by Ken Geiger
Hello, readers! I realize that I have been silent for quite some time with posting about new music and live shows. Long story short: School and personal affairs have been more intense for me at the beginning of this year than I could ever anticipated. However, I still promised myself always in the back of my mind that I would deliver some kind of overview of the new music I have enjoyed, what great acts I caught live, and even what is coming on the horizon that I recommend people should look out for. Now without further ado, here is my winter catch-up list(s):
Favorite albums of this winter
Pissed Jeans, Why Love Now
This Allentown, Pennsylvania quartet has been at it for well over a decade, churning out disgusting and chaotic hardcore records like it's nothing. This album follows in that same vein, mostly on tracks like "Ignorecam" and "(Won’t Tell You) My Sign." However, I think my favorite track has to be "Love Without Emotion," which showcases a much more melodic and tender (please take that word in context. It's hard for Pissed Jeans to be tender.) side of the band. FFO: The Jesus Lizard, Hot Blood or Mudhoney.
The Paranoyds, Eat Their Own
Following up their fabulous After You (also one of my favorites of 2016), The Paranoyds go to a creepier and more synth-driven sound on the brand new Eat Their Own EP. This one gives me totally different vibes from their last release, which is just fine by me. It's stranger, more lo-fi and has a total 80s slasher film soundtrack meets Scooby Doo music vibe. Hopefully they come back around to the east coast soon, because they also put on a hell of a show. FFO: Blondie, Lunch Ladies or Roky Erickson.
Power Trip, Nightmare Logic
It's honestly hard for me to enjoy any type of crossover thrash revival bands nowadays. The 1980s bands defined the sound so well, how can it honestly be improved upon? Enter Texas's Power Trip with Nightmare Logic. This record goes hard from start to finish. Sound production is vintage crossover sound, and I want to note that the way the guitars came out on this sound downright frightening in some songs. This record can have me headbanging from start to finish, no problem (Well, the whiplash might be a problem). FFO: Suicidal Tendencies, Municipal Waste or Hot Blood.
Fluoride, Fluoride
New Jersey's finest grindcore band (as declared by me) just released their debut album on 3/7/17. As of the time I am typing this, I am on my third listen to it. 8 blistering tracks make up this release which clocks in at just about 15 minutes, and each one is heavier and more punishing than the last. I particularly love the use of noise influence that Fluoride included on this release, as it gives a strangely atmospheric vibe to chill out to amongst the bursts of aggression. This band is definitely the next big thing happening for New Jersey in heavy music, and it would be a shame if you Shore-Area people missed them when they come play Atlantic Highlands on 3/18. FFO: Full of Hell, Pig Destroyer or Sick Shit.
Grodock, Tape 1
The internet has its perks for music lovers. I found this ambient / industrial project from Germany off of one of the many Facebook groups I am in, and I'm thankful for technology because of it. Great tape loops to lose yourself in, whether it's for studying, falling asleep, or just looking for casual background music. I cannot wait to hear more from this project in the future, as I have been on a huge ambient kick lately. FFO William Basinski, Merzbow or Oxbow.
Favorite Live Acts of This Winter
Run the Jewels
I already did a separate review of Run the Jewels' new album, which is why they are only featured here for the live aspect. My God though, do they deliver live. A Run the Jewels show is a great mix of humor and lyrical wisdom from the group and punk intensity from the crowd. I never thought I would see such a mosh pit at a rap show. Unfortunately for anyone reading this who has yet to catch them in the States, they just finished their North American tour on 3/1 at Terminal 5 (1 of the 2 shows of theirs I attended). Do not mess up when they come back for more this summer though. Definitely one of the biggest groups of 2017 to keep an eye on!
Pissed Jeans
I had to see it to believe it; people had told me that Pissed Jeans shows were intense and soaked in alcohol. That was exactly the case when I saw the group at the Brooklyn Bazaar back in February. An hour and a half set was highlighted by stomping on full beer cans, ripping pants, talking about clogged toilets and even singer Matt Korvette giving me a kiss in between songs. Considering the band has a new record out this year, I would not be surprised if more Tri-State area dates come around a supporting tour. Keep an eye out for those.
Malevich
I ended up seeing this Texas outfit as a result of opening up for them back in January. Equipped with just four dudes and a strobe light, Malevich delivered an obliterating 30-minute set in the basement of The Meatlocker. I have become a fan ever since. The band had told me that was the first time they ever made this far up north, so I cannot say when the next time they will return will be (hopefully soon!).
The Body
I raved about how much I loved their collaborative record and live set with Full of Hell last year. I finally had a chance to witness the Body play live when they were opening for Alcest back in February. Ditching their usual drum and guitar attack for an all-electronic set was a great choice for the band, as they sound flat out powerful that way. Another great addition was the all-female vocal guest stars at the end of the set. The Body is expected to release a new record this year, as well as another collaboration with Full of Hell (release for that is currently pending). Anticipate that a tour from them will follow.
What the Future Holds
Full of Hell, Trumpeting Ecstasy
In my interview, back in September with Full of Hell guitarist Spencer Hazard, he said the band was going to head into a more death metal style. Hopefully his words hold true with this new record, which is being released on May 5th.
New music from Sleep
For those of you unfamiliar with the band Sleep, this is a pretty monumental event. Sleep's last release was in 2014, which was one song (not taking away from that one song, because it is amazing). Their last full length dates all the way back to the early 2000s, which was actually recorded back in the late 90s. Basically, it has been a very long time since these doom metal legends have gone into the studio with the intention to put out any kind of full length material. Guitarist Matt Pike confirmed that this was the year to record though, so let's hope he stays true with that word and we actually are blessed with new Sleep.
Mastodon, Emperor of Sand
The biggest name in modern metal today is coming back with their first full length in 3 years! The two singles I have heard off of Emperor of Sand so far, "Show Yourself" and "Sultan's Curse," give me high hopes for what’s to come. They will also be hitting up North America on tour to support this record, which will see them making a stop at the Hammerstein Ballroom on May 11th. Definitely a band worth checking out live, as well as on record.
Blame God
Never heard of this great powerviolence band from Long Island? Shame on you! Blame God is an awesome group, and features the talented Tri-Ptate area photographer Mark Valentino on guitar. Just how big are they hitting it? I guess a considerable amount, if you take into account that they will be opening for Nails in Brooklyn this month. For fans of heavier local music, this band is one to keep your eyes on.
More local shows
Maybe I have just been way too out of the loop recently because of a busy school schedule, but I do not think that I have really seen a local show since January. Yikes! I am slacking! That will be changing soon though, considering my schedule is freeing up more (or so it appears now). I'll catch some of you New Brunswick regulars soon enough…
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