Heavïness – S/T [2006]
Heavïness are a shoegaze four-piece hailing for Stockholm, Switzerland, Swaziland, Sweden. They do stick pretty close to the shoegaze ethic, both in terms of sound, aesthetics. The lineup consists of David (the Eagle Cross; guitar+vox), Emma(cello+bass), Daniel(drums) and Rizzler(guitar). It’s hard to say whether the other David is also in the band (it certainly seems like it at times); he does the projections for the shows. David and Daniel used to play together in both Montage and Vacuum Cleaner. -last.fm
(link in comments)
Sleigh Bells – Treats [2010]
The initial meeting between Derek Miller and Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells sounds almost like a scene out of a movie: He was working at a Brooklyn, NY restaurant during the summer of 2008; she, a fifth grade public school teacher, was one of his customers and by chance they started talking about music. A mere week later they were recording together and thus, Sleigh Bells were formed. To make matters even more interesting, the two come from very different musical backgrounds, with Derek playing hardcore in the Florida-based band Poison the Well for six years, and Alexis being part of a pop group during her teens. Their differences seem to have merged though as their current music is a bit of a mix between soft and hard. What really got my attention though were the beats. Upon first hearing their EP 2HELLWU I couldn’t help but wonder what hot shot hip-hop producer these two had teamed up with. Tracks such as ”Infinity Guitars” and “Holly” sound almost like The Kills produced by The Neptunes, while the title track and the sweet “Ring Ring” are much more laid back. The producing is all Derek’s doing though and according to him, “everything starts with and revolves around a beat; vocal melodies and guitar lines sometimes reinforce a kick pattern”. He also claims to still have a lot of learning to do when it comes to producing, but considering how good it sounds now it can only get better. -last.fm
(link in comments)
Misery Index – Heirs to Thievery [2010]
Misery Index is an American death metal band formed in 2001 in Baltimore, Maryland by Jason Netherton (bass, vocals), Mike Harrison (guitar, vocals) and Kevin Talley (drums). Some say the band is named after Assück’s last album of the same name (1996), however the socio-political theme featured in many of the lyrics also point towards the economic term (both increasing inflation and unemployment result in the rise of the misery index). As of 2006, its line-up consists of Jason Netherton (bass, vocals), Sparky Voyles (guitar), Mark Klöppel (guitar) and Adam Jarvis (drums). Their music is best described as death metal with strong hardcore and grindcore influences. Their vein of music is often said to resemble their fellow Maryland death metal outfit Dying Fetus, as Netherton and Voyles are former members of the band. Misery Index’s lyrical subject matter is quite left-wing, often coinciding with anarcho-punk aesthetic and focusing mostly on the ills of modern society. They have toured with bands such as Fear Factory, Mastodon, Nile & Suffocation. They have also released a promotional video for ‘The Great Depression’ from the ‘Retaliate’ album and as of late November 2006, have a promotional video for ‘Conquistadores’ (from the album ‘Discordia’) ready to release. -last.fm
(link in comments)
The National – High Violet [2010]
The National is a Brooklyn-based alternative rock band formed in 1999, by friends from Cincinnati, Ohio. The band’s lyrics are written and sung by Matt Berninger in a distinctive, deep baritone. The rest of the band is composed of two pairs of brothers: Aaron and Bryce Dessner and Scott and Bryan Devendorf. Aaron plays guitar, bass and piano, Bryce plays guitar, Scott plays bass and guitar, and Bryan is the drummer. Their self-titled debut album “The National” (Brassland 2001) was recorded and released before they had played even a single show. They cut the album with engineer Nick Lloyd and formed a label with writer Alec Bemis, so those recordings could be released. Kerrang! magazine gave it four Ks, calling it “the stuff underground legends are made of.” The National made a second album, “Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers” (Brassland/Talitres 2003). The staff was the same, though Peter Katis, who produced both Interpol records, helped produce and mix, and Australian composer Padma Newsome from Clogs collaborated on arrangements and strings. Following the first session of several for Bernard Lenoir on France’s Radio Inter, an in-between EP was released, Cherry Tree, containing what would become the blueprint for the sound on their next record and the session of Sad Song’s standout Murder Me Rachael. After these accolades and being impressed by their live show, Roger Trust signed them to Beggars Banquet.
(link in comments)
Akarso – Parallel Chlorophyll Regions [1998]
Milwaukee’s Akarso produces heady trig rock that recalls configurations along the lines of Trenchmouth and Drive Like Jehu. The sound is heavy, nervous, and twitchy, with a decided Midwest influence along the lines of Shellac. The band’s intensity is downright unnerving, so you can’t help wondering what kind of coffee these guys have been drinking. Akarso’s rhythms are viciously intricate and powerful, and are nicely complemented by some great wounded, banshee-like vocals. Constantly alternating between precision and power, this band will surprise you again and again.
Sadly, Akarso decided to call it quits in the summer of 1999. Members are now in Call Me Lightning. (last.fm).
