FRONT & BACK COVER PHOTOS OF MONARCH TAKEN AT TEMPLES FEST 2015 BY CALVIN SCHERER
ISSUE 07 AUTUMN 2016 ART NEEDS AN OPERATION FACEBOOK.COM/ANAOPUNK INSTAGRAM.COM/ARTNEEDSANOPERATION ARTNEEDSANOPERATIONPUNK@GMAIL.COM
REVIEW: OUU MANGO FETCH PSYCHADELIC
We’ve been itching to review this album ever since we heard OUU was writing new music over a year ago. After being delayed for month this album finally came out, and is everything we wanted it to be. The sophomore album from Estonia Psych band OUU sees them venture from their almost Folk like roots into a powerful, overwhelming storm of Psychedelia. Opening track MADMAN MANTRA begins with choral vocals and folky percussion and guitars similar to that of their debut album. But soon the track bursts into colour. The swell of Psychedelia is so prominent in the structure of the music, with songs beautifully building up and dying down again. The album is not just made from a reproduced structure though. Each song feels rounded; exploring different styles, yet still creating a flowing album that never stagnates. Moving from the airy guitars and powerful vocals of TRIANGLE to the playful Pop riff filled La maison de l'horreur, does not feel unfamiliar as the band’s distinctive sound is present throughout all that they play, no matter the style it’s in. There seems to be so much more focus on exciting instrumentation in this al
bum. Percussion and guitars sound immense. Almost bluesy feeling guitar and bass riffs feel so natural amongst the swelling Psych sounds. The band all feel as they are pushing their limits of what they can perform. From the start it is apparent that whilst vocals are now in English, the beautiful, lyrical Estonian style of singing that came across in their debut, Sammalhabe, is still defining the bands way of writing and performing. It’s nice to now understand the lyrical content even if that means loosing the beautiful sound of the Estonian language. The whole album strikes an unbelievably beautiful balance between so many sounds; from hazy Folk to Post Punk. Beautifully progressive yet still embracing Pop riffs; OUU have put together a ferocious album that is their best to date.
Mango Fetch is out through Eesti Pops on CD & digitally.
REVIEW: WEST AMERICA/PORRIDGE RADIO HELLO DOG FRIENDLY LO-FI
This transatlantic spilt marries two artists from completely different locations but with strangely similar styles. Punctuated with Punk sounds, both bands are daring and fearless with their sound throughout Hello Dog Friendly. Porridge Radio’s side of the split is a terrifyingly mess of marching drums, repetitive vocals and tumultuous guitars that come together to create an overwhelming feeling of unease. Throughout the band create a sense of organised chaos, yet this disordered feeling is captivating. The melodic vocals seem so at contrast with the sort of out of time guitars and peculiar mix of percussion. Porridge Radio don’t really fit into any genre, they just feel like a heap of the bands emotion pilled onto instruments. The last Porridge Radio track on the split, Born Confused, is seemingly the least chaotic and most structured piece. It’s beautifully crescendos as vocals loop over and over feeling more and more strained every time. West America’s half feels weirdly neat after the chaos of Porridge Radio, but West America are still a chaotic and witty band. Songs start of feeling like unremarkable Rock songs but manage
to turn into raw energetic expression. Past Is Personal is most clear with this contrast, it’s opening riff is almost College Rock, but soon dissolves into fast distressing riffs. The apprehensive sounding vocals, like Porridge Radio, are both composed and disturbed at the same time. The ambient closer of the split, Alien Wifi Massacre, feels like a gentle finale for this intense split. It hums and loops along, but still manages to inject unnerving sounds as it comes to a close. This spilt is utter mayhem, but is incredibly enjoyable for it.
Hello Dog Friendly is out through Memorials of Distinction on cassette and digitally.
REVIEW: JAGHANA FOREST BEHIND THE DREAM PSYCH
Jaghana's debut EP, Forest Behind The Dream, is storm of a laid back, delirious psychedelia. Having formed in Coventry, the band currently reside in Bristol, and there are definite feelings of influence from the Lo-Fi and Psych artists of the city. There comes across this eerie portrait of the rural West Country that fills other Bristolian artists work, such as Oliver Wilde. Whilst Jaghana have clearly been moulded by a mix of 70’s Psychedelia and the contemporary scene of Bristol there is a cleanly cultivated personal sound to their music. The lingering vocals, fed through effects, add a distinctive melodic element over the shoegazing guitars, notably in penultimate song I Melt With You. Some beautiful bass melodies are present throughout, and happily drift in and out of focus. Slightly muted the bass never feels intrusively dominant amongst the ethereal guitars. Gentler melodies of Silver Shadow are some of the most beautiful of the EP. Percussion here feels really at home with it’s gentle jazzy vibe. There feels to be a very delicate shift in tempo throughout this song. Whilst the instrumentation throughout
this album is very consistent, it is the subtle pacing that really adds to the distinctness of each piece of music. Forest Behind The Dream offers some beautiful nostalgic psychedelia from this young band.
