Low Threat Profile - s/t 7” (Deep Six, Draw Blank)
Fast. Asskicking. Listen to it. Yes!
MR
Small Black - EP (Jagjaguwar)
This EP reminds me of hanging out with good friends in late autumn. It’s not a concrete collection of songs, but more like an impression of what these guys can do. This is a redux of a previously released work—this is fleshed out and feels more like an accomplished band with a vision. I am a fan of this. The first track is the best.
MR
Toro Y Moi - Causers of This (Carpark)
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The first few listens I really liked this. It’s slow, melodic, dynamic (a vague musical term, I know, but let’s just say there are lots of different types of instrumentation samples going on). You can tap your foot to it and maybe nod your head if you’re outgoing. I’m pretty sure he will release a very impressive full length at some point (whether under this name or another). But this isn’t it. Like I said, I really liked it on the first few listens but the sound becomes tiresome and stale. I will say this: it’s a pretty good encapsulation of whatever chillwave is supposed to be. (Personally, I think it’s some made up thing but others [even those who write for this site!] would disagree.) Enjoy this album, though, while it lasts.
MR
Bastard Noise - A Culture of Monsters (Deep Six)
Bastard Noise has been around for a while as a side project of members of Man Is the Bastard. MITB isn’t around anymore, but The Skull survives. This album isn’t nearly as brutal or punishing (although it is brutal and punishing) as most of the MITB and even earlier Bastard Noise stuff. Some stuff is slow! There is crooning! This album has a sense of totality to it—the spoken word piece in the beginning ushers the listener into the world of the Monsters. The production on this is very sharp, there is no aural ambiguity to the devastation. The electronic noise hisses like a dying and pissed off dragon. The second track—“Pincers’ Movement” is probably my favorite.
MR
..and we’re back!
Every few years we here at PPP take a two month hibernation. Sorry we didn’t let you know. But now it’s over, so expect some exciting stuff coming your way.
The Besnard Lakes @ Black Cat 5.27.10
The Besnard Lakes - Glass Printer
The Besnard Lakes sounded great last night at Black Cat. There was just so much sound, and lead singer Jace Lasek’s vocals are piercing. So spacey and atmospheric. I was a fan before; now I’m an advocate. And you gotta love husband and wife rock bands—its just cool. Their album, The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night, has been out since February, but if you don’t have it be sure to get it over at Jagjaguwar.
btw, Lasek looks like a 70s rock characiture, and it is awesome.
-AK
Phosphorescent - Mermaid Parade
This track is from Athens/Brooklyn songwriter Mathew Houck, aka Phosphorescent. His new album, Here’s To Taking It Easy, is the kind you put on, go about your business, and then after two songs you stop and realize you really, really like what you’re hearing. This one is a soft and pleasant ballad about love lost (aren’t they all). Hard to imagine conceiving a song like this while wandering about The Mermaid Parade on Coney Island, but hey; when inspiration strikes! His album was released on May 11th, so you can get it now from Dead Oceans, and probably from iTunes too, I assume.
- A.K.
Here is ”Our First Brains” from Ben Barnett’s (of Kind of Like Spitting fame) new band Blunt Mechanic. Their debut album “World Record” came out exactly month ago tomorrow on Barsuk Records (4/20, BLUNT Mechanic, lolz). I’m really enjoying the record with it’s folky and warm fuzzed out guitar bass and vocal sounds.
Slothbear - Don’t Taunt a Tiger
Hey gang, take a moment to check out this promising band of college buddies from Long Island. Sans laptop and guitar centric, it’s reminiscent of the rock you listened to on the radio in your dorm. If you like it then you’re in luck, because they’re practically literally giving the EP, Qids, away over at Vanity Imprint. You can also check out their blog and myspace for a taste of their good humor and tips on how to get banned from popular NY music venues.
- A.K.
