Tag Archives: Music

SURF CASSETTE.

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Gone are the days where the best band to come from Italy were Litfiba. Gone are the days where you wrongfully assumed all Italy could produce musically, was awful pop music (Eiffel 65…I rest my case.) Italy is home to many great Garage Rock bands. Most have gone unnoticed but there are some such as Freez and Beat Degeneration that are giving us some amazing music. Another band to add to the list are Surf Cassette, a trio from Milan.

Surf Cassette make the sort of music you’d play whilst on a day out at the beach. They don’t make you feel as if you’re listening to a band from Milan. You get a real surfer/lo-fi feel from their music, and makes you think of bands from California that you love and cherish. If you love the likes of Wavves, then you’ll easily love Surf Cassette. Their songs feel like a comforting dream that you aren’t ready to wake up from just yet. Their songs are gentle in all the right places, and have glorious ethereal moments that make you just hit repeat constantly.  Wonder Woman is the song for me that gives off this real dreamy feel, and it’s a song that you can just get completely lost in.

Something I really love about Surf Cassette is their ability to really leave you in awe. The songs are beautiful, the lyrics are beautiful and the vocals are so gentle, and an absolute joy to listen to. You cannot help but feel completely relaxed and fall into a daze as you listen to them. With the rain falling hard in Manchester this evening, Surf Cassette make it still feel like summer with their blissed out style that makes you want to constantly be on holiday.

I love that they do not have a typical Garage Rock sound. They make you feel and think differently compared to others that make this kind of music. Surf Cassette are like that loyal friend who will wander around town with you, talking about nothing in particular, kicking empty cans on the pavement to unleash the boredom and people watching to kill time. They just have this really relaxed feel to their music, and the song Wasted in particular evokes all of this. It’s such a great song to just do a whole load of nothing to.  Lust For Life truly feels like a proper summer song as does Mess In My Head. If you’re lucky enough to live close to a beach, listen to these songs as you wander up and down, soaking up the sun.

There are some beautiful moments on the songs- especially vocally and if you can listen to these songs through headphones, then please do it. The vocals on Rebel are just perfect, and the sheer softness in the vocals and harmonies is just stunning. It really hits you when you listen through headphones, but don’t play it too loud. Just let the song take you over, and soak it all up.

As much as I love music that I can play as loud as I possibly can/can stand, Surf Cassette strip that away. They’re a band that are easy on the soul, they are good for the soul. You don’t need to play them ridiculously loud in order to appreciate how beautiful their music is, but you know- feel free to do so. They make music to waste days to- either on your own or in the company of someone that you cannot get enough of.

They put out a new song, Like A Drug back in June and it’s one of the best songs you’ll hear this year. It’s everything you want from a summer anthem, and you’ll want to keep listening to it- even when the summer fades away and it starts getting dark at 4pm. I can’t get enough of it. I just adore everything about this song, and the band. Like A Drug is easily up there as one of my favourite songs of the year.

I don’t care if it makes me biased, Italy has some amazing bands out right now. For me, the holy trinity is Freez, Beat Degeneration and Surf Cassette. Oh, and I’ll through Sonic Jesus in their too.

Milan may be known for its part in fashion, but Surf Cassette are better than any fashion trend. Listen to the music, and let yourself get completely immersed in it all.

THE RAPTORS.

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A few years ago I started writing about a brilliant band from Glasgow called The Creeping Ivies. They were like The Cramps meets a Vincent Price film- effortlessly cool and eerie. I’m now super excited to write about Becca’s new band, The Raptors.

The Raptors have a really wild sound. There’s still a hint of The Cramps but there’s a real Rock’n’Roll sound that is found in my absolute idol, Johnny Thunders. There are only two songs (so far) but in those two songs, you can truly hear what a brilliant band The Raptors are.

The first song, Death Becomes Her definitely sounds like it was made for playing whilst wandering through a graveyard with a cloak of mist descending upon you. There is something really spooky about this song, and the band. The way they use this spookiness in their music is just so good. They keep you wanting more and more, but for now we just have to settle for these two songs. Death Becomes Her has this exceptional chant-like chorus that has you shouting the words back at them. Don’t worry if your neighbours tell you to be quiet, they’ll be doing the same in no time too. I love how great they all sound together.

