Sunn O))) - 00Void

Sunn O))) - 00Void
Southern Lord Records re-issue in 2011 / Original release Double H / Rise Above records 2000
Available on CD, 2 xLP and digital via Sunn O))) band camp



A review that is late even for the re-issue and thirteen years after the original release, but after having recently picked up a copy of 00void on vinyl to test my new hifi set up, it feels good to think about and dwell a bit on Sunn O))) again.
      After what feels like a significant amount of time spent on other projects, and Southern Lord itself seeming to have moved away from doom / drone / whatever towards crusty blackened hardcore, listening to Sunn O))) again feels like a throwback. Even typing the O and three brackets seems ridiculous. As someone who very much bought into Sunn and Southern Lord records, committing a huge amount of money and time before effectively burning out on the whole scene, coming back to an earlier Sunn record with which I was not hugely familiar is pretty exciting. The second in Sunn's early trilogy of albums, 00Void very much picks up where the Grimmrobe demos leaves off - crushing simplicity and dedication to the signature earth shaking raspy bass sound. As such, it is brilliant.
    Later Sunn records moved towards a broader range of sounds, instruments and personnel, especially around the release Black One and the huge influence taken from black metal and the theatrics and overt gloominess that comes with the genre. 00Void however fits very closely with the Grimmrobe demos, a record built out of riffs, and an atmosphere that is a byproduct of the dedication to playing those riffs slowly, loudly and with a lot of bass. Arguably the key to this album is a cover of the Melvins track 'Hung Bunny' from Lysol ( renamed 'Rabbit's Revenge' here), which is both a fairly faithful cover and a key indication of the creation of Sunn's sound. Rabbit's Revenge is effectively Hung Bunny slowed down, stripped of percussion and beefed up bass-wise - it fits in with the rest of the bands music perfectly. Like Grimmrobe, and the album that followed it, 00Void is not a record about varied textures and sounds, but about one huge deep and rich sound that deserves some dedication.
    A track by track dissection doesn't particularly fit a Sunn record, but as a album Ive enjoyed most on vinyl, the little bit of breathing space provided by changing sides or discs has helped me to appreciate each track individually. The opener 'Richard', written by Stuart Dahlquist (the main man behind Asva) winds up to its lurching drone fairly quickly (well, quickly relative to its 15 minute running time), and eventually starts to allow a variety of sounds in around the edges. Nothing ever threatens to dominate that signature sound, and it feels like the dominating riff sweeping through all other sound. On the second side is NN O)), featuring an absolute goliath of a riff, that would arguably fit just fine on any number of sludge records, and some great haunting vocals and an utter ferocious coda that could easily pass as a funeral march for the end of the world. Pounding dull thuds augment the already suffocating sound to make for a powerful final third of this track. The C side is the previously mentioned Melvins cover, and D side 'Ra At Dusk' rounds the record off, beginning with a pacey, chugging riff that soon gives way to more abstract drones. Probably my favourite track on this album, as it is just a brilliant opportunity to bask in wave after wave of bass bliss.
    It is difficult to effectively explain the appeal of a Sunn O))) record without appearing deeply pretentious and ignoring almost all elements of what makes music enjoyable in the first place, but anyone who would be interested in sampling something more extreme, 00Void would be a pretty decent place to start off. Still a metal record at heart, but quite considerably developed into something almost unrecognisable. To anyone familiar with Sunn (and somehow not familiar with this record), 00Void clearly comes highly reccommended. For me it is just that bit more varied in tone and structure than the Grimmrobe demos, while still retaining that signature Sunn sound.

00 / 00

• While I was writing this review the new Sunn O))) website launched, featuring a huge number of t-shirt and hoodie designs as well as a considerable range of Sunn music on vinyl, cd and digital. This also included a re-issue of Black One on vinyl (with exclusive hoodie and colour of vinyl for the webstore), and a few copies of the Candlewvlff Ov Thee Golden Chalice EP on vinyl. Check it out here.

• Most of the Sunn O))) catalogue is also available to listen to and buy at Bandcamp.