Forest Behind The Dream is out digitally directly from the band.
REVIEW: RALPH COLA COSMIC JOKE LO-FI
Last year we were obsessed with Ralph Cola’s debut EP, for a one man project National Zero was a dense mixture of sounds and styles. This debut full length has all the charm of Ralph Cola’s EP and uses the 12 song album to create an even broader collage of music. The fact that the song writing and ideas on each track are so strong makes the diversity of the album as a whole work. Instrumentation is varied throughout, and unlike many one man projects there is equal attention given to all pieces that make up Ralph Cola. As the album progresses it becomes apparent that most songs are lead by the unbelievably catchy and funky bass lines. There is a definite Mac DeMarco feel to this album, but potentially with more breadth and playfulness. Feeling less tied down to a format, Ralph Cola shapes each song independently. Mellow songs like Alone use subdued vocals and programmed drums to draw out their Lo-Fi sound. Where as songs like Must Be Tiring ride powerful basslines and spectacular percussion to create catchy Dream Pop. Leathers song writing is meticulous, with an undeniable talent to perfectly match sounds and instrumentation to
the mood of a piece of music. Yet again we’re astounded with the chilled out yet incredibly detailed songs of this project. There feels like there is no need to worry about Ralph Cola running out of ideas; Cosmic Joke is a joy to listen to.
Cosmic Joke is out on cassette, CD, and digitally through Little L Records.
REVIEW:
PUFF!
LIVING IN THE PARTY ZONE ELECTRO PUNK
Berlin has reared its head as the driving force in European Post Punk in recent years. Where once the UK dominated the genre in the 80’s, German bands are creating nostalgic yet new sounding Post Punk. Puff are a band that have been around for a while, we saw them back in 2013 playing with another Berlin Post Punk giant, Diät, in the legendary KØPI 137 squat. Like Diät, it took Puff a while to final release anything substantial. Last year Puff put out their debut 7”, a chaotic synth filled Punk record. This new release, Living In The Party Zone, is still brimming with the energy of their debut 7”, but Puff have managed to balance out the rugged synth riffs, with the Punk drums and guitars; it all feels so casually mixed together. Not forced at all, but all fitting together amazingly. There is such a strong balance between energetic danceable riffs and surreal and almost laughable composition. The band site Devo as an influence and it is clearly there; Puff almost feel like if Devo formed in the underground of early 80’s East Berlin. This gritty 80’s Berlin feeling comes across in the music video of Psychologi
cal Survival; so perfectly capturing their sound in visual form. Whilst the band could happily have existed 30 years ago (there is relatively little modernity in their instrumentation) there is a relevance for their ideas. Whilst not solely nostalgic, there is a strong counter culture attitude to the album, with its wonky riffs and jokingly macabre approach. For such a raw and intentionally mindless sound Puff have managed to create an album that delivers catchy riffs with a barrage of Punk energy.
Living In The Party Zone is out through Reno based label Slovenly Recordings on CD, vinyl, and digitally.
REVIEW: SIMMER PAPER PRISMS POST HARDCORE
Simmer represent the new Shoegaze influenced Post Hardcore that is growing in popularity in recent years, especially in the UK. Simmer take this further than any band before with waves of distortion truly embracing every aspect of their sound. It is done so in a beautifully thought out way, with guitar riffs given the perfect amount of distortion to allow them to both express ethereal distortion and beautiful melodies. Also with the vocals so often hidden behind layers of distortion it gives a captivating feeling of isolation to the music. With all this Shoegazing layered upon this album it could easily become monotonous, however the more Hardcore elements of the band come through to give so much life to this album. Stunning vocals and beautiful guitar riffs are ever present. The second single from the album, Charles, perfectly expresses the balance between breath-taking vocals and wavering guitar chords, gradually building pace into a climactic ending. Yet with all their songs at around 3-4 minutes Charles seems to be the only song that manages to build to such a fantastic crescendo. There is little scope to build up the textures that many
Shoegaze bands achieve so well within the sub three minute tracks of this album It can make Paper Prisms a little repetitive and somewhat disappointing at times. Tracks like Control that are only two and a half minutes long feel as if they end before they have gained enough momentum. With the changes between Hardcore riffs and Psychedelic interludes feeling a little too harsh. Overall this is a stunning coming together of sounds. The band has created a daring and powerful debut full length that surpasses so many in the UK Post Hardcore scene.
