First New Music of the Year
Maybe I'll be able to keep on top of things this year... Of course, I write some variation of that sentiment at the beginning of every year. Hasn't happened yet.
Anyway, the first cd I got this year was given to me by my old friend Devon Morf - his band's new cd, actually...
Conquest for Death "Beyond the Hidden Valley" cd (an admittedly biased mini-review)
I love that this sounds like European hardcore, circa 1985. Truth to tell, I don't by a lot of punk cds anymore, but when I do get one, it always has more impact than it would have at the height of my punk consumption during the eighties and early nineties. It sort of stands out amongst all of the non-punk I buy. Anyway, this is fast hardcore with shouted vocals, good lyrics, and just the right kind of frantic energy. Also, they're probably the most ambitious band I know when it comes to touring. They just recently got back from a tour of Africa, and the Middle East looks to be next. Devon even wants to play Antarctica. Buy this so they can support their touring habit.
The first record of the year was...
Crow "Bloody Tear" lp
Since my nickname is Crow, I'd been wanting to check out these guys for awhile. Good thing I actually like them. This is Japanese crust/metal/punk, with heavy, grinding rhythms, growled/shouted vocals, and stark, black and white graphics featuring the usual genre staples of dead bodies, demons, guys with swords, etc. One song even sounds like it has overtone singing thrown into the mix. Hard to tell though. Good for upsetting the neighbors and scaring the kids.
