There are so many records that have been released by Slovenly Records that are just incredible, and one of their most recent is debut by one of the best Japanese bands around- Angel Face. This is a proper rowdy and loud record that will totally annihilate your eardrums. A glorious Punk record and a solid debut record.
The record kicks you in the kisser with You Ain’t My Angel and immediately you can hear that snarly tone that Stiv Bators had on this record. This is everything I could possibly want from a Punk record and so much more. They make the kind of music that would have your neighbours making noise complaints about. I’m pretty sure it’s scared off my cat too but to be honest, she’s scared of the spray mop I bought so I won’t trust her judgement here.
This record is something else. If you love bands like Bruise Control, Pancakes, Dead Boys- I could go on. If you love them, then you’re going to love this. Angel Face will make you want to sell whatever you own that’s of worth so you can fly off to Japan and immerse yourself in the Punk scene there. This is some rowdy shit that you cannot get enough of. I want everything I listen to to be as loud as this.
They’ve only been making music together since 2021, but this record sounds like something from ’76 or ’77- it’ll make you feel like you are discovering Punk for the first time, and you’ll wonder how you made it this far without it. How did I make it this far without this record? Every song on this record will make you feel like you’ve snuck into somewhere you shouldn’t have. Bad Feeling and I Can’t Stop are the ones that’ll have you waving your limbs about the most. Then you’ve got the ferocious Bring Me Back; the vocals on this are SO good. That proper gritty and menacing style; it’ll make you feel super tough when you listen to it, even if you’re just a delicate little flower.
Everything about this record screams PLAY THIS LOUDLY. There are no quiet or dull moments on this record; and it just makes you want to unapologetically lose your shit. This is the kind of band that you just know will destroy their live sets- the crowd will leave feeling bruised all over in the most pleasing way imaginable. They make the kind of music that has to be witnessed live. The urgency on this record is nothing short of vital and divine- you cannot help but get caught up in it. How else can you tell that this band are something else? The lead singer is called Hercules- that alone should sway you into digging this band.
Angel Face is anything but angels, and that’s part of the charm. Their sound is dark, raw, and loud- you cannot get enough of it. One casual listen just isn’t enough- you want to just let it consume every part of you, and when you find bands like that you have to hold onto them. Even if they are on the other side of the world and they’ll probably never end up where you are! But hey, we live in hope, don’t we?! It’ll get us through, as always. They make the kind of music that makes you think you’re part of a motorcycle gang or something. I honestly can’t think of a band who are making noise like this right now, and if this is what one record can do, then the world is theirs.
Spooky sounds make my little world go round; and the perfect example of this is the effortlessly slick Harsh Symmetry. I only discovered their music the middle of last year, and I added them to a list of bands I needed to write about. On a cold, icy night here in Manchester- now is the perfect time to write about Harsh Symmetry.
My love for bands like Cold Cave, VR Sex and Drab Majesty knows no bounds. They’re like a holy trinity of mine, but my god you through Harsh Symmetry in there and you’ve got a pot of exceptional musicians that make music that just elevate the soul. I initially was going to treat this as a review of sorts of the record from 2023; Imitation but I feel I have too much to say about Harsh Symmetry to narrow it down to that.
You just know when you hear something that it’s going to leave a lasting imprint on you. You know it’s going to do something, but you haven’t quite figured it out yet- that’s where I’m at with Harsh Symmetry. I feel like I’ve found something truly sacred, and something I may never be able to explain. It’s like that rush of love or infatuation that hits you in the face. There’s something here that I don’t think I’ll ever find in another band or singer, and I’m absolutely okay with that.