Paper Prisms is out through Dog Knight Records on vinyl and digitally.
REVIEW: TERRIBLE LOVE CHANGE NOTHING EP HARDCORE
Almost a supergroup of UK Melodic and Post Hardcore bands, containing members of Goodtime Boys, Grappler, and Funeral For A Friend. Their debut EP, Change Nothing shows that the band already found its footing with solid production and performances throughout. Terrible Love take the somewhat Shoegaze elements that Goodtime Boys and Grappler had been playing around with and see them through new eyes. The distinct halves of Mt Misery - opening with heavy Hardcore aggression before shifting into a slower atmospheric ending - does not feel forced but flows beautifully, with lyrics flawlessly shift in mood in its short sub three minute run time. The use of contrasting styles does not feel as contrived as in many emerging Hardcore and Post Hardcore acts in the UK. The atmospheric breakdowns are used sparingly and only when they genuinely deserve to be. There is a definite familiarity to their sound; little details from the idiosyncrasies of each band member that could be heard in their previous groups shine through. Yet Terrible Love in no way feel like they’re trying to emulate bands that came before. The fifteen minute five track album is packed with energetic
and distinct Hardcore. However there does feel to be a repetitiveness to the EP. Guitar riffs and vocals may seem a little safe, a little too recycled. There is not enough distinction given to each track and they can blur into one far too easily. Overall this a really promising debut EP. We definitely look forward to hearing more from this band, there is so much potential and talent throughout the lineup.
Change Nothing is out through Big Scary Monsters on vinyl and digitally.
REVIEW: ROPE MANTENSION BODOLAETH POST HARDCORE
Rope emerged after the break up of Goodtime Boys last year. Their debut Manteision Bodolaeth emphasises broad Post Rock sounds and feels far more relaxed than fearsome Goodtime Boys. There is a strong emphasis on the bands Welsh heritage, the albums name itself being Welsh for benefits of existence. By celebrating their Welsh background the band can step away from the restraints of the UKHC scene, that can so often produce lifeless, repetitive music. Rope beautifully bring some Sludge elements into their sound, the long track lengths allow the band to build songs that feel in no way a rehash of the band members previous musical ventures. The album is full of long repetitive melodies that hover around, but still hold momentum as they gradually build up and up. It feels far from just slowed down Hardcore, these riffs are simple but meticulous. Kai’s vocals throughout the album are powerful and hold the music together, especially through the minimal riffs of Peut-Être. Creating a song so simple that doesn't loose its force throughout the 7 minute run time truly shows the
bands veteran talent as musicians. The whole album gives of the same feeling as bands like Kowloon Walled City, where the emotion produced through the music feels undeniably real. The band has clearly challenged themselves by writing in this new style. It is obvious that there has been a lot of through put into the structure of these songs. Manteision Bodolaeth as an album sees a new approach from these musicians that is strikingly captivating for its style. Ropes approach is one that is so lacking within the UK. Not enough bands have the daring to create such distinct music within the UK Hardcore scene.
Manteision Bodolaeth is out through Holy Roar Records on vinyl and digitally.
REVIEW: THROES TO DUST GRINDCORE
Formed from members of Bone Dance and Downside, this Boise Idaho band are a gritty, aggressive force amongst the Western Grind scene. It took a while for the band to release any music but finally they have released their debut EP, TO DUST. Although the band has four of the five members of Bone Dance, this release is in no way a rehash of their previous bands work. The EP is near enough a single flowing piece of music. There seems to have been such attention to detail in the narrative of TO DUST. There’s a distinct ‘go hard or go home’ attitude to this album. It’s sub 25 minutes are unrelenting, not attempting to add any breaks to the energetic Hardcore. Instead the variations in tempos and Sludgier riffs that creep in add another dimension to their sound. The Temple plays around with a broad range of pace and is one of the most dominant tracks of the EP. Whilst the track moves around a lot there is an underpinning flow to the song that doesn't compromise the heaviness for overly complex song writing. There is a hint Black Metal in some of the music. The closing minute of The Sun In Our Eyes is filled with unnerving
guitars that intertwine with each other. THROES have clearly worked hard to carve out their own identity as a Hardcore band. Far from being monotonous and repetitive, this EP delivers carefully crafted music in a distinctive way.
