Dig ‘in: War on Drugs, Protomartyr, LiliPUT
INCOMING
The War On Drugs - I Don’t Live Here Anymore (Atlantic LP)
The War On Drugs is back with the follow-up to their 2017's A Deeper Understanding, and it continues their evolution into an arena-ready indie-rock act. The synths, layered guitar work, keys, and Dylanesque vocals continue on this album, but with a. more polished sound. I could live forever in the beautiful synthy outro of "Change". The synths on this album have definitely moved to the forefront, and add to the power of the new songs without taking away from the strong guitar work the band has always been known for. "Harmonia's Dream" and "Old Skin" are highlights of this strong record. It is a natural evolution from A Deeper Understanding, Adam Grundaciel has clearly developed a strong blueprint that is still producing outstanding results. -Mark Joyner
PEEL: S/T (Third Eyed Stimuli EP)
“Memory Loop” kicks off Sydney newcomers PEEL debut in epic proportion. After a brief preparation, Nick Stillman gives the band the go ahead and it’s off to the races with punishing guitars that rage and recede, all framed by Stillman’s lovely and laconic vocals. The rest of the EP follows suit, achieving a grandness that’s the result of having free reign to experiment in a studio stocked with sonic goodies. In texture, PEEL is reminiscent to the groundbreaking tones of The Jesus and Mary Chain, but their temperament appears more inviting than that Reid brothers fronted outfit that was infamous for turning their backs to the audience. Listening to this record feels like a warm embrace—something that you’ll want to hold onto close and tight and revisit at every available opportunity. -Bruce Novak
ONETWOTHREE - S/T (Kill Rock Stars LP)
There’s a natural bonding that takes place within a rhythm section that goes beyond an obligation to just hold down the beat. And while it might be surprising that a band would form from three bass players who originally established themselves in the initial Swiss underground scene (emanating from the likes of Kleenex/LiliPUT, TNT & Noknows), their shared sensibilities make for a perfect match. Naturally, there’s a rhythmic drive to ONETWOTHREE that’ll have you up on your feet and contorting your body in all matter of abandon. It’s this medium that draws the listener in and establishes a platform for the message that follows. In the video of “Perfect Illusions,” the band delivers a Barbara Kruger-like succession of slogans that bring to light the false promises of consumerism. The themes of deception and artificiality pervade the proceedings, notably surfacing on “Buy Buy” and “Fake.” In their world, climbing the social ladder comes at a great cost, and frankly they’re not buying into any of it. -Bruce Novak
UPCOMING
Protomartyr
Where: Empty Bottle / Directions
When: November 8 & 9, 8:30 PM
A cursory glance at Protomartyr’s album covers might suggest that the band maintains a singular focus. Each record presents a portrait of a solitary figure. Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that while Protomartyr possess a laser-like intensity, their delivery is more nuanced and varied than what initial impressions might suggest. While the band’s overall sound is aggressive, there are moments of introspection that surface in either Joe Casey’s literary narratives or the group’s forays in shifting sonic textures. This is music that aims for the gut, but pulls no punches in terms of elevating one’s mind in similar fashion. -Bruce Novak
Sweeping Promises
Where: Hideout / Directions
When: November 13, 9:00 PM
Lira Mondal and Caufield Schnug met as music major undergrads and while their 2020 debut Hunger for a Way Out is well-structured, it never comes across as overly thought out. The duo kept things basic—recording entirely with a single Shure KSM32 mic in a Harvard University underground bunker ideally suited for organic reverb. The results have a new wave feel in the best possible sense. There’s a danceability and eclecticism to the songs that should lend themselves well to a live setting. Their Hideout performance also includes the Chicago hyper-speed outfit Spread Joy as openers; an added bonus to your entertainment value. -Bruce Novak
Squid
Where: Empty Bottle / Directions
When: November 13 -14, 9:30 PM
It would be easy to lump Squid into the post-punk category with their shifting rhythms, adenoidal vocals and social commentary. But upon closer inspection, their expanded song lengths belie the conventional structure of that medium that favors concise arrangements. Instead of feeling that you’ve set off on an arduous road trip across desolate plains, Squid puts you behind the wheel of a careening vehicle that’s always on the verge of spinning out of control. As you take in their sci-fi inspired dystopian landscape, things shift on a dime as artifice blurs with reality. Can’t wait to trip out to this spastic fantastic performance. -Bruce Novak
UNCOVERED
LiliPUT - LiliPUT (Kill Rock Stars compilation)
Swiss neutrality has been a guiding principle for the country since the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1815. While its inhabitants have enjoyed a peaceful existence because of that, it doesn’t mean that there’s a shared contentment in all things political. In 1978 an alienated quartet of four Zurich women started performing under the name of Kleenex with a feminist mindset and dadaism inspiration. Spiritually, the band shared the self-empowerment and intuitive approach to music that had recently percolated in UK outfits like The Slits and The Raincoats. John Peel became an advocate, which led to the release of a pair of singles on Rough Trade. After receiving a cease and desist order from Kimberly-Clark, the owner of the namesake brand, the group changed their name to LiliPUT. And while a few personnel changes followed, the newly christened outfit went on to release two additional albums and singles via Rough Trade before calling it a day in 1983. All of which is captured on this career-spanning compilation that was first issued stateside by Kill Rock Stars in 2001. Appropriately fitting that a label which prominently served as an incubator for the Riot Grrl movement would want to fill out its catalog with the sort of iconic music that inspired new generations to take up the cause. -Bruce Novak
We recommend listening along over at our Spotify page. Here’s this week’s content: