Disc Reviews
by Max Ink Staff Writers
Kris Delmhorst - Blood Test
Kris Delmhorst
Album title: Blood Test
By John Noyd
Posted: Apr 2014
Label: Signature Sounds
(1927) Page Views
Restless connections directly address catchy speculation as Delmhorst’s soulful folk evoke elemental sentiments cast in tangible analogies. Anchored in nature, places and things; the deeply felt and tenderly rendered, “Blood Test,” invests poetic aesthetics rooted in visceral pictures littering its lyrical landscapes. Suggested textures breathing between facts and feeling, Delmhorst’s finely-crafted songs blow in and stir up cordial storms fraught with thoughts basking in nostalgia. Delivered in soft and self-assured purrs, the New England singer’s kindred vision flutters with gentle intentions and blasts in collaborative happiness as she issues her sharp observations and journeyman reflections. Joined by talented friends to flesh out her communal joys and color in her pensive questions, “Blood Test,” runs rich in persuasive bravery, boldly drawing smart sparks from vivacious occasions.
Metronomy - Love Letters
Metronomy
Album title: Love Letters
By John Noyd
Posted: Apr 2014
Label: Elektra
(2096) Page Views
Pitting minimalist Krautrock against ironically simplistic Britpop, “Love Letters,” authors impeccable directives scripted in sophisticated albeit repetitive melodies whose careful placement of bittersweet minor-keys offer a subdued, bemused pop stripped down and scaled back to its most eloquent essence. A tasty pastry filled with sparkling parts, soulful asides and quaint restraint, the wickedly slippery quartet’s latest also hides a snide detachment and romantic cynicism inside its subtle puzzles; occasionally circling paler versions of the yacht-rock and faux-disco from previous efforts. Whether boppy or bashful, songwriter Joseph Mount forgoes flashy distractions this time around for swift deliverance wrapped in paper-thin whimsy revealing universal truths cleverly told; if not a bit tarnished and weary. In a rare trip stateside, the quick-witted Metronomy play Chicago’s Metro May 21st.
The Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger - Midnight Sun
The Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger
Album title: Midnight Sun
By Sal Serio
Posted: Apr 2014
Label: Chimera Music
(2224) Page Views
The latest release by The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger (Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl) continues the metamorphosis from stripped-down folk into the realm of more lush and experimental pop music. It’s a bit funny to take the stand that Lennon’s music will purely stand on it’s own without any comparison to the work of his famous parents, since straight out of the gate, on the opening track “Too Deep”, one immediately hears a similarity to his father’s vocals circa 1967, and towards the end of the disc, on “Don’t Look Back Orpheus”, it sounds like a stroll down ‘Abbey Road’.
Generally though, the music has heaping spoonfuls of Brit-pop influenced psychedelia stirred in to concise guitar-driven compositions. Occasionally (“Devil You Know”) the overall sound mix is so dense and layered that the individual components of the songs suffer as a result, which is a shame, since the guitar work is especially impressive.
Floyd comparisons crop up, such as the “Comfortably Numb” meets “Echoes” guitar solo on “Last Call”, and the Syd Barrett-like reverb-drenched vocal bridge on “Great Expectations” (not to mention it’s stratospheric guitar outro). Yoko’s presence is felt on “Johannesburg” when Charlotte’s breathy and ethereal vocal meets a heavily echoed instrumental section punctuated by incidental background squeaks and moans.
In summary, ‘Midnight Sun’ is a trippy yet pleasant listening experience, showcasing an obviously ambitious project that succeeds on almost every level. Which, should make for quite the happening concert when G.O.A.S.T.T. comes to the High Noon Saloon, in Madison, on May 31st.
