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November 23, 2017 Tommy Leahy Month in Review

A Month In Review (March 2017): 5 Awesome Albums You May Have Missed!!!

Allochiria–Throes

Genre: Post Metal, Black Metal, Sludge Metal, Ambient

FFO: Neurosis, Isis, Agalloch

Greek quintet Allochiria doesn’t just breathe life into the Post Metal movement with their sophomore effort; they violently resuscitate it.

Throes features brilliant soundscapes and build-ups reminiscent of acts such as Pelican, Neuorisis, or Isis but don’t waste a single second horrifying the audience with their blackened, aggressive take on the genre.
<a href="http://music.allochiria.com/album/throes">Throes by Allochiria</a>

Fange–Pourissior

Genre: Death Metal, Crust Punk, Noise Rock, Sludge Metal

FFO: Entombed, Full Of Hell, The Body

French quartet Fange return with a pummeling sophomore effort blending the classic Death Metal style of early Entombed with a blackened, crusty twist.
<a href="http://fange.bandcamp.com/album/pourrissoir">Pourrissoir by FANGE</a>

Horsebeach–Beauty & Sadness
Genre: Indie Rock, Jangle Pop, Guitar Pop
FFO: Kurt Vile, Mac DeMarco, Hoops

The third effort from Manchester multi-instrumentalist Ryan Kennedy explores the pains of emotional turmoil basking in the influence and aesthetic of Japanese literature.

Kennedy sports his heart on his sleeve throughout these ten intimate tracks alternating between jangley guitar pop and soothing keyboard-driven soundscapes.
<a href="http://horsebeach.bandcamp.com/album/beauty-sadness">Beauty & Sadness by Horsebeach</a>

Life on Venus–Encounters
Genre: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Dream Pop, Shoegazing
FFO: Slowdive, Pity Sex, Nothing

Russian quintet Life on Venus channel exceptional songwriting as well as lush, dreamy soundscapes with their debut LP.

Encounters balances melds crushing walls of sounds akin to the stylings of Kevin Shields with well-written, pop tunes similar to the likes of Nothing, Pity Sex, and other trending Shoegaze/Alt-Rock acts.
<a href="http://lifeonvenus.bandcamp.com/album/encounters-out-on-shelflife-link-in-description">Encounters (Out on Shelflife – link in description!) by Life on Venus</a>

Planning for Burial–Below the House
Genre: Post Rock, Slowcore, Shoegazing, Drone, Ambient
FFO: Swans, Have A Nice Life, The Body

At the dawn of each Winter, there is joy and brightness in the air with a fast approaching Holiday season. Once the brightness has faded, and the new year has begun, there is a sorrowful emptiness winter brings.

Below the House is a sonic exploration of the solitude that point of winter brings.

The record is a massive melting pot of genres ranging from Shoegazing, Post Metal, Goth Rock, Black Metal, Slowcore, and more. The third offering from Wikes Barre-based Thom Wasluck is a bizarre, rough pill to swallow but a beautiful piece of art that deserves a front to back listen from any open-minded lover of music.
<a href="http://planningforburial.bandcamp.com/album/below-the-house-2">Below the House by Planning For Burial</a>

November 23, 2017November 23, 2017 Tommy Leahy Month in Review

A Month In Review (February 2017): 7 Awesome Albums You May Have Missed!!!

Amber Smoke–Lay My Bones Beneath the Valley Oak

Genre: Experimental Rock, Post Rock, Drone, Slowcore, Krautrock, Doom,
FFO: Low, True Widow, Planning For Burial

Get lost in the release from this LA-based duo’s latest offering.

Lay My Bones Beneath the Valley Oak features a distinctive ability to wrap it’s audience in it’s droney, ambient walls of sound seldom using guitar in exchange for vintage and toy synthesizers.
<a href="http://ambersmoke.bandcamp.com/album/lay-my-bones-beneath-the-valley-oak">Lay My Bones Beneath the Valley Oak by Ambersmoke</a>

Crushed Stars-“Displaced Sleeper”

Genre: Indie Pop, Dream Pop, Alternative Country

FFO: Mazzy Star, Ride, Mojave 3

Dallas-based Indie rock outfit Crushed Stars return with their fourth entry balancing cold, distant ambience with warm, intimate acoustic instrumentation.

