Lines In Wax

TWELVE YEARS OF UNWANTED OPINION

Month: August 2020

Ellie Goulding – Brightest Blue (2020)
hip hop pop

Ellie Goulding – Brightest Blue (2020)

Here we have Ellie Goulding’s fourth studio album, the number one selling Brightest Blue. So, I believe the premise of this record is that it is split into two sides; two parts – one being the very sort of sound we started seeing Ellie creep into around the time of her Halcyon record and the latter part a series of collabs with various sort of EDM artists (all of which I’d never heard of prior to which possibly makes me feel really old, I’m not sure). So, side one is the straight up album, Brightest Blue, where it seems the other half is referred to as Eg.O. The Brightest Blue and full fresh album side to this bunch of songs is great though, with as I say some quite Halcyon-era sounding tracks as well as some kind of slower numbers inside (such as “New Height”). It’s really enjoyable though, and I can’t help going back to the track “Love I’m Given”, with its powerful chorus and the cool sounding vocal melody that hides beneath it all. Some really stand out stuff here and “Love I’m Given” is definitely one, as is “How Deep Is Too Deep” and one of the albums leading tracks, “Power”. The other half I’ll be honest just generally isn’t really my thing, but that’s not to say it isn’t good however; “Hate Me” ft Juice WRLD perhaps being my favourite out of the bunch if I were to pick, I just sort of feel it just steers far off the usual sort of sound that I’ve come to enjoy from Ellie Goulding when it gets to these tracks, and I can’t really see myself revisiting this side to the record as I would the tracks before it, with respect. Maybe it would have been better as a completely separate release? I’m unsure, but then that aside though, you cannot argue that this artist isn’t dishing out the content here and providing a real full package. Overall though, positive vibes towards, and an enjoyable and welcome release.

Anal Cunt – Fuckin’ A (2011)
grindcore rock

Anal Cunt – Fuckin’ A (2011)

I vividly remember not being very impressed with Fuckin’ A upon its release. I was baying like a crazed hound for more nasty noisecore, but instead we got this nonsense. However, I can thankfully say that in my old age I have grown to appreciate this bizarre album. Like, its Anal Cunt but doing hair metal rock and/or roll tracks, of course it sounds awful! But y’know, considering the band in question, the songs are fairly coherent. Things break down considerably when solos are attempted (or a monster ballad) but otherwise things grind along very nicely. It’s worth noting though that some of Seth’s best throat-shredding vocals are on this thing.

Pigsty – Spiders (2003)
grindcore

Pigsty – Spiders (2003)

Spiders is a relatively short EP from Czech technical grinding madmen, Pigsty. Whilst not as Voivod-y as the full length Planet Of The Pigs, Spiders is still a clanking nightmare in the brutal style of grindcore that almost borders on death metal (deathgrind doesn’t really feel like the right word here, though). Perhaps most surprisingly of all on this EP, is the cover of Rage Against The Machine’s “Wake Up”, which despite best efforts from all involved, really just doesn’t translate well at all.

Jesu – Jesu (2004)
doom metal electronic

Jesu – Jesu (2004)

On Jesu’s debut we are faced with 8 monumental tracks of shoegazy goodness. Granted, this self-titled record is not as astral as records that would quickly follow, but Jesu instead relies on the intense weight and pressure of the riffs, coupled with the dark, drab and dare I say somewhat depressing nature of the songs themselves. On Jesu it seems that all hope is gone, and the morose synths gilding the tracks accentuates this feel. However, it uses this dense emotional battlefield as a canvas in order to begin repairs; to begin building from the ground up, allowing a new, prosperous and better future to come from such sorrow and heartache. Essential stuff. Jesu by jesu

Årabrot – The Gospel (2016)
avant-garde metal

Årabrot – The Gospel (2016)

Årabrot play an interesting blend of rock and metal; from the noisy to the soothing, the chaotic to the serene. Their history is long and intriguing, but I start here today with The Gospel, which comes on a bit like Great Annihilator-era Swans through a twisted, modernised and European lens. That trite description of course does them no justice, but I thoroughly enjoyed the record and look forward to listening to more.

AFX – Analord 01 (2005)
electronic

AFX – Analord 01 (2005)

Analord is another one of those series that I have given up hope on ever owning in a physical format. Thank heavens then, for the internet and for the lovely people who upload rare and hard to find gems for the rest of us to get a listen to. AFX is one of my favourite electronic producers in the world. I think I may even prefer it to Aphex Twin, but we are splitting hairs here. This first release in the Analord series is a testament to analogue music production. Busy is the order of the day here. Totally go get shit done music.

