|
Written by: The Administrator
Welcome to Sleeping Village Micro-Reviews: Volume I! The following is a collection of very short reviews written in reaction to individual tracks submitted by a delightfully eclectic assortment of artists. The only thing the musicians featured herein all have in common? They responded to our following twitter prompt: "If you reply to this tweet within the next uhhhh 60 minutes with a link to one of your songs, I'll check it out and write a lil' micro review." And so here we are. Thank you to everyone who submitted tunes, I had a lot of fun doing this and will certainly be sending out a similar prompt again in the future. To everyone reading, I hope you find something lurking below that appeals to your tastes. Please note: we had a few submissions come in after the deadline--they will not appear here, but I will collect them all in a forthcoming Volume of Sleeping Village Micro-Reviews. If you are responsible for one of those submissions, fear not and stay tuned! Enough of my blathering. Without further ado: 
0 Comments
In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish the little one-off reviews that were previously (and arbitrarily) deemed too short for publication. Here, we discuss a redux of a very fine track from a very fine band.
Written by: The Administrator Gosh. I love when a band issues a remixed and revitalized redux of an older track, and I particularly love when this very same scenario occurs with a track that I love from a band that, indeed, I love. Mothman and The Thunderbirds is a project that this particular scribe has enjoyed greatly from inception, and I'm firmly of the mind that everything under the Mothman moniker is exceptionally well done. 2021's debut Into The Hollow embraced a willingness to explore, and everything since--the (objectively perfect) cover of "96 Quite Bitter Beings," the dynamic split with World Eaters, the trippier "Gazer" EP*--continue the trend of good music that doesn't feel particularly confined by anything other than the quality of that which came before. So, then. Into this equation enters a redux of, arguably, one of my favorite tracks from Into The Hollow, featuring the remixing and remastering chops of Egor Lappo. "The Simpsons = Real Hollow" is an anomaly in the midst of the original tracklist, as guest vocals are provided by Kirby, wife of project leader Alex Parkinson. Promo material calls said vocal performance "soaring" and "sardonic," both apt descriptors. I would add "youthful"--not unrefined or adolescent, but rather filled to the brim with the kind of jubilant enthusiasm that feels almost impossible to contain. The original featured excellent vocals, and the redux'd version truly allows Kirby's voice to shine, contrasting wonderfully with Alex's bellowed backing interjections while sitting nicely in the mix. The chorus is catchy as fuck. Otherwise, the new version feels crisp and clean across the board. Alex's new bassline pummels with significantly more oomph. The track's rockin' central riff carries itself with the same familiar momentum--an urgency that doesn't quite let up, lending the whole track an energetic edge. This is the mix/master that the track deserves, and another testament to the quality of Lappo's work. As mentioned in our review of "96 Quite Bitter Beings," this outsourced production adds a notable level of polish. It sounds great. 'Nuff said. Mothman and The Thunderbirds - "The Simpsons = Real Footage (2023 Redux) was released Sept. 22nd, 2023, and can be found here. You can also listen below! How convenient is that?
