Disc Reviews
by Max Ink Staff Writers
Poliça - Shulamith
Poliça
Album title: Shulamith
By John Noyd
Posted: Nov 2013
Label: Mom + Pop
(1582) Page Views
When you name an album after the controversial author of, “The Dialect of Sex,” there is a certain expectation of scholarly psycho-sexual speculation, yet listeners will find their trip through, “Shulamith,” far more emotional than cerebral. Lurking in shallow shadows, swimming in thick wicked predicaments, the album’s provocative sonic sauna forms stormy polyrhythmic fictions for war-torn robotic pop steeped in sultry pulses, seething seizures and creepy sea-weed libido. Studio-baked aches lay steel-traps on velvet laps, thrusting lusty hustles from double-fisted trysts into brazen subterranean nocturnes plummeting and crumbling in heart-wrenching tension. Formed in the summer of 2011, this Minneapolis unit returns to Madison having blown away crowds at the first FRZN Fest, this time headlining the Barrymore Theater December 7th with the equally steamy Lizzo.
Havok - Unnatural Selection
Havok
Album title: Unnatural Selection
By Sal Serio
Posted: Nov 2013
Label: Candlelight Records
(1582) Page Views
The Dictionary defines havoc as “great destruction or devastation; ruinous damage”, but they have no description of Havok, so I’ll try to sum them up as “ultra thrash, with as much in common with hardcore punk as with metal”. ‘Unnatural Selection’s first track “I Am The State” proves the point with political critique, complete with a blistering lead guitar solo, surprisingly followed by a drum break more akin to a Ramones song than your typical double bass drum metallic attack.
Much of the compositional elements harken back to an early Megadeth vibe, when Mustaine and company were still snotty, bull-headed, and generally full of piss and vinegar. Jackhammer rhythm guitar riffing and no-nonsense you-damn-well-better-take-me-seriously vocal proclamations are delivered, again, in more of an 80s punk styling.
One obvious quality that sets this recording apart from any 80s punk or metal release is the excellent sound and production values. These ten ripping thrash songs go down extremely well through headphones, and they also perform righteously cranked to 11 on a home or car stereo system. Also of note, the obligatory Sabbath cover, in this instance “Children Of The Grave”, retains the ominous doom of the original, yet gives this new version a more updated aural experience thanks to the superb studio engineering.
Barbez - Bella Ciao
Barbez
Album title: Bella Ciao
By John Noyd
Posted: Nov 2013
Label: Tzadik
(1737) Page Views
Although the concept and related history behind, “Bella Ciao,” is absolutely fascinating, one can be completely enthralled with the vivacious ethnic-jazz maelstrom captured by New York City’s intelli-eclectic Barbez simply by tuning into their joyous voicing of old-world cabaret and European folksong. Working nearly four years on their fifth release, Madison native Dan Kaufman, inspired by ancient Roman Jewish melodies and the Italian Resistance during the Second World War, constructs provocative, punch-drunk stunts subtly crunching riveting traditions to clever revelry; a stormy hornet’s nest of festering defiance cast in swirling, atmospheric, avant-rock resilience. A classically trained chamber ensemble of clarinet, violin, electric guitar, bass and drums, Barbez, along with Spires That In the Sunset Rise and Page Campbell, play Madison’s High Noon Saloon November 17th.
In Solitude - Sister
In Solitude
Album title: Sister
By Sal Serio
Posted: Nov 2013
Label: Metal Blade
(1795) Page Views
What I like about Swedish band In Solitude is their ability to take the dark metal format and add a ton of hooky melody and dramatic theater to the music, which, in many ways, conjures up memories of early Queens Of The Stone Age, and especially the sporadic but highly influential Syracuse rockers Masters Of Reality.
I first got turned on to In Solitude via their second album ‘The World The Flesh The Devil’, which I thought was quite memorable and ripe with intrigue. Therefore, it was a no-brainer to seek out the new ‘Sister’ release, yet I was not prepared for the monumental strides these Swedes have taken with their sound. In no way whatsoever is this music just for metal-heads. ‘Sister’ is catchy without being weak, metallic without being thrash, and gothic without being trite or embarrassing.
