Wolfshead - S/T

I was overjoyed when Racer posted a Bandcamp link to Wolfshead a few days back. Not that I was particularly waiting for the link or anything, it was just . . . well, when I hit the little play button and my world got turned upside down, I felt an exhilaration that doesn’t come around all that often. Thank you Racer for going to the effort of getting this link up!

So, Wolfshead is a two-piece stoneriffic, doom-y sludge metal band (Eh? How’s that for muddying up the categorical waters?) hailing from England. I guess one could say these cats are part of the resurgent new wave of heavy British rock that’s going on right now, and like a bunch of the bands in this particular scene, Wolfshead are creating music their way . . . starting with a basic sound rooted in heavy blues and then letting the music go where it needs to go. What I hear is a classic hard rock sound mixed with Monotheist-era Celtic Frost . . . an order of something really heavy with a side order of even more heavy!

“Warbringer” kicks this sampler off with a thrash-y groove laden riff and rocks along at a good pace. I’m digging the little guitar flourishes that they drop into the verse, almost giving the song a classic NWOBHM feel. The gang chants of “Hail! Hail!” makes me throw my fists in the air, making typing an absolute bear, but oh-so-much fun! The end section breakdown is crushing in heft and weight, brutally distorted and reminds me of some of the finer moments from Lair of the Minotaur.

The first play through of this recording had me mouth agape in awe when “Garden” pummeled me senseless. This is where the Monotheist Celtic Frost sound comes seeping out of the well water. Thunderous and overpowering, the guitars vibrate everything in the immediate area of my speakers to ash, and the vocals are about as ominous as they can get, channeling a bit of the Tom G. Warrior tormented angst. I love the subtle guitar licks these guys throw in every so often . . . always keeping things interesting, keeping the music moving forward, and not allowing things to get stale. Fucking killer song!

“Pissin’ Blood” (always a good time), is an upbeat thrashing garage rock burst of audio excitement! If your head isn’t bobbing up and down on this one, you’re damaged. It’s alright. It’s nothing personal. This track, probably more than any other on this sampler, is the most accessible in the sense of fitting in with any particular genre or scene. It’s short, to the point, non-stop rollicking fun, and while it doesn’t really venture outside of the retro sound, it does have little nuggets of intrigue mixed into the mix.

As if these guys were saving the best ‘til last, “Death Priest” is a punishing escapade through the surreal. This six minute epic excites me more than any other because it’s out there . . . it’s dynamic and experimental, but no less accessible than the rest of this rocking set of music. Within the first minute of the song, Wolfshead bring a number of different moods. Opening with a stonerfied and fuzzed out riff for a few measures, the boys then drop into a dirge-y Sabbathian palm muted riff that includes some sexy guitar licks. Then the music opens up again, longer sustained notes creating a break in the tension created by the palm muted and spartan verses. The vocals, while strained in places, crack in all the right places and make this song feel like a horrifying travel through the darkest recesses of the mind.

Word has it that Wolfshead are working on a full length album, to which I can only sit here in stunned silence with a stupid grin on my face. If their full length follows the footprint of this sampler, I’m gonna have a damn good time rocking from here to eternity! This sampler isn’t perfect, but then again, it doesn’t need to be. The energy is there, the structures are there, the musicianship and vision are there . . . Check it out, drop the guys a buck or two and download the tunes for yourselves. Or, sit in front of your computer and listen to the stream for the rest of your lives. Either way works for me. Just do it.

Pope

http://bandcamp.listentowolfshead.com/

Zero Barriers To Entry - Featuring Brother Ali and Adam Warrock & Mikal kHill

Brother Ali - The Bite Marked Heart EP

Waveriders, can you say smooth operator?  Good, I knew you could.  If you were not aware there has been a change made to our language.  Smooth operator is now spelled Brother Ali.  Not that anyone remotely familiar with Brother Ali doubted how smooth he can be on record, but with the release of The Bite Marked EP the whole country now has to concede the point.  This free seven song EP was released the day before Valentine’s Day, and it is as smooth as the surface of an undisturbed pond.

Brother Ali is one of those artists that made an immediate impact upon me when I first heard his music.  It’s been five years since I decided to pick up a copy of his album The Undisputed Truth, and I’ve never looked back.  This man is not only a great lyricist.  He’s a storyteller of the highest order.  His always honest, sometimes scathing lyrics connect with the listener in a trustworthy manner that I find to be quite rare.  No matter whether he rhymes about personal triumphs and failings, or weaves a compelling piece of fiction highlighting a specific societal ill the listener can always tell that what they are hearing is coming straight from the heart.  Brother Ali will connect directly to your emotional core.  If you remain unaffected, you’re purposely not paying attention.

