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SPOTLIGHT 253
21/06/2010 11:21
the Spot Light #253
d.d. Monday, June 21st, 2010
NEW RELEASES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
KEEF - STONED TO DOOM (CD/PSYCHEDOOMELIC) Debut album by a heavy rocking Goatsnake-ish doom band from Toronto, Canada. The music is Sabbath inspired and generally mid-tempo with strong, clean vocals, and melodic guitar solos. This is fantastic laid back and thick sounding doom-rock that presents Keef as one of the brightest rising stars in the world of riffing doom.
STEREOCHRIST - III (CD/PSYCHEDOOMELIC) On Stereochrist's third album previous singer Peter Felfolfi returns to his vocal duties and offers an inspired performance. With ex-Mood (and now also Magma Rise) axeman Kolos Hegyi slow doom riffage is guaranteed. On 'III' there are certainly some obvious doomy sections where the band slows the music down into crushing, downtuned chug a la Crowbar, but some of the time Stereochrist play faster, thrashier riffs or Southern-tinged midpaced metallic rock. This is their most varied and enjoyable release so far: dirty heavy music with some traditional doom elements and extraordinary vocals.
XYSMA - FIRST & MAGICAL (LP/SVART RECORDS) Grindcore from Finland! Of all the bands born out of the Scandinavian extreme death metal explosion in the late eighties, Xysma was one of the most innovative. Here's the sound of a death metal band pushing forward into uncharted territories. This is a limited, completely remastered, vinyl edition of their groundbreaking 1993 album. Available on both black and coloured vinyl, the album comes in a thick laminated gatefold cover and includes a large booklet with previously unseen material.
RAZOR - OPEN HOSTILITY (LP/HIGH ROLLER) 'Open Hostility' was the follow-up album to 'Shotgun Justice', originally released only on CD in 1991 via Fist Fight Records. It was the second album featuring the then new Razor vocalist Bob Reid. There are two editions (black and coloured) which are both limited to 200 copies. Includes lyric sheet.
APOCALYPSE - ABANDON HOPE (LP/HIGH ROLLER) A killer album of post-apocalyptic themes, s.a. death and destruction, nuclear wars etc., 'Abandon Hope' is basically the material that did not go on to 'The Prophet'. These tracks were never officially released before. 350 copies on black vinyl, 150 are coloured. With 4 page insert.
SWEATMASTER - TURN OVER (7"/SVART RECORDS) The A-side features a track from the forthcoming album, and on the flip you'll find a fine, previously unreleased song called 'Fifteen Years'. Limited edition of 300.
WHILE HEAVEN WEPT - VESSEL (7"/HIGH ROLLER) On the A-Side it's the 'normal' single version, on the B-side you get an unreleased alternate mix from the EU promo master. On black and coloured vinyl.
60s & 70s & 80s (RE-)RELEASES AND ARTISTS + OTHER OLDIES
SALEM - IN THE BEGINNING (2LP/HIGH ROLLER) Salem was founded in late 1979 by two former members from the "Metal for Muthas" stars Ethel The Frog, namely Paul Tognola (vocals and guitar) and Paul Conyers (drums). Adrian Jenkinson was drafted as the bass player and the first band meeting with Paul Macnamara (lead guitar) was January 2nd 1980 in The Red Lion pub in Anlaby, Hull, Yorkshire. Here is a double LP worth of some of the best Salem demo material. Available on black and coloured vinyl, with gatefold sleeve and lyric sheet.
EXPECTED RELEASES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
BOOZE - OUR FAVOURITE BOOZE (LP/SCREAMING APPLE) The fourth album by The Booze from Atlanta, Georgia. These guys are as much known for their sharp fashion sense as for their well-crafted, mod-informed r'n'b and Merseybeat. It's that perfect mixture of wild ravin' r'n'b, classic 60's pop, blues, soul, garage and mod beat that makes those misfit young folks so special. Genuinely disillusioned with the overall modern state of rock 'n' roll, they create music that speaks their language. And if that language is from forty-five-odd years ago, so be it.
