NGOD - XL EP

NGOD - XL EP
Independent




I'm not even sure how you're supposed to pronounce this band's name, but what I can tell you is that these guys have written an incredibly infectious, poppy math rock EP.

Everything just comes together perfectly here; the arrangements, the intertwining instruments and even the somewhat unique vocals, which sort of sound like the dudes from Wolf Parade and dredg smashed together. I will be listening to this one over and over again; it's just one of those perfect examples of writing catchy, perfect pop songs without feeling like some bullshit radio pap.

Recommended for fans of dredg, Man Your Horse and older Minus the Bear.

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Bear Claw - Refuse This Gift

Bear Claw - Refuse This Gift
Sickroom Records




Like their past works, this recent release by these Shellac-inspired, Chicago area rockers is once again recorded by the great Steve Albini himself. While more rhythmically dramatic than energetic, the intensity and momentum sway to a fro within each track, letting the narrative yells of the vocalist counter with its own complimentary tangent of raw attitude. As a two-bass and drums outfit, the structured low end is also craftily mutilated several times though each song.

With an almost sludgy, grunge-tinged feel at times, this is not your typical post-rock group, as they meld the hypnotic drone of their sound with constantly emphatic percussions, half-melodic rock chants and time signatures that will keep you guessing. Fans of Fugazi and Trail of Dead may take an interest in these guys.

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GSTS! - GFTF!

GSTS! - GFTF!
Needs More RAM




If you're into unpredictable and energetically captivating sounds, then this release by one of Abbotsford's finest hardcore acts will be a thrilling listen. Without a dull instance to be found, the tracks on this record convey a more palatable groove than the whimsical rhythm twists and jerks that are so prominant on earlier recordings; but make no mistake, they are still to be found here in abundance, at times making a steer toward a more straightforward hardcore punk sound on tracks like "Break Your Fingers High Five Jam Time".

The first track, "Hot Damn! Snake on My Gun!", may be the most memorable in terms of unfamiliarity, opening with a stomping groove that digs a trench out of which their screaming vocals recklessly topple out of. The explosive sonics that these guys make continue to punch through the rest of this recording, interluded with moments of atmospheric downtime that give the ears a rejuvenating jump start before falling back into the chaotic swing of things.

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Town Portal - Vacuum Horror EP

Town Portal - Vacuum Horror EP
Independent




Fans of math rock should be very pleased by this release with this trio. Coming from Copenhagen, Denmark, Town Portal are an instrumental math rock group who stray from some of the more noodling sounds often associated with the genre to offer a more hard hitting album here. This doesn't quite fall into the post-metal sound, but Vacuum Horror is as much rock as it is math, if you get my meaning.

Fans of bands like And So I Watch You From Afar, Disappearer and Terraformer should dig this quite heartily.

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