Reviews

Dipterid

Denude A Murmuration of Capitalist Bees LP

DENUDE’s debut LP, A Murmuration of Capitalist Bees, delivers eight tracks of mathy post-rock recorded live in the studio with “very few overdubs.” The three-piece, with members from PIGLET, MURDER IN THE RED BARN, FUIGUIRNET, and CREDENTIALS, clearly knows their instruments—the rhythm section drives with bombast and James David’s semi-sung vocals serve the material well. However, the first half of the album feels a bit directionless, leaving me wondering, “Where is this going?” By the second half, the tracks pick up slightly and “Phalanx” is a high point, but overall, the band’s restrained style left me craving more intensity. Fans of bands like SLINT and FARAQUET might appreciate the album’s subtle approach, but it may not fully satisfy those seeking more aggression. The vinyl is limited to 74 copies on clear root beer plastic with black and gold swirls, and 200 copies on black vinyl.

Hiss A Cheapened Crown LP

“100% Wool” kicks this off with a wall of guitars and heaviness on par with TORCHE, MELVINS, PLANES MISTAKEN FOR STARS, HELMS ALEE, AmRep, and so forth. I think you know where I’m going here. This is the kind of record I want blasting out of my garage when the door is open for ventilation while I’m building shit but want to keep the neighbors held at bay. I’d also want this record when I have an all-night project to finish. This is a record for slogging through the day-to-day with a slowly radiating focus, and I’ll be playing it as it gets colder outside and my motivation starts to slip. I don’t know what to say about this other than I like it. Chef’s kiss.

Veradas Universal Relays LP

Very cool fuzzed-out psych/garage rock out of Portland. Sinister surf rock chock-full of groove, atmospheric vocals, and wah-wah guitars, with a little bit of desert rock thrown in there as well. At times sounding like a theatrical score, this is a very impressive outing from this PNW trio. Amazing to me that this was put together by just three people. Everything sounds massive and the song compositions are tight and well-constructed. This is an experience! Throw it on after a couple edibles.

Volk Soup 10p Jazz LP

Leeds band (or rather, a whole orchestra) VOLK SOUP releases their extremely fluid and beautifully chaotic debut LP, 10p Jazz. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I read the premise of the band and started listening. As of right now, I still don’t know what to expect from the next song, and I mean it in the best way possible. This eight-piece (yes, you read it right, folks) has everything, singing saw included. I know what you’re thinking: “Psshh, Mama. You’re exaggerating again. They can’t have everything.” And you smirk as you add, “What about an electric drill? They have that too?” Why, yes dear. They do. This is one of those albums I don’t want to reveal too much about. But all that I can say is I’m very impressed by all those clever compositional choices, intense layers, and commitment to genre-bending. Check it out yourself and thank me later.