Syd Arthur - Sound Mirror
Syd Arthur
Album title: Sound Mirror
By John Noyd
Posted: Apr 2014
Label: Harvest Records
(2059) Page Views
In a classic match-up of spaced-out blues, regal folk and symphonic rock; the ultra-competent Syd Arthur embrace an electric kool-aid past to launch beautiful futures, quietly incorporating electronic effects into grand, guitar-driven jams and pedal-powered pop concoctions. Grooving to woozy hallucinations whose pitch-perfect execution harness choice psychedelia for incandescent journeys, “Mirror,” projects mythical bliss with breezy ease, a modern take on a golden age when cool licks were hitched to delicious metaphysics and fancy fretwork anchored simple wishes and innocent wisdom. The Canterbury band’s dreamy scenery burns long, fast and hard possessing an unerring ear for melody and genuine affection for their influences. Paired alongside Sean Lennon’s latest side-project, Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, Britain’s spell-binding Syd Arthur plays Madison’s High Noon Saloon May 31st
Kyng - Burn The Serum
Kyng
Album title: Burn The Serum
By Sal Serio
Posted: Apr 2014
Label: Razor & Tie
(2271) Page Views
K-Y-N-G. Four letters, three dudes, and one helluva rockin’ output. Rock ‘n roll in 5th gear overdrive. Burnin’ rubber and leaving all the pop poseurs choking on road dust in their wake.
‘Burn The Serum’ is the second release by these three young So. Cal. musicians. This is definitely not trendy “nu-metal”, as their music hearkens back to more of the classic era of hard rock, except with an updated, 21st century recorded sheen. Songs like the new single “Electric Halo” remind one of the days of 100 watt Clarion cassette decks in late 70s Mustangs cranking out “Highway Star” through Pioneer tri-axial speakers.
Sometimes it’s best to not muddy up the recipe with too many tricks, and Kyng’s straightforward approach serves them well. These eleven tight, catchy, songs are distinguished by a tasty and punchy vocal delivery c/o frontman (and guitarist) Eddie Veliz, then colored by subtle harmonies from bassist Tony Castaneda. While the primary force of the musical accompaniment is the solid chordal riffing and dexterous soloing of Veliz, the strong rhythm section of Castaneda and drummer Pepe Clarke can not be denied. That solid rhythmic foundation is the terra firma that Veliz’s molten lava guitar pours over top of.
It’s pointless to try to just pick a few key tracks from this excellent new release. Every cut is outstanding in it’s own way, and there is a logical flow to the album’s sequencing that presents this material as a highly enjoyable aural experience. It makes me want to cruise up and down the main drag with this album blaring from the car stereo, while I check out the local ladies. You know… that’s not such a bad idea!
Kyng brings their latest powerhouse set of heavy music to the Majestic Theatre in Madison, Sat. April 19, with Lacuna Coil, Eve To Adam, and Cliver.
Offenders - Endless Struggle / We Must Rebel / I Hate Myself
Offenders
Album title: Endless Struggle / We Must Rebel / I Hate Myself
By Sal Serio
Posted: Apr 2014
Label: Southern Lord
(2289) Page Views
This reporter finds it ridiculously beyond ironic that in retrospect Ronald Reagan is considered one of the greatest American presidents of the last century. I can only sadly shake my head and assume memory is absolutely selective. And, of course, subjective.
I remember the 80s well. The military “police actions” into Grenada and Nicaragua (and now America is abhorred by Putin?), the corporate tax breaks and “Reaganonics” which, more and more every day, have effectively shown a stalemate, if not utter collapse, of our economy. And, let’s not even talk about the foolhardy “War On Drugs”.
Early in the 80s decade, there was a socio-political musical and cultural movement: Hardcore. The anarchists, punks, and dissidents banded together to thumb their noses at authority and do everything possible to gum up the gears of the Reagan faithful. Remember that disgusting term “Young Republicans”? My guts churn while remembering it all.
One of the most fearsome and relentless bands of the hardcore era are honored now with a 2 record reissue celebrating the juggernaut majesty of their guts and glory non-conformist music. These are the Offenders, people. Texas hardcore. Everything is a little bigger in Texas.
