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Nothing - Guilty of Everything

               It's only natural that a band with a name like Nothing formed out of a definite something. In this case, it was prison. Frontman and mastermind Dominic Palermo spent two years in jail for aggravated assault and attempted murder after a fight led to him stabbing another person. After years of uncertainty and soul searching, Nothing was formed as a solo project by the struggling Palermo. The project took off with the help of guitarist Brandon Setta and they were eventually signed to the metal-centric Relapse Records. Nothing's first full album, Guilty of Everything, drowns you in a sea of noise, emotions, and shoegazy, post rock bliss.

              Downward Years To Come, one of their first EP's, released on A389, was fantastic. Guilty of Everything incorporates many great aspects of Downward while bringing a new flare to spice things up. I don't like Jesu, and I don't particularly like My Bloody Valentine, but these seem to be the two bands that people think Nothing have combined. Though I can see the influence, Nothing, at their core, are something more than just a combination of older bands' sounds. They started out playing punk rock in bands like Horror Show and developed a hazy, psychedelic new sound of their own. They created a sound unmatched by other bands of this caliber, and they are only now starting to get the attention they deserve for it.                    

              Some of their songs, such as "Bent Nail" and "Get Well" are upbeat with a more of a garage rock feel to them. They stick out, but always connect back to the original flow of the album. When Palermo sings "if you feel like letting go," on "Bent Nail" you will find yourself lost in a sentimental vortex, suddenly staring at your bedroom ceiling wondering what you are doing with your life. This may not sound appealing to some, but the greater point I am trying to make about Nothing is they make you feel something. Whether it's good or bad, they elicit emotions so compellingly that no one can ignore it. Others songs stay in the dreamy world of post rock melancholy, but they all fit passionately around each other. What all the songs have in common is true power. Each song more forceful than the next in it's own individual way, the album feels, dare I say, like a roller coaster. Or even worse, an emotional roller coaster. But as cliche as that sounds, Nothing really do take you on a trip. The music evokes the best and the worst memories in all of us. It helps us realize that we are all flawed, but it's going to be okay. 

Bandcamp

Totally Slow - Totally Slow

Those of you who thought this was a doom metal band just from the name, you are not alone. In fact, Totally Slow are anything but slow. From Charlotte, NC and signed to Self Aware/Headfirst Records, their upbeat mix of melancholic pop music is infested with surf, punk, and even metal vibes that bring a new and dynamic energy to this style of music.

I wouldn't say their music is unlike early Superchunk at times, but there is more to it than that simple feeling of pure energetic sadness. Totally Slow comes in heavy and hard with "Wasted Days,"screaming of lost opportunities and reminiscing on the past, which seems to be a central theme on the album. The phenomena of sad music making people happy never ceases to amaze me, and Totally Slow have it down. "Acid Rain" feels like a whiny pop punk song for most of it with lyrics "My love for you is like acid rain" that reminds me of those what many pop punk bands try to do but fail horribly by not knowing how to write decent lyrics. Totally Slow finds a way to say things with a certain subtlety that disguises this music as happy but also get the real message across.

Recorded at Legit Biz in Greensboro, NC by a great guy and a friend of mine, Kris Hilbert,  the sound on this album is great. "Highest Hill," particularly at the end with the repeated "Yeah," there were some very interesting and awesome things done with this recording to make it sound all the more awesome. As the album progresses, the variety of influences that Totally Slow have clearly drawn from is amazing. They switch from pop punk, to punk rock,  to rock and roll, to depressing emo-like meoldies in many songs with a rhythmic pattern and fluidity. And they don't butcher it. They are worth checking out if not for their song writing ability and pure catchiness, then for their efforts. They tried to make an interesting album that differs from the mainstream bullshit out there, and they did.

Check them out here

Top 20 Albums of 2013

Well, it's about time for those top 20 albums of the year again.

20. Deadhorse - MXII Demo
It's rare that a band gets the sound of a full orchestra with only 4 or 5 members, but Deadhorse beat the odds. This short EP packs somber emotion with hints of hope in each note, and sounds like something that should be played in 28 Days Later. Post rock has come a long way since it's emergence, and Deadhorse prove that they are keeping up.

19. American Sharks - American Sharks
These guys sound like they are cousins of The Shrine. Rock'n'roll never sounded so dirty, and you're going to want to roll around in their filth. Energy, a touch of funk, and some steady metal lead this album in a crazy direction with no signs of letting down. Head bang away, but protect your neck because these guys play the hell out of their out of their instruments. And check out that album art, come on.