LOS CHICOS - 10 YEARS OF SHAKIN' FAT (CD/OFF THE HIP)Los Chicos got together around 10 years ago. They started building a country-punk-rock-soul-gospel machine that has blown out venues all over the world. They've recorded four albums and appeared on a couple of compilations. Their first single came out in 2002, followed the next year by the LP 'Shakin & Prayin'. Then they recorded 'Fat Spark' in 2005 and in 2007 they released 'Launching Rockets', followed by the single 'We Sound Amazing But We Look Like Shit' in 2009 and the LP of the same name in 2010.
60s & 70s & 80s (RE-)RELEASES AND ARTISTS + OTHER OLDIES
PARASITES OF THE WESTERN WORLD - THE PARASITES OF THE WESTERN WORLD (LP/DE STIJL) The Parasites Of The Western World are a band from Portland, OR and this is a reissue of their debut in, recorded in 1978. It's a fascinating spin, a galactic ramble across the otherworldly themes of alienation and paranoia, seemingly inspired by LSD and Philip Dick. This is a record that was recorded in an apartment, by a crew thoughtful enough to curtail its loud excursions for the daylight hours. Its rockiest moves are surprisingly informed by the typical institutions of their era: Pink Floyd, The Beatles and Hawkwind, and it's many electronic flourishes are an above ground sound that would presage the likes of Vertical Slit, F/i and Vertigo. The Parasites remain to be light years ahead of a time that has yet to come. One time vinyl pressing of 1000 copies.
EMBRYO - SURFIN' (CD/GARDEN OF DELIGHTS) Reissue of an Embryo-album that's "somewhat unusual" because of the many distinct soul and funk influences. The name of the album has nothing to do with surfing or surf music, but refers to the musicians travelling from gig to gig. This is one of the few Embryo albums recorded with the late Charlie Mariano.
RADIO NOISZ ENSEMBLE - ODISZEE-PARCK (CD/GARDEN OF DELIGHTS) After the highly rated German progressive folkband Emma Myldenberger called it a day, some of their members continued in this outfit. They released their only official album 'Yniverse' (often compared to the work of the Third Ear Band) in 1982. 'Odiszee Parck' was released the following year, but only as a cassette edition. Now at last this unique music (with the oboe being the leading instrument) is available for a wider audience.
GURU GURU - WIESBADEN 1973 (CD/GARDEN OF DELIGHTS) Guru Guru played in the Wartburg, a Wiesbaden hall, on September 17th, 1973. It was one of the gigs recorded by Xhol (Caravan) acquaintance Muck Krieger. Another 'must' for the fans.
SELECTED PRESS QUOTES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
LISA O PIU - BEHIND THE BEND (CD-LP/SUBLIMINAL SOUNDS) reviewed by David Westle for NME (excerpt) 'Behind The Bend' is as charmingly pastoral as a rural craft fair, and just as lovingly fashioned.
UFOMAMMUT - EVE (CD-LP/SUPERNATURALCAT) reviewed by Ruud for Metalfan (translated excerpt) Fans of f.i. Hawkwind, Pink Floyd and doom/stoner may want to get a hold of this album.
DELANEY DAVIDSON - SELF DECAPITATION (CD-LP/VOODOO RHYTHM) reviewed by Jurgen Boel for Goddeau (translated excerpt) There's no doubt that Davidson's musical journey around the world offers a worth while addition to the Voodoo Rhythm-label.
GRAVES BROTHERS DELUXE - SAN MALO (CD/GREEN COOKIE) reviewed by Ewie for FileUnder (translated excerpt) There's much diversity due to the combination of new wave, noise, jazz, psychedelia and avant-garde. ...an album on which one continues to discover new elements...
MOVIE STAR JUNKIES - A POISON TREE (CD-LP/VOODOO RHYTHM) reviewed by Joost-Jan Meertens for Planet Trash (translated excerpt) We take a seat on a worn out sofa, open some warmed up beers and surrender to this Italian combo. There's no way back.
ZEA - THE BEGINNER (CD/MAKKUM) reviewed by DubbelMono for FileUnder (translated excerpt) ...intelligent, passionate and at times happily over the top.
MUSHROOM - NAKED, STONED & STABBED (CD/4ZERO) reviewed by Henk Rijkenbarg for Heaven (translated excerpt) Delicious vibrating, stoned sounds for a groovy summer.