Teen Witch sounds like it could have easily been on American Horror Story: Coven. It’s such a brilliant song, and I think for now I’ll call it as my favourite. Again it has a chant-like chorus. The Raptors have a sound that feels like a cult. They lure you in to what you do not know but are massively curious about. They take you some place where no one else has, and you daren’t go with anyone but The Raptors. They have this amazing way of luring you in and out of this creepy atmosphere. Where their song, Death Becomes Her makes you feel like you’re in a desolate graveyard- Teen Witch makes you feel like you are being hunted in a mist filled forest. Every single time you think you are close to escaping, one of them appears to cause you to lose sense of where you are. Before you know it, they’ve captured you. When you realise what has happened, you probably won’t mind and will wonder why you kept on running.

I am really excited to hear what else The Raptors have been working on. For now they are playing a few shows in Glasgow and Edinburgh, so if you’re lucky enough to live close by, then definitely go see them. I’m pretty sure their live shows will be wild.

There is something really special about The Raptors, and I think for me it is down to them having a Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers kind of sound. The sound they had was like a gang- them against everyone else. I get this from The Raptors, and I love that they in only two songs, have already given that impression. They most certainly have a united sound and each member of the band totally shines on Death Becomes Here and Teen Witch. Becca has such a distinctive voice, and I honestly cannot think of anyone else that sounds like her. She’s got such a strong voice, and it definitely needs to be played loud so you can pick up on how strong it is.

When Halloween comes around, play The Raptors super loud at your parties and ignore anyone knocking at your door. The Raptors are coming for you, so you might as well give in.

OS KRAKENS.

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As someone who can admit that they know nothing about Brazilian Punk, I can safely say however, that I’ve found an excellent Brazilian Punk band. Os Krakens are based in Rio De Janeiro, and if the Punk scene is as strong as they sound then I suggest we all pack up and move there!

Their songs last seconds. I think only a couple may hit over the one minute mark, but hey, don’t compare them to the Ramones based on this. For me, they’ve got the same rage that’s found in one of the most underrated bands of all time-Kraut. Os Krakens embody everything I love about Punk, and how I want it to sound. The songs are fast and delivered with such urgency, it could possibly cause you to panic, and keep on hitting repeat. There is nothing calming about this band. As someone who suffers badly with anxiety attacks (like real ones, not “I’ve taken a quiz online so I am” kind of thing) Os Krakens give you this nervousness that keeps you on edge. You think something wild and out of control is about to happen, and that’s what keeps you listening to them. It’s totally the way they perform these songs that make you feel you’ve surrounded yourself with things that are sort of off kilter. Best way to be really.

They put out an EP in January, and the more recent one came out last month. I’d advise that you play them in order and of course, loud. If you can understand the lyrics, that’s a bonus for you. I can’t but it doesn’t bother me. I just love how they sound and how off the wall they are. I reckon their live shows are just as insane as they sound on record. There’s probably drinks and other bodily fluids flying around as the crowd go apeshit to the songs. Limbs are flailing, no one is watching the show through someone else’s mobile phone, and the crowd are yelling the words back- utter bliss. You’ll probably leave the show with a couple of bruises, and maybe someone else’s shoe. They most certainly have an addictive sound that I cannot get enough of. To some having songs this short may be annoying but personally, if the songs are this great- who cares how long they last! To release two EPs within a short amount of time gives me a lot of hope for this band, and a mountain of respect too.

I love how they have this “fuck it, let’s just do whatever” feel to their sound. It’s like they don’t put too much thought into what happens, they just let it happen and that’s something I really love and admire about Os Krakens. They aren’t doing this to please anyone, and that for me is again, another reason to love them. There’s only three of them in the band, but they make enough noise to sound like there’s a huge gang of them. I like to think that if I was in a band, this is probably the sound I’d go for. Os Krakens are wonderfully chaotic and this chaos is something that I really love. I love that it sounds all over the place but you can totally hear how brilliant they are as musicians.

Os Krakens have that thing about them that The Cramps had- they’re not afraid to test the listener, they’re not afraid to mess with your head and they sure as hell aren’t afraid to push their sound as far as they can in order to create this infectiously chaotic sound that I really cannot get enough of.

