Crystal Castles–Amnesty
Genre: Electronic, Synthpunk, Witch House
FFO: Crosses, Health, Grimes
The Toronto two piece’s first offering absent of Alice Glass‘ unique vocal performance luckily maintains familiarity.
Crystal Castles‘ fourth LP cherishes the dark yet explosive electronic instrumentation the duo has become known for but introduces a new take on the obscured yet chaotic vocal performance from newcomer Edith Frances.
Happy Diving–Electric Soul Unity
Genre: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock
FFO: Beach Slang, Dinosaur Jr., Culture Abuse
Recent years show a trend of twenty somethings paying homage to an era they were too young to remember. Such trends mostly find bands especially on the Run For Cover or Topshelf roster combining the elements of ’90s centered genres such as Emo or Shoegazing.
Oakling, California quartet Happy Diving live up to the homage performing a refreshing take on nostalgic, reverb-soaked alternative rock packaged with solos that would turn even the head of Mr. Mascis himself.
Ritual Howls–Into the Water
Genre: Goth Rock, Post Punk
FFO: Sisters of Mercy, Joy Division, Cold Cave
Detroit trio Ritual Howl‘s latest offering combines the darkest aspects of Goth Rock similar to the likes of Sisters of Mercy with the subtle electronic and overall upbeat nature of ’80s era Post Punk.
Into the Water plunges the listener into a dark, aquatic void rooted in grim atmosphere.
Skeletonwitch-The Apothic Gloom EP
Genre: Melodic Death Metal, Thrash Metal, Black Metal
FFO: Becoming the Archetype, In Flames, Amon Amarth
This week, Ohio metallic ensemble Skeletonwitch decide to give fans a brief yet efficient bite out of what’s to come with a new EP premiering their new vocalist Adam Clemens (Wolvhammer).
The Apothic Gloom is a four song collection consisting of some of the band’s strongest writing exploring various stylistic crossroads.
The centralized sound remains rooted Gothenberg style Melodic Death Metal whilst reaching out and pulling from classic Black and Thrash Metal influences.
Sound Me–Growing
Genre: Trip Hop, Chill Hop, Instrumental, Hip Hop, R&B
FFO: Portishead, Sneaker Pimps, Massive Attack
Irish Trip Hop trio Sound Me inject life into a fading genre with Growing.
This new LP encompasses soulful passion through its vocal performance as well as relaxation and ambiance through a beat-centered instrumentation.
Fans of Portishead, Massive Attack, and Sneaker Pimps will appreciate this refreshing, modern addition to the Trip Hop genre.
Tobacco–Sweatbox Dynasty
Genre: Electronic, Synthpop, Psychpop
FFO: Black Moth Super Rainbow, Flume, RJD2, Crystal Castles
Thomas Flec of Black Moth Super Rainbow fame returns for a fourth electronic solo LP.
Sweatbox Dynasty is just as bizarre as you would expect when observing the artist’s preceding releases, but the emphasis is now placed moreso on production with a minimal, obscured vocal performance.