Hella - 'Total Bugs Bunny on Wild Bass'
(Narnack Records)
Hella
is a band that, while showing promise in terms of musicianship, is in serious
need of structure. The two musicians who comprise Hella, Spencer (guitars and
programming) and Zach (drums), are definitely skilled. Particularly Zach, who
drums the hell out of the record. But they are victims to the classic artistic
downfall: style over substance. The songs are frenetic, quadruple-kick driven
pastiches of sound, but almost entirely devoid of anything resembling a chord
sequence. “Electric Guitar” is a slight standout, with more notation and catchy
drums, but overall, this 7-track work was a chore to sit through. While I’m the
first to admit I’m a sucker for melody, I see the value in experimental music
that defies convention and is at the forefront of something different and new.
But for one to do this well is not an easy thing. Squarepusher and Sonic Youth
can pull it off, as well as local experimental outfit Birth. But even at its
best, unstructured and free-form music can be too much, and has the tendency to
float over one’s ears instead of into them. Hella unfortunately falls into this
latter category. In ten or even five years, they’ll probably be exceptional.
But, for now, back to the drawing board. (Kevin P. Hoffman)
This is some first rate
doom from Japan. The first two tracks, “Devil’s Formula” and “Black Mountain
(Birmingham Queen)” are pretty straight forward doom metal numbers with some
excellent riffing and vocals that sound like a cross between Cathedral’s Lee
Dorian and Carcass’ Jeff Walker. The final track, “RED RUM”, is more of an
experimental noise piece with minimal vocals that sounds a bit like a heavier
Acid Mother’s Temple. While King Goblin are far from the most original sounding
band I’ve ever heard, they more than make up for it with their talent. If you
like bands like Cathedral, Paradise Lost, Orange Goblin, and the like I highly
recommend you get in touch with this band and get a copy of this excellent
demo. You can do that by pointing your browser to the band’s website,
http://www1.ttcn.ne.jp/~king-goblin/. (Bob Ignizio)
Mesmer Machine is a great band
from Florida. This self-titled EP has four songs that will please any
alternative rock fan. It reflects an early 90's alt-rock sound, and mixes it
with psychedelic soundscapes. The guitar work is stunning, played quite well by
guitarist Joe Denillo. Lead singer David Harmon's voice is a mix of Daniel Ash
(Love and Rockets) and a less whiney Billy Corgan. His vocal work shines most on
the second track "Sugar Glue". If this band keeps up the good work, I'd bet
you'll be hearing more from them in the future. Check out the U2 meets Pink
Floyd meets Jane's Addiction vibe on the EP's best track "Fill The Room".
Definitely a record worth checking out. (Eddie Fleisher)
The New Bomb Turks –
‘Switchblade Tongues and Butterknife Brains’ (Gearhead)
This
collection of outtakes, B-sides, and covers should ease the pain of Turks fans
still mourning the band’s decision to call it a day. The material spans the
period from February 1999 through September 2002, probably not the Turks best
era. That said, most of the material on here is quite solid. The tracks from
the unreleased ep ‘Rocket Widget’ in particular sound nice and raw, and, in my
opinion, the version of “Statue of Liberty” from those sessions sounds much
better than the one included on the band’s last official album. Bottom line for
Turks fans: This isn’t just some haphazardly thrown together comp of songs that
were better left unheard. This is as good as, and in some cases better than,
any of the last few real albums the Turks released. (Bob Ignizio)
Hella
is a band that, while showing promise in terms of musicianship, is in serious
need of structure. The two musicians who comprise Hella, Spencer (guitars and
programming) and Zach (drums), are definitely skilled. Particularly Zach, who
drums the hell out of the record. But they are victims to the classic artistic
downfall: style over substance. The songs are frenetic, quadruple-kick driven
pastiches of sound, but almost entirely devoid of anything resembling a chord
sequence. “Electric Guitar” is a slight standout, with more notation and catchy
drums, but overall, this 7-track work was a chore to sit through. While I’m the
first to admit I’m a sucker for melody, I see the value in experimental music
that defies convention and is at the forefront of something different and new.
But for one to do this well is not an easy thing. Squarepusher and Sonic Youth
can pull it off, as well as local experimental outfit Birth. But even at its
best, unstructured and free-form music can be too much, and has the tendency to
float over one’s ears instead of into them. Hella unfortunately falls into this
latter category. In ten or even five years, they’ll probably be exceptional.
But, for now, back to the drawing board. (Kevin P. Hoffman)
This is some first rate
doom from Japan. The first two tracks, “Devil’s Formula” and “Black Mountain
(Birmingham Queen)” are pretty straight forward doom metal numbers with some
excellent riffing and vocals that sound like a cross between Cathedral’s Lee
Dorian and Carcass’ Jeff Walker. The final track, “RED RUM”, is more of an
experimental noise piece with minimal vocals that sounds a bit like a heavier
Acid Mother’s Temple. While King Goblin are far from the most original sounding
band I’ve ever heard, they more than make up for it with their talent. If you
like bands like Cathedral, Paradise Lost, Orange Goblin, and the like I highly
recommend you get in touch with this band and get a copy of this excellent
demo. You can do that by pointing your browser to the band’s website,
Mesmer Machine is a great band
from Florida. This self-titled EP has four songs that will please any
alternative rock fan. It reflects an early 90's alt-rock sound, and mixes it
with psychedelic soundscapes. The guitar work is stunning, played quite well by
guitarist Joe Denillo. Lead singer David Harmon's voice is a mix of Daniel Ash
(Love and Rockets) and a less whiney Billy Corgan. His vocal work shines most on
the second track "Sugar Glue". If this band keeps up the good work, I'd bet
you'll be hearing more from them in the future. Check out the U2 meets Pink
Floyd meets Jane's Addiction vibe on the EP's best track "Fill The Room".
Definitely a record worth checking out. (Eddie Fleisher)
This
collection of outtakes, B-sides, and covers should ease the pain of Turks fans
still mourning the band’s decision to call it a day. The material spans the
period from February 1999 through September 2002, probably not the Turks best
era. That said, most of the material on here is quite solid. The tracks from
the unreleased ep ‘Rocket Widget’ in particular sound nice and raw, and, in my
opinion, the version of “Statue of Liberty” from those sessions sounds much
better than the one included on the band’s last official album. Bottom line for
Turks fans: This isn’t just some haphazardly thrown together comp of songs that
were better left unheard. This is as good as, and in some cases better than,
any of the last few real albums the Turks released. (Bob Ignizio) 