Disc Reviews
by Max Ink Staff Writers
The Ghosts of Laura Palmer - Livin’ For The Soul, Dyin’ For The Funk
The Ghosts of Laura Palmer
Album title: Livin’ For The Soul, Dyin’ For The Funk
By Geert Driver
Posted: Apr 2016
Label: SFP Recordings
(2544) Page Views
Back in 2010, a new DJ duo hit the Milwaukee music scene. That duo called itself, The Ghosts of Laura Palmer—comprised of Andy Gulotta and Mario R. Martin. This is where the story begins…
Soon after forming, the Ghosts amassed a great deal of attention. Some of it welcomed, some of it not so welcomed. But bring the music to the people they did. According to The Onion, The Ghosts essentially “infiltrated nearly every level of the city’s culture with their rock and soul whirlpool mixes.” Each set bringing “a different vibe and pastiche of decades worth of grooves, all exclusively mixed in analog.” This is all true. Then “Blackbird” happened.
According to OnMilwaukee.com, “Blackbird” is a “masterful mix of vintage sounds from the likes of Joe Tex, James Brown, Bogis Chimes, Bill Coday and others.” The release of “Blackbird,” named for The Ghosts’ defacto home, Bay View’s Blackbird Bar, was timed to coincide with the duo’s first foray into larger audiences. The duo was asked to lend music to Sojourner Family Peace Center’s annual fashion show fundraiser at the Harley-Davidson Museum in 2011. Since then, The Ghosts would see Gulotta’s departure (while staying on as a creative consultant), more sets in more locations and a few shorter form mixes like “Back To The Front”—but nothing has stood out like the two-hour mix “Blackbird” boasted. This isn’t to say “Back To The Front” wasn’t well received. According to Rocksposure.com, “Back To The Front” is the Ghosts’ “most high energy mix to date,” as [the Ghosts] “specialize in assembling amazingly well-crafted mixes of 70’s funk that feel as genuine as Travolta in a set of bell bottoms.” This was of course thanks to Will It Burn’s EightZero at the producer’s chair…but that last effort was back in 2012. So what the hell has Martin been doing since 2012? Plenty.
Since Martin last took the Ghosts “back to the front,” he has been more selective about his sets. He’s been calculating and collaborating with DJ Justin Carloni while experimenting with other genres of music. He’s delved into electronica, one of his favorite genres, and he’s worked on the proper sophomore follow up to “Blackbird.” A menagerie of records collected from around the world, countless sequences, and hours upon hours of digitizing and mastering original vinyl made Martin put his brainchild on hold, only reviving it when the time was right, and turned his attention to writing.
Martin spent years planning, outlining and writing a book entitled “Growing Up Analog,” that spans a music history of sorts from 1976 to 1998, detailing his experiences as a publicist in the music industry and growing up outside the digital age. But despite his itch for producing pulp, he was [surprisingly] working on the follow up to “Blackbird,” which [not so surprisingly] coincides to release at, you guessed it, the Sojourner Family Peace Center’s fashion show. If we play Ghosts by the numbers, it would look something like this: Formed in 2010. Release critically acclaimed debut, “Blackbird” in 2011 and play Harley-Davidson Museum. Play Harley-Davidson Museum three (3) more times from 2012 to 2015. In 2016, the fifth (5th) year performing at Harley-Davidson Museum while releasing follow up to “Blackbird” five (5) years after debut. This is the Ghosts in fives.
Now, what does the sonic landscape have in store for a follow up that has been five years in the making? Without further ado, April 7, 2016, The Ghosts of Laura Palmer release “Livin’ For The Soul, Dyin’ For The Funk.” Produced by Steve Comeau at Splice Studios, the Ghosts follow up “Blackbird” with a mix that rides the line of over-production, yet sounds more stripped down than its predecessor. “This is exactly the mix I wanted to make,” says Martin. “Steve [Comeau] and I spent so much time in the studio to ensure each track sounded as close to its original 7” source. He knew exactly what the vision was and completely embraced it—I would never have been able to bring this to life without him.”
We’ve come to expect the unexpected from Martin and The Ghosts of Laura Palmer. And now, the long-awaited sophomore effort, “Livin’ For The Soul, Dyin’ For The Funk,” is here. The wait is over.