Harsh Symmetry is Julian Sharwarko. One person making a beautiful noise that I simply cannot get enough of. His dark vocals over eerie sounds is glorious; his music was made to be heard by any and everyone, and even though that’s a typical cliché it is one that I firmly stand by. For me there’s hints of early Depeche Mode, slight hints of Killing Jokes and a bit of The Cure. The record Julian released last year (Imitation) is made up of 9 songs that to truly get the best of- you need to listen to with the lights off- in total darkness. You can use headphones or you can blast it out as loud as you want. The important thing here is to be in total darkness and with no room for interruption. It’s like meditation but without the urge to start yelling or bursting out laughing (it can’t just be me, right?!) Imitation is Julian’s second full length record but it honestly sounds like someone who has been doing this for decades. It is just a perfectly crafted record. I have ZERO musical talent but it sounds like something I wish I could make. That creepy graveyard cloaked in fog feel lights up the whole record. If you’re looking for something with an intense and atmospheric feel- then listen to Harsh Symmetry.
Before I move onto Julian’s debut- I need to tell you about his exceptional cover of Open Your Heart by Madonna. Early Madonna is divine- we cannot dispute that. The desperation in the original is painful and so vulnerable. It is just beautiful; so how on earth will it sound like when a bunch of synths and eerie vocals take over it? Perfect to be honest. It took a bit for me to realise it was a cover, and I think when someone covers a song it is so important, they make it theirs, and bloody hell Julian does exactly that. It feels like it’s his song. His take on it is beautiful, and you’ll keep going back to it because your brain won’t quite click that it’s a cover right away.
Display Model came out in 2022, and I wish I got into his music then but I didn’t and it’s an error I must live with. His debut record is just the perfect mix of everything I love about music and just makes me want to zone out in the dark and listen to his music. As much as I love loud and rowdy Punk bands; my heart belongs to this style of euphoric music too. I couldn’t possibly call it anything but heavenly. Display Model is a stunning introduction to how talented Julian is, and as far as debut records go- well, if I could go back in time, I’d go back to 2022 and declare it as the best debut of the year. He makes music that goes beyond anything I’ve heard before, and that ethereal and delicate yet melancholic sound is dramatic in all the right places. His music would be perfect for an obscure black and white film that leaves you part terrified and part inspired. I don’t know when I was last truly moved by something. Normally when I play music, my cat usually goes into another room to take a nap but she’s sat next to me on my bed gently drifting into sleep like the little angel she is. Mary’s got good taste!
I feel that the words I have written do not do Julian any justice at all, but I hope if you read this- you listen to his music and you love it as much as I do.
In a few weeks’ time Julian will be playing a few dates here in the UK- London, Liverpool, and Manchester. I cannot wait to see these songs played live, and to hear them in the way they should be heard.
After waiting for what seems an eternity, the new full-length record by the finest German band around is finally here! My love for KÜKEN has been well documented; I’ve got all their records and they are some of the most treasured records I own. I just adore this band and their sound. There’s no other band out there quite like them.
For some, Christmas Eve is probably about a wealth of traditions I’ll never get my head around mainly because I closed the door on Christmas after my gran died. I can’t face it; my brain won’t let me. So, we make our traditions. Tomorrow, I plan on sleeping as much as I can (I’ve not been well and my voice is now sort of going) and I’m going to make myself a vegan lasagna and play FIFA on my PlayStation. Maybe nap some more. For me, it’s just a day off work. An extended weekend; and I’m happy with that. But, in the midst of all this and seeing everyone else panic about buying gifts- KÜKEN have released their third full length record and it is a thing of beauty.
I’ve not made a list of my favourite records in a while- I don’t know when I last did it, but if I was to make one for 2023, this record would likely be my top record. This record consists of 11 songs that’ll smack you right in the chops and have you dancing around like someone without a care in the world, and throwing your limbs about in a questionable manner. The best bands bring this out of you, and KÜKEN do this and so much more.
This record fits perfectly after the previous 2 full length records, and honestly, if you play every record in order (EPs included) you will hear just how solid their sound is. Every record they just grow in sound, but there is something about record number 3 that just elevates itself above the others. No song on this record goes beyond the 2 and a half minute mark- proper Punk anthems to trash your room to. They make the kind of music that you know just HAS to be played live. At the moment, my most played song is Goatleather but that’ll change after a few more listens. Every single song is great- you can’t deny the brilliance of Off The Track or Out Of The Water. These are modern Punk anthems that need to played ridiculously loud.
