This is weekly JAK, where I have to sit through hours of mediocre newly-released music and pick the 10 tracks that suck the least (or the most). We are trying to give voice to less popular artists, but this week it wasn't possible, as almost all of them were the actual worst. That's why we had to include some more popular tracks. In week 40, we've got too many genres to list... beginning with a few solid metal numbers.
Phoxjaw - Apples
These "noise makers" and "brain shakers" are based in Bristol (UK). They are proud of their uniqueness, and there is a good reason for that. Their latest track "Apples" is -- for sure -- bizarre, infectious, and powerful! The chromatic synth lead creates an ambivalent uneasy feeling that resolves once the aggressive drums and guitars start blasting and establish the chord progression. The tame verses establish good dynamics and build up expectation for the next loud part. During the breakdown things go nuts even harder and there's even a beatdown section. Absolutely brilliant work by Phoxjaw. Kind of reminds me of the Norwegian band "Shining" and their insane piece "Fisheye".
Ilci - MRDR
An alternative metal project from Indonesia called "Ilci" -- that's all I know about them. "MRDR" is an energetic song with unconventional female vocals. If I had to match it to a genre, it would be post-grunge nu-metal.
Father Deer Hands - For The First Time In Years
Hailing from the suburbs of Sydney comes Father Deer Hands. An outfit of loud technical guitars, huge drums, percussive & sludgy bass lines and dynamic vocals. "We are a band of friends, that want to go against the grain of our standard Heavier roots in music. We love all styles of music and would love to express that in our own way", they say. "For The First Time In Years" kicks off with a fast-paced catchy guitar riff that immediately triggers headbanging. The raspy melodic high-range vocals stand out as something unique about this band -- I really like them, as well as the screams. It's a strong track and the idea for the music video is also pretty creative -- a musical mukbang.
Abduction - A Psylacybic Death
Formed in 2016, Abduction is a black metal project based in Derby (UK). Beginning as a shadowy single-man entity, they have made astonishingly fast progress, carving a reputation for themselves as a standout act in an increasingly crowded extreme metal scene. Performing alone in the early years, Abduction’s central protagonist A|V then expanded the band into a full live outfit, to better create intense, ritualistic and immersive performances. There is definitely something special about "A Psylacybic Death". It starts out with simple old-school riffs, but then progresses into something a lot more musically developed. An atmospheric piece with great guitar tone. Really enjoying the harmonies and progressive song structure. In 7 minutes, every new section that emerges delivers more pleasing suffering to the ear, without the song ever growing boring. This is also due to the competent dynamic range of the drum section.
My Penis - I'm Done
The punk band "My Penis", formed in 2001, is based in Portageville (New York). I commend them for choosing a name that practically dooms them to obscurity (I mean, try searching for "my penis"). This is indeed proven by the number of clicks they have on their latest track "I'm Done". It's a very simple song that sounds like it was created by a child humming to himself while trying to complete a task. I like the way the vocals go into a polyrhythm against the main drum beat during the chorus. The guy is done with shit, therefore he wouldn't put any more effort into making a better song. But it's perfect as it is -- a fun listen. Sort of vaguely reminds me of Bloodhound Gang.
GEZAN with Million Wish Collective - 萃点
Gezan is an alternative rock band formed in Osaka in 2009. In 2012, they moved to Tokyo and have been active all over the country. 萃点 is a truly bizarre piece of work that probably summons demons. It's one of those pieces that make me go WTF the first time I hear them. The front-man has a unique and nasal voice that would make any Italian singer blush. The screams he produces are piercing and tribal. The music sounds like a whole body with no distinguishable instruments or elements. It's more like an experience and less like music.
Moments In Time - Merimell - Breatharian
Moments In Time was launched in 2019 by DJ Rudosa in Manchester (UK). "Merimell - Breatharian" is an absolute banger. I imagine naked people dancing and showering in blood (like in the Blade movie scene with Wesley Snipes). I love the intensity of this simplistic unapologetic murdering hard techno.
MIFE - Two Wrist Trap
MIFE is a humble guy from Berlin (Germany) doing some amazing nu-jazz electro. "Two Wrist Trap" is a refreshing track that features sampled live instruments and fast breakbeats mixed together seamlessly. I usually dislike that type of jazz music, but this track makes it palatable. The "ping-pong ball" percussion is also a nice touch.
BUSTY - DEEPFAKE
Nicholas Carter, better known as "Busty" is an Australian Hip Hop artist from the South Coast of NSW. "From hard beats to tough lyrics, Busty is never scared to become personal on the mic" -- they say. I agree -- in "Deepfake" Nicholas drops aggressive fast-paced rhymes over a mean electro-trap beat. He exhibits excellent rap skills by switching flows without any pretence. Lyrics seem legit, too, but I was too lazy to read them, even though they are subtitled in the video.
KashTheGoon - Going
KashTheGoon is a rapper from San Antonio (TX). "Going" carries a deep atmospheric cloudy beat that the frontman attempted to ruin with lazy songwriting and poor singing. This track sounds like a bad mushroom trip. The music video is even more nightmarish. Nigga, watch where you're going next time you check out new music.
Comments
Post a Comment