Displaced Sleeper will comfortably fit on the record players of Mazzy Star fans around the globe that prefer dreamy, ethereal presence in their Alternative Country.
<a href="http://crushedstars.bandcamp.com/album/displaced-sleepers">Displaced Sleepers by Crushed Stars</a>Great Ytene–Locus
Genre: Post Punk
FFO: Protomartyr, Joy Division, The Wire

London-based quartet Great Ytene’s latest release offers nine solid tracks of hazey yet abrasive Post Punk.
<a href="http://greatytene.bandcamp.com/album/locus">Locus by Great Ytene</a>

King Woman–Created in the Image of Suffering
Genre: Doom Metal, Sludge Metal, Post Metal, Drone
FFO: Chelsea Wolfe, Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard, Bathsheba

San Francisco-based Doom Metal act King Woman turn heads with their debut Created in the Image of Suffering.

Crushing, atmospheric instrumentation creates a fitting backdrop for the spellbinding, compelling pipes of frontwoman Kristina Esfandiari.
<a href="http://kingwoman.bandcamp.com/album/created-in-the-image-of-suffering">Created in the Image of Suffering by King Woman</a>

Red Love–Red Love
Genre: Alternative Rock, Post Punk, Dream Pop, Shoegazing
FFO: Slowdive, Pale Saints, Weekend

Formed from the ashes of Bloc Party and The Mars Volta, Red Love is an up-and-coming two piece armed with a purely euphoric debut LP boasting ten tracks of dreamy, gazey Alternative Rock.
<a href="http://redlove89.bandcamp.com/album/red-love">Red Love by Red Love</a>

Teen Daze–Themes For Dying Earth

Genre: Indie Pop, Dream Pop, Ambient, Electronic, Synthpop, Chillwave
FFO: Bon Iver, Copeland, Kyson

Jamison Isaak’s sixth LP under the Teen Daze moniker takes unexpected turns with a more Synthpop-oriented direction while still maintaining the beautifully thought-provoking, atmospheric soundscapes found in previous releases.

<a href="http://teendaze.bandcamp.com/album/themes-for-dying-earth">Themes For Dying Earth by Teen Daze</a>

Unearthly Trance-“Stalking the Ghost”
Genre: Doom Metal, Sludge Metal
FFO: Electric Wizard, Sleep, High on Fire

I usually try to reserve the month in review slots for lesser known or newer bands, but despite this being album number six/the comeback record of this New York sludge trio’s career they still maintain a vast level of shame-ridden obscurity.

Stalking the Ghost does not stray far from the Unearthly Trance formula (which for those of you who don’t know consists of absolutely crushing riffage), but instead strengthens the sound found in previous records.

Get ready to bang your head.

Hard.
<a href="http://unearthlytrance.bandcamp.com/album/stalking-the-ghost">Stalking The Ghost by Unearthly Trance</a>

November 21, 2017November 23, 2017 Tommy Leahy Month in Review

A Month In Review (January 2017): 7 Awesome Releases You May Have Missed!!!

Advent–Pain & Suffering EP
Genre: Metalcore
FFO: Turmoil, Buried Alive, Harm’s Way

North Carolina’s Advent strike back after an eight year break with four absolutely crushing tracks of authentic, Trustkill-style Metalcore.

While it may lack the gritty, raw nature of Naked & Cold, Pain & Suffering illustrates a marvelous comeback channeling solid songwriting and slips beyond comfortably into the Bridge 9 roster.

<a href="http://bridge9.bandcamp.com/album/pain-suffering">Pain & Suffering by Advent</a>

Cold Body Radiation–The Orphean Lyre
Genre: Shoegazing, Ambient, Drone, Black Metal
FFO: Alcest, An Autumn for Crippled Children, Nothing

Hailing from the Netherlands, Cold Body Radiation returns for a fourth mesmerizing LP on Dusktone Records.

The Orphean Lyre paints endless beautiful soundscapes with blackened, dense walls of soundscapes and seductive ethereal vocals. The band’s use of synthesizers balances both a pummeling sense of crushing noise and upbeat ’80s era sensibilities.