18. Darkside - Psychic
Two-man post rock/electronic group Darkside released their instant hit Psychic and it all made sense. It's a wonder no one ever thought to play music this serene, but when you want to be as groovy as these guys. Angelic vocals break through their techno mixes and soulful, rhythmic guitars. Give it a few listens, it get better every time.

17. Bosnian Rainbows - Bosnian Rainbows
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez of The Mars Volta fame and lead singer Teri Gender Bender front this electrified alternative rock group. This album is interesting in a unique way. It disguises melancholic lyrics with upbeat tempos and raw energy to make for a that happy kind of sad that we all love. Music has a way with people's brains, and Bosnian Rainbows have tapped in.

16. Deafheaven- Sunbather
As if this album really needs and introduction. Sunbather smacked the world of black metal right across the face with it's dreamy ambiance and harshly tame vocals. It's an album worth praise, and we can only hope that they don't follow the trend of many descending musically with their next release.

15. Kurt Vile - Wakin' On A Pretty Daze
Calm, smooth, and psychedelic Wakin' On A Pretty Daze is another 2013 instant hit. Though this isn't Vile's first great work, it's definitely a continuance. It's an album for a chill day where you're sitting outside in the sun with nothing to do and no problems at all. When you wake up from that dream, you can instead take and hour and play this album being busy with life and at least have a good day.

14. Inter Arma - Sky Burial
The lead in the black metal category may just be taken by Richmonds' Inter Arma. Sunbather sounds like child's play compared to the intensity of Sky Burial, but  to be fair, it's different music. Inter Arma have had a few other releases, but none live up to the reputation and raw power this album represents. After over 3 tours in 2013 alone, Inter Arma mean business.

13. Diarrhea Planet - I'm Rich Beyond Your Wildest Dreams
Punk'n'roll never sounded so righteous. The name doesn't stink and it sure beats Anal Cunt and Syphilitic Vagina's in adventurous, not-too-gross band names, so don't complain. In 2011, Loose Jewels packed quite a punch, but I'm Richer Beyond Your Wildest Dreams stomped even harder. From awesome intro's to catchy-as-all-hell riffs and almost emo-style vocals, their music has more life than this blurb has made-up-connected-words-thingy's.

12. Queens of the Stone Age - ...Like Clockwork
Queens of the Stone Age are nothing new, they are practically as old as I am, which granted isn't very old. But as old as they are they didn't fail to pump out a killer album with riffs that you'll be humming the shower tomorrow. Listening to this album brings back familiar feelings from Songs for the Deaf, but it progressed nicely.  Josh Homme still fronts these bad boy Queens on vocals and guitar, but the band working together as a whole is an unstoppable force.

11. Uncle Acid and the Deadbeat - Mind Control
Get your thinking caps on, kids, or be controlled by the mind-bending riffs of Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats. The evil lyrics compare to those gory favorites such as those of Church of Misery and Cannibal Corpse. But Mind Control shelters the wickedness with sabbathian riffs and unforgettable grooves and while both albums by these guys are good, Mind Control takes the cake on totally off the wall amazing.

10. Nine Inch Nails - Hesitation Marks
Trent Reznor is getting old now, but he doesn't seem to give a shit. Hesitation Marks evokes the youthful vigor of early NIN albums, and the album rules. Even in the second song, "Copy Of A," Reznor says "It's all been done before," and he clearly just knows how to keep doing it right. And lets no go too easy Reznor for the amount on awesome teenage angst he displays in this album. Everything is not okay, and it's all for the better.

9. Russian Circles - Memorial
Another example of post rock going in the right direction has been displayed by Chicagos' Russian Circles. Memorial is beautiful and tragic, but it doesn't fail to brutally destroy anything in its wake. Chelsea Wolfe on vocals for "Memorial" really displays the versatility of the band and what they can do when they put their minds to it. Memorial is calmer than Empros but in a way it improves the overall sound. Some may not enjoy the polished sound the album inherits, and I'm a sucker for raw music, but this music just sounds better this way.

8. Pelican - Forever Becoming
Before Russian Circles, there was Pelican, and they have returned to lead the genre in forceful magnificence as Forever Becoming brings a surprise. This album echoes back to heavier albums like Australiasia but manages to continue on the path Pelican intended with What We All Come To Need. Instead, they have put their heads together with newly added member Dallas Thomas and blissful music has formed to annihilate your ear drums once more.

