Envy – Recitation [2010]
Japanese noise-monsters Envy are no strangers to the quiet-loud-ear-bleedingly-louder dynamic used by their label bosses Mogwai. In keeping with their post-rock roots, ‘Recitation’ is a tumultuous addition to their previous cerebral offerings. Pummelling screamo chant-cum-divertimento ‘A Breath Clad In Happiness’ and the fury of ‘Rainclouds Running In A Holy Night’ coexist effortlessly with gentle opener ‘Guidance’ and the serenade of ‘A Hint Of The Incapacity’, proving that big bursts of cacophonous bedlam and instrumental sentimentality aren’t mutually exclusive. A brutally romantic record.
Heaven in Her Arms – Paraselene [2010]
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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).
Sinaloa – S/T (EP) [2010]
Since forming in 2001, Sinaloa has been constantly writing songs and touring, while continuing to work their day jobs. Over these years Sinaloa has released three full-length records: Fathers and Sons (2003 – Word Salad/Chernobyl), Footprints on Floorboards (2005 – Waking/Owsla), and Oceans of Islands (2008 – Level Plane/purepainsugar), they also recorded and self-released an acoustic version of Oceans of Islands on tape titled Chapel & Basement (2009). They have also put out a split record with Ampere (2006 – Ebullition); and appeared on various compilations and split 7”s with bands such as Wolves, Life at These Speeds, Catena Collapse, and Daniel Striped Tiger. Each recording has offered a progression in their musical style and insight into their thought process through their honesty and lyrical explanations. Often compared to the distant early nineties scene of Vermin Scum, Dischord, and Gravity Records, Sinaloa brings the fire of that era’s DIY punk and combines it with a grown-up sensibility and a lot of life experience. This is music as lifestyle, and lifestyle as music: deep personal history meets a life in independent music, and the results are a rare breed of idealism and practicality.
Combatwoundedveteran – This Is Not An Erect All Red Neon Body [2004]
http://www.myspace.com/combatwoundedveteranband
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