Guitarists Henrik Palm and Niklas Lindström create menacing auras with their intertwined riffing, but also interject enough melodious finger-picking to keep the eight ‘Sister’ tracks from falling into any sort of simplistic “loud rock” categorization. Singer Pelle Åhman rises to the occasion with his expressive delivery and dynamic range, which runs the gamut from whispered caution, to classic hard rock wailing, and plenty of ballsy middle-range gut-busting projection.
White Denim - Corsicana Lemonade
White Denim
Album title: Corsicana Lemonade
By Sal Serio
Posted: Nov 2013
Label: Downtown Records
(1636) Page Views
The evolution of Austin’s excellent indie rockers White Denim proves to be a trip worthy of it’s fare, as they continue to show-up headliners on tour, and without question have hit on an unprecedented higher standard with the release of ‘Corsicana Lemonade’. Co-produced by Jim Vollentine and Jeff Tweedy, the fourth full-length White Denim album showcases readily accessible pop-rock compositions that, oddly enough, are ripe with challenging instrumentation and a unique, dreamy, yet also gritty, total soundscape.
Indeed, this may possibly be the most listener-friendly music featuring complex prog-type lead guitar since the early 80s Adrian Belew-fronted King Crimson releases. Part of that quality is thanks to new axeman Austin Jenkins joining ranks with core members James Petralli (guitar/vocals), Steve Terebecki (bass), and Josh Block (drums).
While one could focus on individual tracks and pick out the joyous epidemic of the vocal harmonies or the tightly constructed punchy rhythms, I find ‘Corsicana Lemonade’ to be a drink I like to enjoy with the entire menu. Meaning that, from the opening seconds of track one, to this disk’s epic conclusion (ironically enough on a song titled “A Place To Start”), there is more than enough interesting and satisfying elements to keep the listener fully, euphorically, engaged.
Sir! No Sir! - Combating The Carnival
Sir! No Sir!
Album title: Combating The Carnival
By Sal Serio
Posted: Oct 2013
Label: Sir! No Sir!
(1628) Page Views
Locked and loaded, five song CD E.P., just under 18 minutes, check. Sludgy mega-barre-chord-heavy power-trio formation with guttural cajones-crunching vocals… check. Driving bass rhythms ripe with more complexity than one would expect from a punker-trio, balanced by rock-steady drumming and slash-and-burn guitar riffing. Check. We’ve got all the ingredients for a slam-bam listening party, and this paradoxical recipe will make all casual listeners stop in their tracks and shout, “Sir! No Sir!”
“Intolerant Of Intolerance” may be the focal track of this E.P. with an ironic “we’re against you being against everything” credo, and it’s absolutely merciless rhythm section. Although, one shouldn’t dwell too long on that message, since all three Sir! No Sir! band members contribute lyrics, which keeps the mood varied, regardless of the overall brutal musical aggression.
Local Madison boys Nate Onsrud, Tony Leskinen, and Jeramaya Wunderlin have really created something to be proud of via these five songs, with the razor-sharp engineering by Dustin Boyle and mastering by Gavin Lefebvre creating an aural experience that is 100% representative of the band’s in-person gig persona. Which is no casual feat, as quite often a group’s recorded effort fails to gel with what one may have come to expect from the live show. In this case, I can almost hear the mad doctor’s insane proclamation, “It’s alive! It’s aliiiiiive !!”
SIR! NO SIR!‘s CD release party is Friday, December 20th, at The Frequency in Madison, with special guests Drunk Drivers and The Flavor That Kills.
Black Oak Arkansas - Back Thar N’ Over Yonder
Black Oak Arkansas
Album title: Back Thar N’ Over Yonder
By Sal Serio
Posted: Oct 2013
Label: Atlantic
(2036) Page Views
First, the crackle of electricity. Then, a tribal groove of drums and bass. Next, the signature drawl and adlib spiel of iconic front man Jim Dandy. This is the start of the brand new CD by Southern Rock legends Black Oak Arkansas, and lead-off track “Plugged In And Wired”, a ruckus rocker that pulls the classic B.O.A. sound straight out of the vaults and plunges it like a dagger in to the present rock ‘n roll realm.
This collection features 5 brand new B.O.A. recordings, which reunite the current line-up with former members Dirty Daugherty, Jimmy Henderson, and Buddy Church. “Sweet Delta Water” and “15 Million Light Years Away” are crafted in the classic down-South power-ballad style akin to the group’s earliest material. Also of note is “I Ain’t Poor”, composed by guitarist Rickie Lee Reynolds, yet serves as a biographical account of Jim Dandy’s storied existence (“I make my home in honky tonks and strip bars around the world, I ain’t got no money but I sure ain’t poor”).
Rounding out the new CD are ten unreleased archive tracks recorded by Tom Dowd between 1972 and 1974, including alternate versions of “Up”, “Hot Rod”, and “Gigolo”. Studio engineer Brian Kehew does an amazing job segueing the new material in to the old, creating a seamless transition. Of special note is the original studio version of “Jim Dandy” featuring an unaccompanied vocal intro. Fear not mankind, it’s Jim Dandy to the rescue!
Ha Ha Tonka - Lessons
Ha Ha Tonka
Album title: Lessons
By Sal Serio
Posted: Oct 2013
Label: Bloodshot Records
(1532) Page Views
The fourth CD by Missouri quartet Ha Ha Tonka features 14 new songs, augmented by strings and keyboards in a somewhat heavy-handed manner. ‘Lessons’ is more “produced” sounding than their previous efforts, and while it’s impressive that the band is trying new things, the ‘Lessons’ release does not resemble the Ha Ha Tonka live sound, which is somewhat troubling. However, there is a new element present, which is both “adult contemporary”, and a bit retro in an R.E.M. kind of way. So, while it’s possible that this unusual new characteristic may gain the group some new fans, I fear that it will alienate many of their stalwart fans.
On the plus side though, there is an emphatic, quite creative (and at times over-driven) guitar statement being made by Brett Anderson, as is exemplified by the title track. What I found funny was the lush production values mixed with the huge vocal choruses, which often gave the impression of this being a “Spaghetti Western” soundtrack CD.
The most intriguing song on ‘Lessons’ is “Cold Forgiver” which has a sparse arrangement and poppy vocal approach reminiscent of ‘White Album’ era Beatles. Being a strong supporter of Ha Ha Tonka’s earlier works, I’ll allow this new effort to sink in, and hope that it grows on me. Otherwise, it will find it’s way into my collection filed somewhere between ‘Let It Be’ and “The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly”.
Death Angel - The Dream Calls For Blood
Death Angel
Album title: The Dream Calls For Blood
By Sal Serio
Posted: Oct 2013
Label: Nuclear Blast
(1302) Page Views
‘The Dream Calls For Blood’ is Death Angel’s 7th studio release, and is engineered and co-produced by Jason Suecof. For a band with an over 25 year history (starting when they were teenagers) Death Angel sounds as tight, frantic, hungry, and as serious as ever. Drummer Will Carroll’s relentless tempos and pummeling double-bass-drum attack blasts the casual listener right over top of their easy chair.
There is a secret bonus track cover version of the Dio-era Black Sabbath song “Heaven And Hell”, but otherwise all songs are composed by founding members Rob Cavestany and/or Mark Osegueda. Osegueda’s vocal performance is a prime example of what makes good metal exciting: an impressive range, passionate delivery, and unwavering intent/conviction. The twin guitar assault of Cavestany and Ted Aguilar is reminiscent of the best duel guitar attacks in all hard rock music, blending together to form one huge sound, or harmonized twin lead solos, leaving it no wonder that there’s an obvious Metallica similarity present (both groups hail from the Bay area).
