I listen to loads and loads of new music. Every now and then I take a break from that and I revisit music that I bought a while ago. The past few months were one of those breaks. I finally took the time to appreciate some albums I bought, but hardly listened to. I unearthed a couple of gems from my collection that I almost forgot I have, even though I feel everyone should give them a spin at least once. Perhaps in one of the next Table Talks we should discuss that kind of music: albums that are not considered classics, but could well be. But not this time, as lately I have renewed my interest in new music. And my renewed interest in new music started with the third type of music I listened to: I dived into the back catalogs of a few bands that released new albums recently.
Let me tell you about a couple of records and EPs I discovered that you should really pay attention to.
Oh, that dirty punk sound
For the first release I want to pay attention to I am cheating a bit by calling it new music. Is it new music if it is a rerelease of an EP from last year? Well, as this conversation is taking place at my kitchen table, I make the rules and I decide this one should be discussed! I was playing Devil Master’s EPs and figured I should see if something similar has been released recently. By similar, I mean a punk band donning some black metal influences (there’s more than enough black metal bands that integrate punk influences, but the other way around can make for a very interesting sound). I found Pus’ self-titled debut EP. Pus plays a simple style of music. It’s punk and black metal with some heavy manipulation on vocals and guitars. Pus is a bit more crusty than Devil Master, but already masters of this sound. I am happy this EP got a rerelease as I am pretty sure this Peruvian band would have flown under my radar otherwise.
So full of youthful energy
Raging like Pus is great, but I am a sucker for some melody in my music. The combination of urgent energy with melody is something that makes my blood boil in a good way. So I am always looking for bands that can deliver. My latest discovery is Time And Pressure. I’d pitch their sound as a mix of Have Heart and Mindset, which is right up my alley. For those who are paying attention, you’ll have noticed bands don’t exist for too long in this genre for some reason. So two years after The Gateway City Sound and not hearing about them, I thought they had quit. All of a sudden Bandcamp tells me there’s a new album: Halfway Down. And let me tell you: it slays! This album has everything that makes this style so interesting. It’s brimming with energy, it’s angry and is not afraid to let you know, it doesn’t overstay its welcome and has great messages.
Let’s add even more melody
A new discovery of mine is New Pagans. I took a little detour in finding them. A couple post-punk albums have had some playtime here lately. I have a weak spot for that spooky dark vibe. Especially if you combine it with a strong female voice. Googling for that combination brought me to a few raving reviews of New Pagans’ debut album The Seed, The Vessel, The Root And All. Which is kind of funny as I would label this as indie rock with only a dash of post-punk. I am actually happy with the detour, though, as this album is well worth it. What makes it stand out is not just the catchy and sticky post-punk influences or the outstanding vocals, but also the message. This Northern Irish band has something to say, they have a strong opinion on history, religion and women’s rights. Music-wise I could imagine this as the soundtrack to an early 2000’s movie that takes place in a high school. But lyric-wise not so much; this goes so much deeper.
More strong vocals
Summer has been dreary around here. Where sunny days make me want to play upbeat music, the summer did not make me feel that urge yet. My summer record this year is not the new Travoltas EP or something in that vein. This year's summer music is metal. And a strange beast it is, as I think this is an incredibly sexy album. And that is not a word I use in combination with metal a lot. In fact, I can only think of one other metal band that I call sexy. Sinistro’s doom metal with a hint of Fado is just that. Is it a coincidence that Black Moon Mothers’ debut album, Illusions Under The Sun, is also a doom metal record? Perhaps. The style lends itself most to adding some trip-hop influences. The end result is a very sensual sounding record, with a great diversity of songs on it. The factor that ties it all together are the excellent vocals. I would go as far to state that the thing that makes this record work as well as it does is Brianne O’neill’s vocals.
Everything but the kitchen sink
Naiv, the previous album by Thy Catafalque, got me hooked on the band. Before that I ignored them, as they were described as avant garde, which I usually do not enjoy. At all. So playing a track from this band and actually liking it was a surprise to say the least. I delved into their back catalogue and liked most of what I heard. I have given these albums some playtime lately to prepare myself for a new album: Vadak. I like doing that: revisiting older albums before diving into a new album. I have to admit the results of this approach are mixed. Especially if a band changes its focus it might set the wrong expectations with me. Not this time, as Thy Catafalque does exactly what it has been doing all along. Diluting its black metal roots with almost everything it can get its hands on. It’s proggy, but not prog for prog’s sake. It’s folky, but not too much. And it can turn to a spacey vibe without going all Hawkwind on you. Mainly it is strange music. The brilliance of this band is that they make it work. I keep saying they, but this is actually a one-man band. This guy is also the producer and he knows what he’s doing. I could talk to you about how every instrument is fitted just in the right spot, or how impossible I thought it would be to incorporate all these stylistic shifts into one cohesive whole, but in the end I just want to thank this lad for giving this record so much headspace.
More brass, anyone?
Now, there’s some brass to be found in Thy Catafalque, but there’s an absolute abundance of brass on Brasszzinga’s EP Zzorb. I mean, what else would you expect with a name like that? Their sound reminds me of Rotterdam Ska Jazz Foundation, but less ska, and a bit more upbeat. That EP from RSJF was my favorite summer record a few years back, if we get some sun I am pretty sure this little gem will take over from Black Moon Mother. What you get here are three tracks and one cover. Where RSJF covered two jazz tracks, Brasszzinga looks for something completely different: they cover “Invaders Must Die” from The Prodigy. And they succeed in making it something completely their own. I would love to recommend one or two songs, but end up recommending all four, so just go and check them out.
Now make me daydream, please
And now for my most recent discovery. Something to close your eyes with and dream away. Well, that is the effect Lump has on me. I enjoy Laura Marling’s music. So of course I checked if she released a side project. I was a bit surprised when I learned that Animal is Lump’s second album. I completely missed out on the debut. I am going to listen to that debut as well, as Animal was a nice surprise. Rather than the old-school, folky singer-songwriter music she plays solo, this is rich with electronic flourishes. I have only talked about Laura Marling so far, but she’s not the only band member. Mike Lindsay (of Tunng fame) is responsible for the music. And he provides such a soothing and beautiful background here. I found this extremely dreamy music. I cannot listen to this while working. It doesn’t distract me, I will just find myself daydreaming my work day away.
Discovering new horizons
I told you at the beginning I’ve had a short break from discovering new music. Not anymore. I am hungry again. Looking to explore new horizons. As long as it is new to me. Of course I do not forget what I already know, I’ll give those albums some playtime. But I crave new horizons, new territory to discover. How about you?