The Bite Marked Heart EP, in comparison with his other releases, is singularly focused.  You won’t find the next club anthem here.  The music varies from mid- to low-tempo and sounds very elegant thanks to the exemplary production work of Jake One and Ant.  All seven of the songs on the EP, in one way or another, address the same issue.  Thanks to a Facebook link I found a wonderful interview on www.rubyhornet.com where Brother Ali explains his concept.  He states that, “the idea of the Bite Marked Heart is that we’re dealing in the world of human interactions with imperfect human beings interacting with each other and trying to make a world that’s conducive to living in a dignified way.  The idea of the Bite Marked Heart is that when we’re in love with somebody, we’re at the most vulnerable, the most naked, and we open ourselves up to each other almost completely or as much as we do with anybody. Then we proceed to hurt each other and get hurt.”  His explanation continued on, but I think you waveriders get the gist.

Folks, do yourselves a favor and download The Bite Marked Heart EP.  It’s fantastic and it’s free!  That is one terrific combination if you ask me.  What are you waiting for?  Go now.

Get It Here- http://soundcloud.com/rhymesayers/sets/brother-ali-the-bite-marked

Adam Warrock & Mikal kHill - The Browncoats Mixtape

Thank goodness for revelations brought about from attending live concerts!  A few weeks back I witnessed a tremendous hip hop show.  That show marked the first time I had seen Adam Warrock.  Actually, that was the first time I had heard more than a guest verse from the man.  He was good waveriders.  Very good.  But that’s not what we’re talking about right now.  No, we’re talking about an important piece of information that Mr. Warrock casually dropped during his performance.  It turns out that working with another artist named Mikal kHill he released an entire mixtape dedicated to Joss Whedon’s television show Firefly and its related film Serenity.

How in the name of (insert whatever you believe in here) did I not know about this until now?  I wholeheartedly love Firefly/Serenity!  Wait, I’m not sure you read that correctly.  I ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY LOVE THAT SHOW!  It easily ranks as one of my favorite shows of all time.  In fact, if you’ve ever seen the show it is incredibly likely that you feel the same way.  Firefly is a property that inspires great loyalty in its fans.  People like yours truly.  When I discovered that I was unaware of the existence of this mixtape I felt like slapping myself.  Hard.  It doesn’t matter that the mixtape only came out a few months back in September of 2011.  The fact that I didn’t know about it until after its release is galling enough.  What makes this situation worse is that The Browncoats Mixtape is superb!

Clearly I am not an impartial observer, but for arguments sake let’s assume I had never heard of Firefly.  I would still think this mixtape is pretty spectacular.  Adam Warrock is a charismatic, precise lyricist.  His words often feel like they carry great weight thanks to his sincere delivery.  Also, whether it is done on purpose or not, Mr. Warrock’s wordplay is very deliberate.  It is abundantly clear that these lyrics were contemplated over and carefully constructed to achieve maximum effect on the listener.  On the production side of things, Mikal kHill utilizes samples taken exclusively from the TV show and movie to create a unique sonic tapestry that blends contemplative folk music with modern beats.  Most songs have a laid back swagger that is downright infectious.  If I were forced to choose a favorite song it would have to be “River”.  That track is utterly captivating!

Waveriders, go download The Browncoats Mixtape immediately.  It is free, and it is marvelous!  Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to listen to it again.

--Penfold

Get Here- http://www.adamwarrock.com/browncoatsmixtape/

The Sharks - Everybody Just Rapes Me

December in Pennsylvania is a fickle and confused month.  Mother Nature goes bi-polar all over our asses and people's behavior starts to mimic.  Some days the temperature nears 60 degrees, and on those days people feel as though they've been blessed by God.  You step outside on your front porch and the sun beams and the birds (whichever ones have yet to figure out which way is south) sing a beautiful melody just for you and your sense of enchantment.  The soothing air caresses your skin and purifies your lungs.  Your asshole-neighbor (who usually bitches at you about parking your car in the properly marked space) waves to you as he merrily whistles and skips out to his car, en route to a great day at the office.  Then, once he's safely pulled away, his wife calls to you and offers you a "blow-job to end all blow-jobs" from herself and her 18-year-old daughter and her 18-year-old best-friend, in celebration of such a beautiful day.  Yes.  All is right and good in Pennsylvania when it's 60 degrees on a December morning.  But then there are the other days - maybe even the very next day - when all hope is lost. 

On those days, the sky is so dark and ugly that it seems to have been colored with charcoal and demon-blood.  The wind stabs at you like an angry prison-mate with a shiv.  The temperature can plummet so rapidly that those sweetly singing birds freeze instantly and fall from the sky all around you.  The local citizenry quickly descend into madness and barbarism.  It's enough to make you question the existence of a loving God or even any God at all, and inevitably you'll decide there clearly is not one.  So, naturally, you call all your relatives and tell them to get fucked.  You find a homeless man and beat the living shit out of him for no reason at all and steal his jacket.  As a gesture of mercy, you wrap your cat in the stolen-hobo-jacket and throw it into the fireplace to ensure that Mittens' last moments on Earth weren't spent in a miserable, shivering rage of psychotic hypothermia.  You pour a glass of scotch and just as you're sitting down to Google "how to tie a noose," there comes a heavy, loud, incessant banging at your door.  When you answer, there stands your neighbor, quivering and dejected.  He failingly tries to shout at you - something about his wife and daughter and how they were once so wholesome and pure - but the air is too thin and unforgiving so the best he can do is whisper and wheeze and swing his arms half-heartedly due to delirium, confusion, and poor blood flow.  Puzzled and annoyed, you offer to tie extra nooses for him and his family and seeing no other way out of this senseless, ass-backwards mind-fuck of a month, he'll graciously accept. 

