#11

Bill Shatnerrr – You put the Round Burger on the Square Wonderbread cd-r

You've really got to be into the dissonant hardcore sound to appreciate what Bill Shatnerrr is cranking out; “spastic” is an understatement. The crazy break-downs and tumultuous blastbeats aren't anything new or earthshaking, but the boys are good at what they do.

ZX Tapes


Collapsed Arc – In Confidence c20

The long and the short of it is that In Confidence will melt your mind. A collection of short, looped samples, it's pandemonium at it's finest. I especially dug the glitchy drum machine tracks and the pieces that were vocalization heavy. If 'experimental music' has started to bore you, Collapsed Arc is the cure.

905 Tapes


Manners – Look Into Look Unto ep

Playing quiet, folk music with a slight psychedelic undertone, Manners is the sort of band you really have to be in the right mood for. The acoustic guitar, whispered lead vocals, sparse percussion, ghostly female backup vocals, occasional violin; it leaves you with a feeling of desolation. Look Into Look Unto isn't going to see daily play on my phonograph, but when I'm in a certain state of mind, it'll be on there for a while.

Grinding Tapes


Syrinx – Detach cd-r

Syrinx manages to skillfully walk the line between mechanized drone and harsh ambient, producing some impressive work. There's something sinister about Detach, especially when the flutes make an appearance. Recommended.

Smell the Stench


Wisdom Tooth – Baby Neptune c42

This is ridiculously incredible. A pop band with lots of garage and folk sensibilities, Wisdom Tooth leaves you scratching your head and giggling at the same time. I don't know what Wisdom Tooth is doing, but they're doing it right. You should probably check this out

Spooky Town

#10

Evolv – Thoughtless Thoughts cd-r

Those on the fence about post-rock will probably be inclined to label Evolv as “nu-gaze” and dismiss it entirely. Playing minimalistic, electronic stuff, it's easy to see how the dreamy sound on Thoughtless Thoughts could be mislabeled as shoegaze. Whatever. It's got a entirely ethereal feel to it; nice change up from some of the heavier stuff I've been listening to. You like post-rock or spacey electronic stuff? Well, then this'd be worth checking out

Frozen Tendril Records


Hate Meditation – Spiritual Awakening cd-r

Can someone tell me what is up with all these Finnish black metal bands having vocalists that sound like Donald Duck? Anyhow, whatever musical talent contained on this album is ruined by the idiotic buccal vocals. Shame too, because musically, things are sounding good. But, the quack attack just ruins it.

Smell The Stench


Pine Smoke Lodge – The Final Clear Water Nightsky c47

I imagine this is what it sounds like to be out in the woods one night when you stumble upon a ritual taking place to summon some long forgotten Phoenician deity. It's two tracks of mysterious and slightly foreboding drone that have a certain ceremonial aspect. Must be the skillfully incorporated bells, flutes, and chanting. Highly recommended.

905 Tapes


Tizagoth – Ahriman Corps c45

Have you ever wondered what Burzum might sound like if Varg had been Persian and more into harsh drone? Well, your query has been answered: Tizagoth. It's somewhat unfair to pigeonhole Tizagoth as a Burzum clone, but the influence, both musically and ideologically, is obvious. I mean, there's even a cover from Dauði Baldrs. The range of music varies considerably, from minimalistic medieval sounding stuff to droned-out noise, with the majority of the tracks falling more towards the middle of the two. A few of the harsher pieces seemed a little forced, but otherwise I enjoyed Ahriman Corps.

Hellhouse666 Productions