bossanova rhythms of 'Close Captioned', one of their best songs ever,
is haunting, bleak, and absolutely jaw dropping. The vocals are
at their potent best- with Guy's more delicate, brooding air held
together with Ian's more rough, penetrating snarl. If you have not
yet picked up on this band, I can not begin to tell you how vital
and incredible they are- you'll just have to find out on your own.
Definitely a must have for all fans of this genre, and a good starting
point for those who may not be.
Fugazi - Instrument Soundtrack
Label: Dischord
Rating: 84
Along with the video to which this album of mostly instrumental tracks
is a soundtrack for, Fugazi offers a stripped down and revealing look
at the the synthesis of their ideas- the very ways in which they have
been writing incredible music over the last 10+ years. We are able to
see just how potent the driving power and energy of Fugazi's music is,
as it is presented in instrumentals and basic demos of songs that were
previously released on earlier albums- such as 'Rend It' and
'Arpeggiator'. This collection of material shows that Fugazi is not
just "the band who won't give in to industries and major labels"- they
are the creators of beautiful music and ideas. The inspiring and moving
track 'i'm so tired' is a simple piece consisting of mostly Ian and a
piano, moving from the loud and angry anthemic pulsation of 'Little
Debbie'. Hardcore Fugazi fans will consider this a must-have; others
may find more value in their actual albums. Nonetheless, there is
definitely an immediate value in the 'Instrument' video and its
musical accompaniment.
the hal al Shedad are purely incredible. Technically amazing musicianship-
extremely provocative, intense emotional power- bitter, expressive and self
evaluating lyrics. It all just makes me want to scream and jump around
at times, while at others lulls me to a sad calm. Fusing together rambling
slightly off-key vocals, dischordant and beautiful guitar lines, and driving
complex basslines, the hal al Shedad express themselves through music
in a way that no one else can quite touch. Lyrical content is extremely
touching- profound, innovative and expressive. This entire CD is amazing,
but some of the most powerful moments come on 'Postcard Communication'-
an epic struggle between anger and sadness, and the jangly, expressive
'That One'. Most definitely one of the most talented, creative, and
powerful bands to have emerged in the world of emotional music recently.
There is something just so strong in the music and words of this band
that it grips your heart and mind- most definitely worth every cent.
When I walked into the record store looking for something new,
I saw this sitting on the counter having just been released and almost
screamed. I ran home and put it in and good lord it was as beautiful as
i had expected. This album has the same beautiful rambling oddity found
on the first release, but it has been pushed in a highly provacative
new direction. Jumping from complex and quiet melodies dischordant flows,
mixed with very emotional lyrics. Every song is amazing from the sleepily
angry 'Somnopolis' to the slowly evolving 'Ivan's Devil'. Perhaps some of
the best moments shine out in the somber and angry 'Distorted Eyes' or the
heartbreaking 'Poisoned'. the hal al Shedad have this amazing ability to
capture raw emotion in their dynamic flows of extremely moving and
absoutely breathtaking discordant/melodic structures. There is something
thoroughly intoxicating about the haunting voice and words of Ben as
he shouts/whispers/sings. I just can not begin to express how completely
mesmerizing this band is. This kind of expression is what music should be
all about. HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Hayden - The Closer I Get
Label: Outpost
Rating: 91
For those who have never heard of Hayden, he is a man who writes
fairly simple, but amazingly beautiful songs with lyrics that are
honest, direct and heartbreaking. On the first Hayden record,
'Everything I Long For" it mainly consisted of him and an acoustic
guitar, and sometimes a harmonica. On this disc, although there
are tracks like the old ones, the guitar is backed by some other
instruments for a more full and just as powerful sound. My favorites
on this disc would probably be 'Two Doors', 'The Danger Of Sitting
Beneath Palm Trees', and 'Between Us To Hold', but all of them
are classics. If you like raw, powerful music with simple lyrics that
will bring tears to your eye, buy this. Fans of Dinosaur Jr. or the
folkier side of Beck will love this. And if you get the chance to
see him live, dont pass it up because he is amazing, plus he's a
genuinely nice guy.