TO DUST is out digitally through the bands Bandcamp.
REVIEW: ALGAE BLOOM I AM EVERYONE I’VE EVER MET SCREAMO
We were blown away by the emotional debut from this UK Screamo duo last year. With the release of their sophomore album I am Everyone I’ve Ever Met, we are yet again subjected to the heart wrenching emotions of Algae Bloom. More experimental sounds are present right from the start with the band playing around with structure and composition so the somewhat repetitive vocal delivery and minimal instrumentation does not feel at all tedious. Guitar, vocals, and drums no longer feel as if they are solely following each other, but manage to find their own path and purpose in every song. The band manage to create a 9 track album that does not loose momentum throughout. There are hints of influence from UK Hardcore amongst their sound, Algae Bloom are far from a nostalgic band and draw from more than just the sounds of early 2000’s US Screamo. As far as technicality goes there has been a step up in this album with songs like Thorns delivering mathy yet still emotive riffs. Throughout the album there feels like more of a focus on guitar work leading the music than the vocals meaning their sound is less sparse
than on their debut release. As beautiful as ever, this album is a little more hopeful, delivering the same incredible instrumentation but leaving listeners feeling a little less fragile.
I am Everyone I’ve Ever Met is out through Wolf Town DIY, Little L Records, and Crust Baby Records on vinyl, and digitally.
REVIEW: LITHE LUNGS AGING SCREAMO
Aging is the first three tracks from three piece Screamo outfit Lithe Lungs. This EP rejuvenates early 2000’s Emo Violence and draws in elements of the West Coast Melodic Screamo scene. The project is fronted by Craig Hodgkins who plays in both Annakarina and Skull Kid, two of the most exciting young US Screamo bands around at the moment, and Lithe Lungs now makes three. Compared to Hodgkins other bands, Lithe Lungs feels a little more aggressive but manages to culminate in even more melodic guitars and percussion. The result feels similar to elements of early Loma Prieta and Beau Navire buried under Hodgkins harsh vocals. With such a fast pace and seamless shifts in speed and dynamics over the three tracks it is impressive that the band all feel so connected and still have every member perform in their own distinct way. Guitars are beautiful but what makes the sound so distinct is definitely the percussion. Jonathan Lightfoot’s control and pacing throughout is sublime. Whilst there is a lot of experimenting in each song it feels that within these three songs it is hard to get a clear sense of the bands intentions.
Being the result of only a handful of practices, this short segment of music from the band is exciting. Hopefully this project will grow and be more than just a playful experiment in Screamo.
Aging is out digitally through the bands Bandcamp.
REVIEW: MORAL STRAIGHTJACKET EARTH IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME POST PUNK
Ruined Smile Records has recently stepped forward as a platform for young and daring Post Punk from across the globe. Moral Straightjacket are one of the most promising acts on the label. From Irvine California, Moral Straightjacket have been quietly creating music since 2011. This album is their second release on the label and first full length and feels like the most rounded piece of work from the band to date. The repetitive monotone of Post Punk in this album is injected with moments of tension and emotion to create a truly breath-taking sound. From the swelling drums of Earth Is Not Good Enough For Me pt. 1 to the hesitant bass riffs in A Bloodstained Tome Of My Own. The band seem to draw on all forms of emotive Punk music; from Emo pioneers like Moss Icon, to underground Post Punk like Glorious Din. Emotive, dark Punk like this so often feels like a rehash of the many bands to have played in the Post Punk style before. However this album is a fresh, thoughtful composition that is as alleviating as it is heart-breaking, flushed with a emotion. Moral Straightjacket have turned a style of music that is so
often one dimensional into a broad progressive sound. The background of the duo who make up the band has clearly shaped their narrative style; Lucas is an English graduate, and John is who’s studding for a PHD in History. From this there comes a clear, rounded composition to every song. There is a feeling of the Prairie Goth attitude of Nora and The Janitors in the lyrical style, injected with a darker mood. This is a rich and rounded album; by far one of the most powerful release of this year. After so many years existing with relatively little support this album should give the band the attention they rightly deserve.
Earth Is Not Good Enough For Me is out through Ruined Smile Records on cassette and digitally.
FRONT & BACK COVER PHOTOS OF MONARCH TAKEN AT TEMPLES FEST 2015 BY CALVIN SCHERER
ISSUE 07 AUTUMN 2016 ART NEEDS AN OPERATION FACEBOOK.COM/ANAOPUNK INSTAGRAM.COM/ARTNEEDSANOPERATION ARTNEEDSANOPERATIONPUNK@GMAIL.COM