Review: Manhattan Love Suicides, Bikini Party/Birthday Kill 7″

Posted on 2016/03/15 | Leave a comment

The Manhattan Love Suicides, Bikini Party/Birthday Kill 7” (Odd Box Records, 1/15/2016)

We here at thegrindinghalt have been remiss in not expressing our joy at the return of Leeds, UK’s Manhattan Love Suicides, a band we loved during their first run; in particular, their eponymous 2006 debut and the follow-on extended single for “Kick It Back”.  The band’s new 7”, featuring a-side “Bikini Party/Birthday Kill”, comes hot on the heels of last summer’s excellent return album, More Heat! More Panic!

“Bikini” features paint-scraping peals of feedback and distortion o’er a whipcrack drum sound reminiscent of the JAMC.  Singer Caroline’s sneering vocals reply “unable to attend” (in a not-so-nice way) to the aforementioned party in favor of a “good birthday kill”. Emily Post would not approve. Emily Post can do one.

The very ‘80s hardcore-titled, composite b-side (so many slashes!) “Deserted Coastal Town/Action&Memory/What Am I Supposed To Do?” – think of it like the indie rock version of a German compound word – showcase different sides of the band.  The book ends here are both highlights:  ballad “Deserted” has bit of a Smiths vibe with its jangled chords and orchestrated chorus, while “What” is a delightfully short, sweet, fuzzy kick in the face.

The single is available now at the MLS bandcamp page, via Odd Box Records.  You can also check out the band here. Earlier releases can be found via Magic Marker Records and Squirrel Records – do yourself the favor.

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New Music: bummed, smoking jewels

Posted on 2016/03/14 | 2 comments

bummed, “smoking jewels” 7” (self-released, 3/13/2016)

A lovely slice of swooning dream-pop/shoegaze from Somerville, MA’s bummed (we’ve retained the band’s e.e. cummings approach to punctuation – please refrain from rioting with pitchforks and copies of Strunk & White).

This new single sees the band moving away from the more lo-fi aspects of their 2014 self-titled release (which is also well worth checking out).  A-side, “smoking jewels” features a jangly, finger-picked guitar melody over a muscular, start/stop rhythm; sheer, largely indecipherable vocals are dead center in the mix, swaddled in reverb.  B-side, “no reward” adds peals of feedback and a more steady, driving beat.

The 7” – as well as a digital version – is available now via the band’s Bandcamp page; hopefully, it’s a teaser for a new long-player. Check them out there, and here.

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Preview: New Tracks from Lust For Youth

Posted on 2016/02/03 | 2 comments

Preview:  Lust For Youth, “Better Looking Brother”; “Stardom” (Sacred Bones)

Two new tracks – “Better Looking Brother” and “Stardom” – were released this month from Compassion, the forthcoming album from Danish three-piece Lust for Youth.  Since the band’s 2014 release, International, was a particularly favorite ‘round these parts, it seemed like a good idea to have a listen.  Each track erects skyscrapers upon International’‘s lush new wave/electro bedrock, without sacrificing a certain intimacy.

The first, “Better Looking Brother”, swings and swirls, harkening back to Introspective-era Pet Shop Boys and other late 80s new wave/house music hybrids – as well as bands like Camouflage and Propaganda – as Hannes Norrvide sings of said brother’s “part to play, tonight/in whatever is to come”.  “Stardom” is, quite simply, epic.  Like the imperial phase of OMD (think Pacific Age), the track’s squelchy bass lines and chorale, glassy synths would have fit in nicely at the moment of romantic awakening in an 80s teen drama (yes, this is a good thing, you cynic).  Triumphal, hook-laden gorgeousness for “all you lovers out there”.

Compassion is released March 18 on Sacred Bones, but is available for pre-order here.  The band has a (very) few US dates set on their upcoming tour, so check them out if you’re able – all dates can be found on the band’s fbook page.