What I love about KÜKEN is how their sound is so distinctive. There’s something about the vocals and everything else going on, that makes you instantly realise who you are listening to. It’s hugely prominent on songs like Tight Muscle and another close favourite, Sticky. Their music is just everything you could want from your favourite band. For me, they’ve got that snarly attitude of Dead Boys which I’m sure I’ve mentioned many times before when I’ve written about them. Sometimes you just find a band, and they become IT for you. KÜKEN are that band for me. They have this powerful and slick sound that makes you wish you could do what they do.
Their third record is made up of typical KÜKEN anthems that you just have to play as loud as you can. The second part of the record goes harder, and it’s those ferocious and fast songs that just make you fall in love with the band over and over again. Cold may just be one of the finest songs that they have made to date. Everything about this band is everything I love about music. This record is truly something else. The production, the songs, vocals, sounds- every element of this record just shows why they are the best at what they do. Criminally underrated but that doesn’t matter when the songs are as big as this. The excitement I feel when they release something new is unlike anything else- they really are one of the most thrilling bands around, and their new record firmly states this.
KÜKEN are a band I could never get tired of listening to or writing about, and this third record is their finest work to date. 11 songs to fry your brain to- perfect!
The record came out today via Alien Snatch Records.
Death Goals have released some incredible music over the years, and instead of writing about how great they are in general- I’m going to try put into words why their latest release A Garden Of Dead Flowers (released in May) is one of the most exciting records of the year, and why it is the perfect Queercore record. These angels truly know how to make incredible noisy music to piss off your neighbours!
The fact that my cat is able to sleep whilst the washing machine goes full pelt and I’m blasting out Death Goals ridiculously loud makes me question if she can hear in general or if like me, probably has selective hearing! Pet welfare aside; A Garden Of Dead Flowers is way ahead of its time. It’s a magnificent Hardcore record that isn’t intimidating, and it is ahead of everything else around and it’s one of those records that just amps you up. I sometimes have a hard time focusing on things because my brain likes to go 500 miles an hour and think about everything at once- but when I listen to bands like Death Goals- my brain can calm down and focus.
It’s weird because say if I have an anxiety or panic attack, certain bands or songs can ease my mind and for the most part- it’s really loud bands that do it. I don’t get it, but I go with it. Loveless is one of the many highlights for me on this record; I could have it on repeat for hours and not get tired. Harry’s vocals have some serious bite to it; how they can belt out those vocals is beyond me- imagine being able to do that! The sheer range!
Everything about Death Goals blows my mind; there’s only two of them making this noise, and my god it sounds like there’s about 20 of them. That’s when you know you’ve found a band to really fall in love with and adore. I love the unity around them band, and how their music is for everyone. All too often we can feel like we can’t connect with something because it doesn’t speak to us, but there’s something so beautifully different about Death Goals, and how exceptional they are is truly shown on this record. They’re the kind of band that’ll easily influence others to make their own filthy, noisy music that appeals to us misfits. We need more of this.
What I love about this record is that it gets heavier with every song. There may only be 11 songs on this record, but every single song is delivered with such urgency and a fury that makes you feel every single note and word. Harry is a beast on guitar and vocals. Nothing can compare to the noise they make. And as for George; well, if you’re looking for someone to burst your eardrums with their ferocious drumming- George is the one for you! There are so many moments on this record that will blow your mind, and everything perfectly comes together on Faux Macho.
Death Goals just quite simply, reinforce my love for duos. Duos always seem to make more noise and deliver it with more urgency. The sheer loudness of their sound, the comfort in the lyrics and the general insane talent Death Goals posses is worthy of anyone’s time. One of the most exciting bands around, and A Garden Of Dead Flowers truly shows us all just how bloody brilliant they are.
One of the best things in the world is the band you absolutely love with everything you have, return after a long time with a new record. For me, The Kills will ALWAYS own a part of me that a person could never get close to. That could be to do with me closing parts down, or just because I really love this band with all I have. I’ve loved them from the start, and I’ll love them beyond the end. Incapable of ever releasing anything bad- I knew God Games was going to blow my mind. Every record of theirs has, and every record has been part of my life during good and bad moments. I’m content, so I can attribute this record to finally feeling alright.