LYNX LYNX - THIS TRIBE OF YOURS (CD-LP/NASONI) reviewed by Geert Ryssen for RockTribune (translated excerpt) Take some Velvet Underground, Black Sabbath and Amon Düül, put it all in a blender, and you'll get an idea of how this band from Germany sounds.
CIRCLE BROS - HAVEN (LP/MORC) reviewed by Berry Kamer for VPRO Dwars (translated excerpt) ...experimental lo-fi pop that fits between names s.a. Grouper, Flying Saucer Attack, Roy Montgomery and Inca Ore.
LIVE
YAWNING MAN (LEXICON DEVIL) June 23: Delft, NL (Korenbeurs) / June 24: Tilburg, NL (Little Devil)
MAGNAPOP (BASSICK) June 25: Amsterdam, NL (Melkweg) / June 26: Waasmunster, B (Vierschaarfeesten) / June 27: Genk, B (Festival On Stage)
REVEREND BEAT-MAN (VOODOO RHYTHM) June 26: Wijk aan Zee, NL (Sleazefest)
SIXTYNINERS (VOODOO RHYTHM) June 26: Wijk aan Zee, NL (Sleazefest) / August 8: Roermond, NL (Solar festival) DEWOLFF (REMUSIC) selected dates - June 26: Wateringen, NL (WPC Nederlanddrie) / July 2: Elsloo, NL (Dikke Stein) / July 10: Andijk, NL (Dijkpop) / July 17: Lichtenvoorde, NL (Zwarte Cross) / September 11: Weert, NL (De Bosuil) / September 18: Heerhugowaard, NL (Waerdse Tempel)
GÖSTA BERLINGS SAGA (TRANSUBSTANS) July 16: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat) / July 17: Nijmegen, NL (Valkhof/Affaire festival) THE FLYING EYES (WORLD IN SOUND) July 18: Nijmegen, NL (Valkhof/Affaire festival) / July 25: Roermond, NL (DeWeegbrug) KENTIN JIVEK (S.R.) July 30: Hengelo, NL (Lambooyhuis)
THE FLYING EYES (WORLD IN SOUND) July 18: Nijmegen, NL (Valkhof/Affaire festival) / July 25: Roermond, NL (DeWeegbrug) KENTIN JIVEK (S.R.) July 30: Hengelo, NL (Lambooyhuis)
C.W. STONEKING (VOODOO RHYTHM) August 8: Roermond, NL (Solar festival)
PUDDLE PARADE (MORC) September 17: Tilburg, NL (Incubate)
CIRCLE BROS. (MORC) September 18: Tilburg, NL (Incubate)
SIENA ROOT (TRANSUBSTANS/HEAD SPIN) October 23 or 30 (t.b.a.): Zwolle, NL (Eureka)
COSMIC TRIP MACHINE (S.R./TRANSUBSTANS) November 6: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat)
THINGUMA JIG*SAW (DESERTED VILLAGE) Fall 2010 t.b.a.
Blog
Previous editions:
06/09/2010 11:47 SPOTLIGHT 264
30/08/2010 11:42 SPOTLIGHT 263
24/08/2010 11:09 SPOTLIGHT 262
18/08/2010 11:22 SPOTLIGHT 261
09/08/2010 11:31 SPOTLIGHT 260
02/08/2010 11:29 SPOTLIGHT 259
26/07/2010 11:16 SPOTLIGHT 258
20/07/2010 12:06 SPOTLIGHT 257
12/07/2010 12:22 SPOTLIGHT 256
05/07/2010 11:52 SPOTLIGHT 255
29/06/2010 11:34 SPOTLIGHT 254
15/06/2010 11:37 SPOTLIGHT 252
07/06/2010 11:43 SPOTLIGHT 251
31/05/2010 11:35 SPOTLIGHT 250
25/05/2010 12:20 SPOTLIGHT 249
19/05/2010 11:48 SPOTLIGHT 248
10/05/2010 11:26 SPOTLIGHT 247
03/05/2010 11:46 SPOTLIGHT 246
26/04/2010 12:04 SPOTLIGHT 245
19/04/2010 11:42 SPOTLIGHT 244
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