9 for 09 - a very brief compilation

A bit of an experiement this, but ive put together a quick, largely unthemed compilation of some of the tracks on some of the albums that have been ace this year. Its a bit of a mess, and ive really avoided putting long tracks on there, hopefully it'll be a few nice bits for the few who download -

1. YACHT - 'the afterlife' taken from 'See Mystery Lights' on DFA records
Super catchy, super danceable, very, very fun indeed. Largely electronic, but incredibly eclectic, this track is one of the more straight up pop bits.

2. Maserati - 'No More Sages' taken from the Split LP /Zombi on Temporary Residence
Maserati's slightly krautrock take on post rock has just got better and better. Pounding bass and drums give the delay heavy guitars space to wander without the whole thing grinding to a halt.

3. Natural Snow Buildings - 'Sunbone' taken from 'Shadow Kingdom' on Blackest Rainbow
While the majority of NSB's music concentrates on the deep and varied drones, the brief acoustic tracks are just as powerful, and full of delicate beauty.

4. Bibio - 'The Ephemeral Bluebell' taken from 'Vignetting the Compost' on Mush Records
Whilst 'Ambivalence Avenue' is undoubtedly one of the albums of the year, this track is the highlight from Vignetting... and a very memorable cloud of rolling guitars and waves of sound.

5. Volcano Choir - 'Islands, IS' taken from 'Unmap' on Jagjaguwar
The highlight of the slightly uneven album, Islands is a very delicately assembled and memorable slice of shoegaze heavy post rock.

6. Polvo - 'Beggars Bowl' taken from 'In Prism' on Merge Records
Polvo return, and are still incredible. Beggars Bowl incorporates a huge riff, many other decent riffs and a meander into prog territory.

7. Keelhaul - 'THC for one' taken from 'Triumphant Return to Obscurity' on Hydrahead
A long term personal favourite, and Keelhaul can still pull out all the clever riffs. This track is the easiest track to get to grips with and is all angular guitars and stuttering.

8. Cobalt - 'Stomach' taken from 'Gin' on Profound Lore
Utterly ferocious, loosely tagged as black metal, Cobalt are completely invigorating. Stomach has a tremendous fast riff and a storming break down.

9. Portal - 'Omenknow' taken from 'Swarth' on Profound Lore
Portal are still one of the most unpleasant, strange, heavy and brutal bands around, and while Swarth slows things down somewhat, but the swirling gloom of the guitars is still very present.


So thats electronic pop to doom infused black metal in a few steps.



.............download (mediafire)..................

2009 - Lets Catch Up...

Basically everything in my life has changed since i last updated this blog, 2009 has been a yet another great year. I might break the next few updates up loosely (very loosely) by genre, starting heavy now and then a bit lighter. So here is a quick rundown of some albums that have 'done it' for me, as well as being definitely worth listening to....


Dinosaur jr. - Farm
Jagjaguwar
2 x LP / CD

As a first experience of Dinosaur Jr., Farm gives an awesome impression, opening track 'Pieces' roars in, instantly memorable, danceable, packed with riffs, and it really doesnt change from then on in. There are slower parts (Said the people), poppier parts (See you) but the over-riding theme is riffs. A totally uplifting and enjoyable listen that does exactly what you would want it to.
I have the supposedly knackered european version that is produced far too loud, but i think i prefer it like that. Its a whole lot dirtier

9 / 1 0

Shrinebuilder - Shrinebuilder
Neurot
2 x LP / CD

Yes, Shrinebuilder are a supergroup (one with no weak-links at that), but have they produced something genuinely interesting? First things first, this album isn't as groundbreaking as the respective members' full time bands. It is however a very enjoyable doom album, perhaps a little formulaic, but with some superb highlights. The second half of 'Pyramid of the Moon', where Al from OM takes the lead is utterly fantastic, and the intro to 'Blind for all to see' makes you wish that Dale Crover had joined OM.
Really its no surprises, but in a good way. If you're a fan of the related bands, expect to enjoy it!

7 / 1 0

Krallice - Dimensional Bleedthrough
Profound Lore
2 x LP / CD

Another 'supergroup', but very much a different thing this time, returning for another stab at technical, Weakling inspired black metal. Last years self titled album was a pleasant surprise, far better than the anticipated showcase for Mick Barr and Colin Marstons' million notes a minute wizardry.
Dimensional Bleedthrough sounds like a band settled in a sound and much more confident. Very few vocals are used, and the whole thing isnt conducted at hyperspeed. What you do get however is an extremely good album, effortlessly black without resorting to keyboards or constant shrieks. The prog elements do veer slightly into Isis - esque territory (maybe not a bad thing?), there is definitely a relentless bleakness to this album. As good as any black metal album of the last few years.

9 / 1 0