The only song I had heard prior to God Games was New York. I made a painful decision to listen to that and only that- I wanted the whole record to be a surprise. I didn’t want to assume the record would have a set sound. I heard New York and, in my bones, I knew it’d be a phenomenal record but I wanted to wait. I wanted to wait it out because I knew I could treasure the moment more of when I could sit down and REALLY listen to the record. And oh boy, listen I bloody have done since Friday.
I don’t need to tell you how great New York is. It’s a typical sound of Alison and Jamie- that machine gun guitar sound that you cannot get tired of. It flows throughout the whole record. The way New York slips right into Going To Heaven is so slick. Two songs in, and I know I’m listening to something that is going to annihilate anything I’ve heard before. It’s such a powerful record, and every song is just perfect. I only know how to write about The Kills as a fan so whatever I write down will probably only appeal to anyone who loves this band. There is something about them that’s quite difficult to put into words because they aren’t good enough. I’ve been writing about the band for a hell of a long time, and they are one of the bands that just make me want to write and write. Going To Heaven sets a tone of the first part of the record, and the way it Going To Heaven goes into LA Hex is like the journey you take from falling into the pits of Hell but coming out of it tougher but still wary. Alison and Jamie’s vocals together on LA Hex is just gorgeous. I love when they sing together like this, because you can really hear how much they mean to each other, and how much what they create together means to them. The way they sing, “I’ve still got my ways you know; I’ve still got my ways.” Really gets you in the gut, then it kicks in around the last minute or so with this massive Gospel sound that just makes you feel like you’ve reached nirvana or something.
God Games has a very early sound of The Kills. Not as heavy as No Wow but definitely on the mellower side of Keep On Your Mean Side and has parts that will remind you of the sweet sound of Midnight Boom for sure, and it’s definitely clear on Love And Tenderness- this easily could have been on Midnight Boom and sounded perfect there too. You’ve got the gun-reloading sound on 103 that’s just unreal. The way Alison sings, “Keep me on the tip of your tongue” is just sublime- her delivery of lines like this always sticks with you. The way Alison and Jamie write about the world around them, their world, and the world they’ve created with their music is just perfect. It’s a safe space for the mind, and that’s part of the reason why I love them. I could bore someone to tears with the reasons why I love this band so much, but I like to think if someone listened to them, they’d get it right away.
My Girls My Girls is the halfway point of the record, and the relaxed sound on this mixed with Jamie’s distinctive guitar sound is heavenly. From first listen, it definitely became an immediate favourite. I love the sorrowfulness in the lyrics, and how you kind of feel alright with bouts of loneliness because songs like this keep you going don’t, they. Music keeps you going when you feel like your chest is tightening. Again, it’s another great song where Alison and Jamie’s vocals together are just divine. This is the kind of song you play at 2am when you cannot sleep and don’t want to disturb anyone; you play it a few times then allow yourself to fall asleep gently. The last 20 seconds or so of this one with those Gospel sounds again are just so pure and beautiful.
Wasterpiece lifts off the second part of the record, and it feels like it could be featured in some lo-fi film made by uni students- it’s incredible. The whole record has a strong film feeling to it, and by that, I mean every song on this record could be part of a soundtrack. I’d love for The Kills to create a film, with a soundtrack to match. Can you imagine how great it would be? They could easily take an Arthur Nersessian book and turn it into a film (he’s one of my favourite authors of all time, and it’s a crime how underrated he is.)
