Wow, so it was my plan to make this post 2 years ago… time flies. I’ve been interested in Dysrhythmia since ‘Pretest’, they then got Colin Marston (Behold… the Arctopus, Krallice etc.) in to play bass mid decade and finally came over to Europe in 2010. This set is them playing most of their ‘Psychic Maps’ album & there’s a new song in there if I recall rightly. They have a new album out very soon so that jam should be on there. This was definitely a gig to look back on as a very cerebral experience, while also bordering on the psychedelic. The ideas of progressive instrumental music are taken to new levels for sure. Click image
RUSSIAN CIRCLES – Live at the Brudenell, Leeds 2008
July 23, 2012
Before this year I only had faint recollections of this band from maybe 6-7 years ago… I wasn’t one for the Pelican/Isis/Mogwai shoegaze style that seemed prevalent by that point. The new Russian Circles album ‘Empros’ released late last year totally changed my opinion, it leans in a heavier direction and avoids the trap lots of instrumental bands fall into… being over indulgent & boring (eg. Pelican). The minor key, delayed guitar noodling, quiet/loud crescendo formula has been done to death. Russian Circles avoid that trap and keep things interesting by writing songs that are more dynamic (especially the drumming). This set was recorded a few years ago in Leeds (not sure by who?) and they would’ve been touring their second album ‘Station’. I think the music here definitely comes off better in the live setting. Photo taken from the Hive site.
RIDDLE OF STEEL – Python
July 18, 2012
It’s easy for people to talk about things being ‘underrated’, it’s a term I seldom use but I’d make an exception for RIDDLE OF STEEL. ‘Python’ was this St.Louis, IL band’s first album and condenses all the best elements of rock music filtered through the ‘post hardcore’ net creating a very strong mission statement. To quote the band’s influences: ‘TRANS AM, QOTSA, SHINER, VAN HALEN, THE POLICE, ZEPPELIN, JAWBOX, SHUDDER TO THINK.’ I think by their second album ‘Got this Feelin’ they are well on the way to rival any of the above bands. Guitar/Vocalist Andrew Elstner was recruited by TORCHE in 2011 and his presence on ‘Harmonicraft’ definitely has had a solidifying effect on their songwriting. Dave Turncrantz puts in an incredible drum performance on this album before heading into instrumental territory with the formation of RUSSIAN CIRCLES. All ROS albums were released by Ascetic records who should have a site online again soon… I heard that news a year ago now, hope it gets fixed because they’ve put out some great stuff.
DIDJITS – Little Miss Carriage EP
July 17, 2012
It would be fair to say that the DIDJITS are an overlooked band now in comparison to some of their T&G contemporaries. They never got the reissues or posthumous praise despite their flawless discography of energetic punk rock & roll. Drummer on this EP is Rey Washam. Click image for DL. There was a press release in my copy:
RAPEMAN – Demo
July 16, 2012
Ten years ago now there were folders kicking around of RAPEMAN rarities + a bunch of dubious quality European live recordings but I had no idea that there was a demo until recently. I’d been considering lately how much of an important band in ‘rock history’ they actually are. Not to be over dramatic but this is a band that we won’t see the likes of again. The combined creativity and power of Steve Albini, David Wm Sims & Rey Washam playing together is quite phenomenal to hear. Rapeman has a rhythm section that rivals any classic 70′s hard rock band. Although by the late 80′s filtered via post punk it is tighter, leaner & more violent… even through the tinny quality the force of sound is undeniable. I’m guessing these demo tracks were recorded in early 88? there is still a bit of a BIG BLACK hangover but the ‘power trio’ concept is nearly fully formed even in infancy. This is a great artifact of indie rock history and testament to what is capable within the limitations of guitar/drums/bass. Outstanding.
Click picture for DL
