MGR
Wavering on the Cresting Heft
Conspiracy (2007)
Wavering on the Cresting Heft is the second solo recording from Isis guitarist Michael Gallagher under the moniker MGR. MGR is an acronym for Mustard Gas and Roses, which is taken from Vonnegut's classic novel Slaughterhouse-Five. This new full-length follows Gallagher's debut MGR offering, 2006's Nova Lux. If one were to loosely describe the music of MGR, an appropriate description would fall under the post-rock classification. And while there are similarities, MGR dabbles in a bit more abstract style than those artists. The album mixes the ambience of This Will Destroy You, the guitar-driven sounds of Isis, and the drone of Sunn0))). The album opener, "Allusions," is a good example of this. Swirling effects and soft guitar tones create a soundscape that could provide the soundtrack to a trip to outerspace. In addition it makes use of the string arrangements of the Capricollis Quartet; the cello, violin, and viola add a very ominous vibe to the music. The music that Gallagher creates throughout the album follows these loose guidelines of ambient post-rock. "It Darkens His Door" leans a bit darker with the dirge of metal riffs. "Ruminations of Before," on the other hand, focuses on the use lush guitars. Its … Read more
One Win Choice
Never Suspend Belief
Jump Start (2007)
I've had a really shitty day today. I got into a useless argument with my boss. I feel like shit. … Read more
Jarboe & Justin K. Broadrick
J2
The End (2008)
After a year like 2007 that Justin Broadrick and his Jesu project had, one has to wonder what J2 (his … Read more
Riddle of Steel
1985
Ascetic (2008)
Riddle of Steel's Myspace blog is an amusing read for a variety of reasons, most notably the October 12, 2007, … Read more