They’ve got this dangerous and out of line sound that goes beyond anything else I’ve heard in a long time. They’ve got the right attitude and the powerful songs to be one of the best Punk bands of our time.

SEXTILE.

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I thought I had written about Sextile but I clearly hadn’t. I’ve been a fan of them for a couple of years now, so better late than never to write about them. They are touring the UK in September along with a new EP coming out, but I’m just going to focus on their music to date and try put across my love for them in a somewhat coherent manner.

They’ve had a few line-up changes, but now it’s just Brady and Melissa. I’m always in awe of duos because I feel they work a bit harder than most, and when they make this much noise- I can’t help but be impressed. There’s a real rugged industrial feel to their music, and if you’re a fan of my biggest loves, Cold Cave, then you’ll adore Sextile. Or you’re probably smart and love them already.

What I love about Sextile is that they make me feel like I am listening to Seventeen Seconds by The Cure all over again. If you’ve read anything I’ve written before, you probably know that I’m always looking for music that makes me feel like I’m listening to Seventeen Seconds all over again. Sextile do it in such an incredibly eerie way. They’ll freak you out with their wonderful synth based sounds. This is the kind of music you’d find in some real dark and twisted thriller. You know, when someone really creepy is chasing someone through a forest or down a desolate street. It’ll give you the chills, and you won’t be able to stop listening.

I love how they make their drums sound like Bobby Gillespie when he was in The Jesus And Mary Chain- simple but genius. They’re an effortlessly brilliant band that have something about them that just makes you want to cast daily responsibilities aside and follow them on tour. Sure the set may be the same, but imagine having that constant feeling of seeing a band you love every single night on stage. There’s no better feeling, if you’re a music obsessive like me. One Of These which is taken from 2017’s release, Albeit Living is one of the best openers I’ve heard for a record in a long time. It’s a probably smack in the belly, and like I mentioned- the drums on it is just like The Jesus And Mary Chain’s Psychocandy era. As well as Seventeen Seconds, Psychocandy is another record I use as reference for how a new band I’m listening to make me feel. If they have that urgency and eeriness to their sound like those two, I’ll probably love them.

I’m currently playing them loud enough to drown out the car alarm that keeps going off across the road, and it’s a pretty solid distraction. Maybe my neighbours would get into Sextile too, but its 10:30pm and I’m not that much of an asshole to cause a disturbance. But the person with the car alarm, that’s a different story. It’s been going on since 3 this morning. Anyway, enough of that.

I’m pretty sure they’ll get the Cold Cave, Nine Inch Nails and Drab Majesty comparisons lobbed at them. They’d be in good company (I’m being biased but still) but Sextile have something about them that gives them a brilliant distinctive sound. Part of you feels like you’ve gone way back in time, and another part of you feels like you’ve headed deep into the future because this is totally unlike anything else you’ve heard before. I love how Sextile can create such a dark and creepy atmosphere with their music. It feels so natural, and it is something to absolutely treasure.

For me, I’d say the best time to listen to Sextile when it’s dark out. Allow yourself to feel a little on edge and unsure, then go full pelt into the music. Don’t hold nothing back. Sextile will take you on this journey into what you didn’t think you were ready for, but you totally needed. I love the sordid and animalistic sound they have, and I’m pretty sure in a live setting it’ll just be out of this world.

Sextile do have a new EP coming out in September, and I think it is the first where it is just Melissa and Brady. It was recorded in their home- imagine being their neighbour! That’d be ridiculously cool. They used a LinnDrum on this record, and it sounds so, so good.

You can pre-order it here: https://sextile.bandcamp.com/album/3 and it will be released via Felte Records. Buy the EP and come see them on tour!

THEE UNSOUND.

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I’m all for listening to music that makes you feel as if you’re being smacked in the face, and as my housemates aren’t home- I’m playing my music as loud as I can. This evening I have found an incredible band from Washington called Thee Unsound. There’s three of them and they make some insane noise.

