Split Single "Metal Frames"
Oh boy! New Split Single! That means that the hooks, the power-pop, the sexy elbows, are all back. Ok. Full disclosure. Jason shot a video in the Bank Robber offices, along with Todd Barry and some other exciting celebrities, so we were destined to fall in love with Metal Frames either way. Thankfully we hitched our wagon to a songwriting machine. Stadium sized melodies, the ever fantastic drumming of Jon Wurster, and this time on the bass is Wilco’s John Stirratt. See, we aren’t the only crew that loves Jason. What’s not to love? A funny dude that writes songs that fall somewhere between his day job bands as bassist for both Bob Mould and Superchunk. Really, right between those two amazing sounds you find Jason’s own amazing sound. Ok, we’ll stop gushing and suggest you check out “Still Invisible.”
Exit Verse "Grant No Glory"
Grant No Glory (EJRC), the second album from Exit Verse is everything you want it to be. If you somehow missed their debut 2 years ago, allow me to fill you in. After all, this is the new band of ex-Karate frontman Geoff Farina. Yeah. This is some straight up rock and roll. Sure, there is a pop-punk hint here and there, but there is also some Rolling Stones at their most anthem-y. Which is admittedly a combo I don’t normally put together in a blurb. But then again, bands don’t normally sound like this. Check out the math-y syncopation and the Kieth Richards-esque riffage of “Skulls Don’t Sing.”
The Silence "Nine Suns, One Morning"
Japan’s The Silence is now three albums into a musical career where the only constant is a constantly changing sound. Nine Suns, One Morning (Drag City) is a jazzy, funky, rock record. Occasional hints of previous psych-folk sounds are here, along with a no wave-esque experimental saxophone-including freak out style that’s blossomed since their last record. It’s as if Morphine and Mr. Bungle formed some sort of supergroup while I was in college and made all of my (at the time) dreams come true. Make all of your dreams come true and check out “Ritual of the Sun (Worm Hole to the Universe).”
Major Stars "Motion Set"
You’re sitting there like everything is normal, like your face isn’t about to melt off. Well all that is about to change, as 18 blistering strings of guitar-ness set your eyes, ears, and nose on fire. Wait. This isn’t 5 alarm chili. We are only here to burn your ears. And blazing they will be with the majesty of Motion Set (Drag City), the new face-melter (remember, I warned ya) from Major Stars. Drone-y wry vocals from Kate Biggar, and ‘70s metal rhythm lay the foundation for the guit-army to attack. Hints of Black Sabbath, Mike Oldfield, and lots of other great guitar things that happened in the ‘70s mixed with a bit of a Pinkerton-era Weezer thing, add a million awesome guitar solos, throw in some jazz exploration, and there you go. Prepare yourself for the aforementioned Sabbath-ness of “For Today.”