by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Austin’s Neckbolt are a new band that are making noise rock in their own way, deranged and slurred, loud and abrasive, but colorful and a bit psychedelic. It rips with amp blaring intensity but has a prismatic gleam, a sordid kind of fusion that sits somewhere between fellow Texans like Cherubs, Borzoi, and Butthole Surfers. Their debut album, Midwestern Drawl, is due out November 5th via Spider Dispatch Unit, is refreshing in its sonic approach, a barn burner that’s heavy on kaleidoscopic pummeling, Southern twang, and bent melodies. Neckbolt are truly onto something special.
“Jawline,” the record’s lead single and the world’s introduction to their music, is a great place to start with the duo at their most accessible. Led by Benjamin Krause’s piercing guitar (which recalls Chavez during the intro, a compliment I don’t use lightly), there’s an undeniable twang to it and yet it couldn’t feel further from anything country or Americana. It’s got an unstoppable boot stompin’ boogie but the song wriggles and swarms instead of every going to predictable route. Like a laser cutting through diamonds, the colors refract in all directions, pushing through the murk and haze of James Roo’s heavily effected vocals. Welcome to the wonderful world of Neckbolt.
In addition to their debut album, the band are set to release a companion VHS, Neckbolt Live! at the Museum of Human Achievement, capturing the band in its live iteration.