Some Psychic Violence to Fill the Void

Daily Void provided that much needed nihilistic hardcore bludgeoning that you most definitely needed. They have been pumping out their musical violence on a variety of small outlets, and are currently celebrating their current 12" The Eclipse of 1453 through Sacred Bones, this brand of deathly violent noise punk is a cold, cathartic shiv to the soul. Fucking love it.

Daily Void - Psychic Violence

A Taste Of The New National

I saw The National play a small gig at Brisbane's The Zoo one sweat January night in 2008. I liked their album Alligator, and loved Boxer - and live they are truly amazing. Their new album High Violet is out soon - below is a taster of what to expect...

The National - Bloodbuzz Ohio

Broken Water Whets The Appetite...And Then Some

I dont know much about Broken Water - came across their name a few times in SXSW wrap ups - but a small listen to their gear off debut LP Whet (put out by Night People) explains the excitement being generated. Evoking the ghosts of indie fare that haunted Subpop's hallowed halls prior to the explosion of Nevermind, yet adhering to some of those guitar-driven aesthetics, the Olympia three piece amble their way along in a glum fashion, their eyes to the floor. I can really see this making an indelible impact in a packed bar shut off from the sun, soaked in whiskey and beer. Think Hazel, a dash of Low, with some of that lo-fi reverb sound that is very in vogue right now, but used to greater effect, inducing a psychedelic grind. I am massively impressed, and am searching for this album frantically - I think this will be a definite grower for me.

And as a special treat, I have not one, not two, but THREE tracks for your perusal. I really rate these guys...

Broken Water - Heal
Broken Water - Dead Light
Broken Water - Kamilche House

The Glove Fits #5 - Fugazi

A lot of musical influences come from friends and family. You know - raiding your parents' record or cassette collection, being forced to listen to your older sibling's 'new music' that you 'won't get', etc etc.

Of course, it can come from people you admire for not just their musical taste, but their commitment to all things aural. My collaborator in crime on Sonic Masala, Paul, is definitely in this category. Others I think of in this vein are the trailblazers whose lives and careers have revolved around discovering good music before anyone else - the late great John Peel immediately springs to mind.

Coming from my own Australian background, the only radio station that had any kind of finger on the pulse of good music is/was Triple J. The 'king'pin of this national youth station was Richard Kingsmill, a DJ who for years had coaxed all who would listen to get involved in music of all facets, from all over the globe. He was/is the Antipodean Peel. So when he strongly recommended something, you made it top priority to check things out.

Gig - Twilight Sad - Relentless Garage, 24.03.2010

Much can be said about Scottish indie music at the moment - that Frightened Rabbit are finally garnering plaudits ad nauseum for their latest LP and live performances, thus having new found fans scurrying for the back catalogue; that bands with names like We Were Promised Jetpacks can offer moody atmospheric works that belie their monikers; that Glasvegas is shit. And whilst there has always been a section of Scottish music devoted to darker, edgier rock, until recently most surface dwelling music listeners would adhere Franz Ferdinand or Belle and Sebastian as being the mainstays of the country's musical scene. It is refreshing to see that bands that have been revered on their home soil are spreading their influences abroad, and tonight one such band, the Twilight Sad, get to show London its wares at the Relentless Garage.

First though, we are treated to Wild Palms, a London band getting a lot of press in certain circles for their exciting presence and prescient music. Im not sure if I got the right band, because neither were present here. Sure, there were some strong numbers, but most of it was filled out with padding, generic disco pop rock ditties that every man and his Korg are plinking out these days. I couldnt even say that the bands theatrics managed to apply the foundation necessary to cover such imperfections. The lighting show seemed to be run by someone with ADHD, and the smoke machine worked overtime, but all was underwhelming.

Gig - Thee Mt Silver Zion Memorial Orchestra - Electric Ballroom 23.03.2010

Hole. E. Shit.