That is a typical December in Pennsylvania:  one day you're in the middle of a fucking Disney movie starring Julie Andrews and forest animals and concubines-galore, and the next day you're burning house-cats and organizing communal suicides.

Well, it was a Friday in the beginning of December in PA and I was Googling 'how to tie a noose' when my email client sounded an infuriatingly-pleasant chime that tells me I have another message to delete.  So I deleted it.  However, before I went back to my noose-tying education I happened upon a 3-month-old email from my buddy Racer that I hadn't read, which can only mean one thing - new music for review!  Against my better judgement I put away my selfish desire to end my own life, made a cup of hot cocoa and plugged my laptop into my stereo to get a listen to The Sharks' 4-song EP, Everybody Just Rapes Me.  With a title like that, I'd expect it to sound like a bag of cats being repeatedly struck with a separate, larger bag of cats.  But nobody would be brave enough to actually put a respectable-looking cover on that album and try to sell it…would they?  Let's find out.

The EP starts with "Give It Up," which at first sounds like a lost-cut from the Reality Bites soundtrack.  It's a well-written tune with 50's rock and doo-wop sensibility fused with an alternative sound - a catchy melody, a danceable beat, some cleverly-disguised dirty lyrics.  At first I was a little turned off by the song, but soon I realized that it was actually quite refreshing to hear this kind of charm in a new rock group.  It called to some youthful, romantic side of me with a soft-spot for high-school dances - a side I've decided only exists because I actually failed to attend any dances during my high-school days.  (Although at the time I was too afraid that Kevin Bacon might appear from under the bleachers and tell Chris Penn to start chest-bumping me as endless waves of glitter fell from the ceiling. It gives me chills just thinking about it.  To this day, being in an auditorium makes me edgy and paranoid, and an unfortunate fact of my life is that I have many other irrational fears which involve Kevin Bacon, but I'll save that for when I review the Bacon Brother's latest cd.) 

The second cut is the title track and it pulls out a punk/rockabilly sound that has me dancing around my living room. Word-splicers call it punkabilly, i guess, but whatever.  Who's the vocalist?  I still don't know, because I can't find a shred of information about this band, anywhere.  A google search will turn up plenty of bands with the name "The Sharks," almost none of whom are the band I'm talking about right now.  Anyways, I'm listening to this group called The Sharks.  This song, "Everybody Just Rapes Me," is groovy.  The title is a little melodramatic but, as you can see from my opening paragraphs, I have no qualms with that.  The hook:  "Here we go / Time to say, fuck them all / Raise a glass, to your body / Won't somebody save me? Everybody just rapes me!"  makes me wonder what this song is really about.  My best guess tells me that it is about sexual exploration and confusion, and the struggle of young men to find a balance between society's expectations for them to be decent, respectful individuals, but also to be respected as sexual conquerors.  The swing/rockabilly style suits as a context for this contemplation, as swing-dancing is something like the more elaborate, energetic grandfather of daggering or the bump & grind.  But for all I know this could be a large metaphor for some political statement about the Queen or something.  The fact is that they're English, and I rarely if ever understand what an English person is trying to say.

Track 3 begins.  "Dirty, horrible Jesus."  Whoa, careful when you're tickling my heathen bones.  Don't you know it's Christmas?  Oh right, this album was released back in September.  More well-structured pop-punk-rock.  Damn these guys can write a good song without it being too commercial or too cheesy.  The vocalist has once-again changed his singing style quite a bit.  This time it's more like Paul Westerberg from The Replacements. That comparison doesn't do it justice.  Damn it, who does it remind me of?  I can't put my finger on it.  I have no idea what this song is about.  But I don't really care, and that is the best evidence of the catchiness of these songs.  I like them even without relating to them in any way.  And now I'm hooked.  This EP is definitely going on my ipod.

If "Give it Up" was a lost-cut from Reality Bites, then the final track on the EP, "Sinners Song" is more like the movie Singles.  It's more an acoustic, organic sounding song.  The lead singer has removed the strain and stress from his voice, and he's decided instead to serenade you into the finale with heart-warming lyrics which remind us that drug addicts, burglars, liars, cheaters, smut peddlers, pimps, prostitutes and politicians are people too.  It's like the British version of Green Day's "Time of Your Life."  I'm sure The Sharks would be pissed to read that comparison, but to hell with them.  As far as I know, The Sharks don't actually exist.  Prove me wrong…

All in all, I really enjoy this EP.  It may not sound like a bag of cats being repeatedly struck by another bag of cats, although I do distinctly remember hearing a few cat-shrills… OH NO!  MITTENS!   It varies in it's influences, the duo have great song-writing ability and are pretty flexible in their styles.  You can check it out (and 2 other EPs) yourself on Bandcamp where it is available via download.  The Sharks faithfully use a free or pay-what-you-want method for distributing their work, which I fully support.  I highly recommend you give them a few dollars for their work if you enjoy this EP and hope to hear from them again.  (It would also be nice if they could pay someone to put together a website for them and provide some SEO implementations.)