In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish the little one-off reviews that were previously (and arbitrarily) deemed too short for publication. Here's a mini-review of a crocodilian EP
Written by: The Administrator
Despite a respectable roster of dangerous critters dwelling 'round these parts, this particular scribe is fortunate to live in a place where crocodiles, um, don't. In my understanding--which is to say, quite probably in reality--these beasts frequently pluck unsuspecting adult human victims and drag them into the murky depths to drown in a scaly embrace. They represent the worst way to die, and only rank slightly below moose and hippos in the hierarchy of animals that I never want to encounter in the wild. Anyways. Listening to Edinburgh's own Cult Of Sobek is like unto the aftermath of a wrestling match with a killer croc: there's nothing left to do but succumb. Driven by a hypnotic trancelike churn and the threatening presence of bestial howls, the three tracks Cult Of Sobek deliver on debut EP Petsuchos represent the kind of damply organic and borderline psychedelic sound that I crave when it comes to crushing doom. Their sound is dredged from the mire, just the way I like it. There's a vicious aggression cleverly hidden underneath the trippier elements, and the constant sense of something lurking elevates each track in a way that I wasn't expecting. As a result, I've returned to this EP many, many times over the summer whenever the playlist requires some subtle menace. Despite feeling appropriately heavy and suffocating and bituminous, there's a sharpness that punctuates the tracks, both in terms of the cymbals throughout and sidewinding leads. In regards to the latter, look to both the title track and the tail end of "Maneater" where high-pitched leads squeal, providing excellent contrast. From a thematic perspective, the crocodilian elements shine through across the breadth of the EP. From a musical perspective, it is a very rewarding experience. Give a well-deserved listen to the mighty title track below, and check out the full EP here. Cult of Sobek - Petsuchos was released July 22nd, 2023 via Trepanation Recordings In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish the little one-off reviews that were previously (and arbitrarily) deemed too short for publication. Here's a mini-review of a top-notch hip-hop album.  Written by: The Administrator Today, we slumbering scribes reject the "metal review site" tag by publishing a mini-review for a rap album. You can't stop us. One of my favorite hip hop albums of the year thusfar, Champagne For Breakfast positions the magnetic Meyhem Lauren as a paragon of New York rap. Equally luxurious and menacing, Lauren's flow is sublimely confident. It feels like he's been strutting across beats like these for decades. Boisterous aggression isn't necessary, and as a result the self-assured nature of his raps feel relaxed and refined. He's working hard but everything appears casually effortless. His delivery is calculatingly laissez-faire, yet never lacks punch or gravitas. That's a perfect combo, as far as I'm concerned. Madlib and DJ Muggs handling production in dual fashion is a real treat as well. The entire album is delightfully cohesive without eventually feeling stale or overplayed, which frankly feel decently rare in the world of Griselda-adjacent psychedelic boom-bap. Champagne for Breakfast is a smooth album that feels both understated and simultaneously larger than life. Lauren operates at a very high level, and despite absolutely bodying a braggadocious air, his showmanship and persona is never alienating. While there's not a bad track herein, if you're looking to sample, "Fresh Out The Water," "Big Money," "Dom VS Cris," "One of Them Ones," and "Szechuan Capital"--the latter complete with an excellent Action Bronson feature--are all fantastic places to start. In sum: highly recommended! Meyhem Lauren x Madlib x DJ Muggs - Champagne For Breakfast was released April 7th, 2023 via Soul Assassins
In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish the little one-off reviews that were previously (and arbitrarily) deemed too short for publication. Here's a mini-review of a delightfully slimy death metal EP.
Written by: The Administrator
The roster of underground death metal bands that deserve more attention is nigh-infinite, and while underappreciation is inevitable, everyone needs to stop sleeping on Cork's own Bodydrinkers. In an attempt to remedy this scenario, we slumbering scribes try our hand at rousing the masses. Wake up! Plug this into your earholes! A mere three tracks, Swamp Hammer is nonetheless a beast. The titular track kicks things off with glorious belligerence, a churning muscular barrage accompanied by an engaging range of vocal delivery. The riffage roils with pythonian strength, and while delivering an effective bludgeoning, the track does not overstay its welcome. My personal favorite track, the follow-up "Byzantine Blinding," opts for a slower yet no less pugilistic angle. The vocals here are truly monstrous, and play inordinately well off the massive surge of instrumentation. Closer "Bio Terroristic Occult Sermon" threads the needle between the two extremes, delivering a slightly more grindy and unhinged take on Bodydrinkers' apparent trademark aggression. The variety presented herein is quite enjoyable, and the short runtime simply isn't enough. I crave more. Given the EP title and slimy descriptor, I was admittedly expecting a little more sludgy lumbering and dripping riffage, but as a fan of the mire, that's on me. What we get instead is top-notch stuff, no bones about it. Swamp Hammer is delightfully aggressive and takes no prisoners in the sonic bombardment department. I highly recommend checking this one out! Listen here and snag a tape from (the illustrative) Fiadh Productionshere. Bodydrinkers - Swamp Hammer was released January 20th, 2023 (Digital) and June 2nd, 2023 (Cassette) via Fiadh Productions In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish the little one-off reviews that were previously (and arbitrarily) deemed too short for publication. Here's a mini-review of a rockin' and rollin' track.  Written by: The Administrator Back in the throes of lockdown, we slumbering scribes ran an interview with Holy Death Trio, a (then) new act with only several singles to their name. A few years later, I come to the realization that in the slew of new music I completely missed the promo cycle of their debut LP, 2021's appropriately monikered Introducing..., which featured those early singles, and, in sum, turned out pretty damn well. In any case, I was excited to see a new track from the Holy Death Trio camp hit the ol' inbox, as a little vintage rock 'n' roll can go a long way in the heat of the summer. "Death Rider" is a short lil' tune but it does not disappoint. Riding in with the dusty air of a tune destined to land on a well-used cassette, "Death Rider" moves at foot-tapping trot. It feels delightfully vintage--the channels are just wonky enough, and the vocals carry a raw and rough undertone. There's little complexity in the composition, but the guitar truly shines, with an extensive and borderline jubilant solo carrying the majority of the back half. Perhaps most importantly, the track doesn't feel overworked nor overbaked. Sitting at a tight 2:28 runtime, there's no fat to be trimmed. It's a wonderfully unpolished affair, and feels nostalgic without falling too far down the emulation road. Most importantly, it's a damn fun listen. I'm excited to see Holy Death Trio continue down this road. If you're a fall of the old school rock 'n' roll sound and ethos, this one is definitely worth a listen. Check it out below! Holy Death Trio - "Death Rider" was released August 8th, 2023. 
Written by: The Administrator
Those of you with frighteningly impeccable memory may remember another mini-review from a while back discussing Cartoon Head's first foray into self-described "doom ska." I really enjoyed "Wrong!" in all of its oddity, and have anxiously awaited another Cartoon Head release in a similar vein. What we got wasn't a duplicate of those gloriously strange sights and sounds, but the result is wholly intriguing and chaotic nonetheless. In the band's own words: "It's a cover of a Ghost song and we fucked it right up for you." "Square Hammer" is a classic unto itself, and a straight cover simply wouldn't work. Enter Cartoon Head's off-kilter approach. There's a poppy yet carnivalesque sense of panic and glee that drapes over the whole (very brief) affair. That instantly recognizable riff has been given the fun house treatment, drenched in a glitzy sleaze. The verses are sped up to a borderline comical degree, the vocals are just a little maniacal, and the noise-afflicted chorus feels like it has been dragged through the sewer. The track also just ends midway with the kind of abruptness that makes you wonder if you accidentally hit pause. There is no leadout, no reflection. It's a genuinely funny choice, and one that fits Cartoon Head pattern of operating outside expectation. The whole track feels less like an homage to Ghost and more like a medieval satire, a jester clowning with a crude effigy of a king. And if all this sounds like a negative, please know that I absolutely adore the Cartoon Head approach to absurdity. This track is an exciting exercise in pulling the rug out from under the listener, and that is a rare trait indeed. Given the implicit good humor and self-awareness that Ghost have utilized over their run, this feels like a very appropriate way to cover their music. If you want a faithful rendition of "Square Hammer," this ain't it. If you like weird music, check it out below. Cartoon Head - Square Hammer was released May 5th, 2023 via Hvng Man Records. Find it here!
In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish the little one-off reviews that were previously (and arbitrarily) deemed too short for publication. Here's a mini-review of a short albeit very violent EP.