Combining the full length releases ‘We Must Rebel’ and ‘Endless Struggle’ with the “I Hate Myself” single, documented here are 25 massive, brutal, and borderline dangerous songs of the revolution. While the tempos shift often, the speed-core moments of these songs are among the most impressive of the genre. Pat Doyle’s precise and inventive drumming keeps the breakneck pace, but with almost Keith Moon-like flourishes and abandon. Not reckless abandon, however. Doyle’s beats are locked-in and on target constantly.
Time has not been kind to the original Offenders line-up. Metal-punk guitar warrior Anthony Johnson and bass god Mikey Offender have both since passed away, but their contributions to this music can not be understated. The bass lines alone are beyond amazing. Mikey had ability and an overall sound that is almost indescribable. Heavy and power-driven, yet with a dexterity and innate sense of melody that set these songs apart from more generic hardcore or thrash metal.
Beautifully packaged, all artwork restored, and two luscious 180 gram vinyl records, this is a well deserved tribute to an indispensable band. Every track is vital (and still painfully relevant in 2014) but my personal favorite recommendations include: “You Got A Right”, “Endless Struggle”, “When Push Comes To Shove”, “Fight Back”, and “We Must Rebel”. Play loud. Loud enough so those young republicans next door can hear it.
Temples - Sun Structures
Temples
Album title: Sun Structures
By John Noyd
Posted: Mar 2014
Label: Fat Possum
(1926) Page Views
A heady wedding binding spacey paisley parades to groovy London pop, “Structures,” musters marvelous musical carnivals from roaring storms of twisted East Indian symmetry, toasted baroque love-notes and trippy hippie wisdom. Riding the rising revival of psychedelic rock, Britain’s exemplary Temples find their in-flight enlightenment in cosmopolitan romps whose reverb-laden harmonies, crackling synaptic flashbacks and fuzz-colored riffs swiftly shift from explosive go-go dancing trances to giddy cosmic blues. Heavily indebted to swinging sixties traditions, the well-schooled quartet channel their proven influences into unique and enthralling fusions; pollinating savvy swagger with rainbow-coated soul to traipse down sophisticated rabbit-holes doused in fashionable detours from turbo-charged mirage, psychotropic blow-outs and merry prankster bangers. The mod-rockers play Madison’s High Noon Saloon April 25th along with energetic post-punk punters Drowners.
Phantogram - Voices
Phantogram
Album title: Voices
By John Noyd
Posted: Mar 2014
Label: Republic Records
(2210) Page Views
While nearly five years have passed since their last full-length, Phantogram has managed to seep into the public consciousness with several EPs and big-name side-projects insuring their star would not fade but rather slowly glow; which serves as a beautifully appropriate metaphor for the duo’s incandescent, glitch-ticking time-bomb sound. Nocturnal infernos cured in stirring grandeur and swarming in beehive hard-drives, “Voices,” foist industrial buzz onto hip-hop beats; driving writhing dystopian discos layered with textured guitar, narcoleptic menace and chattering backing to elicit a dark, dreamy pop that sparkles and sizzles as earnest yearning buoys desolate messages. Fleshing out their electrifying live show with drummer Chris Carhart and keyboardist Nick Shelestak, the expanded band plays Milwaukee’s Pabst Theater April 11th and Madison’s Majestic Theater April 12th.
Pilgrim - II: Void Worship
Pilgrim
Album title: II: Void Worship
By Sal Serio
Posted: Mar 2014
Label: Metal Blade
(2319) Page Views
This is truly the Edgar Allan Poe of all metal music. With each sludgy, epic, power chord, timed like the last pulsating beats of the tell-tale heart, dread and anxious anticipation builds, like the metronome-timed pass of the pendulum blade. What Black Sabbath started with it’s self titled composition of hellfire and damnation, comes full-circle to a complete, sinister, black-massed coven of evil that goes by the name PILGRIM ‘II: Void Worship’.