Pure euphoria and pure sorrow intertwine in an indescribable way making this release a must listen for a thought-provoking, ambient musical journey.

<a href="http://coldbodyradiation.bandcamp.com/album/the-orphean-lyre">the orphean lyre by cold body radiation</a>

Drab Majesty–The Demonstration
Genre: Post Punk, New Wave, Dark Wave, Goth Rock
FFO: Depeche Mode, Sisters of Mercy, Cold Cave

California’s up-and-coming, gender neutral goth project Drab Majesty returns for a sophomore LP basking in ’80s era darkened, synth pop.

The Demonstration boasts Deb Demure’s songwriting talents proudly wearing nostalgic influences on their sleeve with modern, atmospheric seasoning.

<a href="http://drabmajesty.bandcamp.com/album/the-demonstration">The Demonstration by DRAB MAJESTY</a>

The Drip–The Haunting Fear of Inevitability

Genre: Death Metal, Power violence, Grindcore

FFO: The Red Chord, Gatecreeper, Weekend Nachos

Washington state Death Metal act The Drip prove Relapse Records is yet again on top of the realm with an absolutely crushing debut offering.

<a href="http://thedrip.bandcamp.com/album/the-haunting-fear-of-inevitability">The Haunting Fear of Inevitability by The Drip</a>

Foxing–Two (Single)
Genre: Indie Rock, Post Rock, Ambient
FFO: Yndi Halda, American Football, Copeland

St. Louis-based ensemble Foxing return to rework two of the tracks off their sophomore LP Dealer.

“Indica” and “Redwoods” receive beautiful makeovers boasting more emotional depth and wonderful guest appearances from Jess Abbott (Tancred) and Lena Woods.

<a href="http://foxingtheband.bandcamp.com/album/two">Two by Foxing</a>

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs–Feed The Rats

Genre: Sludge Metal, Stoner Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Doom Metal

FFO: Black Sabbath, Electric Wizard, Sleep

The UK’s seven swine present a three track epic balancing mesmerizing psychedelia and dense, sludgey riffage.
<a href="http://pigspigspigspigspigspigspigs.bandcamp.com/album/feed-the-rats-2">Feed the Rats by Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs</a>

Soft Lashes–Hypersensuality

Genre: Dream Pop, Synth Pop, Chillwave

FFO: Cocteau Twins, Purity Ring, Crystal Castles

Michael Tenzer’s debut LP under the Soft Lashes moniker delivers euphoric, upbeat tunes that will make you feel like you teleported into an ’80s film during an obligatory prom dance scene.

Imagine an album establishing the ideal meeting ground between nostalgic dream pop acts such as Cocteau Twins and the Drive soundtrack.
<a href="http://softlashes.bandcamp.com/album/hypersensuality">HYPERSENSUALITY by Soft Lashes</a>

January 17, 2017 Tommy Leahy Reviews

REVIEW: Code Orange-“Forever”

Hype can be a double-edged sword, and there is no denying the impact such a method has had on the career of Metalcore outfit Code Orange. Bizarre social media tactics and a complete rebranding helped pave the way for the success of their sophomore LP I Am King released in 2014 on Deathwish, Inc.

The band’s unwavering confidence towards I Am King led to constant touring and a complete disownment to all material released prior. All the hard work eventually came into frution with a major label signing to Roadrunner Records followed by a tour with Alternative Metal giants Deftones.

Flash forward to 2017. It is now time to truly put that hype to the test.

This is Forever.

If I were forced to equate Code Orange to a mythological beast it would most certainly be the gargantuan three-headed hound left with the task of guarding the gates of hell known as the Cerberus. The Pittsburg-based quartet boasts no frontman, but rather an evenly distributed vocal performance between guitarists Reba Meyers, Eric Balderose, and drummer Jami Morgan. Each vicious bark illustrates a vastly different yet efficient dynamic and Forever sees this concept explored even further. The beast’s power primarily stems from the relentlessly crushing songwriting aided once more by the magic touch of Kurt Ballou.

Forever begins with the hard-hitting title track revisiting the formula that allowed I Am King to earn a well-deserved spot on the turntable of bedroom moshing millennials all across the world. The Cerberus keeps its hind legs firmly planted in the sounds of early Metalcore including the likes of Disembodied, Martyr AD, and Morning Again but makes use of its front pulling forward in terms of experimenting with the unorthodox nuances presented as a mere subtlety in their former offerings.

“Forever” picks up where I Am King left off efficiently reintroducing listeners to the dynamic of their previous installment whilst showing their growth in terms of powerfully heavy songwriting.

“Kill The Creator” and “Real” paint the picture of what’s to come and begin to explore uncharted territory for the group. Balderose shows off his new toys now performing synthesizer/programming duties adding an Industrial edge reminiscent of Godflesh, Nine Inch Nails, and early Swans.

“Bleeding in the Blur” and “Ugly” bring forth their own set of catchy surprises channeling guitar-heavy ‘90s Alternative Rock that could easily be radio hits. Fans of Meyer’s fronted side project Adventures will be quite pleased seeing her vocal abilities utilized in such a similar way with an extra boost of aggression.

Forever succeeds in pushing the group forward in terms of sonic experimentation, genre-bending, diversity between songs, and expanding their vast array of influences even further, but unfortunately fails in some areas as well.

Many of the tracks specifically “Kill the Creator” and “dream2” suffer from abrupt cuts that cause nothing but confusion and hinders album’s overall flow. Such a writing tactic could be viewed as understandable if done in a more subtle fashion, but there are almost as many cuts as there are breakdowns.

This brings me to my next topic: Breakdowns.

Code Orange is undoubtedly known for their intense, terrifying live performances, and Forever unfortunately comes off entirely too strong attempting to recreate that energy in the studio. It appears as if since dropping the “Kids” from their name, the quartet’s over usage of breakdowns exist solely for a violent crowd reaction and nothing more. Many cringe-worthy “mosh calls” appear on the record most notably “THIS IS REAL NOW, MUTHAFUCKER” found on “Real.”

To answer the original question: Does Forever live up to the hype Code Orange has spent the past few years of blood, sweat, and tears building up?

The answer is yes.

Despite favoring experimentation over solidified song structure, the group’s third LP/major label debut is a fun listen and secures their spot on the throne.

Recommended Tracks: “Forever”, “The New Reality”, “Ugly”

Overall Score: (7/10)

December 13, 2016December 13, 2016 Tommy Leahy Latest Lists

Latest List (12/09/16)-OvO, Zao, & More!

OvO–Creatura
Genre: Industrial Rock, Noise Rock, Drone, Sludge Metal
FFO: Godflesh, The Body, Full Of Hell, Marylin Manson

Italian noise duo OvO return once more with their latest messy opus.
As one would expect, Creatura is by no means an easy listen. Harsh shrieks and mammoth growls combined with harshly abstract, droney Industrial instrumentation cater to a very specific demographic.

For those that appreciate such horrific beauty, the two piece’s most recent offering is a musical journey beyond worth embarking on. Just make sure your eardrums are ready.

Stove–Is The Meat That Fell Out EP
Genre: Indie Rock, Indie Pop, Garage Rock, Psychadelic Rock, Lo-Fi
FFO: Speedy Ortiz, Pity Sex, Happy Diving

Indie Pop outfit Stove help us wind the year down with a brief collection of reverb-soaked, melancholic anthems.

The Connecticut-based quartet began as a solo project of former Ovlong frontman Steve Hartlett and has since slowly evolved into the loud Garage Rock group they gained the reputation for in via their debut LP Is Stupider.

Is The Meat That Fell Out is the second of two EPs this year revealing a more relaxed, Lo-Fi take of the group’s sound.
<a href="http://explodinginsoundrecords.bandcamp.com/album/is-the-meat-that-fell-out">Is The Meat That Fell Out by Stove</a>

ZAO–The Well-Intentioned Virus
Genre: Metalcore
FFO: Carcass, Haste the Day (old), Living Sacrifice

West Virginia Metalcore veterans Zao strike back after a seven year hiatus with an exceptional eleventh LP picking up exactly where they left us.

The Well-Intentioned Virus encompasses the strengths of each sonic era of the band’s expansive catalouge exploring dark themes including suicide and the fragility of mortality.
I encourage younger audiences new to the genre to give this grand comeback LP a well-deserved spin and allow it to serve as a gateway to the quartet’s earlier works.
<a href="http://officialzao.bandcamp.com/album/the-well-intentioned-virus">The Well-Intentioned Virus by Zao</a>

December 7, 2016 Tommy Leahy Latest Lists

Latest List (12/02/16)-Kevin Krauter, Nails, & More!

Ash Borer–The Irrepassable Gate
Genre: Black Metal, Doom Metal, Post Rock
FFO: Wolves in the Throne Room, Panopticon, Thou

California-based Black Metal outfit Ash Borer deliver a third LP expanding on the polarizing dynamic displayed in previous releases.

Open The Irrepassable Gate and allow your consciousness to be enveloped by six powerful tracks boasting an exemplary meeting ground for the rawness and speed of traditional Black Metal, lush soundscapes of Post Rock, and the crushing nature of Doom Metal.
<a href="http://profoundlorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-irrepassable-gate">The Irrepassable Gate by ASH BORER</a>

Kevin Krauter–Changes
Genre: Indie, Folk
FFO: Local Natives (early), Bright Eyes, Hoops

Bloomington, Indiana-based Jangle Pop quartet Hoops closed the summer out with a phenomenal Jangle Pop EP rich with pristine riffs and ethereal lullabies bathed in 80’s reminiscence.

Now we have their bassist, Kevin Krauter, closing the fall out for us with his remarkable sophomore EP Changes.

Krauter relies on acoustic instrumentation and an ambient vocal presence for his standalone work conveying the likes of Indie Folk legend Connor Oberst and the early releases of Local Natives. Electric sounds appear as needed in subtle varieties, but the foundational elements of each piece are drawn from the unique optimistic acoustic licks that at times will even bring Jack Johnson to mind.

Don’t put out your year end list just yet. December has some unexpected offerings in store and this is surely a prime example.
<a href="http://kevinkrauter.bandcamp.com/album/changes">Changes by Kevin Krauter</a>

Nails/Full of Hell-Split EP
Genre: Powerviolence, Grindcore, Hardcore Punk
FFO: Magrudergrinder, Young and in the Way, Dead in the Dirt

Maryland’s Full Of Hell is clearly not a stranger to collaborative releases. The past few years has illustrated a gradual sound shift from traditional Powerviolence to experimental drone and sludge as seen from their works with acts such as The Body and Merzbow.

The group called forth upon their earlier sound with a refreshing, far more aggressive take on past material in their latest split release with California’s Nails following the success of You Will Never Be One of Us earlier this year.

East and West Coast Powerviolence clash together like the Battle of Helm’s Deep in this year-closing split performance.

<a href="http://closedcasketactivities.bandcamp.com/album/split-3">Split by Nails / Full Of Hell</a>

November 21, 2016November 21, 2016 Tommy Leahy Latest Lists

Latest List (11/18/16)-Our Girls & Redspencer

Our Girl–Normally EP
Genre: Indie Rock, Alternative Rock
FFO: The Big Moon, Pity Sex, Plush

Brighton-based trio Our Girl make their debut with four pleasant yet guitar heavy tracks of female-fronted grunge.

Soph Nathan of The Big Moon fame fronts this time around with a fantastic vocal performance matching the murkiness of the instrumentation.

Normally is an impressive debut EP and will leave listeners eager with aniticipation of what’s to come.

Redspencer–Perks
Genre: Indie Rock, Jangle Pop
FFO: Minus the Bear, Golden Daze, Mac DeMarco

Australian quartet Redspencer drop a debut LP combining the relaxing Jangle Pop tendencies of Mac DeMarco, Day Wave, Kurt Vile, and many more with the stapled stylings of Minus the Bear.

Perks boasts eleven tracks of relaxing, pristine guitar-laced indie pop guaranteed to lull the listener into a state of euphoria.

November 15, 2016 Tommy Leahy Latest Lists

Latest List (11/11/16)-katie kim & TOY

katie kim–Salt
Genre: Indie, Folk, Lo-Fi, Ambient, Post Rock
FFO: Chelsea Wolfe, Muscle & Marrow, Eera

Irish songstress (and part time member of The Waterboys) katie kim delivers a ravishingly evocative third LP.

Salt places forth simplistic, droney, and grim instrumentation to fulfill the well-suited backdrop for her touching, powerful vocal presentation.

Fans of early Chelsea Wolfe will absolutely adore this new entry to katie kim‘s already impressive discography.
<a href="http://katiekim.bandcamp.com/album/salt">SALT by K A T I E K I M</a>

TOY–Spellbound EP
Genre: Indie Rock, Kraut Rock, Dream Pop, Shoegazing
FFO: Ride, Pale Saints, My Bloody Valentine

Only a few weeks after the release of their third LP, UK Britpop outfit TOY return with a pleasant little treat serving as a polarizing counterpart to Clear Shot‘s linear direction.

Spellbound presents four reverb-soaked, dreamy songs basking in the exact atmosphere their recent LP left on the backburner.

November 4, 2016November 4, 2016 Tommy Leahy Latest Lists

Latest List (11/04/16)-Crippled Black Phoenix, Hope Sandoval, & More!

CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX–Bronze
Genre: Progressive Rock, Stoner Rock
FFO: Queens of the Stone Age, Pink Floyd, Electric Wizard

After his departure from Sludge Metal outfit Iron Monkey, multi-instrumentalist Justin Greaves formed Crippled Black Pheonix in an effort his most unorthodox musical compositions straying from the linear crushing heaviness of the Sludge/Doom genre.

Bronze serves as the the UK-based septet’s sixth LP blending an assortment of genres from Progressive Rock to Stoner Rock to Doom to Folk.
At times it feels as if Queens of the Stone Age‘s sound was reimagining through the theatrical, jam-based lense of Roger Waters.

Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions–Until the Hunter
Genre: Alternative Country, Dream Pop
FFO: Mazzy Star, Kurt Vile, Mojave 3

Mazzy Star frontwoman Hope Sandoval returns with her Warm Inventions for a third LP brimming with beauty and delicacy.
Subtle yet captivating instrumentation provided by Sandoval herself along My Bloody Valentine‘s Colm Ó Cíosóig behind the kit serve as the ideal alluring canvas for her signature vocal performance.

Until the Hunter recaptures every majestic element of Mazzy Star‘s early works proving to be a absolute mandatory listen for any of her fans.

Soft Kill–Choke
Genre: Post Punk, Goth Rock
FFO: Grave Babies, Night Sins, Eagulls

Portland, Oregan-based Post Punkers Soft Kill return from their hiatus with eight melancholic pieces encompassing misery, gloom, and despondency.

Choke is an ’80s worshipping journey ranging from influences such as Sisters Of Mercy, Bauhus, and other Post Punk/Goth acts combining subtle electronics with winding, dark atmosphere.

There is beauty to be found in the hopelessness. Highly recommended spin for any fans of Goth rock.

November 2, 2016 Tommy Leahy Latest Lists

Latest List (10/28/16)-King Dude & TOY

King Dude–Sex
Genre: Goth Rock, Cult Rock, Neofolk, Alternative Country
FFO: Chelsea Wolfe, Harm Wülf, Death in June

Seattle, Washington’s beloved lord of all thing evil returns once more with LP #6.

Sex is as provocative as the title suggests blending his signature haunting Neofolk with Goth Rock, Post Punk, and Alternative Country influences.

Allow King Dude to wrap you in his horrific blanket of occult malevolence.
<a href="http://kingdude.bandcamp.com/album/sex">Sex by King Dude</a>

TOY–Clear Shot
Genre: Indie Rock, Kraut Rock, Shoegazing, Dream Pop
FFO: The Smiths, The Cure, Ride

UK Indie outfit TOY return for a third LP with a far more linear formulaic approach.

The Shoegazing influences are still subtle for the record’s atmosphere but Clear Shot (as the name implies) functions as a more straightfoward collection of catchy Britrock tunes bathing in ’80s nostalgia.

The record’s sound tips the hat to classic nearby staples of the genre including The Smiths, The Cure, and Going Blank Again era Ride.