• Two tour dates have been announced for Holland and Belgium - 
  12 DEC De Kreun Kortrijk, BEL
  13 DEC State X Forms Den Hagg, NL
  
  

Pile - Dripping

Exploding In Sound Records / digital via bandcamp
2012
CD / Vinyl 12" / digital




Dripping is the second full album from Boston's Pile, and I'm not going to let unfamiliarity with their earlier material prevent me from strongly recommending this rowdy yet supremely memorable stomp of a record.

Immediate reference points are groups like Polvo, Harvey Milk and Archers of Loaf, although Pile offer a much more open and loose sound. Songs tend to build up to a brilliantly driving thud and fade away to nothing more than gentle vocals and a single guitar line, the whole time maintaining a deeply satisfying melancholy. Standout track 'Prom Song' sums this up best, offering some serious head banging while also drifting off into some touching and downright sad moments.

Album opener 'Baby Boy' and mid point track 'Bump a Grape' offer some serious shout-a-long moments, drenched in grime and anguish, largely a result of vocalist / guitarist Rick Maguire's voice - whether through hoarse yells or gentle crooning it's superbly emotive and full of character. In fact its the swings between gentle and aggressive that make this such a compelling record, it's all pretty loud and pretty downbeat, but the shifts in tone combined with the largely linear structure make for an album that is consistently surprising.


Ultimately this is a extremely satisfying record, its roughly 36 minute running time flies by, and I would be excited to see if Pile had any plans to tour the UK. Anyone who gets anything out of noisy / heavy alternative rock will get something out of this album. All of Pile's records are available to listen to on Bandcamp, and are available to download for extremely reasonable prices.



bandcamp    /     Twitter    /    Band Website

Ten Great Albums of 2011

Im not sure if 2011 has been that great a year, not much that has caught my ear has been released and there have been considerable disappointments along the way. The new Stephen Malkmus album was really boring. The new Battles album was terrible. Boris released several probably awful records. Grails released the same record again.
The Pains of Being Pure At Heart and Real Estate sort of cracked on with more of the same. Great albums nonetheless.
That being said there have been some lovely and crushingly unpleasant albums released this year, and I'd love to sum up my feelings on a few of them. Not a thrilling point to restart this blog, I know, but I'd like to think that I can get back into the swing of things asap.

Ten Great Records, released in 2011 -

• Iceage - New Brigade

• Real Estate - Days

• The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Belong

• Blut Aus Nord - 777sects

• Natural Snow Buildings - Waves of the Random Sea

• Trap Them - Darker Handcraft

• Wild Beasts - Smother

• Ulcerate - The Destroyers of All

• M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

• Flourishing - The Sum of All Fossils
  

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

Steve Moore - The Henge

Relapse Records / Static Caravan Records
2007
Vinyl 12" / CD




'The Henge' is the first solo album released by Steve Moore, one half of Zombi and current member of drone titans Earth. Following the success of Zombi on Relapse records, 'The Henge' has received a full release on Relapse, compared with the limited release Steve's first demo in 2003 received, and it shows how popular this brand of 'space prog' has become. Well maybe not more popular, but it is clear that Zombi's breakthrough has created plenty of interest in this fairly unique sound.
First impressions of The Henge are slightly disappointing, many of the same keyboard sounds, urgent basslines and changes in pace and key are used in a way which directly imitates Zombi. It's perhaps slightly harsh to criticise the re-use of such a distinctive palette, but it certainly won't win over critics of Zombi. However this is all far from a bad thing, the sense of otherworldy epic scale is still as compelling as ever, and this is taken much further on The Henge than Zombi have done so far.
If The Henge has used the same palette as Zombi, the results paint a completely different picture. The five tracks merge seamlessly into each other (I am hindered slightly here by reviewing the vinyl pressing), and everything is stretched out in order to wring every last drop of enjoyment out of each keyboard pattern. For me this is where the comparisons with Zombi end, Zombi being very much about the manic, horror soundtrack inspired ascension, whereas The Henge is essentially five tracks of menace and suspense with absolutely no desire to resolve or come to a peak. This is best displayed in the title track which is a nervous, tapping keyboard line, some very blunt percussion and waves of noise crashing around. Rather than being messy or overblown, it just manages to carry off the atmosphere perfectly. It's worth noting that the outro (well final track, Cepheid) is equally fantastic, drone reminiscent of Sunn O))) with melody slowing emerging from some quite brutal crashes.
For all the big words and detailed comparisons with Zombi that I have thrown at this record, it's still very accessible. There are a few lines that are really very catchy and it's not a record that makes you wait to long or suffer awkward passages, quite a relief in a album that could have so easily been a chore. I am very fond of The Henge, it's an epic (if slightly short) album which creates an unparalleled sense of awe and is very worth listening to if you like anything prog, cinematic, sci-fi or indeed simply epic (not in the typical Isis or Tool style). Ultimately a Zombi side project, but I probably like it more than any other Zombi record.