Hopefully this excellent new release gives Death Angel the push they need to reclaim their status as a headlining force in the live metal arena. Stand out new tracks include: “The Dream Calls For Blood”, “Caster Of Shame”, and “Heaven And Hell”.
Juana Molina - Wed 21
Juana Molina
Album title: Wed 21
By John Noyd
Posted: Oct 2013
Label: Crammed Discs
(1497) Page Views
A crackling basket of Afro-Cuban mutants peppered in traditional instruments, “Wed,” weds magical catalysts to hip-swiveling head-trips for studio-stacked ballads; cyber-sambas stalk panther-like stanzas inside symphonic harmonics and zesty techno-tangos become fetching extra-terrestrial fetes whose teasing seasonings make marvelous sun-baked dreams dance to alien bands. Cock-eyed cocktails shimmy and shake, radiating frolicking logic with rippling dizziness as Molina’s coaxing vocals layered in soothing coos beautifully accentuate each song’s exotic intoxications and foxy taste-sensations. Breezy intrigues seize tropical moxie blossoming in new and improved grooves whose oblique tweaks piece imaginative machines to sensuous temptresses while rumbling jungle beats meet seductive synthetics in infectious confections. Quirky, contagious space-age impatience chases this Argentinean’s odd-ball gestalt; flying, spiraling and defying in wiry quagmires of quizzical mysteries and overhauled histories.
Psapp - What Makes Us Glow
Psapp
Album title: What Makes Us Glow
By John Noyd
Posted: Oct 2013
Label: The state51 comspiracy
(1130) Page Views
Deliberate fits whizz, swish and wink as unpredictable pizzicato sputters and supple electronics bubble in comically tiny, curiously nervous and laughably lumbering jigsaw conundrums. Dark, seductive shuffles tucked in train-whistle syncopations, “Glow,” flows beneath probing prose, painting casually brilliant observations in rich, contradicting pictures depicting slinky, winking innocence with subversively flirty verses. Despite outward appearances of light-hearted whimsy, the core of Psapp’s coy, embroidered philosophy is a playful love for lovely melodies melted over intricate, sophisticated rhythms. Perky smirks purchasing inviting rhymes, spooky peek-a-boo tunes hide their animated insights under sweet, sparkly delights. Choosing unusual musical instruments to implement bold, innovative ideas, the British duo artfully disguise ironic surprises dancing in rattling cabarets, a crafty mish-mash of cautiously thoughtful trots, mirthful dirges and wobbly waltzes.
Wrenclaw - Wrenclaw
Wrenclaw
Album title: Wrenclaw
By Sal Serio
Posted: Oct 2013
Label: Wrenclaw Records
(2334) Page Views
Wrenclaw is the latest project by Clovis Mann singer and guitar player Dan Walkner, and the debut Wrenclaw release is a sweet-sounding LP phonograph record. This is an all-around authentic document of Wisconsin life, featuring themes like making the best of small town depressed economies, growing up, exploring one’s values, and potentially moving on. Also steeped in Wisconsin tradition are the back cover photos (ice fishing, parks, waterways, snow, beer, and critters galore) and the music itself, which is a perfect blend of country, folk, gospel, blues, and classic AM radio pop rock.
Walkner’s lyrics seem more personal and autobiographical than ever before, and there’s a certain vulnerability to his vocal delivery, which emphasizes that characteristic. The sequencing of the record’s eight tracks paint a picture of restlessness, and pursuit of a more pure musical experience, driven by vision and sincerity. Perhaps the most direct connection to Dan’s previous releases with Clovis Mann come in the form of the instrumentation on this release: vocal harmonies, guitar, lap steel, bass, drums, keyboards, and harmonica, with some accordion by chili chef William Walkner to spice things up a little.
Wrenclaw celebrates with an LP release party at One Barrel Brewing Company in Madison on Sunday, November 3, 2013.
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