This is quite the surprise release by this relatively new Finnish seven piece. There's an immediate atmosphere here that's both unique and captivating -- a retro heavy rock psychedelia that doesn't sound quite like anyone else. That said, the Finns obviously pull their musical inspiration from the likes of Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy and Mercyful Fate as is evident on numerous occasions throughout the album. There's also a slight hint of early Metallica found here and there, although it must be stressed that this isn't a metal album by any stretch. Frontwoman Jess has a great sounding voice, although it seems to lack poWEr in some areas, most likely a result of the vocals being slightly dimmed in the mix. There's a touch of a feminine Patrick Dubar in her voice who, for those of you who don't know, was the extremely underrated vocalist of '90s hard rock band Mindfunk. For the most part this album is upbeat, driving stuff, with incredible musicianship on display -- from the Maiden/Lizzy pummel of "Ghost riders" to the "People are strange" vibe of "Devil (in g minor)" and the subdued Opeth-prog of closer "Come crimson death" -- and almost perfect pacing throughout. It's an exciting body of work with a powerful production that hints at bigger and better to come from these occultists. - John Norby
New music from the always wonderful Johan G. Winther, out now on . Says the label:
"I've been friends with Johan Gustavsson for a long while now – first through his music as Tsukimono (glitchy noisy drone dreamy electronics stuff that somehow stayed undiscovered by too many people) on labels such as and . Later on I organized some gigs for his instrumental rock band called Scraps of Tape. Some time ago Johan found a battered cd-r with old recordings he made for his grandmother, playing them to a couple of friends (who some of you might know: Nils Frahm & Peter Broderick) – who encouraged him to do something with those beautiful recordings. After some months of thinking and tinkering he finally sent me "For Ingar Gustavsson". A lengthy album, humble, restrained and precise and with a lot of respect. Imagine Arvo Pärt as a bedroom musician, laptop processing his Für Alina pieces with the same understanding and confidence that he originally composed them. Stretching them out into wise, vast wintry landscapes. Embracing life/eternity like only the elderly can. You never fell asleep so calmly."
The Amazing are coming to the US for a string of dates in November:
11/07 - Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
11/08 - Union Transfer, Philadelphia, PA
11/09 - Royale Night Club, Boston, MA
11/10 - WEbster Hall, New York, NY
11/13 - Metro, Chicago, IL
11/15 - The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA
11/17 - The Fonda Theatre, Hollywood, CA
Kudos to Way Out WEst press chief Joel Borg for calling bullshit on SWEdish newspaper GT's crass anti-vegetarian meat party: http://www.dagensmedia.se/nyheter/pr/article3518797.ece
I'm not one to so quickly invoke Godwin's Law, but fuck them for making light of a serious issue.
One of the biggest frustrations from my recent trip to SWEden: you can't be two places at once. It's also impossible to see/do everything and nor should you try, but that doesn't mean I'm immune from regret. So, sorry to the friends I didn't connect with! There will be a next time. And howabout Randy playing WEst Coast Riot in Göteborg? Oops, I was in Stockholm. Cosy Den? Nope, gotta be back in Göteborg that night. The Holy Ghost's live debut at Lilla Hotellbaren? No way, that was actually the day WE landed... in Göteborg, naturally. I would've loved to have been at that one too, especially now that I've gone back and revisited The Holy Ghost's 2011 demo tracks -- I've been eager to check them out ever since ex-Trapdoor Fucking Exit/Java/Ashram member Jens Åker announced the project some years ago and now that he's got a full live band together, I'm even more excited about it. Even better: they'll be going back into the studio in a couple WEks to record again and I've been told the revamped lineup w/2nd guitar adds a whole new dimension to the band. So once again, let us revisit that old demo and look forward towards what's to come.
A preview of SWEdish experimental/industrial/avant pop label 's lineup for September which includes new cassettes from Ekman (NL), Imiafan (SK), and Militær Enhed (?).
Pitchfork WEnt to Øya and WEnt on the black metal sightseeing tour and also managed to catch locals Disaster in the Universe, who they graciously dubbed "The worst band in Norway (and, possibly, the entire world)": http://pitchfork.com/features/articles/8916-ya/
They also made an effort to catch at least some other NorWEgian acts, singling out Susanne Sundfør, Highasakite, Pow Pow, Young Dreams and Årabrot as standouts.
Jess and the Ancient Ones