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Review: Wall, Wall EP

Posted on 2016/01/29 | Leave a comment

Wall, Wall EP (Wharf Cat Records, 1/15/16)

Wall are a 4-piece hailing from New York City, not that you’d need me to tell you that upon listening to their new, eponymous EP.  Each track feels like a glaze of detached, old school downtown cool stretched over the twitchy, black/white UK version of early “post-punk” (used in quotation marks, ‘cuz I’m not really sure what that means anymore) and new wave.  A no wave new wave, then?  Right.  I’ll just get my coat…

Who can be bothered over categories, really, when the songs are this good.  Upon first listen, several familiar sounds come through:  Slits, Bush Tetras, Gang of Four, Crass, Basement 5 (lead track, “Cuban Cigars” reminds of “Mind Your Own Business”), on through riot grrrl, and newer bands like Savages and Vexx.  Over tightly coiled arrangements, vocalist Sam York (duties shared with bandmates Vince McClelland and Elizabeth Skadden) careens between the raised fist delivery of lines like “fresh baked bread/keeps the pigs well fed” (“Cuban Cigars”) and the detached, shrug of the shoulders and flick of the cigarette towards the gutter malevolence of “those mistresses/they don’t just lay there/at night/they prowl.…” (“Milk”).  Closer “Milk” is a highlight, swirling all of the band’s various elements in a compelling symmetry.

The Wall EP is out now, on the great Wharf Cat Records label. Check the band – and their current tour dates – on their website.

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New Music: Fat White Family, Whitest Boy on the Beach

Posted on 2015/12/01 | Leave a comment

Fat White Family, “Whitest Boy on the Beach” (Without Consent)

New single from one of our favorites, taken from forthcoming new album, Songs for Our Mothers.

“Whitest” thumps and bumps it’s way through the consummation of an unholy matrimony of groups like Throbbing Gristle (the band pic promoting the single bears more than a passing resemblance to this), Suicide, Plastic Bertrand – triumphal, synthesized horns invoking Sparksian levels of quirky art pop, thundering o’er a ‘Heart of Glass’ shattering bassline.  As ever, there’s more than a hint of menace lurking beneath the glitter ball, singer Lias Saoudi rolling around on the trash and glitter strewn floor of a deserted disco, cooing lines like “who’s the weakest link in the chain?”.

Songs For Our Mothers is set for release January 22 on the band’s own Without Consent label – purchasing a copy is the easiest resolution you’ll ever make.  Tickets are on sale now for their UK tour – you can find all dates on their Facebook page.

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Track Review: Feels, Bitched

Posted on 2015/12/01 | Leave a comment

Feels, “Bitched” (Lolipop Records)

Joyously rough-edged rock from new (to us, at least) LA-based band, Feels. “Bitched” is a compact, three minute burr of surf rock, ‘70s punk, garage and ‘90s groups like Sleater-Kinney or even Elastica.  The buzzy guitar and sweet ‘la la la’ and ‘whoa, oh h’ backing vocals stick in your brain and won’t let go – kinda like those weird worm thingys in that Star Trek movie (google it, kids), but in a good way.

“Bitched” is taken from a live lp, recorded last summer at LA studio, Gauchos Electronics, out now on the ever-fantastic Lolipop label – it’s been out since January, but only recently burbled to the surface of our Soundcloud stream (we’ll hit “refresh” faster next time; promise).

The band’s debut long-player will be released in spring, 2016 on the equally loveable Castle Face, with production by neu-garage (is that a thing?) hero, Ty Segall. Go forth and like them on the Facebook.

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New Music: Savages, The Answer

Posted on 2015/10/21 | Leave a comment

Savages, “The Answer” (Matador, 10/21/2015)

A new Savages track appeared today, together with a release date for the band’s new album – huzzah!

Savages’ debut, Silence Yourself, played with tension and barely contained fury through a dark, post-punk glaze; cathartic spikes poking through in patches.  The songs caromed between slow burning intensity and raucous indignation.

With ‘The Answer’, the raucous is turned up to ten (eleven?).  Vocalist Jhenny Beth howls like Siouxsie at the center of a druggy, hypnotic maelstrom with hornet’s nest guitars and a driving rhythm that brings to mind psych/space rock, punk, metal, even early industrial.  This dizzy intensity matches the lyrics, wherein the ‘answer’ (in case you were curious) is love – a possessive, desperate love that leaves you panicky, insecure (“If you don’t love me, don’t love anybody/And you’re glad it’s you/…Love is the answer/I’ll go insane”).  Healthy?  Perhaps not, but many of us have had moments where the thought of getting to be with, or hanging on to, someone we desire is the only thing; alternatives too dire.  There lies madness…

“The Answer” will appear on Savages’ forthcoming album, Adore Life, due January, 2016, on Matador – and on this evidence, not a moment too soon.  It’s available for preorder now, through the band’s website.