Skizzwhores - Insomnia Mania
Skizzwhores
Album title: Insomnia Mania
By Laura Sorensen
Posted: Apr 2016
Label: Gears N Cogs Media
(1914) Page Views
There are those bands that need more members to produce more sound. Then there are bands like Skizzwhores that need only three members to produce a lot of sound. Their second release and full length CD “Insomnia Mania” is rich with strong instrumentals generating from a single guitarist, bassist and drummer. Combined with the raw, straightforward vocals, using a unique blend of Grunge-Smear and Punk Rock, Skizzwhores produces a mix of music that ranges in style from old school B-52’s to rap style rock like Limp Bizkit, and various other artists such as Distillers, Sonic Youth and The Germs. With intriguing song titles like “Non Conforming Conformist Ate My Brain” and “Sex & Politics” one is drawn to find out more about the music this not so subtle three piece ensemble produces. Lyrics such as “Rise and rally in the streets,” “Same old shit,” and “Millions of hairs stand on end like standing at the edge of hell,” give one cause to believe this group is not only serious about their music but also about their message. Each track is inevitably upbeat and inspiring. The Madison based band Skizzwhores is quickly building a reputation, so while new shows may be in the works they will definitely be playing Pride Fest in Milwaukee, WI on June 10, 2016.
Pat Travers and Carmine Appice - The Balls Album
Pat Travers and Carmine Appice
Album title: The Balls Album
By Sal Serio
Posted: Mar 2016
Label: Purple Pyramid Records
(2753) Page Views
Pat Travers and Carmine Appice! Consider the accumulated years of touring and recording experience, and the full cast of characters that have collaborated with these two rockers. There is a whole novel of great stuff, right there! However, the task at hand and the bounty on the mantle is ‘The Balls Album’, which provides plenty of evidence that testicular fortitude is readily in abundance with these guys.
Sure, it’s a no-brainer that this audio document bursts with thunderous drumming and pyrotechnic lead guitar work… I mean, duh, right? But what smacked me squarely between the eyeBALLS was a combination of the varied, memorable, and emphatically solid songwriting displayed within, and, even more impressive is the crystalline quality of Travers’ vocal work. Surely Pat sounds equally as good as any of his classic 70s work, or perhaps even better.
So… quality? Check! In fact, check that one off several times over! But, let us talk quantity. How does 14 songs grab you? By the BALLS? That is oh so apropos. Not a tablespoon of filler lives here, and you get the soft with the hard, the bouncy with the bulging, and the smooth with the prickly. After all, THIS is the BALLS album.
The Crookes - Lucky Ones
The Crookes
Album title: Lucky Ones
By John Noyd
Posted: Mar 2016
Label: Modern Outsider
(2817) Page Views
Cardiac satellites catapult submerged urges into prancing manic courtships as The Crookes’ promising romantic stamina kicks power-pop jaunts roasted in heart-racing impatience from rose-colored pub-rock propositions; slamming candied music-hall anthems from fidgety indie misfits. Suave hurrahs from Teddy Boy choirs steeped in radiant riffs and galvanized sighs, Sheffield’s schooled hooligans produce fuzzed-out shin-digs from thick six-string pillaging born beneath lovelorn vocals and strapped to dapper eighties keyboards. Open-hearted larks from cobblestoned Romeos, “Lucky,” spins the wheel and plays to win, a monument to spidery pride devising clever webs connecting lively vibes to slacker jackpots snatched from ghost-coated tremolo, unshakeable beats and skulking bass. Adopting a breezier countenance from their brooding beginnings, the British quartet visit Madison’s The Frequency April 9th along with modern-pop electro-philosopher Geographer.
Haelos - Full Circle
Haelos
Album title: Full Circle
By John Noyd
Posted: Mar 2016
Label: Matador Records
(2642) Page Views
Ravishing break-beat sass lavished in funky diamond grinds alternate between snake-charmer calm inclined towards dark carnal electro-soul and diva-shrieking sequences slipping into stormy trip-hop gospel. Assembling a massive sonic palette techno-geeking out with mood-enhancing slow-jams building into smoldering sideways-glance dance-grooves; the tantric London trio employ erotic electronics alongside three-part vocals roping consensual adventures into pulp fiction; fatalistic mystics tossing harmonic bon mots rinsed in cloudy synths, cobbled to clanging arrangements and polished in sleek percussive fevers. A cool goulash brewing ultra-smooth moods beneath dramatic buzzed-out attitude, “Circle,” orbits panoramic landscapes where gleaming antiseptic effects meet deep eclectic sets and exalted chill-pop operas turn lethal, conniving and irresistible. In a rare treat for Wisconsin, Haelos plays Milwaukee’s Back Room at Collectivo Coffee on Prospect April 8th
Droids Attack - Sci-Fi or Die
Droids Attack
Album title: Sci-Fi or Die
By Sal Serio
Posted: Mar 2016
Label: Riff Reaper Records
(2732) Page Views
Unearthed at last is the ultimate Droids Attack document. The talisman. In the long run, has the Droids sound changed much since their first 2004 CD? Not really, except it’s tighter and the vision is more fully realized. The meaty chord-driven locomotive zephyr thrust of sledgehammer metal-punk has simply zeroed in on the target with pinpoint accuracy, and the result is one of blissful head-banging wonderment.