Kingdom Come is a different side of The Kills- I don’t know how to describe it, but there’s a heaviness in the intro that just makes you nod your head in a way that no other song on the record has yet. Every song on this record will make you move in some way, but Kingdom Come does something else. There’s a dark, dark Country and a hint of Blues sound on this one, and I think it’s down to Jamie and is genius ways with the guitar. Honestly, you cannot find anyone else out there who makes noise like him. The man is a genius, I won’t let anyone ever tell me any different. We then ride into God Games, a side of the band that I love. The heaviness, the darkness and the more slowed down side to them. I think the lyrics on this are some of the finest they’ve written, and definitely up there as being some of the best on the record. I love how they can just take you someplace so sacred with their art- because that’s what this is. Their music is a work of art- always. They create masterpieces every single time, and the ease of God Games going into Blank is again, another truly heavenly moment. Remember when they had a waltz number on Blood Pressures? The Last Goodbye; one of the very few songs by them that can make me cry instantly. Blank is their That Love, The Last Goodbye of God Games. A precious and heartbreaking song; I’m not sure how I’ve not cried over this song, but my god it will break your heart. It is powerful and just so brutally honest.
Bullet Sound is my favourite. I know I love the whole record with all I have, but Bullet Sound is the one that has really gripped me. It’s the kind of song you want playing when you need to feel confident or a little sure of yourself to get through the day. My god this is The Kills giving us everything they have and more on this record, and Bullet Sound really shows it. This is the one I NEED to see live. I just know it’ll be one of the best moments ever. Alison’s vocals on this are my absolute favourite. I love that they both have distinctive sounds- Jamie with his machine gun guitar and Alison with her bullet-like vocals. Bullet Sound is something else. It truly is. I feel like this is the song by The Kills that I needed; every part of me needed it. The drums on this mixed with the way Jamie treats the guitar like a weapon- that’s The Kills. The way Alison’s vocals will comfort but also probably shit you up a bit- that’s The Kills. Everything I love about this band is poured into this record.
Then it ends. It ends gently with Better Days. No other song could wrap up this record in such a perfect way. The production of this record, the sound, the lyrics, the way the songs flow perfectly into each other- it’s just a sincere work of art. It’s utterly flawless. I mean sure we want more songs, and we want them to last longer but the beauty of The Kills is that we have so much music from them, and God Games just sounds so perfect after a listen to their last record, Ash & Ice.
7 years we had to wait for this, and a lot has happened in the world since. God Games is a true reflection of their sound and how no other band can ever come close to what they do. I didn’t think I’d be writing over 1550 words about this record, with Columbo on in the background but here I am. Just a fan of The Kills, who loves them unconditionally, for always. Some bands leave a mark on you in ways you didn’t think a band could- Alison and Jamie have done just that again.
The coolest band on the planet have given us the coolest (and best) record of the year, again.
“This petty urge, fills your mouth Makes you sick, makes you sick. Animal.”
I can’t remember when I last wrote about a single, but sometimes you hear something and you just have to write down and try explain why it’s pretty great. London’s finest Beige Banquet are back with the killer new single, Animals and it’ll be stuck in your head for days.
The repetitiveness of “Animals” throughout the song will stay firmly lodged in your brain. You’ll find yourself singing it at any given time, and probably no one will know what you’re on about. Beige Banquet are one of the most thrilling bands around, and the sound on this single sees them move away slightly from that lo-fi/bedroom DIY sound they have. It’s still there of course, but this song is more refined. It’s more distinguished and it’s a firm insight into how this band are going to continuously blow us away with everything they do. Their second record is due for release next year and I cannot wait to hear it. I reckon it’ll be one of the highlights of 2024, and hopefully they will take over the world with it. They absolutely deserve it.
Animals is a darker sounding song compared to what we’ve heard on their debut etc, but that is never a bad thing. The darker a sound, the better it usually is (personal preference!) and the fact that Beige Banquet aren’t afraid to go beyond what they’ve done before and enhance their sound is just incredible to hear. There’s hints of bands we all love on Animals, but at the same time it’s a real refreshing sound and one to really get stuck into.
The drums on this are stunning, and they are part of the reason why this song will have you moving in questionable ways. Then you have the bass and the guitar over this; adding some fury and bite to it all. Top this off with the poetic lyrics and gripping vocals- well, you’ve got a hit haven’t you!
Animals is out now, and you can catch Beige Banquet at these two dates in November:
10th November – London – Oslo 11th November – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club
Here we are. Record number five by the most heavenly bands around; The Vacant Lots. I’ve written about nearly every record and EP they’ve released. They’re one of those bands for me that, I just always have to write about. I’ve got a handful of bands I feel that way about, and The Vacant Lots are up there for sure.