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Track Review: The Radio Dept., This Repeated Sodomy

Posted on 2015/10/20 | Leave a comment

The Radio Dept. “This Repeated Sodomy” (Labrador, 09/11/2015)

 

Welcome return of Swedish dream-pop heroes and thegrindinghalt.com faves.

While the band the group has at times sacrificed reverb and feedback indie rock for a more synthesized, beat driven new wave bounce, that is not the case here.   This new single showcases the effortless, wistful jingle-jangle charm of early tracks like “Where Damage Isn’t Already Done” from 2003 (egads!) debut, Lesser Matters – insular and warm, the thin veneer of distortion like creases in a well-loved chair; a glint of sunshine from behind a curtain of fog.  The lyrics cite the recent referendums on the Greek economy – and the titular activity visited on the Greek people in the name of ‘austerity’ – but can easily be read more broadly, singer Johan Duncanson calling for ‘decency…to establish equality/instead of this [repeated/unwanted/one-sided] sodomy’.

“Sodomy” is out now on Labrador Records.  Flying by at a little more than two minutes, it serves as a sort of amuses oreilles for their upcoming album (according to the label, the track will not feature).  Go forth, and download from your music service of choice – or just stream it, we’re not judging.

If this is your introduction to The Radio Dept., do yourself a favor and check out their back catalogue, and go like them on the Facebook.

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Experiential Review: Girl Band, Paul

Posted on 2015/08/28 | Leave a comment

It’s hot; really, effing hot.  Sweat runs in rivulets down your back, sides, forehead; the back of your thighs.  The dank, still air of late summer envelopes you; a shroud, creating the sweat-stained outline of your human form in the soft pleather chair.

Outside, the urban thrum of car horns, jack hammers, sirens.  Closer in, a soft whisper comes from a box fan sat in the window on the opposite side of the room, it’s scant breeze causing barely a ripple in the heavy air.  Yet, this sound holds promise: the promise of moving air, however stale, however ripe with heat and the tang of perspiration and garbage, however leaden with asphalt and exhaust.

You inch closer.  Visions of trade winds; relief.  The fan’s soft purr becomes a drone, then a whirr; a building crescendo.  The once faint breeze now feels like a wind tunnel, buffeting your face as you lean in, closer…the sound now sending vibrations through your skull.  You smile, eyes closed, at the first patter of sweat beads on spinning blades.  The cacophonous wind – you let it wash over you, let it draw you ever closer, like a cartoon character floating on waves of aroma from a freshly cooked chicken.

The song is “Paul”.  The band is thegrindinghalt.com fave and pride of Ireland (ok, we think they should be proud), Girl Band.  Taken from forthcoming, debut full length “Holding Hands With Jamie”, out September 25 on Rough Trade (available for pre-order here in the US and on Rough Trade’s UK webshop).  The video is above, and is fantastic.  If you haven’t (and why not?), check out Girl Band on Facebook or their website.

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Track(s) Review(s): The Ukiah Drag, “Open Room In Hell”, “Criminal Authority”

Posted on 2015/08/14 | Leave a comment

The Ukiah Drag, “Open Room In Hell”, “Criminal Authority” (Wharf Cat Records)

Two new tracks from The Ukiah Drag, the band’s first since last year’s excellent In the Reaper’s Quarters LP.

The first, “Open Room In Hell”, is swirling, vertiginous, reminiscent of early Butthole Surfers.  The titular chamber – a “monument of filth” where “every cocksucker’s mouth has been sewn shut” and third eyes are stabbed; where the narrator “lays [his] head”, “sick” and wanting you to die – is described in lurid detail, making the track a kind of aural Hieronymus Bosch hellscape.  Perhaps the room’s for let, and this is a kind of Craig’s List or Airbnb listing for the fallen – any takers?

The second, “Criminal Authority” swings with a Cramps-like, malevolent strut. The lyrics depict someone condemning with rising, crazed indignation, the “evil ways” of an unnamed other (or maybe the ‘man in the mirror’?) and the way they “play”.  Vocalist ZZ Ramirez rails and moans, and the swampy, acid trip production and use of distorted synth and organ gives the feel of a particularly off-putting tent revival, or the unsettling feel of hearing your unhinged neighbor rant, rave and break shit upstairs.

Both tracks will appear on The Ukiah Drag’s upcoming EP, fittingly entitled Crypt Cruiser, due September 4 on Wharf Cat Records. We can’t wait.

Check out The Ukiah Drag on Facebook and Soundcloud.

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