The anger that persists on Malign Hex is never so cliched to be grounded by the confines of its creators; it's tapping into the ether to explode unseen parts of reality and give listeners the spark to indulge these nameless feelings of fear, disgust, outrage, etc. To support this larger effort, the band emphasize their cohesion as a unit.
Incredibly idiosyncratic - albeit not to one another, the Atlanta-based quartet Mamalarky communicates amongst themselves in a tongue all their own. Their most recent release, Pocket Fantasy, is not an invitation into their world, but an overheard discussion felt so intensely that it is carried home by casual passerby.
It turns out that a slowed-down, remote, process gave Mushfoot ample time to think these songs thoroughly through, giving them the recording touches these detailed, layered songs require. They pick up on strands laid before them by the likes of My Bloody Valentine, Broadcast, Deerhoof, Stephen Merritt, and more.
At some point in 2020, Andy Molholt felt it was time to call it a day on Laser Background. While it was sad to see it come to an end, in reality, it was more the retiring of a name, and a chance for Molholt to start anew. Special World is that fresh beginning, a new solo project that explores similar psych territory but pushes further into alien terrain.
Formed by Joel Harries (72%) to make a cavalcade of guitar and synth noise, the collaborative roots of the current iteration later emerged, with Harries joined by Luc Hess (Coilguns) and Thomas Lacey (Cower). There’s a noticeable dread and claustrophobia to Catalogue of Errors, captured with harrowing tension and fury, equal parts sludge and abrasion.
In keeping with the promise of their 12”, Blush is an exciting addition within that catalog. An album length statement that stands rather asynchronous from the momentum of this New British Alternative moment; more akin to a dark horse alternative nudging towards the dancefloor catharsis of hundreds or even just one.
Enter Hit With The Most, the band’s latest. Intended as a love letter to its obvious early ‘80s pop influences, the album is mostly distorted guitars over mid-tempo slacker rock. Ribbon Stage is big on subtlety, vocals back in the mix and nary a cymbal on the record – the result is an almost unwavering focus on simplicity and melody.
Following a half decade playing in shoegaze band Coaches and a slew of engineering credits that include Infinity Girl, Matt Bachmann, and work on the Red Dead Redemption 2 soundtrack, Brady Custis is ready to step out on his own. His latest project, Brady Only, is a somber solo affair, blending his musical roots into more traditional folk.
Kingston, NY duo Rider/Horse ain’t no one trick pony, as they prove on their second album, Feed ‘Em Salt. The pairing of Cory Plump (Spray Paint, Winged Wheel) and Chris Turco (Les Savy Fav, Trans Am) have headed back to the swarm, to bring us their next chapter, one that is constantly rattled, repetitive, and eerily engaging.
Considering the band delivered their new album, Blue Rev, after multiple all-night sessions, just barely hitting their vinyl production deadline, and that it’s been five years since their last album, one might expect Alvvays’ third album to feel overthought. On the contrary, Alvvays have created their most surprising and rewarding album yet.