There’s this amazing reverb sound filtering through, and at times the vocals are distorted- but that’s what I’m into. The songs are fast and full of tension, aggression and passion. They all share vocal duties, and each members of the band are excellent musicians. They have this way of really making you feel as if you’re having your face melted by their music, and it’s such a pleasant feeling to experience. I love how unapologetically loud they are. If you’ve heard of Birmingham’s finest, Table Scraps then you’ll definitely love Thee Unsound. Imagine if they toured together! You’d probably be deaf for a while. Sometimes you have to make a sacrifice for the ultimate pleasure.

Thee Unsound started out around a year and a half ago. Their first release came out in August 2017. The artwork has this hypnotic psychedelic feel to it, and it sort of sets the tone for the direction of the record. It’ll make you feel light headed and a bit delicate the morning after, but because you won’t remember a thing- you’ll keep on going back to the record. Just to experience that high all over again. If you find a record that can give you this feeling, I can only assume that you rightfully treasure it with all you have. As far as debut records go, this one is phenomenal.

Everything about this record is so well put together- the way the drums clash with the guitar reverb, and how the bass and vocals go together like Nick Cave and Warren Ellis is just out of this world. I know a lot of bands I write about probably only appeal to a handful of people out there, but man…. Thee Unsound are for everyone and if one person who reads this is turned onto them, and becomes a fan- then I’m happy with that. They’re most certainly a band you need to play loud, and often. Go Slow is one of the standout songs for me, but everything I’ve heard so far is just beautiful. Go Slow reminds me of The Kills circa Blood Pressures era. It’s got a real heavy sound with vocals that’ll make you turn to jelly and have you forgetting your name. It’s a proper seductive jam that’ll just drive you wild.

I love Casey’s voice so much. The way she can make it sound fuzzy but not over the top is something a lot can learn from (but not bands I love because they too have mastered the art of it!) She’s got this real ferocious feel to her voice, and it just makes you want to learn the words and scream a long with her. They’re a raw Garage Rock band who make you feel as if it is just you and them. Imagine being in a cramped room with them and they’re just playing the shit out of these songs with such urgency. It just makes you want to sack of daily life, and follow bands around that you love just so you can experience this feeling every single night. Maybe I need to stop thinking of bands so highly but fuck that. Thee Unsound are the best new band I’ve found this year. Easily. There is something about them that I cannot get enough of. I love the loudness and the intimate feel to their songs. I’ve not heard this in a long time, not like this.

Hate Your Way is another close favourite, but I might as well just say I love every single song. It’s impossible to settle on just one. I have no reason to settle for one favourite song, especially when they sound this brilliant. I’m just in awe of them. I’m in awe of how effortlessly brilliant they sound, how they work together and how amazing the songs are. I just absolutely adore this band, and I’ve decided that I’m now their biggest fan. Can someone please bring them to the UK? Thanks.

I think they might be releasing the new single called Naturally, within the next month or so on vinyl. There’s also a cover of I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night) by The Electric Prunes. Pretty excited to hear their version of that.

Alright, so listen to Thee Unsound and listen loud!

J’AI PEUR DES CRABES.

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Recently I’ve found it pretty difficult to sit down and write something about music I’ve been listening to. I’ve either convinced myself the words I write are pointless, or I just do something else instead. There’s probably a bunch of reasons why I’ve been doing this, and probably a main one is me after years of putting it off, finally committing to watching American Horror Story. This is what having too much spare time has done, and I’m fine with it. But anyway, more importantly I’ve accidentally found a band that I am sure to become obsessed with, and that band is J’ai Peur Des Crabes (I think it translates as ‘I am scared of crabs’ which is a fully justifiable fear.)

Hailing from Montreal, well…that’s all I can tell you. There’s virtually nothing about them online aside from their Bandcamp and Facebook page. There’s not much for me to go on, but that’s alright. I’ll make it work. The music speaks for itself anyway. I have no idea if it is one person or a bunch of musicians, but what I do know is that this is some of the finest Garage Rock I’ve heard of late. There is something really exceptional about them, and with two records into their career-it pretty safe to say that they are the best band you’ve not really heard of. In an ideal world, they’d be huge and everyone would know them. That’s not the case right now, but there’s time.

