Harm Wülf–Hijrah
Genre: Indie Rock, Neofolk
FFO: Death in June, King Dude, White Lighters
It goes without saying experimentation can be discouraged at times in the hardcore community. The genre demands emphasis placed in aggression, passion, and overall message and genre bending and boundary pushing is often left on the backburner.
Philadelphia hardcore outfit Blacklisted began to slowly shift to a more broad, dark experimental rock platform as their catalogue increased. Their sophomore and third LP illustrated a natural progression, and a less abrasive vocal performance leaving some fans confused while others wanting more.
After a six year break, the quartet released a fourth LP showcasing a complete return to form and directional 180. The comeback release captured the raw energy of the early work, but laid the unorthodox tendecides to rest. For those who preferred the group’s less linear inclinations, “Hirah” would be your white knight.
Harm Wülf is the solo offering of Blacklisted frontman George Hirsch honing in on all of Blacklisted‘s experimentations that may be considered taboo in the hardcore scene. Hirah is a collection of soft bedroom songs but instead of encompassing delicacy channeled through ambiance, there is a darkened gloom to be found similar to the likes of King Dude or Death in June.
Hoops–Hoops EP
Genre: Indie Rock, Jangle Pop
FFO: Mac DeMarco, Golden Daze, Kurt Vile
Bloomington based indie rock outfit Hoops close the summer out with a beautiful, twinkley, guitar pop EP guaranteed to send waves of euphoria and relaxation through your body upon each listen.
The record channels sterile, feel-good guitar licks with the occasional nod to 80’s synth pop.
This release is highly recommended to fans of the LoFi stylings of Kurt Vile and Mac DeMarco.
SubRosa–For This We Fought The Battle of Ages
Genre: Doom Metal, Dream Pop, Neoclassical, Neofolk, Pscychadelic Rock, Post Rock
FFO: Pallbearer, Cocteau Twins, Altar of Plagues
Salt Lake City Doom Metal outfit SubRosa returns for their fourth and strongest LP yet.
For This We Fought The Battle of Ages demonstrates massive genrebending centered in Doom Metal packaged with classical arrangements, folk breaks, dream pop tendencies, and more.
SubRosa introduces a far more accessible take on the Doom Metal genre while also incorpating gargantuan layers in their songwriting and dystopian-inspired lyricism.