Nailing the concept of uber-product is the physical presentation of this music. I can’t recall the last time I was this awestruck by a local band’s CD artwork, and overall conceptual statement. The combination of Eli Quinn’s Moebius-like illustrations with Brad Van’s graphic art skill equals pure genius. While listening, I can’t help but gaze at the CD itself to get the full effect, which is sort of like a science-fantasy graphic novel and ancient cultures history lesson all rolled up into one big ball-busting enchilada.
An auspicious local offering such as this needs a CD release event that resembles a ritualistic feast of alchemists, aliens, and perverse party-goers. It would also likely resemble the drop of a hydrogen bomb. Will we sci-fi… or die? Find out on Thursday, March 10, at the High Noon Saloon, when the Droids Attack festivities will be preceded by sonic statements from Attalla and The Gran Fury.
The Coffin Daggers - Aggravatin’ Rhythms
The Coffin Daggers
Album title: Aggravatin’ Rhythms
By Sal Serio
Posted: Mar 2016
Label: Cleopatra Records
(2638) Page Views
I present to you the most happening soundtrack to the hippest parties across the nation! Reverb drenched, punchy and energetic, fun and frantic, pure honey-dripping rock and roll in it’s most undiluted essence. Beach blanket surf music with ample nods to sci-fi and western movie-themes, and the dance crazes that made the 60s so gloriously swinging.
The Coffin Daggers sound is highlighted by band leader Vic Venom’s driving guitar rhythms and crisp in-your-face soloing, as well as Rob Morrison’s organ, which has that retro sound like it must be a Farfisa. This is the third full-length release from the New York based group, but their first for a label with major distribution capacities. The Coffin Daggers also have a handful of 7” single releases to their credit.
What’s really exciting about this music is it’s immediacy. The album was recorded live in one room, with a minimum of overdubs, onto a 16 track analog tape machine. That approach is evident in the cohesion and urgency of the performances, and the organic sound of the recorded document. Trust me! You want this CD to play at your next cocktail party or clam bake!
Haliwel - Pandemic
Haliwel
Album title: Pandemic
By Laura Sorensen
Posted: Feb 2016
Label: Burn United Records
(1966) Page Views
A new lead singer, a new CD, Haliwel is launching forward undaunted in their mission to bring some great new hard rock to their current and potential fans. The release of “Pandemic” with Dax Roberts on lead vocals is a demonstration of the admirable talent and diversity of this group of musicians. Blending their instruments in perfect sync with each other and with Dax’s voice, using alternate styles of backup vocals to create various melodic effects for different songs, there is nothing but admiration for this five member hard rock band. The theme of the CD varies from upbeat, inspirational tracks like the opening song “Firestarter” to no bullshit lyrics with “Truth Is” (you’re a bitch), to softer tracks like “Halo.” You have to really listen to the lyrics to understand the emotion behind each song. “Halo” may sound like a lighter, romantic tune but it really is about finding out someone has deceived you, “My little angel, gonna watch your little halo melt.” “Sleepwalking” is a great tune with varied lead and backup vocal techniques. Probably one of the band’s more popular tunes is “My Letter’ which again requires close attention to the lyrics to understand this is a person on the brink of suicide because “I can’t do anything right.” Concluding with “Calloused,” the longest track on the album, you hear a combination of simple, melodic vocals, becoming more intense on the chorus, and an extended instrumental interlude with the guitars, bass and drums melding together as one fine instrument.
Pandemic is not for the faint of heart, but for the passionate, the compassionate, and the true fan of what modern hard rock is supposed to sound like.
