SpermChurch merdeka atau mati Riverworm Records Released: 9/3/21 SpermChurch is the name gifted to this collaborative union between bassist Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantômas, John Zorn) and the caffeinated electronics of the late Dutch-Indonesian artist Sannety (Sanne van Hek). The first recordings produced by this outing have been collected into a 10-track LP called,  medeka  atau  mati , the motto of the Indonesian Revolution which translates to "Live Free or Die".  No stranger to exploring every available corner of creative freedom granted by being dubbed avant-garde,  medeka  atau  mati is the first official release for Dunn's Riverworm Records label and likely sets a tone for the type of albums his label will produce.  Overwhelmed by relentless irregularity, Dunn and Sannety immediately knock over any viable structures seconds after they're built, ("You Thoroughly Want the Thing That Mounts" comes to mind), Dunn's squiggly thuds ...

To whom it may interest,  A few announcements for fans of the box: Engine Kid Everything Left Inside Southern Lord Released: 6.12.21 (RSD 2021-Drop 1 — Yes, this is late) Appreciators of sunn O))) and Goatsnake know Greg Anderson. Prior to the release of their new 6-LP box set, Everything Left Inside , I'm embarrassed to admit that I had no idea about Engine Kid , a Seattle-based post-hardcore trio whose initial make-up had been composed of Anderson (vocals/guitar), Chris Vandebrooke (drummer) and Art Behrman (bassist). From the promo selections that I've been able to listen through, Engine Kid's Everything Left Inside fits nicely alongside the audibly distraught and naturally abrasive sounds of Unwound, and would've been an obsession of mine during their days of activity had I been aware of them.   Treated for now as a Record Store Day release, which occurred 6/12, a later version of the box set meant for international distribution will be issued at a later date.  In t...

To whom it may interest, Apologies for the absence. If you're reading this, I'm coming off of a series of 60-70 hour work weeks which haven't left much time for things like making dinner, washing dishes, being a present father and husband, or writing about music. This blog is always in the back of my mind, sort of whimpering pitifully in that "we don't talk anymore" manner of pleading. And when I do have those moments when I want to type a few words, run through my email and see what's new, dig for new sounds that might either brighten my hour or pique what little interest I may be able to conjure after a 14- or 16-hour work day, I'm too drained to come up with anything worth typing and my patience is worn too thinly to keep trying. All I can do is sit and maybe staring zombie-like into my phone while I await paralyzing exhaustion to envelope me so I can sleep.  Plus, I'm still working from home. As convenient as it's been to not have a commute...

"Welcome to the new creations…" works as both a lyric and as a promotional pitch for Mutator , the first entry LP to launch a series featuring unearthed material by Alan Vega, pioneering artist and co-member of the seminal and necessary electro-art duo Suicide. Vega, who unfortunately left us in 2016, was a prolific being to say the least and had apparently left behind a significant amount of material. Mutator had originally been recorded between 1995-1996 with Liz Lamere, Vega's wife and creative partner. Introduced today after years of collecting dust, the ominous and coldly factorial "Nike Soldier" is the first aural peek into this unknown work, Vega's eerie vocal radiating with the tone of "prophesied doomsday".  Mutator is up for pre-order via Sacred Bones with the actual release scheduled for 4/23. The "Deluxe Dark Red" is already sold out. I just pulled the trigger on the "Limited Clear and Dark Red Smoke" variant. If...

Another visual entry from METZ's excellent Atlas Vending release surfaced today for the track, "Sugar Pill," the welcome mix of aggro-clatter and amplified noise appropriately bolstered by clips of neighborhood skaters undeterred by weather conditions that would typically postpone their plans to shred. There was a point in time when I wanted every video I watched to look like this: an unsettled, (i.e. performed restlessness channeled through decibels), soundtrack backing up skate culture's continual repurposing of any concrete environment(s), forcing those surroundings to accommodate four-wheels and a shot of adrenaline. At present, to be worthless and old watching invigorated youth rebelling against the elements is refreshing. Bottom line: I hate nostalgia, but I dig this. And the song's cool, too. Atlas Vending is available for purchase via Sub Pop . Or, be like me and wait till the next Bandcamp Friday to pick it up. The video, pertinent info and links are ...

Good evening, The three-day weekend has ended, promises of a four-day stretch of hellscape await. But, not yet. I've compiled some singles and videos to check out, so give a look, hit up some links, and maybe buy some records. Enjoy your week and thanks for reading.  ______________________________________________________________________ Chelsea Wolfe & Emma Ruth Rundle:  "Anhedonia" (via Rarely Unable / Sargent House) Bandcamp —  https://chelseawolfe.bandcamp.com/track/anhedonia-feat-emma-ruth-rundle Website —  https://chelseawolfe.net Via Rarely Unable: Chelsea Wolfe has shared new video for her latest single, “ Anhedonia ” which features vocals and guitar by labelmate Emma Ruth Rundle. Wolfe joined efforts with stop motion editor and video producer Cressa Beer for a moving creation that reflects grief and loneliness, yet brings hope that with time and support, healing is possible. Cressa explains, “The core idea of the video came from an artist and mutu...

The Body I’ve Seen All I Need To See Thrill Jockey Released: 1/29/21 No Ripcord review:  http://www.noripcord.com/reviews/music/body/i%E2%80%99ve-seen-all-i-need-see I’ve Seen All I Need To See can be purchased:  Bandcamp —  https://thebody.bandcamp.com/album/ive-seen-all-i-need-to-see Thrill Jockey —  http://thrilljockey.com/products/i-ve-seen-all-i-need-to-see A review of  You, Whom I've Always Hated , The Body's 2015 collaborative effort with Thou, can also be found at No Ripcord . If you're interested, some additional coverage of The Body: The Body live w/ Assembly of Light Choir (Video) — http://www.letters-from-a-tapehead.com/2011/07/body-live-with-assembly-of-light-choir.html The Body & Braveyoung: "Song One" (Track) — http://www.letters-from-a-tapehead.com/2011/09/body-braveyoung-song-one.html The Body & Thou: Released From Love EP — http://www.letters-from-a-tapehead.com/2014/04/the-bodythou-released-from-love-ep.html The Body & Thou: "...