The Blind Shake
Fly Right EP
Slovenly (2015)
The Blind Shake have honed their sound over the years, always identifiable yet always moving it forward and with a keen difference between records. It’s pretty impressive considering they write 2-3 minute stomp-garage tracks with a big emphasis on beat and hook—a style where repetition and sameness run rampant.Where Fly Right stands out is its variation from that tradition. The … Read more
The Blind Shake
Key to a False Door
Castle Face Records (2013)
It’s no secret to long-time site readers that I’m a fan of The Blind Shake. The Minneapolis trio has released a run of albums now, both on their own and with psychedelic luminary Michael Yonkers. All the while, their distinct sound continues to evolve. Starting as, to coin a term, a power-crunch band, it’s moved more heavily into distortion and … Read more
The Blind Shake
Seriousness
Learning Curve (2011)
It’s Seriousness indeed for The Blind Shake. The Minneapolis three-piece plays concise, to the point garage rock. From their matching trek suits to drummer Dave Roper’s emphatic beats, the band has an air of professional dedication when they take the stage that’s distinct in a genre that seems to pride itself on sloppiness. The band has been alternating records between … Read more
The Blinding Light
The Ascension Attempt
Deathwish Inc. (2004)
Heavy. Right off the bat, that is the word I would use to describe this band, and this record. Fucking heavy. Heavier than a chain-mail sack full of battle axes. The first time I heard The Blinding Light was well over a year ago, and though it didn't exactly inspire me to run out and pick up the band's latest … Read more
The Blood Brothers
Burn Piano Island, Burn
Artist Direct (2003)
I don't even know where to begin. The Blood Brothers are one of the hardest bands to describe out there right now. The terms 'avant-hardcore' and 'artsy hardcore' are thrown around a great deal, but they don't even begin to describe what the Blood Brothers are doing. Dual vocals that stand out more than any other vocalist(s) I have ever … Read more
The Blood Brothers
Burn Piano Island, Burn
Artist Direct (2003)
I've never been insane, but if I were, I think this is what my thoughts would sound like. Although, that would require me to be one of those genius crazy people...but that great thing is that I'm pretty sure all five members of the blood brothers aren't crazy, but just genius. The music can be described as two babies fighting … Read more
The Blood Brothers
Burn Piano Island, Burn
Artist Direct (2003)
A year and a half ago, I picked up this band's first full-length CD, This Adultery Is Ripe. and brought it with me through Italy that summer. The urban centers seemed like a perfect backdrop for the music. The uncomfortable humidity, overflowing materialism and excessive amount of skin all embody the Blood Brothers' sound. Burn Piano Island, Burn is the … Read more
The Blood Brothers
Crimes
V2 (2004)
When it comes to The Blood Brothers, you could call me a fan boy. Everything they've released (minus Rumors Laid Waste which I won't count) keeps progressing, keeping me on my toes. With This Adultery Is Ripe, The Blood Brothers were able to release some of the most energetic music without constraining themselves to a single genre. March On Electric … Read more
The Blood Brothers
Crimes
V2 (2004)
The Blood Brothers' second album in little over a year and half finds the Seattle quintet treading some unfamiliar ground, to say the very least. Not to fret, long-time fans of the Brothers of Blood - the trademark frenetic rhythms, angular guitars (which often recall Duane Denison on a bad crack binge), stop-start dynamics, and the dual shrieking voices of … Read more
The Blood Brothers
Young Machetes
V2 (2006)
The Blood Brothers are one of those bands that can get you into shit with people. Not that anyone should have to appease anyone else with his or her musical interests and fancies. But, lets be honest, there is a very pronounced dividing line between people who enjoy The Blood Brothers and people who detest them. One reason for such … Read more
The Bobby Lees
Bellevue
Ipecac (2022)
Every once in a long while a band comes along that’s a true pleasure to discover. A sonic kick in the ass for these weary old bones. The Bobby Lees are just such a band. The release of the Hollywood Junkyard e.p. earlier this year pricked up a lot of ears and served up a mean prelude to the new … Read more
The Body
I’ve Seen All I Need To See
Thrill Jockey (2021)
Where to start with The Body? The duo has been creating harsh, noise-filled music for well over two decades and have a release schedule that is, frankly, terrifying to look at. The sheer number of albums, splits, EPs and stand-alone collaborations that The Body has produced is insane and the quality has remained consistently high considering. Chip King and Lee … Read more
The Body
Master, We Perish
At A Loss (2013)
The Body are, for want of a better phrase, absolutely fucking bonkers. From the trippy All the Waters of the Earth Shall Turn to Blood to the disturbing video for the track “The Ebb and Flow of Tides in a Sea of Ash” (don’t click that link if you’re of a nervous disposition) that’s featured on this new EP, The … Read more
The Body
No One Deserves Happiness
Thrill Jockey (2016)
Since 2010 and the release of their album All The Waters of the Earth Turn to Blood, sludge outfit The Body have really taken off. Originally found back in 1999, the band from Oregon did not seem to be very active, releasing a good debut album in 2004, but it would take six years until their next full-length. However, since … Read more
The Body & Krieg
The Body & Krieg
At A Loss (2015)
How much hatred can be produced within 48 hours? That is how long it took apocalyptic sludge outfit The Body and the main man of black metal sonic force Krieg, Neil Jameson, to record their collaboration. The Body are not new to the field of collaborative albums, which includes works with Braveyoung, Vampillia and Thou. However, there is something much … Read more
The Bomb
Speed is Everything
No Idea (2009)
Considering how much I've heard about the Naked Raygun reunion, you'd think there would be more buzz regarding The Bomb. Speed is Everything is the Jeff Pezzati led group's first release for No Idea Records. When compared with Pezzati's more renowned group, I was expecting a more contemporary twist. Instead, The Bomb has a strong 80's feel to it, with … Read more
The Bombay Sweets
Doin' the Jerk at Dawn
Heart Of A Champion (2010)
Bombay Sweets is a Minneapolis band consisting of Nathan Grumdahl (Selby Tigers, Dynamiters) and drummer Jeff Brown (His Mischief). Although the project has expanded beyond Grumdahl’s one-man-band vision, it remains his lovechild. Even with multiple instruments at play, the primary components remain Grumdahl’s guitar and voice. The project is heavily steeped in old 60s records, with R&B-derived rock at its … Read more
The Bombpops
Like I Care
Red Scare (2010)
Hailing from San Diego, California, The Bombpops are a female fronted quartet and a force to be reckoned with. Their 6 track debut EP, Like I Care delivers some of the quickest and most melodic punk tracks of the year! The Bombpops open up Like I Care with “Outta Hand.” Taking cues from 90’s skate-punk, “Outta Hand” delivers swift and … Read more
