Dark/Light
Dark Slash Light
Dirt Cult (2018)
Portland’s Dark/Light pronounces their name phonetically, including the punctuation. They’re doubling down on that element by naming this 7”, released this past June, Dark Slash Light. SPB had the pleasure of hosting their earlier LP, Kill Some Time.As for this 4-song, 9-minute release, it keeps going in that tradition of gritty and to-the-point punk that pulls from ‘80s punk roots but has a restrained, pull-it-back and look inward vibe. It’s short and fast with fuzzy DIY-minded production, muddy bass, and that restrained energy. Candy’s vocals often establish the direction of the songs as the percussion delivers an anxious core. To me, “Rotting” is the best example of what they do. It’s only a minute and nine seconds, but it builds at the start, hits with a potent energy, and offers moving progressions that ebb, flow, and pummel quickly. Backing and subtle call-and-response vocals flesh it out even more and fuel that sense of urgency that’s behind the whole short-playing record.While I’m summarizing the band’s sound a bit, this 7-inch shows range, mixing it up nicely within that fundamental style. “We Conjure Ghosts” has a darker vibe to it that’s less melodic and more atmospheric. In the next song, “Night Driving,” … Read more
Hot Snakes
Jericho Sirens
Sub Pop (2018)
Hot Snakes first formed in 1999 and ran until 2005. They re-formed in 2011 for some tours and finally bring … Read more
The Beginnings
I Am Dirt
Sixtynine Records (2018)
The last couple of years the Macedonian punk scene was a revelation to me. Fonija, Bernays Propaganda and Noviot Pochetok … Read more
Katie Ellen
Still Life
Lauren Records (2018)
What started as a two-piece project after the disbandment of Chumped, Katie Ellen are making a name for themselves in … Read more