Hum - Downward Is Heavenward
Label: RCA
Rating: 92
Hum is in my top 5 favorite bands of all time, so when this new album
came out a while ago I was ecstatic. I got home with it and enjoyed
it, but was sort of disappointed. However, as I listened to it more
and more, I became infected with it. This album is ABSOLUTELY
INCREDIBLE. Hum has this uncanny ability to wrap themselves into your
body and tear you down from the inside. I would say that 'Downward Is
Heavenward' is one of the most awkwardly romantic albums of all time,
in this off-kilter almost dark way. Gives me chills. The way they put
together their unique melodies and ideas, melding into sounds and
atmospheres that can fulfill just about any mood. I am really at a loss
for words about this band- it just must be taken in. If you liked Hum
before, go get this album and listen to it over and over. I guarantee
that it will hit you in a way unlike any other. (reviewed '98)
Hurl - We Are Quiet In This Room
Label: My Pal God
Rating: 87
Controlled yet chaotic rhythyms and melodies condensed into powerful
and inspiring blends of sound- this is the magic that makes up the
music of Hurl. Hailing from the same hometown as the amazing
instrumental band Don Caballero (Pittsbugh, PA), Hurl could be thought of
as taking the ingenuity and creativity of D.C. and adding more structure,
thus making it easier to listen to, and then putting calm, almost spoken
vocals to the mix. The album is full of incredible ideas, breakdowns,
movements, and other musical elements. The beautiful swirling transition
from 'This Numbness' to 'Test The Waters' which then flows directly into
'I Have Idled, I Am Idle, I Will Idle', helps create a sense of flowing
that continues through the rest of the album. An interesting cover of
Nice Strong Arm's 'Amnesia' jostles the mood of the rest of the album,
moving thoughts into a provocative arena. The album's end comes with
a building crescendo of discordance which eventually resolves into a
simple yet effective few moments of an acoustic guitar, thus leaving
with an odd yet warmly comfortable feeling. Overall, this album is
pure genious, and could be appreciated by just about anyone who
appreciates slightly dark, incredibly talented, and unique music.
Indian Summer - Live: Blue Universe
Label: ?
Rating: 85
A quite impressive live album from these short-lived ('93-'94 emocore
pioneers. Their music spans a broad range of emotions, from delicate
meandering notes to rough and throbbing gushes of organized noise. Could
be thought of as a dynamic cross between Unwound and Current. This set
is recorded as a live college radio broadcast, through almost all of which
a voice is heard whispering mostly inaudible passages and an old
1930's female blues singer wails from a record. The vocals are very
powerful- wandering on and off key and changing from a mutter to a
scream beautifully. All in all, this epic record should be given
the attention it deserves.
In/Humanity - Violent Resignation
Label: Prank
Rating: 81
Someone vomiting up blood all over your birthday cake. Finding large writhing
mealworms in your stool. Having a babysitter at the age of seventeen who
makes you lick the hair falling out over her flabby inner thighs. These feelings
are just a smidgen of those that could be invoked by the throbbing, sweat and piss
encrusted sounds of the In/Humanity. This forty-two track library of everything
the band did throughout their seven years of pulse-pounding terror is about
as gritty and face-smashing as hardcore gets. Samples of satanic rituals,
throaty face-on-floor screams for teen suicide, song-titles such as
'We're Sick of Music and We Hate Each Other' and 'Nutty Antichrist':
everything fits in with the wickedly vicious mic-taped-to-fist style that the
epitome of Prank Records stood for. This compendium of insanity displays the band
throughout their career, including the beautiful (and in my opinion most impressive)
work they did on 'The History Behind the Mystery' as well as their later, more
experimental tracks, and the legendary early assaults. So many bands tried to pull
off what these guys did, but really never had a chance. For over-the-top, nausea
and heart-attack driven hardcore, look no further, you have found your savior.
Not for those in early stages of pregnancy, mentally stable or the faint-of-heart.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
Ink And Dagger - The Fine Art Of Original Sin
Label: Initial Records
Rating: 81
Darkly gorgeous melodies and harsh rhythyms erupt, intertwining with
sometimes soothing, often bitter vocals- fusing into a forceful
soundscape of angry and brooding energy that overwhelms the ears;
Throughout 'The Fine Art Of Original Sin', the first LP of Philadelphia's
Ink and Dagger, one can sense the condensed power of their music,
overcome only by the intensity of their live performance. From
wailing harmonics to pulsing distorted waves, the music is creative
and amazing- matched with lyrics and vocals that send shivers down
the spine. These DC inspired vampires could entice and pulverize the
masses. WARNING: Not for your average listener.
"We're all better six feet under, right?" (reviewed '98 or '99)
Jawbreaker - Live 4/30/94
Label: Allied/Blackball
Rating: 77
A very gratifying document of one of the last live shows of the
legendary and absoultly incredible emotional punkrock band Jawbreaker.