So, here we go with record number five- Interiors. It opens with Amnesia which reminds me of early John Carpenter soundtracks, which for me is perfect. The record starts off super strong and just gets better and better. It’s got that dark 70s/80s feel to it (think very early Depeche Mode mixed with Iggy’s Berlin records.) Dark and heavy songs that you absolutely can dance your heart out to. Alone in your room; that’s the perfect setting for this record. I listened to it yesterday on the way to work, and I then spent last night and today in my room listening to it as my cat had a nap lying next to me. I obviously ended up falling asleep too.
From Amnesia we are then gently led into Paradise which instantly became my favourite. I’ve played this record enough times now to claim it as my solid favourite, but trust me, the whole record is an utter masterpiece. Is it their best work? As someone who has loved them from the very start- yes. Yes, it is. You can’t compare their records to anything else in this world. It may be their darkest and some may shy away from that, but it is truly their best record so far. And this is coming from someone who holds Departure as one of the best records ever made/one of the best debut records of all time.
Interiors is the type of record you play to someone you’re really into or love, and want them to just love one band as much as you do. Could it make or break a relationship? I can’t tell you. It’s the record you play at 2am when the world around you is too loud. It’s the record you play when you just want something to calm your mind. They Jared and Brian make beautiful noise together- the synths are incredible on this, and it really is their best work. Evacuation is such a great song- could easily claim this as a close favourite too. The whole record is a work of perfection, and it’s the record you just know you have to see live. I’ve seen The Vacant Lots live a few times, and it always feels like some kind of religious experience almost.
The last time I saw them was recently here in Manchester at SOUP. There was hardly anyone there, which was mega shit because everyone should see them live, but as there were so few of us there, it felt more sacred than normal. It felt even more personal. I just really love this band, and they blow my mind with every record they put out.
If you were looking to get into this band for the first time or want to introduce someone to them, then this record is the perfect place to start. It may be their darkest but there’s something about it that just towers over the previous records. If you play Destruction to someone then play them Mad Mary Jones, they won’t believe it is the same band!
I’m really fascinated by Jared’s explanation of the record: “It’s about dealing with duality and integrating the conflicting feelings within a relationship. It’s about feeling dissociative and getting burned by the fire. Then coping with how this inevitably leads to the dissolution of the relationship. This is a mantra for all the songs on the album.” You get this throughout the whole record and it’s really vivid on Scars and the second part of the record. There’s hurt and healing on this record, and it is done in such a delicate way, It’s the synths, Jared’s guitar, Brian’s vocals, the lyrics. Everything about this record is just divine.
The record ends with Damaged Goods; a 6 and a half minute masterpiece that you feel could easily go on forever. You want to crawl into this song and just stay, and feel safe. I’ve said it throughout, but it is easily their best work to date. Every song is from the soul straight to the listener’s heart. You simply can’t get enough of The Vacant Lots, and this record fully justifies that.
Some bands are just made to make songs that stick in your brain. And boy oh boy do Legal Noise make the kind of music that sticks right in there! I’ve written about this band before, so my feelings towards their music is pretty clear. But, as there is a new record out…actually, hold on. As their DEBUT record is now here, it’s only right I go into more detail as to why this band are pretty damn great!
As far as debut records go, this one is perfect. That was always going to be the case- what else do you expect from a band as awesome as this? Every song was made for you to thrash your body around to as if something has possessed you. The kind of songs that are destined to be heard in sketchy basement bars. The kind of songs you play when you feel happy or fed up- there’s a song for every mood and more on this record. These 8 songs are wild and a solid way of getting us to know Legal Noise much better. Whatever you’ve heard from them before- but it to one side, and dive headfirst into this record. This is a great record with nothing sounding out of place or forced. You can really hear their passion, and that passion makes you wish you had some musical talent. Imagine being in a band as cool as this!