Until my next review, waveriders, in which I promise not to mention suicide (more than once).  Hope your holidays were merry and bright, and I'll see you in 2012.

--Slaphappy Mortician

http://thesharks.co/album/everybody-just-rapes-me

Heavy Glow - Midnight Moan

With her long red dreadlocks wrapped high up on her head, my hippy neighbor from across the street stops by for a visit.

"Who's that?" she asks as soon as she walks through the door and hears the excellent blues-rock pumping from my speakers. She notices the tunes before I let her in because I have the volume up pretty high. I'm surprised I hear her knock. "Where are they from? I could totally hear them on the radio."

"I know. Right? They're called Heavy Glow," I tell her after turning the groovy-ass song down just enough for us to speak without yelling at each other. "They're from Cali. San Diego. You'd like them, I'm sure."

She doesn't hesitate and sits down, joining in the rock-fest I'm enjoying. I explain to her that she's listening to Heavy Glow's new full-length album, Midnight Moan, and what I already know about the three-piece band. I tell her how the group formed about 3 years ago and have released remarkable music about every year since. And how the new recording is legitimately FREE, along with their self-titled debut ep.

I go into detail what I know about twenty-something Heavy Glow front-man Jared Mullins after hearing his songs and exchanging a few emails with him. He's an extremely talented singer-songwriter/instrumentalist who listens to everything rock-oriented, from the 50's to the 90's. Doesn't care too much for the 80's. I let her in on the fact that the self-taught guitarist used to be the drummer with virtuoso Heavy Glow bassist Joe Brooks in another band, but later strapped on a Gibson and moved up to the mic himself. He was the one writing the songs anyway. Then I point out how Mullins and Brooks added a fantastic drummer, Dan Kurtz, on Midnight Moan and their rockin' 2010 ep, The Filth & The Fury.

My neighbor expresses that she really likes Mullins' voice, along with his guitar licks, and we bask in the light that is Midnight Moan by Heavy Glow. I let her know that I'm going to call Mullins later tonight to talk a little about the 9-song rock album. She can tell I'm excited. I really love this band.

I'm so excited I blow it and forget most of what I wanted to ask, but one of the very first things I have to know is: what is a Heavy Glow? I search the web for a reference but the only thing I find is a song by a band who I'm not gonna mention. Anyway, the song goes, '...standing in line to see the show tonite and there's a light on...heavy glow...'. Mullins assures me that's not where his band's name came from, but when people ask about it he always says (that group I'm not gonna mention) were writing about Heavy Glow. We share a chuckle. It was actually the name of one of the first songs the band recorded and it's featured on their first release.

Then I wanna know about the new album's title - Midnight Moan. What is that? Is that what I'm gonna make the woman do tonight? "Exactly," Mullins tells me, but adds that's it's also about a certain "longing."  I think the dynamic purple and blue artwork is captivating and I ask about that, too. "Our drummer (Kurtz) came up with it. He put it all together," he said.

Midnight Moan continues the tradition of the band's previous two efforts and contains some spectacular blues-oriented rock songs. The opener, "Lose My Mind", is a prime example and gives me a Stevie Ray Vaughan flashback, but it doesn't take too long for me to learn the seductive "Slave Dance" while listening at the same time. You don't move your feet around a lot but you gotta have one foot a little forward and then you rock your hips slowly to the sexy groove. Focus about 5 feet in front of you and nod your head once every couple seconds or so. Look to the sky when the guitar solos kick in, but be sure to keep your hips shakin'. It's easy. Anyone can do it.

"All My Money", "Collide" and "Purgatory Blues"  add to an already heavy dose of rock but I'm also treated to a few unexpected moments on Midnight Moan. One of my favorites is an acoustic song, "Smithereen". It's just Mullins and his 12-string on this one and it highlights his songwriting, guitar-playing and mass-appealing voice. I'm surprised when Mullins tells me he's had this one on the back-burner for a long time. "It's probably the oldest song I had written," he said, adding that he wrote it during his college years, before any of the Heavy Glow stuff. I'm delighted that he finally decided to put it out.

"Smithereen" transitions perfectly into the short and beautiful instrumental, "Midwestern Lullaby," which contains a purposely-placed bit of silence before the final song. It's the calm before the storm, if you like, because on "Diggin' a Ditch", Heavy Glow pull out all the stops. It's impossible for me to sit still during Brooks' frenzied bass lines and Kurtz's rambunctious drumming. Mullins' 'specializes in mud' here and the riffs are dirty-n-nasty. Lovin' it.