J’ai Peur Des Crabes are like The Doors running head first into Jack White’s guitar with The Pretty Things and The Vagrants waiting for them with open arms. But there’s more to it, there’s a lot more bite to their sound. They are unapologetically loud and they fully show this on the song Pierre-François which isn’t even 2 minutes long. There’s this brilliant kick to it, and so far I’m calling it as my favourite song by them. I just want to listen to it on repeat for hours. It’s the last song on their first release, MAAAAD which came out in November last year.

Last week, they released Cocobongo which consists of five songs that step away from MAAAAD. There’s a wilder sound to this record. It’s like The Cramps and The Mummies got together and created this beautiful monster. If you’ve heard of London based Night Shades then you’ll love J’ai Peur De Crabes. There’s this excellent Psychobilly sound that has a strong Garage Rock backbone, and it’s addictive. They’re the kind of band I could happily play over and over, and not get bored. City Walls is a song that reminds me slightly of Dream Baby Dream by one of my all time favourites, Suicide. There’s something haunting but beautiful about the song. I think it’s the intro and the way the song is sung more than anything. It’s a beautiful song, and it is most definitely one of the highlights of the record, especially when the guitar kicks in during the last minute and this wealth of urgency and fury takes the band over, especially the vocals. For me, it’s probably my favourite on this record but of course with more listens I’ll change my mind.

Writing about a band I know nothing about is sometimes tough, but in this instance it didn’t feel so bad. The fact that there’s virtually nothing about them on the internet adds to the mystery. I don’t know if it’s because they are still pretty new or they just don’t need to be everywhere in order to be heard. Well, whatever their reasons are is none of my business anyway. I love the music, and I can’t wait to hopefully hear more from them.

There’s something really interesting about their sound, and they just make you feel as if you’ve been listening to them for years and years. Partially familiar but also a world away from what you know. If a band can make you feel like that so early on, then you’ve found one of the great ones.

ANNA CALVI: Hunter

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There is so much I can write about Anna Calvi and still never feel it is enough. She is one of those artists that creates continuous masterpieces and for me, is just up there with my holy trinity- Nick Cave, Patti Smith and Leonard Cohen. She paints the world in a way that is so relatable. In a way that is full of passion, eeriness, brutal truths and seductive poetry. She is someone you’d want to be in the presence of constantly singing these glorious songs and annihilating her guitar right before you. I’ve loved her for so long, and she blows my mind every single time I hear her voice and every single time I read her lyrics, which give off the same darkness and rawness that is found in Poe. She’s out of this world, and she’s shown this again on her new song, Hunter.

What I adore about Anna is that she challenges all that is expected, she goes against what is boringly typical. She is fascinating to listen to, and I just have to see her on her tour in October because I’ve been waiting years and years to see her. I want to be right at the front, and gaze in awe at her as she unleashes hell with her voice and guitar.

Hunter starts with the wonderful line, “I dress myself in leather.” Straight away you know something is going to happen in this song that you’ve not felt or heard before. It is has a brilliant sinister feel to it, but the softness of her voice in this song balances out the fear. I’ve always found such comfort in Anna’s music. We always search for something or someone to relate to in music, and I remember when I first heard Jezebel in 2010. It was over for me. I get goosebumps now just thinking about it. She has this sacred feel to her music, and for me, she is all I want from a singer and a songwriter. I know that Nick Cave is the one person I’d love to sit down and talk about their words and music with, but my god she is joint first with him.

Hunter explores what is constantly ignored or deemed as inappropriate. Anna challenges this lame norms: “I wanted simplicity, I wanted something quietly brave, quietly defiant. I wanted there to be intimacy. I wanted to find a place between beauty and ugliness.” There is so much beauty and intimacy in her music, and Hunter truly captures her ability to do so in all its glory. I’m so excited for her new record (which is also called Hunter) and for the journey she takes us all on with these songs. Hunter allows you to feel as if you’ve stepped into something you haven’t experienced before. She shows you this form of freedom that others try to steer us away from. If you cannot be free in your mind, sexuality and gender- what’s the point?

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Hunter is a wonderfully tender song that you cannot help but connect with. With this song, Anna eases any doubts in a persons mind to explore and find out who they are. It is a safety net. To sum it all up perfectly, Anna says: “Hunter is about exploring one’s pleasure in all possible ways, free from any shame. It’s about finding a safe space where this is welcomed and supported.” Wherever this safe space may be, never let anyone take it from you.

Hunter will be released on 31st August via Domino Record co.

THE TELEVIBES.

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With it being far too hot outside for me to take my housemate’s pup for a walk (he’s happy to just snooze on the sofa) I guess the only thing I can do is write about the best Psych band around- The TeleVibes.

The TeleVibes make mind-altering music and are from Massachusetts. I don’t know what the music scene is like there, but I’m just fine with declaring them as being the best band from Boston. As if anyone could compete with these guys anyway. Last month they put out the absolutely astounding record, Major Drones. The name alone makes you feel as if you’re going to hear something quite trippy and out there. It wouldn’t be wrong in this instance to make an assumption. What we have here is a band that have such a tight sound that just catapults you into the beautiful unknown. I know I say this a lot about bands I write about, but I think that The TeleVibes are a band that you have to see live in order to REALLY get the sound. Of course if you can’t, there’s always the record and that’s brilliant. But their sound is something that just has to be experienced in a life setting. You can imagine them getting carried away so wonderfully on the 6 minute song, Major Drone. This is one of the highlights of the record- it’s just got this something about it that takes you back in time, and it then launches you to right now- and probably beyond. The TeleVibes are the future, don’t let anyone else tell you different.

 

 

They’ve been releasing music for the past 4 or 5 years, and going by what I’ve heard so far, I can confidently say that each release just shows how much their sound has grown and thy really aren’t afraid to experiment with their sound. I love how every song is just a pleasure to listen to. Very rarely will you find a band that can make consistently great records without having filler tracks on it- The TeleVibes make every single song count, and create them in a way that makes you feel as if each one could potentially be your favourite. Whatever you feel your record collection is lacking, you will find it in The TeleVibes.

The band make you want to get hold of a guitar and create some insane noise and violate eardrums across the world. The sounds are hypnotic and addictive. Once you listen to them, that’s it. Nothing else will matter- all you’ll want is new music from them constantly. Major Drones only came out a month and a bit ago, but it’s got the makings of being one of the finest records this year. It is the perfect record to waste these hot days too. Laze about and let The TeleVibes take you on a lucid trip. They probably just want your soul, and that’s an okay thing to sell in order for this.

 

 

High Or Die came out in 2015, and I think so far my favourite song by them has to be Asyd which is just under 5 and a half minutes long. I love songs that have all weird twists and turns in them, and this song most definitely has them. If you’re unsure where to start, maybe start with this song then see where they take you. Washed Up (the EP) came out the year before, but you don’t have to start in order if you don’t want to.

There are only three of them in the band, but their sound is so big they make you feel as if you’re listening to at least a 5 or 6 piece band. They have this fascinating ability to give off this huge sound and loudness that you’d see in bands who have been going for decades, and with added members. It’s just criminal that The TeleVibes haven’t taken over the world yet. Hopefully in time they will.

AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS.

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I’ve waited far too long to write about the best Punk band around, Amyl And The Sniffers. A band that deserve all the praise imaginable. A band that have been sent to rip open your guts and tear your eardrums. Sounds vicious, but when you listen to them- you’ll understand why.

Amyl And The Sniffers are such an incredible band, and in the time they’ve been putting music out into the world they have truly showed themselves to have the real essence of Punk about them. They have songs that rarely hit over the 2 minute mark. Big Attraction & Giddy Up came out this year, and the record doesn’t even hit 20 minutes. Their songs are as fast as the Ramones with the obnoxious smuttiness that the Sex Pistols had. I absolutely love this band, and they’re just so brilliantly cool. They make you want to sack everything off and start a band, and live outside of society for the rest of time. The release that came out in May is basically two of their EPs put together, and both are a punch in the kisser. The songs are amazing regardless of how you hear them.

The snarl in Amy’s voice is something that stays with you. She yells the lyrics, and my god you better listen.  Dec and Bryce keep up the aggression via guitar and drums. Then Gus comes along with his slick bass playing skills. You can’t pick your favourite, that’d just be stupid. You can pick your favourite moments in the songs though. I love the punchy sound in Balaclava Lover Boogie that Dec produces with his guitar, and they all just play this vital role in making it such a rowdy song.

Sadly, I’ve yet to see the band play live. I can’t help but feel that their live shows would be something that just sticks with you because on record they have this power to just make you feel like it is you and them. They have this way of making you feel like you’re in a dive bar with them covered in various fluids and whatnot. All in the name of Punk. All in the name of Music. I honestly can’t give you a band to put them against in terms of who they are for fans of. They’re for those who want something off kilter and something that they haven’t heard before. Something loud to take away how much of a drag daily life can be. There is something so soothing and relatable about the song Caltex Cowgirl (which does hit the 3 minute or so mark) and it just takes you somewhere nothing else has done.

One of my favourite songs by them is Stole My Pushbike. I love the fury in Amy’s voice. I love how she can make something like having her bike being stolen sound like one of the worst crimes a person could commit. In one minute she absolutely rips apart the culprit that took her bike. Bryce, Dec and Gus with their sounds make it seem like they are part of the gang that are going to fuck you up once Amy finds you. But to be honest, Amy will handle herself. Her buddies will be there just to make sure you can’t steal anything ever again. It’s a great song to let any frustration out to.

If you’ve ended up going through something recently that has left you battered and damaged- this is the band for you. I couldn’t stop listening to them before, but now it’s become a ritualistic listen that tames parts of my mind certain things can’t touch. I guess that’s just how powerful music is you know?  Amyl And The Sniffers are band to really invest in and to become obsessed with, and to play as loud as possible.

GYMSHORTS.

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Any band that sing about needing a burrito are probably going to be great, right? Gymshorts live up to the sheer joy and greatness that is found in a burrito (don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like Mexican food, seriously.) Gymshorts are all you could possibly want from a Punk band, or a band in general. I’m on my dinner break, so I am going to use my time wisely to write about these 4 exceptionally talented folk.

They’ve recently come off tour with another great band-La Luz. Imagine seeing them together. That’d just be something else for sure. Gymshorts play with this 90s Riot Grrrl aggression mixed with this brutal and charismatic lo-fi sound.  They are fronted by Sarah, who pretty much melts your face with how powerful her voice is and how she pretty much annihilates you with her guitar. Her vocals are equally as loud as her guitar- nothing is overpowered or compromised, and it’s an absolute joy to listen to. They just make you want to throw away your adult responsibilities and just follow them on tour and be completely immersed in the music and live shows. It’s a kick in the gut and it feels so good. So good.

I think they may only have two records out so far, Wet Willy and No Backsies. Both are meant to be played loud to the point where you’re going to be deaf for a couple of days. They’ve got this raw and grand sound that is such a pleasure to hear and something I’ve not heard in a long time. They basically take all the parts of music that I love, and rip it up to make something completely out of this world. They truly are an exceptional band, and they just make you want to throw a whole bunch of shit around, and be irresponsible. Sometimes we need music to bring this out of us, and Gymshorts do this so well.

No Backsies was released first, and it’s got this proper ferocious feel to it that makes you feel like an angry dog is biting at your ankle. You don’t care for the blood that is drawn; it is the sheer rush that spurs you on. I think this is the louder record out of the two, and it definitely cemented their raw and rough sound. They consistently make you feel like you are in their rehearsal space where nothing is held back and everything just comes tumbling out. No hang ups at all. Both records are nothing short of being effortlessly brilliant. And fuck it, I hate the word but Gymshorts are definitely cool. They make you wish you were in a band as cool as them.

They’ve got a real Punk attitude in their sound and the way in which Sarah carries her voice. The distorted and almost shouty vocals are really what lures you in. Sometimes when a singer tries to do this, they really fuck it up but Sarah has this way of not making it come across as forced. It’s definitely not forced, and that’s what keeps you listening to them.

They can sing about burritos all day long and I wouldn’t get tired. There aren’t enough songs about them, thank god Gymshorts have done it. I love Punk and I love Mexican food, so it’s no surprise that I am in love with Gymshorts music. Sure it may not be to everyone’s taste, but they really are an incredible band who sure know how to play.

The new record, Knock Knock should be out this year, and the song above (Breathin On Me) pretty much shows just how exciting the new record is going to be. It’ll be released via Wallflower / Burger Records. Bachelor Records will also be releasing it in Europe. Buy the music and of course, play it loud.

 

*photo by Casey Joseph