The band sent me the record a few weeks before it was released, and I wanted to wait a while before I wrote about it. I’ve found this is the case with anything new I listen to now. Normally it’d be one listen and devour it. Now I’d rather listen to it over and over, then work out what I want to say. Joel mentioned that the first half of the record is a more of a Garage feel, then the second half is a lot heavier. That’s the best way to describe this record. The second part kicks you in the gut with Dracula, and it’s my favourite on the record by far. I love the heaviness of it, and how the heaviness smacks you right out of nowhere. Then it keeps on going on the second half of the record. It’s honestly a perfect record and for me, that balance of this sort of Stoner Rock coming in halfway to kick you in the face is just divine.
There’s only 3 of ‘em in the band, and by god they make a whole lot of noise. The kind of noise that needs to heard full whack 24/7. Time is just over 5 minutes long and you know what? We need more of it. This song could easily sound as perfect if it was 3 times longer. It’s such a great song, and it’s honestly a joy to listen to. Every single song is a joy to listen to. The record ends on a 10-minute number (Try To Hide) and the second it finishes; you’re playing the record all over again. And again. Legal Noise are a band that you know you HAVE to see live. I really hope this record is the one that brings them over to the UK and they sell out every place they visit. It’s a record that needs to be heard in all its heavy glory. We all form bonds with records whether immediately or over time; this record is one you fall in love with immediately.
I just urge anyone who reads this to play this record loud and throw your body wildly around as you let every song get into the depths of your soul.
On Friday Sextile will be releasing their new record PUSH via Sacred Bones Records. That label is home to some amazing bands and singers. Some of my favourite records have come from that label, and I’m so happy that they’ve picked up the new Sextile record.
I’ve written about the band a handful of times including the last time they played here in Manchester (they will return to the same venue in December which I’m so excited for!) Their live shows are something else, and when you listen to PUSH, you cannot help but feel it’s a record to be witnessed live. It’s a pure Sextile record from start to finish. Every song is in the right place. It starts with No Fun that goes right into the trance like Contortion. Imagine this live. When you get your hands on this record, this song will change everything you thought you knew about the band. This song is way out there- Sextile are just on another planet with this record, and especially with this song. They just take you somewhere else that no other band has, or maybe ever will.
I really love that this record still has a familiar Sextile sound but at the same time, it throws you into this underground trance world. Early 90s House music is the feel of this record mixed with everything that Punk is. That’s the band all over really, and it sounds SO good. When a band really push their limits and go beyond what even they expect from themselves, that’s when you know you’ve found something to really hold on to. It’s a joyful record that’ll put your mind right. I mean some songs may give your older relatives a headache, but maybe it isn’t for them. This record isn’t for those who love the gentle and quiet. It’s for those of us who want something a bit louder, and something we’ve not really heard before. The loudness will smack you in the chops and the intensity of this record is just heavenly.
Lost Myself Again sounds like dread kicking in that leads into some form of hangover. Whether it be an emotional one or otherwise; it really does something to the soul. All the dread you feel is released by the time you’ve finished listening to this song. I love how the whole record is beautifully chaotic. It’s a record to dance to- to really dance to, and I don’t think they’ve done this on previous records. Sure, you can move to their sounds, but this record offers something else. And it is that “something else” that has you hooked. It’s not a record that you play once and forget about it. That’s not how it works with Sextile- far from it. They’re a band that you go back to every time. I think with this record, it’ll be the one you go to when you want something that you cannot get from any other record.
For me, Crash shows just how talented the band is. This is one of the gentler moments on the record. It’s a real soothing part of the record. You can play this late at night, look out the window or go for a walk and just play this. Whatever you feel when you play it, just go with it. It’s magical in every way. Friend of the band Izzy Glaudini lends her vocals on this one, and it just sounds like an angel harmonising. It’s such a gorgeous song, and does fit in with the rowdiness of the record.
As far as Electro records go, this one is up there as being entirely different; if aliens exist- then I hope whoever meets them, plays this record to them because I reckon, they too, would embrace the weirdness and beauty on this record. You cannot help but adore songs like Basically Crazy, Crassy Mel and LA DJ. It’s just a feel-good record. You can dance your little heart out to this one. Play it whilst you’re at the gym, play it whilst you clean your apartment, play it at a queer house party. Play it wherever you can and as loud as you can.