I’m not kidding. If you were to look up “doom” in the dictionary, there should be a direct link to this album. Recorded as a duo (while between bass masters), the stringwork and high-priest proclamations of “The Wizard”, keep pace with the cacophonous undulating rhythms of “Krolg, Slayer Of Men”, to create the ultimate apocalyptic doom metal experience. Those who did not ascend, must follow the path of the Pilgrim!
Review warning: Do not consume this music if you are pregnant, prone to chronic depression, overly sensitive to not-so-pretty things, living in denial, looking at life through rose-colored glasses, a One Direction fan, or have allergies to leather, denim, hops, and barley malt. [Pilgrim plays Reggie’s in Chicago Sat. March 29, and the Cactus Club in Milwaukee Sun. March 30.]
Tinariwen - Emmaar
Tinariwen
Album title: Emmaar
By John Noyd
Posted: Mar 2014
Label: Anti-
(1824) Page Views
The magic nomadic Tinariwen chose America’s Mojave desert to record their sixth album and as in their previous efforts a barren landscape inspires fruitful music. A primordial coil of transcendent chemistry, “Emmaar,” feverishly teeters between electric shaman trance-rock and acoustic tribal-blues grooves; knotted labyrinths twisted around hallucinogenic tensions drawing numerous luminous traditions to unleash waves upon waves of shimmering synergy. This six-piece band’s steady meditations erupt in ecstatic flashes as thin whirlwind rhythms conjure hypnotics beats beneath murmuring prayers and snake-charmer guitar; Formed in an Algerian refugee camp thirty-five years ago, the band has literally fought to create their music, uniting a brotherhood that transcends political and cultural boundaries. In what will surely be a mind-altering performance, Mali’s finest play Madison’s Majestic Theater April 8th.
The German Art Students - Time Machine
The German Art Students
Album title: Time Machine
By John Noyd
Posted: Mar 2014
Label: Autobahn Music
(3113) Page Views
Rollicking and frolicking with solid dollops of crushing smugness lining deadpan stanzas and whip-smart guitar parts kick-starting tongue-in-cheek peeks into deluded consumers, GAS’ indomitable spirit has flaunted convention and taunted pretensions for fifteen wonderfully spiky years. Recently reduced to a trio, the streamlined version remains a reliable source of rib-tickling quips and punchy fun jet-propelled by bristling riffs and pep-rally sass. A perfect antidote to modern life’s relentless oppression, “Time Machine,” find the band knee-deep in B-movie ironies; reveling in nuclear family melt-downs, rusted robots and twisted tales of love, GAS patches surf-guitar punk to New Wave spunk towards a weirdly workable purpose. Sorting through the ruins of an increasingly absurd world, Madison’s rock rascals still find reason not only to carry on, but rejoice.
Yip Deceiver - Medallius
Yip Deceiver
Album title: Medallius
By John Noyd
Posted: Feb 2014
Label: New West Records
(1973) Page Views
Commanding randy analogue fantasies whose booty-shaking party-bots lay down slippery Minneapolis-style funk, Yip Deceiver’s contagious and outrageous dance-floor get-downs crack wise, play hard and groove up a storm. Possessing a devoted eighties-weighted R & B soul gated, shaded and retro-plated in New Wave neon and ironic synth-pop electronics, the colorful collaboration between Athens Georgia’s Davey Pierce and Nicholas Dobbratz happily freaks with phat beats and tongue-in-cheek chic; hip-swiveling fun served in bristling squiggles, sunny vibes and salacious grinds. A secret treaty between guilty pleasures and half-forgotten treasures, “Medallius,” loots history’s toy-box to assemble a sharp salute to golden baby-boomer goofs. In what promises to be an evening of riotous revelry, YD opens for the fabulously radical Electric Six March 21st at Madison’s High Noon Saloon.
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