Written by: The Administrator
Greetings, dear reader. Do you have a mere 7 minutes of free space in your inevitably well-stocked music queue? If so, I highly recommend taking Anti Ritual's latest for a spin. Don't bother buckling up–regardless of safety precautions, you'll leave this brief encounter as bruised and battered as a crash test dummy after a double shift at the getting fucked up factory. Make no mistake: engaging with Green Terrorism’s fiery display of self-described “caustic black/grind hardcore” is an inevitably pulverizing and visceral affair. The general trend is breakneck percussion with breathless riffs to match, a thrashing fray accompanied by some truly pissed off rabid snarls. If you like harsh music that drives home its point in gloriously bloody fashion while hastily leaves the scene of the crime, ANTI RITUAL have ye covered. Blistering violence is the name of the game, and indeed, it is pretty damn telling when a project's arguably most languorous and borderline sludgy track (the stellar "The Ghost of Mary Shelley") still manages to clock in at a brisk one minute and forty six seconds. Green Terrorism is urgent and relentless and pugilistic to a fine-tuned degree. You can forget kid gloves--as they explicitly target those responsible for the capitalistic eradication of the global climate, ANTI RITUAL gleefully wield knuckledusters wrapped in bloodied barbed wire. And despite the outward grit and bluster, this project most certainly rewards repeat listens. The intent is crystal clear, and the execution is on point. If you're in the mood for violence, Green Terrorism comes highly recommended. ANTI RITUAL - Green Terrorism was released May 5th, 2023 via Indisciplinarian. Find it here!
ANTI RITUAL can be found:
Bandcamp
In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we're gonna actually publish the little one-off reviews that were previously (and arbitrarily) deemed too short for publication. Here's a mini-review of a rockin' single that I simply can't stop listening to.
Written by: The Administrator
When I find myself spending a little too much time in the doom and the gloom, a bangin' rock 'n' roll song serves as the inevitable cure. "Six Years" is the only track Moonlust currently has on tap, and goddamn, it handily qualifies as a hard-rockin' barnburner. This thing is addictive, plain and simple. In an exceedingly brisk 2 minutes and 8 seconds, Moonlust delivers exactly what I crave in a single. Driving central riff? Check. Foot-stomping momentum? Check. Engaging vocals, delivered with the kind of emotive fullthroatedness that practically demands audience participation? Check. A no-nonsense solo that feels complimentary and not a mere accessory? Check. A speedy runtime that leaves me desperately wanting more? Check. Check, check, check. Fully and completely. When I say I have listened to this song a total of 15 times in the past few days, I am not exaggerating. I am glued to that damn repeat button, and that, frankly, is a very good problem to have. "Six Years" has hooks and charisma in spades, and I can only hope that this standalone single exists as a harbinger of more to come. Give it a listen below! Moonlust - Six Years was released Jan. 6th, 2023. 
Written by: The Administrator
About, oh, 18 hours ago, the mere concept of Doom Ska had simply never entered my mind. Presently, the possibilities presented by the mere existence of the genre conglomerate in question have me pretty damn excited. This change is due solely to a single song from Cartoon Head–a track that sits confidently under the two minute mark, and notably enlists the service of brass hype to accentuate the churning see-saw riffage and bombastic vocal delivery. "Worse!" is, for sake of brevity, a ridiculously fun track. This thing rips. It has me pumped up and ready to flail my arms and legs in some gross attempt at dance. I wanna learn the lyrics so I can shout along. Why is it so short. I crave more. The guitar is nearly nauseating in a highly kinetic fashion–it pulls and pushes, instantly leaving the listener feeling a little ragdolled. The jubilant horns, while initially surprisingly, are significantly less overbearing than you might imagine, and ultimately fit very comfortably alongside the clanging guitar. They add a delightful emphasis to the track's carnivalesque mood and sense of bouncy momentum. I mean, shit. I was really taken off guard by this track in the best of ways. In a world of music that often feels referential and derivative–which, I hasten to add, is seldom a bad quality–Cartoon Head has put forth something that feels remarkably fresh. Maybe that's coming from a place of unfamiliarity, but from my perspective, “Worse!” feels uniquely original. Give it a well-deserved listen here! Cartoon Head - Worse! was released Nov. 25th via HVNG MVN RECORDS |
WELCOME!We provide thoughtful reviews of music that wakes us from slumber. Written by a highfalutin peasantry. Archives
July 2023
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed