Video Vacuum - The Knife, Ancient River, Our Mountain, Spectral Park, K-X-P

The past few days have lain dormant on Planet Masala. Unfortunately real life has gotten in the way, once again (and Sunday was held over in a hungover fugue state). So let's finish off Monday with a series of cool videos.

We're gonna start off with Sweden's perennial ice demons The Knife, whose new album Shaking The Habitual is only a few weeks away. Hotly anticipated, and rightly so, as it's been seven years since their last album proper (they have had opera soundtracks and collaborations in the meantime). This is the video for second single 'A Tooth For An Eye', a song supposedly deconstructing maleness and leaders by offering up a cross-section of guys (all without much finesse, but with passion and verve) dancing to the beat of a young girl's drum/sparkler. It also continues 'Full Of Fire's promise of percussive undercurrents, proving that this album could be just as innovative and challenging as anything they have previously committed to. Very excited about this one.

I have spoken about Florida's Ancient River in the past (see here and here), and they are just releasing 'I'm Waiting For The Light'. This track plays like an amalgam of Black Angels (circa Passover)and Black Mountain (self-titled era) - two of my favourite bands, as you might well know - and the song is quite possibly the best thing I have heard them commit to tape yet. The video by White Vintage Vinyl is typically swirly and slightly spun-out, but it's the song itself that's the selling point. Get into the grind.

Now for the obligatory NSFW warning. VERY NSFW (unless you work in a gynaecologist's office or a sex shop). New York band Our Mountain have offered up this stark and very confronting video for their quite good 'IV Horses', which depicts still long-shots of the band members in full frontal nudity. Three penises and a vagina, long shots, this early in the day? The band stresses the video is an attempt to commentate on the T the subject of human anatomy, four humans, bare, still and focused; to simplify and condense, strip back to a one dimensional treatment, minimalism, all that kinda thang. I agree of course, there is nothing titillating about this work at all, but it's still a shock to the system nonetheless - which I guess is most of the point. You might recognise the girl as Abby Lee Krenshaw - apparently she's an Aussie fashion model, but I had to get someone to explain that to me. Either way, the song is garish and dark in a Snowman kinda way (lotsa tortured, anguished howls), which is a winner for me. Plus it was banned from Facebook and Youtube...so you have been warned (it's just boobs and junk!)



I haven't heard much from Spectral Park in a while, so was glad to find the video for 'Shells' tucked snugly in my inbox last week. Its washed out yet sunswept fare accompanied by a blurry VHS vid that marries up all the good points of Luke Donovan's songwriting, and I'm glad to have him back. The self-titled record is out now through Mexican Summer - haven't had a chance to hear it yet, but seeing as we are getting some last vestiges of summer here, it might be a worthwhile purchase - grab here.

K-X-P : Circles of Time(Live) from K-X-P on Vimeo.

Finally we have this live video clip of 'Circles of Time' from Finnish band K-X-P. Filmed at London's Corsica Studios late last year, the seven minute track is a kosmiche wonderland drenched in monochrome. I don't much else about them, but this performance is enough to get me started. They have just done a stint at SXSW and are floating around the US at the moment so keep an eye out.

NOW GET BACK TO WORK/BED (WHATEVER)!

Where Are They Now? - Little Dreamers Revisited #2

Here we are with the second instalment of acts that rocked hard in Sonic Masala's past, and are here to show 2012 what for.


Ancient River really put the 70s back into their psych rock, and the Florida band are back to show their frenetic work ethic shows no signs of keeping them at bay. Let It Live is their fourth release in a month, as they alternate between studio time and home recordings, and the constant jamming is paying serious dividends. Let It Live fucking rocks hard. I liked Ancient River, but based on this, there is no reason why the likes of the Black Angels should sit on top of the heap forever. Im very impressed...

Ancient River - What Goes Round
Ancient River - As The World Burns


I blogged about New Zealand band Two Cartoons' single 'Better Coast' some time ago, then promptly forgot about them (that isn't a diss, it's hard to keep track when so many bands throw things your way). Then a few days ago the band showed off their baby - debut EP Jelly Tip Lips. It contains re-recorded versions of 'Better Coast' and 'Scientific Life' plus three new songs, one of which is below. Its a fun slice of guitar pop with some great guitar and chiming harmonies, unrelenting sugar rush! You can grab it here.

Two Cartoons - Broken Bones


Fresno, California band The Quiet Americans are basically Luke Giffen and drummer Eli Reyes. The aim - to combine classic songwriting with insane fuzz and Neanderthal thump. The Quiet Americans combine bright melodies and animal like drums with fuzzed out guitar squall. Their Medicine EP was pretty tasty, I reckon you'd agree. Now the duo have recently expanded their live lineup to include Simon Smeds on bass, and Steve Loveless on organ, and have played some cool shows including opening slots for A Place to Bury Strangers, The Fresh and Onlys, Royal Baths, and Light Pollution. Im expecting more from these guys as they ramp it up in 2012.

The Quiet Americans - Selia


And finally we have Fay Wrays. This is linked once more to The Quiet Americans as drummer Eli Reyes resides in both. Their first new track for a whil has been unearthed. 'Cars' offers that indie guitar shtick that was rife in the 90s, yet infused with Mogwai-level distortion spikes, creating an awkwardly raucous take on the college radio smash hit. It becomes a mutant beast, exactly what the band was hoping for. Big fan of this turn of events, hope more heavy mutations are on their way guys! Tied fave track of the week (alongside yesterday's Inca Gold track...)

Fay Wrays - Cars

Hits From The Box #36 - Painkiller Blues

Hey gang. Its been a little slow again this week, but this time I have some legit reasons. Firstly, I don't have regular access to a computer, which sucks. But more importantly, I have screwed up my back, big time. My lower back muscles have seized on a nerve, sending me in painful spasms every few moments. Lying down becomes uncomfortable, yet to shift means more pain. I went to the docs on Friday to get some meds - and goddamn if they don't do a number on me! Its some spaced out awesomeness, and whilst its a legal high, I cant focus on much for a reasonable amount of time. I guess thats why the Wallabies losing abysmally to the All Blacks last night didnt really faze me... So if this Hits From The Box seems wishy washy, ill blame it on the drugs and back, not my poor writing skills.


First up is Ancient River, a psych rock trio from Gainesville, Florida. If you have any love for the idea of classic Neil Young & Crazy Horse crossed with Lynard Skynard (and you blood well should), their new album Songs From North America is likely to excite. It's an unashamed Americana rock album, fair removed from their previous, more psychedelic album O.D.D.S, and originally imagined for vinyl, its an economic 39 minutes, that still sounds epic.

Ancient River - Not Here
Ancient River - Flood


I've been intrigued by Stellar Hoax, the LP by Virginian act Borrowed Beams Of Light (out on speakertree/World Recs). Apparently the Voynich Manuscript, a centuries old handwritten book with unknown origins provides a thematic foundation for the album. I've read up on this and its something that is mesmerising in its own mystery. But back to the album. Frontmen Adam Brock and Nate Walsh have created ten tracks that burn with their own strange heat. Alternating from the rambunctiously poppy 'Holy Cow', to the ululating weirdness of 'Half Light', Stellar Hoax is shot through with high pitched harmonies and intricacies that beguile on repeated listens.

Borrowed Beams Of Light - Half Light
Borrowed Beams Of Light - Holy Cow
Borrowed Beams Of Light - Run Rabid Through The Haze


I can't claim to love all of Texan outfit James & the Douchebags' latest effort, Coitus Interruptus (although both band and album names are awesome). However I can't get enough of various tracks, especially opener 'Scout's Honor'. Another rad component is a series of short stories written to accompany each song on the album. The interesting premise is further augmented by the packaging - a hand made three ring binder filled with construction paper holding all the stories and images that follow the songs. It may be straight up snotty punk, but its a helluva lot of fun, and the entire package makes it a worthy effort. Grab Coitus Interruptus here.

James & the Douchebags - Scout's Honor


Jaxart Records have been known to float my boat with their recent releases, therefore its no surprise Im really enjoying the Mezzanine Owls 7". The Los Angeles noise popsters weave a heady concoction of moribund shoegazing and woozy sunny pop, all with a cacophonous vibe infused deep within its marrow. Worth many a repeated listen, you can grab physical copies here - be quick about it though, only 250 copies in existence!

Mezzanine Owls - Obstacle
Mezzanine Owls - Tethered To The Fountain


We travel back to Seattle to witness Abraham, whose EP Confetti Western came out earlier this year. Its a good little release, especially the opener 'Illinois River'. Its somehow soothing and wholesome, a solidly rendered slice of indie rock that garners myriad pleasures.

Abraham - Illinois River


Farewell Republic close out this HFTB chapter. The band are preparing to release their debut LP Burn The Boats in January 2012, off which 'Wake' is the leading single. The relocation to Brooklyn seems to suit them just fine, with their sound having been interestingly described as "a very unique brand of art-rock...a band that bridges the gap between post-punk and Phillip Glass" by Ocean of Noise. And whilst such a statement may seem flagrantly flamboyant, its not hard to see why these kids can create such fervent excitement. Cant wait to hear the album...

Farewell Republic - Wake
Farewell Republic - Come Irene

HAPPY DAYS!