That is pretty much my description of what I saw tonight. I had been looking forward to see Thee Silver Mt Zion Memorial Orchestra for some time. Having been a long Godspeed! You Black Emperor advocate, and having listened the shit out of Silver Mt Zion's first LP He Has Left Us Alone But Shafts Of Light Sometimes Grace The Corner Of Our Rooms..., this was a must see event.

Paul and I got into Electric Ballroom just in time to catch Alexander Tucker playing his layered one man soundscapes. Armed with only a cello, an electric mandolin, many MANY effects pedals and his voice, Tucker produced a half hour of intricate psychedelic aesthetics. It is a little ramshackle but nonetheless impressive performance, and a perfect precursor for the main act.

When the band amble on stage, the Ballroom is rammed with people, and every single punter is in for a treat. Without much preamble, they launch into the one-two assault of "I Built A Metal Bird"/"I Fed My Metal Bird The Wings Of Other Metal Birds", a 15 minute plus opening that sets into motion one of the best gigs I have witnessed in quite some time. The gig - 2 hours, 6 songs - is breathtaking, blistering, beautiful, boisterous, beguiling. Frontman Efrim Menuck is in scintillating form, his much maligned vocals an absolute highlight, particularly on tracks of latest album Kollaps Tradixionales. There Is A Light, the second song of the night, is so much more mesmerising than its recorded version, and we get a better notion of how this group works. Dual violinists Sophie Trudeau and Jessica Moss trade lightning bolts of screeching strings, their instruments augmented by the sometime haunting, oft-times beautiful harmonies. David Payant, the 'newest' member of the band, is tight in all the right places, keeping everything tied together. The most underrated member of the band in my opinion, double bassist Thierry Amar, is brilliant, and the way he deftly wields the cumbersome instrument is a true sight to behold. This five piece (as it stands - the bands line up and personnel have changed extensively over the years) are sublime, no more so on final song of the main set, "One Million Died To Make This Sound" from their 2008 effort Thirteen Blues For Thirteen Moons. The ebb and flow of their sonically illuminating creation is post rock, orchestral wonderment, and the interplay of their vocals defy belief.

I know, im gushing. But it truly was an amazing performance on so many levels. There was so much interplay between Menuck and the audience too - some topics covered were David Cameron, jay Reatard, topless double decker buses, the highly unlikely return of Godspeed (and his insistence he is a member of the Specials), 6 Music, the band's aversion to pop music - all of which was highly amusing. Some people grumbled near me that there was too much talk - but songs of such magnitude need time to breathe - and retune! But it was another element that I feel is missing in most bands - that open willingness to not only connect with the audience, but to include them in the performance. To me, it added to the overall experience, pushing it through the glass ceiling and into the night time sky.

When they came on for a final song - "Microphones In The Trees" off their Pretty Little Lightning Paw EP of 2004 - they were taken aback by the sheer force of applause at their return. When the lights came on for good, it was with conflicted heart that I beat my retreat. Such a transcendant performance shouldn't ever have to end, should it?

Set list

I Built A Metal Bird/I Fed My Metal Bird The Wings Of Other Metal Birds
There Is A Light
God Bless Our Dead Marines
'Piphany Rambler
1 Milion Died To Make This Sound

Encore:

Microphones In The Trees

Lake of Fire

The Besnard Lakes grace our presence here next Wednesday, 31st March, at Cargo, supported by the wonderful Wolf People (featured earlier here on Sonic Masala). The Canadian band, based around husband and wife Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas, Besnard lakes are an apocolyptic indie group who create dense layered textures that provides a near perfect darkness. A darker Arcade Fire with a predilection for dirge, Besnard Lakes' 3rd LP, Besnard Lakes...Are The Roaring Night enamours its listeners with epic sounds, quiet/loud dynamics, and an band that delves in the fine balance between the haunting and the bludgeoning. Its gonna be a great gig - make sure you're there.