If you’re looking for a record that oozes soul and passion, then all you need to do is get this record on Friday. It’ll get you to where you need to go.
Sometimes we like to torture ourselves by listening to heart-breaking songs. Making up scenarios in our minds so we really feel every word, and cry because we feel that the song was made for us. I’ve done this a few times, and I’ve also experienced it in real life. I’ll take the dream version though ha.
I’ve written about Shaun Blackwell aka Hemi Hemingway before including previous bands he was in. There is no denying how gifted he is and what a wonderful storyteller he is. He’s got something about him that just makes you really connect with every song- with or without the hurt, you feel it. You feel every emotion. This is debut full length record as Hemi Hemingway; I’ve stopped myself from listening to anything he put out on the lead up to this record being released. I wanted to hear everything in full, and brand new.
The record opens with Alone in the Morning Alley, and it sets the tone for the record. A dreamy 60s Girl Group feel mixed with Nick Cave imagery all mixed together to create one of the most yearnful and vulnerable records of the year. Every song on this record could break your heart. There’s something about Dreamin’ of You that reminds me of Leonard Cohen mixed with Ezra Furman. What I’m trying to say is that Shaun/Hemi is an exceptional songwriter who can really put you in the midst of his songs.
Every song on this record is perfect for a lonesome dive bar at 2am when you’re debating if you need to go home because there’s nothing there. These songs would be perfect in a film, or maybe a film could be set to this record. That would be something else! At the moment, the song I’m hooked on is Green Envy. There’s something about this one that’s gripping me- it’s the way his voice just soaks up the sorrow and lets it all out in a way that you feel right in your gut. Every song on this record you feel right in your gut. This is the kind of record that makes you wish you could create a masterpiece, but could anything really top this? Probably not.
Strangers Again has beautiful whispers of 1950s/60s singers like Johnny Tillotson, Del Shannon and Bobby Vinton. The greats. The singers my mum would play to me when I was a baby, and I grew up to love and cherish. What Hemi has done here is truly create something that takes you back in time but not in a way that sounds intentional at all. It’s just natural for him to create something so thrilling, emotional and nostalgic. It’s honestly such an honour to listen to this record and hear how far he’s come with all elements of this record. I hope he finds a way to play these songs on a UK tour because we need it (mainly Manchester!)
When you find a record that causes your heartbeat to race, that’s when you know you’ve found something truly divine. There are so many beautiful songs on this record and the vulnerable moments you can’t help but eat right up. For me, the mood on Now That You Know (We Can’t Pretend You Don’t) is stunning- there’s a slight hint of bitterness, loss, and disappointment- especially in the line “This is happening because of you” just really sticks with you. Absolutely perfect and to the point. Hopelessly Dependant On You will rip you apart, and the intro to it sounds like the Twin Peaks theme tune (again, another reference to my childhood that I have my mum to thank for!) It’s soothing from start to end. When Hemi sings this way- in a crisp and fragile way, you really feel like he is stood next to you singing his heart out. It’s just such a gorgeous song, and the whole record feels like some kind of divine intervention.
When you’ve lost love, you feel you won’t ever find it again. Sometimes you do, sometimes you don’t- and it’s records like this that will make everything easier. There’s a harsh reality to the songs, and it’s that reality that makes you feel less alone and so connected to such a beautiful collection of songs. There is one truly special moment on the record, and it’s the song January Lake #3, and is sung in Te Reo Māori. To hear Shaun sing this is a real honour; it’s such a beautiful language and this song is so soothing. I could write a book on how beautiful the record is, and how much I love Shaun’s words. He’s something else.
As far as debuts go, there is no denying how magical this one is and how gloriously poetic it is. It will feel like a knife through your heart at times, but for the most part- you’ll know you’re not the only one to have ever felt that way. Feel those lonesome blues as much as you want and let Hemi hold your hand throughout.
Beat In My Bones. 