7. San Fermin - San Fermin

Ellis Ludwig-Leone, head composer and songwriter of San Fermin really put it best: "Its like a panic attack disguised as a birthday party." From the first note of the album, a feeling of dejection mixed with pure ambition fills the air. Few vocalists meet the lucidity of the various vocalists on this album, and it feels like this music isn't played often, or nearly as well. You may be surprised how much you actually like it after a few listens even if it's not what you might normally listen to. Even if it's not the best of the year, I cannot speak more highly of this album or these musicians. 

6. Superchunk - I Hate Music
Old bands with the same youthful energy seem to have made a comeback in 2013, and Superchunk are no exception. Rocking as hard as they did in '89 when they began, Superchunk bring spunk and cheer to music made for sad guys pretending they are happy. I can't imagine that they hate about music, but if they really do, they must have a deal with the devil because they still dominate at melodic, foot-tapping greatness.

5. Palms - Palms
If you're looking for chilled out, hazy  grooves, Palms has answered your prayers. Well known by now, 3/5's of Isis and Deftones frontman Chino Moreno summoned their musical power and birthed and album that you would only expect this combination of guys to make. Isis have been inactive for years now, and it's about time some members started back, being the talented musicians they are. Moreno tunes his vocals nicely in order to fit the style of music and it's not as abrasive as Deftones. It's a definite improvement for Moreno in my opinion, but who's asking?

4. Fuzz - Fuzz
Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz. Fuzz, Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz. Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz, Fuzz, Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz. Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz. Fuzz Fuzz, Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz, Fuzz. Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz. Fuzz Fuzz, Fuzz Fuzz. Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz Fuzz, Fuzz Fuzz, Fuzz Fuzz, Fuzz.

3. Mikal Cronin - MCII
Compare this to The Beatles if you'd like, but Mikal Cronin has originality that few can beat. His guitar pop ascends to new levels of haunting riffs and relaxed vocals with an atmosphere of comprehensible sadness. It must be nice up in the clouds, because Cronin is on a roll. His self titled has memorable tracks, but MCII brings unadulterated sentiment in each song for non-stop enjoyment. A truly great songwriter, it will be exciting to see what Cronin comes up with next.

2. King Khan and the Shrines - Idle No More
After the death of a few friends and a hiatus, King Khan has summoned his Shrines and the strength to deliver unbelievably deep tunes in the midst of hard times. Idle No More has more meaning to Khan than meets the eye. Each song, including 3 about the special deceased people in his life, represent a rising to power. The music is wholesome, fresh and unrelentingly fun.King Khan is an appropriate name as he steps to the throne to help rule the world of garage/psych/pop once more.

1. Jacuzzi Boys - Jacuzzi Boys
Relax guys, you don't have to read any more, this is number one. Glazin along with the help of Iggy Pop and a music video of few singing vaginas made a name for Jacuzzi Boys. Their self titled only furthers the bright future of simple music that keeps the awareness of even the most attention deficit and smooth rhythms really lead this album to number one. It isn't just that they can play minimalistic sounding music, it's that you just don't see the intricacies face on.

Doomriders - Grand Blood

Doomriders, a four piece from Boston, Massachusetts, share members with Converge and Old Man Gloom and make it clear that they know their way around musical instruments. Their second album, Darkness Comes Alive, sounded like a dumbed down version of Converge with doom vocals, but with innovative originality and spirit. But their third release on Deathwish, Grand Blood, puts the potential of novelty in the past and fails to progress.

A chaotic intro track slides into the first song, "New Pyramids," which leaves much to be desired. It follows a path towards some totally exciting explosion and instead farts out dust. The first song on an album can often make an impression on the listener for the rest of the album, so it's important to have a good opener. "New Pyramids" just doesn't do it. The next song, "Mankind" brings a little more hope with its melodic riffage and charm, sounding similar to "Come Alive" off Darkness Comes Alive. But ultimately, it fails to reach full potential due to boring passages that gobble up the cooler repeating harmonies.

What I did notice that was different about this album, compared to their last, is that this sounds more like a hardcore punk album than a metal album. But the sound is more polished than their previous albums, especially Black Thunder, which makes Grand Blood seem kind of stiff. Their music is based on hardcore in some way or another and the new sound makes sense, but it also detracts from their previous, gripping rock and roll sound hooks. The heavy metal mixed with a rock and roll edge gave them a powerful sound, but it's all lessened on Grand Blood by odd, less exciting music.