Besnard Lakes - And This Is What We Call Progress

Album review - Surfer Blood's Astro Coast

Surfer Blood have already been shackled to the 'Next Big Thing' ball and chain, but have also been heralded as the forebears of a resurgence in surf rock. Both of these labels are a little unfair. Surf rock in many respects is a niche genre - what these Floridian boys offer is more akin to slacker guitar rock, having more in tune with Rivers Cuomo and Stephen Malkmus than Brian Wilson and Dick Dale. Furthermore, the 'Next Big Thing' these days is a detrimental rather than a monumental banner to attain - these guys have so much more going for them than a cover of NME and a spread in Rolling Stone's Whats Hot in 2010.

But in some ways they bring it on themselves. The broad sunny anthems inclement in their admittedly infant oeuvre, added to their moniker and the name of their debut LP, Astro Coast, would seem to push them forth into the surf rock arena. And they're from Florida - I mean, come on! And they are clean cut, fun loving boys who are blowing all and sundry away. And they have been namechecked by NME's current 'Next Big Thing' The Drums - I mean, seriously!

But as they say, the proof is in the pudding, and a cursory listen to debut LP Astro Coast accentuates Surfer Blood's propensity for big hooks, bigger melodies, and total domination - in a sunny way of course. What grabs from the outset isn't that we have travelled back in time to a place of sun, surf and longboards, but to one of cardigans, black rimmed glasses and Converse High Tops. Opening tune "Floating Vibes" epitomises this notion - swirling guitars hitting with a one-two beat combo that could drive the most elementary of high school cover bands forward, until the bassline chimes in to remind us why Fountains of Wayne used to be cool. Then vocalist John Paul Pitts starts in. His warm harmonics are as much a driving aesthetic of Surfer Blood's appeal as those swirling, shimmering, beautiful guitars. And shit - are those strings I hear in the coda? The boys have ambition.

The album continues in such a rollicking fashion, but also highlight the highlight of many indie bands at their peak. Single "Swim" has been about for a while, but reaches its zenith here, all reverb in an arena vocals, crunching riffs, sparkling Weezer of Blue Album era finger picking, and anthemic choruses. "Take It Easy" is Vampire Weekend like in its Afro beat and soaring vocals, and yet is not smarmy in its tongue in cheeky artiness (yes, I really dont like Vampire Weekend unless someone else is doing it - so sue me!). Harmonix mirrors Arcade Fire, whilst Pitts' voice reaches the rafters as James Mercer does in some of his best Shins work.

But is this mere aping better bands?

No. Why? Because Surfer Blood have written amazing, classic, rock tunes, that's why. Astro Coast is amazingly crafted, and I dont mean in some elegaic, convoluted, overtly ambitious way. It is simplistic in its notion of what makes a good tune tick. Like their compatriots Japandroids, they are young guys who are enjoying playing their instruments - and whilst that two piece deal out scuzzy guitar rock with youthful zeal, their essence is identical - life is great! So yes, the intricacies of many a modern indie classic have been observed and praised, but its time that we harken back to days when guitars were played, drums were flayed, and everyone had a good time. Thank you Surfer Blood - you've served your purpose well.

Surfer Blood - Floating Vibes

House of the Rising Foal

Another cut from Foals' newie, about to drop soon. Different. Im a big fan of their first song, but this one... Im not overly fussed on it. What do you think?

Foals - This Orient

Going to the Dogs

I do love my 70s rock. As cliched as people try to make Led Zeppelin/Black Sabbath/et al out to be, they knew how to make fucking great rock music. There are many bands that take elements of these gods and make them their own - White Hills comes to mind of a band that I have seen recently that invoked that feeling - but only a few fully embrace it and come out on top.

Earl Greyhound is one of them.

Originally a two-piece consisting of Matt Whyte and Kamara Thomas, they have been kicking around since 2002 in NYC. They brought in a drummer, Chris Bear, but he left the band in 2005 to try his luck with a little known band called Grizzly Bear. However it wasnt long before they caught the eye of The Root's guitarist Kirk Douglass, who introduced them to friend and Gold Crowns drummer Ricc Sheridan. The line-up became complete.

They have just released an LP, Suspicious Package.

Earl Greyhound - Ghost and the Witness

Three Pieces of Sleater-Kinney Gold!

Last week I told you about the new album by Quasi, American Gongs. I even gave you two songs to sample. Have you bought the album yet? You should have - its fucking awesome.

Well, it was also brilliant to hear Sleater-Kinney's incendiary drummer Janet Weiss (and her beautiful harmonies!) on record again.

So I thought Id share three tidbits of Sleater-Kinney info that is likely to have you salivating.

First of all, Carrie Brownstein has her own blog, Monitor Mix. Its a goodun - check it out.

Secondly, Brownstein is in a movie! With The Shins/Broken Bells' own James Mercer! And its supposedly very good! Its called Some Days Are Better Than Others. Check the trailer below and make up your own minds - Im intrigued enough to check it out, even though it does smack a little of trying too hard for indie cred - but as I said, Brownstein + Mercer = must see.

Thirdly (and most importantly), Brownstein mentioned in an interview with IFC that a Sleater-Kinney reunion is definitely a possibility - and that she has hopes that in the next five years they will be firing on all cylinders again! This is great news indeed. Time to dust off One Beat and The Woods and have a Sleater-Kinney playlist today methinks!

Some Days are Better than Others (trailer) from matt mccormick on Vimeo.

Jonny Greenwood Scores Again

As any Radiohead fan can attest, the band's brilliance is just as influenced by the weird wizardry of guitarist/multi-instrumentalist wunderkind Jonny Greenwood as it is by frontman Thom Yorke. If this was ever in doubt, a listen to the two film soundtracks he has scored - BBC human documentary Bodysong and PT Anderson's oil-drilling drama/horror opus There Will Be Blood (which he should have won an Oscar for - seriously, he wasnt even nominated! Babel was good, but not that good...) - will have you in thrall with his amazingly textured compositions.

So it is with an enormous amount of excitement that I can say that Greenwood is scoring again - this time for an adaptation of seminal Japanese author Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood, to be directed by celebrated Vietnamese director Anh Hung Tran (Vertical Rays of the Sun, The Scent of Green Papaya). It is a a bit of a way off, although the genesis of the score is said to come from a piece he has written called "Doghouse".

We will keep you informed. In the meantime, hunt down Greenwood's other soundtracks, watch the films, and read the book.

And fingers crossed (although highly unlikely) that the above picture can become reality this time around!!!

The Father of Gods Makes A Musical Menagerie

Zeus, the Greek god of Gods. Ruler of Mt Olympus. God of the sky. Bearer of the thunderbolt. About to be played by Liam Neeson. Very now, in the then.

Zeus, the Toronto four piece. Melders of extreme influences - Fleetwood Mac, The Kinks, Syd Barrett, John and Paul. Purveyors of immaculate denim and moustaches a la The Band. Very then, in the now.

Zeus are (as is the way right now) splashing South By South West in sepia tones and fire tinged edges, in their first stage of taking over the world and dragging it back 30 years, into a world of 'classical' rock pop. Chaperoned by Broken Social Scene collaborator and influential singer/songwriter Jason Collett, the band, the core dreamings of kindred spirits Mike O'Brien and Carlin Nicholson, Zeus aim to bridge the Pro Tools era of now to the days of achingly simple harmonies and 45s. The guys dont have plans to tour Europe or the UK any time soon - slowly but surely - but it certainly is refreshing (?) hearing these vintage sounds in such a lovingly and engaging manner.

Zeus - The Sound of You

Zeus - Marching Through Your Head from Arts & Crafts on Vimeo.