Not only do I love the music, but I can relate to many of the lyrics on this album, which bring to light Mullins' own reflection on various relationship and life issues. "I tend to write the music and bring it to the band. Everything I write is very personal," he says.

Mullins is a song-writing madman. Don't be surprised when Heavy Glow start recording more music for us early next year. The songs are already there. "They're already coming into the live set," he said.

For now, download Midnight Moan  - and Heavy Glow - free from Bandcamp. Then do yourself a favor and fork out a few bucks for the band's other release, The Filth and The Fury, so you can have all their music so far.

--Heddbuzz

http://xj793a.bandcamp.com/

http://heavyglowmusic.bandcamp.com/album/heavy-glow

Cicatriz' Six Pack – October 2011

Ahhh!! October, one of my favorite months in the year. Why you ask? Well first off, I live in Texas. When October hits, it means the weather if finally getting colder and I can finally wear hoodies again. I love hoodies. The second awesome thing about October is Halloween. Who the fuck doesn't like Halloween? Also, it's October so that means it's time to crack open another Cicatriz' Six Pack.

We start this month off with Ordstro and their Summer 2011 Tape. As expected this is one solid, almost 11 minute track. It runs much like a tape would, not skipping tracks. I'm guessing these San Fran natives released this Demo in tape format. This single track appears to be seven , one to two minute tracks of some awesome powerviolence. This shit is fucking brutal, my ears are happy and it makes me wish I had the tape format of these tracks and not just the lame digital. I get me a tape player! I'm sure a lot of you youngens are asking what the hell a tape is. Back in my day, we didn't have Cds, we had tapes. We didn't burn a disk full of track we loved, we made things like mix-tapes. Most of my mix-tapes consisted of recording underground and indie music off the college and independent radio. It looks like tapes are the new throwback music media.


Ordstro goes good with: The Locust, Retox, Cattle Decapitation, His Hero Is Gone, Weekend Nachos, Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Charles Bronson


Find out more about Ordstro here: https://sites.google.com/site/morethanemployeesandconsumers/

Downland this free track here: http://ordstro.bandcamp.com/

Check out a youtube video:

Our second band this month is Bear Awareness and their album Pillage and Burn. First off, I must say this is an awesome name for a band. These guys are a good mixture of fast core, grind core and powerviolence out of Los Angeles. Two stand out tracks on this album are: "The Jewish, Pig Destroyer" and "Fear of Bacon". The quality on these tracks are not the best but do give you an idea of where this band is going musical direction wise. A solid release with a garagey diy ethic. You are now aware of Bear Awareness.


Bear Awareness goes good with:   Retox, The Locust, Despise You, Lack of Interest, Stapled Shut.


Get this free cd here: http://shitstormer.bandcamp.com/album/pillage-and-burn

Third up this month is Glasgow, Scotland Natives Wheelchair Wheelchair Wheelchair Wheelchair (yes, that is 4 Wheelchair) with their debut EP, Bald and Dead. This is a really good debut. I'm glad to see some good ole' fashioned powerviolence coming from the other side of the pond. My favorite track is "Your Cancer, My Cock". Unfortunately the band has taken down the free download for this album at the time of my write up. If you ask me real nice I might just email you a copy.


Wheelchair Wheelchair Wheelchair Wheelchair goes good with; Despise You, Retox, Assuck, His Hero Is Gone, Man Is The Bastard, Wiccans


Check out Wheelchair Wheelchair Wheelchair Wheelchair here: http://www.myspace.com/4wheelchairs

Check out their bandcamp page: http://wheelchairwheelchairwheelchairwheelchair.bandcamp.com/

Next up is Pittsburgh 3 piece, Torn Off with their 67 track (7 proper tracks) disc Snake Breathe. When I first downloaded this album I was astonished by the number of tracks on it. 67 is a bit intimidating. Quickly, I learned that it was only seven tracks. Needles to say I was had but at least I was entertained. The boys in Torn Off offer up a great mix of a doom laden, crusty hardcore. Everything about this band is great. Musically they are tight. The vocals a screamed and fit really well with the music. I also really enjoyed all the soundbites before the songs. "Give Up" and "Ghost Blood" are my two favorite tracks. If you like really good hardcore with serious breakdowns check these doods out.