There are definitely some redeeming moments throughout the album, such as on "We Live In Shadows," the low, guttural vocals, pounding drums, and howling guitars bring life and breath to the album, if only for a short time. "Gone to Hell" starts with some interestingly different vocals, more of singing rather than screaming. It sounds way more like a rock song than anything else, and it's really good. It's also a track that sounds a little lost on this album, but by splitting up some songs into a hardcore style and some into a rock and roll style, they have at least evolved in some way. I'm a sucker for evolution in bands, and I will applaud them for their efforts, but the album could have used a little more work. Grand Blood stands to be a little less grand a little more generic than expected.

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Fuzz - Fuzz

Let's face it, Ty Segall is fun. If you don't know who he is, the dude is in about eight bands(including Fuzz), plays drums, guitar, sings and gets progressively more creative. So it's no surprise that Fuzz, the most recent endeavor of Segall, with Charlie Moothart(who has played on a few Ty Segall band tracks as well as many other various projects) on guitar and Roland Cosio(who google will tell you is a keyboard) on bass, are a serious powerhouse. In The Red Recordings released this first album from these stoner/garage rock mashers and the music clearly displays precise musicianship and a tight grasp on the world of making simple riffs interesting. Together, these star gazers blast fuzzed out, psychedelic goodness that gives their name a proper meaning.

The first track, and probably one of the best, "Earthen Gate," opens up with moaning guitars. A soft riff brings the song into a slow groove, drums and bass joining in, and progresses onwards. "Hide your eyes, ride your lies, and deceive. They must believe!" screams Segall as "Earthen Gate" continues at an upbeat  pace until its end. Ty Segall has an oddly specific sound at some times. Perhaps it's his love of the 3/4 time signature, or perhaps he just thinks better in 3/4. Either way, it works really well. "Whats In My Head?" showcases the band energy with a chorus that ineveitably makes you want to physically jump around the room singing. We all know you do anyways, so why not see whats in Segalls head?  "Raise," one of the catchier songs on the album, starts with twangy guitars and grooves into a cosmos of rock and roll splendor. Other notable tracks, such as "One" and "Preacher," have and old school rock and metal feel, respectively, but both also include break downs that mimic faster punk rock. The combo is interesting and they bring it together effortlessly.

As a stoner rock band, this release definitely deserves some praise. Stoner rock usually stays within a niche, and without fully escaping, Fuzz have stepped out and brought new influences in to give the music creative life and appeal to more people.

Check it out

Russian Circles - Memorial

Geneva was not a bad album, but Russian Circles' sound didn't quite become polished until the release of Empros in 2011. They mixed a brutally heavy post metal, atmosphere and sheer power in a way that they had not done before. This new sound resonated with metal fans around the world, and Russian Circles had found their style. But the release of their newest album, Memorial, seems to swerve in yet another new different direction. Instead of constant raw power, the Chicago three-piece decided to incorporate more ambiance, which really adds some variety to their sound, for the better. If they were to repeat Empros, this album would have gone straight down hill.

Memorial offers a brilliant mix of both spacey, psychedelic songs, as well as ground-shaking monsters that borrow power from Empros but have an advanced sound. "Memoriam" starts the album out on a sort of sorrowful note. The track is acoustic with violins and serves as a gentle intro for what is about to come. Then "Deficit" slaps you with a slow and steady hand, reminding you just who you are dealing with. Eerie guitars and steady drums lift the song as the intensity builds and subsides rhythmically. When I say their album has variety, it not only has different sounding songs, but the album itself is set up in such a way that the songs blend perfectly when played in order. 

"Cheyenne" and the pure post-rocky goodness of "1777" offer a soft break between all of the madness. But when it's time to pummel, like "Burial" and "Lebaron," Russian Circles certainly step up to the plate. One of the best tracks is the last track, "Memorial," featuring Chelsea Wolfe. Wolfe is in her own band, appropriately titled Chelsea Wolfe, who play haunting, creepy, music. Wolfe's vocals totally alters the sound of Russian Circles, and in an awesome way. The airiness and fluidity of her soft, serene, vocals appropriately accompany the engulfing tranquility of the music. The track ends the album on a solid note, and exemplifies the skill of their musicianship and flexabiity.

Check out the album Here