Let the Leaf Tell the Story

The Album Leaf have been a stalwart of the post-rock/folk/art trail for many years and many releases now. The brainchild of Jimmy LaValle, Album Leaf have been very prolific, releasing all kinds of LPs, EPs, singles, remixes... Their latest, A Chorus of Storytellers, continues their journey of folktronic introspectiveness. Whilst he has carved his niche into the sonic specturm and doesnt have to offer anything new, the album still strives to offer more, with Sigur Ros-consigned swirling etherealness and Explosions in the Sky-like spidery guitarwork transcending the simplistic compositions on display.

They are also playing at the prestigious Bush Hall tonight - hope you have some tickets burnt into those clammy hands of yours! (Unless you are going to Thee Mt Silver Zion at the Electric Ballroom - in that case, more than fair enough - if not, then any excuse is no excuse!!!)

Album Leaf - Stand Still

Holy Fuck Hit The Americas

Holy Fuck were one of my favourite aspects of The Breeders curated ATP last May. Their self titled LP is also a cracker. So I am elated to be able to share with you the first 'cut' from their follow up album. They tore SXSW apart, and their ascendency looks set to continue unabated. Enjoy!

Holy Fuck - Latin America

A Not So White Picket Fence

White Fence is dirty. Murky. Muddy. Totally immersed in the lo-fi movement. A hell of a lot of fun, of course. And all the concoction of one man - Tim Presley. He's just released his debut 12" through Make A Mess Recordings. It intrigues me - as I mentioned, White Fence is a lot of fun - but Im not sure if it is necessarily any good, particularly in the context of what precedes it - so many bands are already doing this. Anyway, check it out yourself.

White Fence - Destroy Everything

Fair Ohs speculate

Fair Ohs and a Leeds outfit Spectrals have a new split 7" out today on Tough Love. The perfect mini soundtrack with Spring finally poking its head above winter's parapet (maybe Brendan will even stop moaning about the weather now!) Spectrals have long coveted my attention and Fair Ohs' itchy reverb drenched afro-punk went down a treat when we saw them at Rest is Noise a few weeks ago. Here is one track to lure you in, three more await you on the 7". As good as daffs!

Fair Ohs - Hey Lizzy

Disappearing

More of that 'heavy shoegaze that's emerging from Chicago' I mentioned in my Implodes post on Friday. It seemed rather unfair not to post about Disappears. Not sure if this really fits the shoegaze mold but molds are made to be broken, eh? The Chicago foursome have just finished a tour with Tortoise, no less, and are about to roll out with the previously mentioned Woven Bones. Album Lux is out in April I think. Check their blog here

Disappears - Lux

Double dagger action

Double Dagger have a new E.P. Masks coming out today. Also They've just posted a bunch of dates in May to support their new E.P. Happy Days!

Wed 12th May - UK - Nottingham - Spanky Van Dykes
Thu 13th May - UK - Leeds - Nation Of Shopkeepers
Fri 14th May - UK - Sheffield - Bungalows and Bears
Sat 15th May - UK - London - The Rest Is Noise
Sun 16th May - UK - Bristol - Start the Bus
Mon 17th May - UK - Cardiff - Arts Centre
Tue 18th May - UK - London - Cargo
Wed 19th May - Ireland - Dublin - Whelans

Double Dagger - Pillow Talk

Flying through the danger zone...

Brighton has been a melting pot of interesting noise influenced bands for over a decade now. Air Formation has been playing their brand of noisy introspective shoegaze for most of that time. Although they have been quiet of late, they have just released Nothing To Wish For (Nothing To Lose), a grandious affair that accentuates the band's embracing the stalwarts of their genre, such as My Bloody Valentine, Ride, Slowdive... lite "Stars & Knives", the light-heavy-light wall of sound aesthetics of opener "Three Years Past", or the soaring pomposity of "Outro".

They are playing the Half Moon on April 18, and are bound to be touring around summer, so immerse yourselves in Air Formation's aural beauty.

Air Formation - Stars & Knives
Air Formation - Three Years Pass