Torn Off goes good with: Weekend Nachos, The Acacia Strain, His Hero Is Gone, Tragedy, Trap Them

Get This FREE album here: http://tornoff.bandcamp.com/

Like their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/yoursceneisgarbage?sk=app_178091127385

What do Jean Claude Van Damne, Rob Van Damn and this next band have in common? Well besides the sir name Vandamme, they both kick ass! Vandamme is powerviolence band out of Italy. Who knew the Italians could be so damn violent. They offer up their EP 6 Songs, 3 Minutes. Extreme brutality and pretty cool lyrics make this band awesome....you know besides the cool name. Best track on the album is the opener, "Veggie Food Is Not For Preppies"

"we don't give a fuck
about rich preppies menus
we don't care about a juicy gourmet
our war is an everyday fight
an everyday massacre"


Vandamme goes good with: Retox, The Locust, Some Girls, Converge


Get this FREE album here: http://vandamme.bandcamp.com/album/6-songs-3-minutes

Oh no!!! We're down to our last of this months Six Pack. Better make it good. Waveriders, I give you End Times and their latest demo: Demo 2011. End Times is hardcore band with metal tendencies outta Dallas. As you may of inferred from past write ups, I am a Dallas/Fort Worth native. So, I am always a little partial to give the local boys some space on my write ups. The only way to build a good scene is for people to know their is one and to have awesome bands that want to play awesome jams in that scene. End Times definitely give the DFW area something to be proud of. My favorite track is the brutal "Pestilence". Awesome guitar work and a punky d-beat drum make this one special. Lyrically this song makes me want to jump in the pit, fight my way up to the stage so I can sing along and sing proud.

"The end begins, the fire will come to boil their greed, bound by shackles, forced to see, suffering.

Taking their homes, taking their lives, punish their souls for all of their lies.
the dawn of the new world begins, as the old world ends.

Ashes filling the sky leaving our mark on their world
Their blackened souls will rot, undying pestilence.

Burn it down, their blackened souls will rot.

Burn it down, their souls will rot... "


End Times goes good with: Unit 21, Black Flag, Ragging Boner, Trapped Under Ice, His Hero Is Gone, Weekend Nachos, Earth Crisis, Integrity


Get this FREE demo here: http://endtimes.bandcamp.com/

Like End Times on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/endtimeshc

Check out the YouTube video



So we have polished off another Six Pack. Join me next month for more bandcamp.com bands you need to know about. If you are in a band or know one that you would like to see on Cicatriz Six Pack: shoot me an email @ cicatrizrip@gmail.com or find me on facebook.

-Cicatriz

Valley of the Sun -The Saying of the Seers EP

When I was visiting family in Kentucky earlier this summer I had no idea I was so close to such noteworthy new stoner rock. Cincinnati was just a hop, skip and a jump from where I was and I would have happily taken the short drive north for a chance to see Valley of the Sun. The Ohio rockers (Ryan McAllister, Aaron Boyer, Ryan Ferrier) have come out with a fantastic 5-track ep, The Saying of the Seers.

Before anything else, first let me say that The Sayings of the Seers have some of the best vocals I've ever heard in my favored style of rock. That's right. I said it: EVER.

Sometimes when I'm rockin' out I could care less about the singer. Now and then I don't even care if there's vocals at all. That's how I can like instrumental bands so much. It can be all about the music for me, but this guy (Ferrier) is in a class all his own so I just had to say something. Like electrifying. Or wondrous. How about moving? That's works, too. I love it when a band's vocalist can make me feel something deep down in my core.

Not to take anything away from the top-notch musicianship, but I got goosebumps about 2 minutes into "Riding the Dunes", an appropriately-named desert rock song. After relaxing me with some low, soothing and comforting "Woah"s and "Yeah"s, Ferrier voice astonishes me as he climbs way up the scale when the real riffage begins. I'm flabbergasted. He has amazing range and can hold a note for more than a few seconds.

It won't surprise you to know that "Riding the Dunes" (6:03) is my most beloved song on The Saying of the Seers, and it also the last. You'll find that I say that a lot. How my favorite is the last song on an album. Maybe there's a reason for that. Hmmm. Anyway, I included a link to it so you could listen (I know, the title is wrong). The beginning is great, too, but just wait until the "Woah"s and they "Yeah"s are done. You'll hear what I mean. You might even get chills like I did. I hope so.

The Saying of the Seers starts with an exclamation for me, much like it ends. The fuzzed guitars and heavy drums on "Hearts Aflame" immediately get my head nodding and then I'm introduced to Ferrier's vocal prowess. How do you do? You do it with style, man. I have an instant feeling this ep is gonna be another winner.

And I'm right. The up-tempo boogie treat, "Deep Light Burns", while it's the shortest, is one of my favorites 'cause of...you guessed it...the cowbell. I'm a sucker for a cowbell, even if it's only at the beginning of the song. "Mariner's Tale" (4:17) has more of a southern-style rock groove to me and "Aquarius" includes a Loud Love atmosphere, if you feel where I'm coming from.

Overall, I think Valley of the Sun give a stellar performance on The Sayings of the Seers, from beginning to end. The only problem I have is there wasn't enough to fill me up. I'm greedy like that.

You can listen to The Sayings of the Seers and snatch up a digital copy for yourself off Bandcamp. If you're a fan of superb rock music, I'm sure you will. Or you have already. There you can also get a free version of Valley of the Sun's self-titled 2010 debut ep.

--Heddbuzz

http://valleyofthesun.bandcamp.com/
http://www.facebook.com/valleyofthesun
http://www.reverbnation.com/valleyofthesun

Two Faces Of Gookin feat. D. Gookin and 2 Ton Bug

I stormed into the claustrophobic room and slammed my hands palm down onto the table situated in front of the suspect.