First off, it is a must have for any Jawbreaker fan due to the fact
that it contains three previously extremely rare tracks- 'Shirt' leftover
from the 'Dear You' recording sessions, 'For Esme', and a rocking
version of 'Gemini'. One of my favorite things about this album is that
it offers much more raw and powerful versions of two songs off of
'Dear You' ('Accident Prone' & 'Save Your Generation') so that they
may be heard without the what many consider overproduced sounds of the
album tracks. The outstanding versions of 'Ashtray Monument' and
'Jinx Removing' prove that Jawbreaker were just as good live as they
were recorded, if not even better at times. I wouldn't necessarily
recommend this as a starting point for new Jawbreaker fans, but as
something that all of the many who are awed by them must own.
this is as
Jets To Brazil - Orange Rhyming Dictionary
Label: Jade Tree
Rating: 81
Consisting of ex-Jawbreaker frontman Blake Schwarzenbach, ex-Texas
Is The Reason drummer Chris Daly, and ex-Handsome vocalist/guitarist
Jeremy Chatelain, Jets To Brazil could be thought of something like
an amalgam of their forefathers with a slightly darker and more
mature musical perspective. On their first release, 'Orange Rhyming
Dictionary', the Jets a powerful and uniquely expressive collage
of sound. Containing epic qualities, the album moves through
vast realms of emotion and thought- from the poppy yet angry
Big-Brother-esque 'Resistance Is Futile' to the somber,
self-evaluating 'I Typed For Miles'. Perhaps the most focused and
beautiful moment on the album is 'Chinatown'- a passionate anthem
for the weary. In any case, this record is a pleasantly suprising
piece from three men attempting to escape the looming shadows cast
by their past projects- and as their unique and fresh blend of
pop/emo/rock/synth continues to evolve, they could prove to alter
the face of "indie rock" forever.
Kid 606 - The Action-Packed Mentallist Brings You The Fucking Jams
Label: Tigerbeat6
Rating: 84
Yes Kid606 is bringing you the fucking jams, copyrights or no. This album is
basically a mesh of remixed radio hits smashed in the face and run over into one
another, with no care as to who might care. Kid606 is one of the more interesting
laptop dork artists amidst the numerous ones he gives home to on his label
Tigerbeat6, via his penchant for brandishing noise and killer composition within
the framework of highly addictive beats and computer-ass melodies. Here he
lifts tracks from all sorts of artists, including Eminem, Missy Elliot, DMX, Jay-Z,
Bikini Kill, Radiohead, and many others, taking the originals and forcing them
around like a redheaded stepchild, tearing them into little pieces and realigning
them under a new guise. One of the albums more ironic moments comes in Kid’s
relish for repeating and distorting Missy’s line “Copyrighted, so don’t copy me.”
If that doesn’t drive it home, the song name ‘MP3 Killed The CD Star’ says it all
about what 606 is trying to accomplish. If nothing else, he’ll have you rolling
around in the floor trying to figure out how to break dance, shaking your ass,
laughing at a barbershop version of Radiohead’s ‘Creep’ and re-evaluating the
ways in which noise can be fused to the sounds of pop. It’s not quite as impacting
or innovative as ‘Down with the Scene’ but this could be the drywall-smashing,
blood on the carpet dance party album you’ve been searching for.
Le Shok - We Are Electrocution
Label: GSL
Rating: 10
Hold on. Just a second. I'm trying to think of something good to say about
Le Shok. Give me another minute. Hmm. Shit. This is hard. Well, the design
of the art on the compact disc itself is rather hip: a see-through media with
a woman spread and a electric socket in the center. Silly art, but interesting
concept. On to the music, excuse me that deserves some quotes around it- on
to the "music". Le Shok are basically four snot-nosed punk kids who think that
their album is "arty" because they are friends with bands like Ink and Dagger
and have songs with stupid one-liners like 'Killed By Fuck' and 'Blend the Quick
With the Slow'. They brag about being high on Vicodin and are too drunk to play
their instruments correctly. More worried about whether their hair looks Spockish
enough than if they are playing in time together. Repetetively shouted vocals
with attempts at art-punk lyricism and defunct boring spazz rock melodies. I'm
sure they'd eat a negative review like this right up, with their middle-fingers
held high and snarlingly laughing to make some half-thought out smartass remark.
But I have to maintain, unless you really like sloppy shithouse drug-induced
punkrock (which undoubtedly many do), 'We Are Electrocution' deserves to be
soaked in piss and kicked in the face multiple times. Yeah.
The Locust - s/t
Label: GSL
Rating: 78
A dark carnival, with seething maggots coming at you in a buzzing mass.
This self-titled album is full of spastic, screaming grind that swarms over
you like twisted carnival music or the insane ravings of the slaughtered. Yet
there is something more intriguing and mind-piercing about the Locust something
addictive and almost frightening. Although this is definitely not for
unadventurous listeners, those who enjoy taking release in angry, screaming,
metallic attacks bonded with keyboards and oddly abstract lyrics will find The
Locust to be great therapy.
Label: Troubleman Unlimited/Buddy System Rating: 95
Label: Troubleman Unlimited/Buddy System Rating: 96