Tortoise - The Catastrophist
Tortoise
Album title: The Catastrophist
By John Noyd
Posted: Feb 2016
Label: Thrill Jockey
(2342) Page Views
Chicago’s eclectic post-rock messengers celebrate twenty-five years cross-pollinating rock, jazz and electronics with an album both playful and challenging, methodical and improvisational. Fusing Krautrock precision with jazz-splattered visions, “Catastrophist,” swings from elusive grooves bursting with frenetic energy to contrapuntal onions peeled in myriad layers of reckless dialectics. A cerebral hodgepodge built from serpentine designs weaving symbiotic labyrinths, Tortoise’s first album in over six years confronts an ironic paradox where their past innovations have become widely-accepted conventions. Possibly in acknowledgment of their far-ranging influence, Tortoise invited Dead Rider’s Todd Rittman and Yo La Tengo’s Georgia Hubley to contribute vocals to two tracks on the album. Still pushing the envelope, the rabid dabblers play Madison’s Majestic Theater March 10th with sublime folk-drone harmonium proponent Mind over Mirrors.
Basia Bulat - Good Advice
Basia Bulat
Album title: Good Advice
By John Noyd
Posted: Feb 2016
Label: Secret City Records
(2281) Page Views
Trading in her auto-harp and acoustic guitar for an assortment of colorful keyboards, Bulat’s self-professed break-up album sounds more like a declaration of independence than an admission of defeat. Dynamic, resilient and unsparing in clear-eyed resolve, the Jim James produced, “Advice,” sheds regrets and pledges respect to forge an iron-clad happiness with forward-looking lyrics, decisive insights and muscular arrangements supporting the Canadian song-thrush’s warm vibrant voice. Shining an inviting light on turbulent times, Bulat’s rousing counsel seeks the personal in the universal, connecting common problems to self-empowering solutions with commanding stanzas, steadily catchy melodies and rock-solid backing from a talented battalion of musical troops. An enchanting performer, Basia plays Madison’s High Noon Saloon March 8th along with fellow Canadian songwriter Tamara Lindeman’s The Weather Station.
Paul Filipowicz - Rough Neck Blues Live!
Paul Filipowicz
Album title: Rough Neck Blues Live!
By Laura Sorensen
Posted: Feb 2016
Label: Big Jake Records
(1654) Page Views
Over thirty years of fronting a band, Paul Filipowicz knows how to sing the blues. Recorded live at the Knuckle Down Saloon in Madison, WI this live version CD combines heartfelt blues and swing music with interludes of rock instrumentals. Down and out lyrics such as “Life is a crapshoot” (Gambling Woman) and “Most dogs eat better than I do” (Most Dogs) reflect a more traditional true blues sound and attitude. “Most Dogs” uses a strong, steady toe tapping drum beat throughout the performance . Then break out your dancing shoes and prepare to swing your partner to the snappy track “Junk In The Trunk” with an upbeat Boogie-woogie style broken up with more contemporary rock interludes. No matter what you’re looking for, you will experience a multitude of variations of blues tracks as you absorb the sometimes raspy, often gravelly vocals of Paul. The four piece band utilizes a combination of instruments ranging from the obvious electric guitars and drum ensemble to a traditional blues instrument in the harmonica and a more unique inclusion of a harp. The final track ends on a jazzy note with extensive use of the harmonica and sums up the whole theme very appropriately with the track “’Where The Blues Comes From.”
Renaldo And The Loaf - Behind Closed Curtains
Renaldo And The Loaf
Album title: Behind Closed Curtains
By Sal Serio
Posted: Feb 2016
Label: Secret Records
(2439) Page Views
Hot on the heels of 2015’s vinyl debut of the live 1981 Snakefinger concert in Melbourne, comes another rarity finally seeing the phonograph light of day, thanks to Madison’s Secret Records. This time around, we are treated to the elusive, unreleased first album, by U.K. avant gardists, Renaldo And The Loaf.
Perhaps best known for their work on the Ralph Records label in the early 1980s, the creative forces of Brian Poole (“Renaldo”) and David Janssen (“Ted the Loaf”) are characterized by a desire to make synthesizer-type sounds by unconventional means. Often this meant tape loops and tape manipulation, back when that particular medium was still in its infancy.
‘Behind Closed Curtains’ was recorded in 1978, and was intended for release the following year under the band moniker Plimsollline. Shortly after, the group changed their name, and was picked up by the Ralph label after The Residents listened to a cassette dropped off at the San Francisco Ralph headquarters. Indeed, Residents weirdo attitude abounds here, in close proximity to a dreamlike style reminiscent of the ambient Eno albums. Or, you could say this music teleports you to the astral/aural equivalent of the Pee Wee’s Playhouse soundscape.
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