9 / 1 0


Notes

• Steve Moore recently carried out his keyboard and trombone for Earth's current UK tour
• Steve's first demo has been made available again recently, as an iTunes only download, with a vinyl repress due from Hlava records sometime soon.
  

m o r e o f 2 0 0 7

Plenty of great short records this year, splits, EPs and one sided 12"s are a completely different game to full length albums and there have been a few great examples of this.

• Corrupted - An Island Insane 7" / Vasana 7" HG Fact
  

The Japanese doom legends return with a pair of quite difficult to get hold of, but incredible 7"s. Released mailorder only by HG fact, in specially designed mailers that held the two records in solid black sleeves. Taken together these records sound like a condensed evolution of Corrupted's earlier work, steering clear of the epic expanse of 'El Mundo Frio', which basically means that we get manageable 5/6 minute chunks of Corrupted. Which is good news because it means leaden riffs, inhuman vocals and walls of perfectly sculpted noise. Vasana features an echoed clean guitar lead in part 1 before descending into awkwardly melodic dirge on the second side. It works perfectly and is the strongest of the 2 records. Corrupted rarely go wrong, each new record just seems to add a layer of excellence, and while I prefer the stronger riffs of 'Dios Injusto' and 'Se Hace Por Los Suenos Asesinos', 'Vasana' is probably my favourite short record this year.

• Orthrelm - Soft Targets v2.2 5" Soft Targets
  

Released as an accompaniment to arty/culture mag Soft Targets, Mick Barr gives his attention back to Orthrelm for the first time since the painfully intense 'Ov'. First impressions are really all to do with the concept of this record, because it is a Pink 5" with 105 seconds of music. Musically its closer to 'Asristir Vieldroix' and Octis than 'Ov' or even the split with Behold...the Arctopus, almost by definition according to the miniature track lengths. So we get about a minute and a half of blistering technicality, over what sounds this time like a pounding drum machine. An essential accessory really, though I wish my record player was more inclined to play this.

• Coalesce - Salt and Passage 7" Second Nature Recordings
  

Reviewed earlier in the year, and just as good as it was then. 'Son of Son of Man' seems to be the very clear favourite however, the slightly more oddball beats of 'I am This' are proving to be less addictive than the twisted muscular groove of 'Son of...'. Things are looking very good for Coalesce right now, though less re-releases and treading of water would be much appreciated.

• Xasthur / Striborg split 7" Autopsy Kitchen
  

One of many split records released by both Striborg and Xasthur in recent years, though this split managed to turn the tables with both Sin Nanna and Malefic contributing material completely unreflective of their recent albums. To put that better, 'Defective Epitaph' is excellent, the Xasthur track here is weak and derivative. 'Ghostwoodlands' was a bit of a let down from Striborg, yet 'The Epitome of Misanthropy' is brilliant. Shambolic, tinny and nasty; it sounds incredible. The key is however the sweet and melancholic melody on an out of tune piano that plays over the outro, which works so perfectly you don't want it to stop. Certainly the best Striborg track this year.



There have been many more interesting releases this year, I'm not going to list everything that i picked up, as little as it was, because this is really about what was best, or just struck a chord with me. Or even got me into something new. The Corrupted and Xasthur/Striborg records are sold out at source now. The split comes up on eBay quite frequently, but I have yet to see a copy of the Corrupted records. Good luck...