“Listen up Gookin!  I’ve had enough of your games.  Do you realize how much trouble you’re in?  Wipe that smile off your face!”
“Detective Penfold, I don’t understand you.  Only a moment ago we were having a nice, pleasant conversation.  You left the room in a jovial mood, but now you’re back and clearly upset.  Why is that?”
“Hey!  I’ll ask the questions here Gookin.  Got that?”
“Of course Detective.  Of course.  You mentioned that I was in trouble?”
“Ohhhh yeah.  Big trouble.”
“I’ve done nothing wrong Detective.”
“Hahaha.  Play dumb all you want Gookin.  We’ve got enough evidence to put you away for a long time.”
“You can’t be serious.  What’s the charge?”
“Inciting excessive happiness and good cheer among the depressed, dejected masses.”
“That’s a crime?”
“You’d better believe it mister!”
“But I’m an artist.  Cheering people up is my job.”
“Can it Gookin.  I don’t want to hear any more of your socio-emotional ranting.  It’s bad enough that I had to listen to your so-called music.”
“You listened to my music Detective Penfold?  Which album did you listen to?”
“First I listened to your own Spiral Style EP, and then I listened to Wedding Of The Century where you play drums.”
“Did you like the music?”
“Did I like the music?  You bet I did.  It was great!  I loved it!  Say, is there a way I might be able to get a hold of some of your other relea…”

“Oh you’re good Gookin.  Too good.  In fact you’re so good, you’re dangerous!  You nearly had me there for a second.  All right.  Enough talk.  I’m leaving now.  When I come back I’ll have a formal confession that you will sign whether you like it or not.  And didn’t I tell you to get that smile off your face?”

D. Gookin - Spiral Style

I admit it.  I did not think it was possible.  If I had not heard it with my own ears, I would swear on anything you had handy that it was physically and theoretically impossible to capture the properties of sunshine inside a piece of electronic music.  Preposterous!  Can’t be done!  Well waveriders, I was wrong.  Dead wrong in fact.  Allow me to introduce you to an artist by the name of D. Gookin, and his newest EP entitled Spiral Style.

The music on this EP is electronic sunshine, plain and simple.  Joyous, effervescent, celebratory electronic music.  I’m telling you the truth.  Spiral Style effuses such good cheer and glee that it feels like your birthday and Christmas morning rolled into one package.  You’ll have to excuse me folks.  I listen to so much anger-fueled music that when I hear something great that is engineered to produce happiness instead of rage or gloom it is pretty shocking.  And I’ll be completely honest.  While I am not at all adverse to purely electronic music, it’s simply not my normal go-to genre.  Thus, when I stumble across someone like D. Gookin it helps to expand my horizons and make me a better listener.

There are six songs on the Spiral Style EP.  All six are appropriately upbeat and bubbly, but I don’t want to imply that they are simple copies of one another.  Not at all.  Each song has a strong, unique melody line that makes them easily identifiable.  Another element that changes from song to song is the vocals.  While there is a limited amount of clean vocals scattered throughout the EP it often sounds as if the vocals are being pumped through a vocorder, and at other times it sounds as if they were recorded underwater.  I can’t be sure, but I would guess Mr. Gookin sometimes uses a wah pedal to manipulate the vocals as well.  Regardless, I am very impressed with how immensely the vocals add to the overall sound and musical vibe.  I suppose if I were forced to pick one I would say that “Freak On A Cloud” is my favorite song of the bunch.  It’s a close call however as there is not a slacker in the bunch. 

Alrighty then people.  It’s time to sum up.  If you are having a bad or off day and need a musical pick me up to turn your frown upside down look no further than D. Gookin’s Spiral Style EP.  One listen and you’ll be skipping along chanting ‘happy happy, joy joy’.

Listen Here- http://www.moodgadget.com/dgookin/

2 Ton Bug - Wedding Of The Century

Watch out waveriders because you’re about to be run over by a musical Mack truck coming straight out of left field!  I’m not joking folks.  I hit the play button on this album with absolutely no idea what to expect.  All I knew was that D. Gookin, whose excellent solo material made me very happy, plays drums in 2 Ton Bug, a band led by Joe Rumrill.  Wanting to prolong my happiness and expand my knowledge of Mr. Gookin’s work I dove in ears first.  Am I still happy after listening to Wedding Of The Century?  The short answer is absolutely!  A more refined answer would be yes, I’m incredibly happy, but in an entirely different manner than before.

2 Ton Bug is a direct shot of adrenaline to your brain.  Wedding Of The Century is an electro/punk/riff rock extravaganza with more energy than a collapsing star.  When the band kicked into ultra-high gear the first time it literally made me sit back in my chair.  Filthy is the adjective that most easily comes to mind when I think about this band’s sound.  They combine distorted guitars, washed-out keyboards, and overexposed drums (including a trash can) with megaphone-enhanced or strained vocals (female and male) to produce a sound that punches you right in the solarplexus. It sounds perfect!  It sounds fantastic!  I love it!

There are eight songs (all written by Mr. Rumrill) making up Wedding Of The Century.  I guarantee you won’t notice the first few times.  Nope.  Your brain will unconsciously rebel against this album ending and automatically force your finger to hit the play button and restart the ride.  It happened to me.  It will happen to you too.  But what about those songs?  Opener “Time Trabblin’” explodes with punk energy until about halfway through when it slows down to match up with a devastating guitar riff.  “Burn the Witch” has the potential to spark a combative hoe-down with its punk/country vibe.  “Tank Wipe” and “Meth Mouth” are fast and furious hardcore workouts.  “Follow the 2 Ton Bug” offers a fantastic Hendrix-like portion of “The Star Spangled Banner” before launching itself into orbit.  For crying out loud!  The only song which allows the listener to draw breath would be the slightly slower, ultra-groovy “Hurricane Lemmy”.

Waveriders I implore you.  Take the time today to head over to the 2 Ton Bug bandcamp page and listen to this album.  Do it now, thank me later.

--Penfold

Buy and Listen Here- http://2tonbug.bandcamp.com/

Bandcamp Ripples - The Shovel's Latest Bandcamp Finds for Great Free Music

http://thinningtheherd.bandcamp.com/

Hard to think of a similar band but Gozu sprung to mind. A very well conceived and executed album, good songcraft on display here. Made all the more attractive by the price - tis free! Bit of a grower this one, can see these chaps doing well off the back of this with enough exposure.

http://greyhost.bandcamp.com/album/1-11-demo-session

For fans of Sleep-styled bludgeoning riffage and lets be honest, who isn't? One of the best demos I have heard for a while. To my humble ears good enough to be a proper release. Can't really go wrong this formula - if they were to throw in more psych stylings they could really be on to something. A band I would like to see live - if you get the chance, check them out.

http://warchief.bandcamp.com/album/for-heavy-damage

One track here spanning twenty and a half minutes. You wouldn't guess it though, the sounds contained therein are more the ample to keep your ears happy. Another band to keep an eye on, there seem to be some serious musicians here, this track was merely a jam...someone sign them up and give them a studio to play with.

--The Shovel

Cain Marko- At Sea

The last person on that planet someone should be talking to about punk is me.  Mainly because although I like the genre, I know very little of it. I do have ears though! So, I can pick out the good sounds, and Cain Marko's EP At Sea has the good audio waves going on. The riffs, the drums, the half screaming vocals... Works. Listen to this EP. It's on your bucket list now.

I am a sucker for a good riff. I will listen to the most horrible, disastrous music if the guitars work for me. The guitar work on At Sea is top, it is smooth, heavy, light, dynamic, sexy, cool... I just really don't have the words to describe how good this sounds. It is times like these I wish I could quote music (N.B. I spent the last ten minutes doing that. It got backspaced as it was just a mess of “duh dummmm duh duh duh duh duh”'s). Coupled with the kick arse drums, they have me hooked.

Luckily for my own sanity and the preservation of my ear drums I don't need to listen to Cain Marko only because of their guitars. They pull together the whole deal with ease, making some of the best punk my underexposed ears have heard. Even if I remove the factor of being punk, some of the best music I have heard.

“At Sea in St. Paul” starts the EP I have just been preaching to you. Exactly what you expect after the hype I just gave it. Long enough intro to pull you in, but not too long you start looking to skip into the middle of the song. Then they hit you with their vocals and at first you might feel surprised and repulsed by the screaming coming out of no where and next to those guitars, but stick with it. Another ten seconds and I bet you aren't looking for the skip button no more. Effortless pulling together. Like a heavy punchy ballet for your ears.

“Ralph, I Can't See” is where I will pull in the first quote of their lyrics.

“The light pours in to show these unhealthy relationships with alcohol poisoning
Our eyes were wide once, singing songs we meant so damn much it hurt
We were alive then”

See? Perfect. Well, no you can't see because you aren't listening to it yet. Hurry!


Things get a little louder, a fuller feeling to the whole song with “I Read This In A Book.”


Then, the finale, the song that made me fall in love with At Sea, “Let's Go Kill The Bastard.” This guitar brimming, drum ridden piece of music was something else. The vocals here are different, still the half scream, but when the opening and parts of the song are sung in this chorus, it transforms it. I don't know how else to put it, but it takes it to a whole new spin. Then they sing-

“He laughed. “Redemption? That's a funny thing.
Wait till tomorrow. See what the sun will bring”
Alone in silence. Dusk painted overhead.
Shrug and sigh traverse back home again.”

Angry, clever, catchy. I can't fault it.

Cain Marko really punched out something that is (excuse the pun) music to my ears. At Sea is worth the time listening to, even if it is for their guitar.

A very happy

--Koala


Streaming/Info/Cool Stuff
http://cainmarko.bandcamp.com/