First Days Of Humanity – Pixel Death (2020)
electronic grindcore

First Days Of Humanity – Pixel Death (2020)

Well then, its been a good year or so for pure LDOH-worship goregrind. However, please do not write off First Days Of Humanity – they aren’t as typical sounding as you would expect. Yes, of course, it is heavy Last Days Of Humanity worship, but there is so much grinding goodness here. People (read: experts) on the internet profess that Pixel Death is far from the project’s best release. Considering how much I love this, I’m definitely in for a treat when I hunt down the rest.

Gorgoroth – Destroyer Or About How To Philosophize With The Hammer (1998)
black metal

Gorgoroth – Destroyer Or About How To Philosophize With The Hammer (1998)

Destroyer is a little cunt of a record, to put it politely. Imagine the most distilled form of harsh, disgusting black metal, but remove none of the spooky atmosphere that the relentless stuff usually loses out on, and you’ve got a rough idea of what is going on here. There’s a mixed bag of vibes, with the vocal duties being shared out over a fair number of contributors (including, for the first time with Gorgorogth, the legendary Gaahl) – and is it just me, but does “Slottet I Det Fjerne” sound like it was lifted straight out of Darkthrone’s Transylvanian Hunger? Either way, this album is killer.

Bryde – The Volume Of Things (2020)
pop

Bryde – The Volume Of Things (2020)

Released right in the heart of national shutdown, I can honestly say this has without doubt been the soundtrack to my entire 2020 lockdown listening wise. This is the second full length release from Bryde, and a very welcome one at that; a wonderful selection of songs from catchy big chorus numbers like one of the albums singles “The Trouble Is” to the track “Flies”, with its big yet dark and haunting sound, and of course “Another World For Free” – such a big yet beautifully haunting sounding track which is quite possibly my favourite track off the album. Overall, a really fantastic album and a selection of songs that I can really only say good things about.

Tom Waits – The Black Rider (1993)
avant-garde rock

Tom Waits – The Black Rider (1993)

There are many elements to Tom Waits’ records that are odd or abstract, but The Black Rider seems to take this formula one step further. As far as aural textures go, tonally it is not a million miles away from Real Gone. The difference in this particular little pudding is the songwriting; the tracks are almost vignettes, little insights into bizarre microcosms that are weaved for our aural enjoyment.

Miles Davis – The Complete In A Silent Way Sessions (2001)
jazz

Miles Davis – The Complete In A Silent Way Sessions (2001)

The more recently released full session recordings of In A Silent Way are, for me, intensely more exciting than the original release. In a seemingly endless array of “songs”, Davis et al soar through incredible jams and moods. The muted, peacefully restrained final result is far cry from many of the cuts here, making this a super interesting- and frankly, essential – peek behind the curtain.

Haim – Women In Music Pt. III (2020)
pop rock

Haim – Women In Music Pt. III (2020)

Here we have the latest and 3rd album from the Haim sisters. A straight up sixteen track offering too which is quite rare to often see. Certainly delivering the content here. The album kicks off with the laid back smooth jazz sound of “Los Angeles”. It’s difficult to quite label but it has a certain kind of smooth groove to it, with the horn/brass sounds that introduces the record, and with that really nice under-groove bass guitar sound (in fact the bass sound throughout the whole album is lovely). Overall, it’s quite an eclectic album with bits of different genres seeping through, from quite jazz sounding, to blues. The album has a different sound to the two previous Haim albums, yet whilst still sounding like a Haim album, if that makes sense. A really interesting mix of songs here often sounding multiple genre elements within the same track, so many different sounds coming through on this one. The album however closes on a very similar vibe to where it started however on the track “Summer Girl”, which brings it all back in nicely and closes the album perfectly. Overall a really enjoyable record, with plenty to offer.

Secret Stairways – Turning Point (1999)
dungeon synth

Secret Stairways – Turning Point (1999)

Turning point is the only real full length from Secret Stairways (unless you count his first release – I guess that could be an album too, for some reason though I just don’t see it that way) and marks a slight departure from the heavier fantasy themes from before. Sure, they are still there (just look at the cover art) but the introspective, pensive and droning synth work seems to be the order of the day here, and is ramped up from previous efforts. Turning point wears the mask and cape of dungeon synth but surely can be appreciated by a wider audience of electronic music lovers.

Daft Punk – Random Access Memories (2013)
electronic pop

Daft Punk – Random Access Memories (2013)

Random Access Memories is absolutely deserving of its Grammy win – not that I put much stock in such accolades, but it does show that “the system” sat up and clapped its collective hands. There was also a small backlash from certain long time Daft Punk fans at the time due to the direction of the record. This week marks the first time I’ve actually sat down and listened to the whole thing in one sitting rather than in dribs and drabs. And whilst parts of the record could be accused of being too sterile or rigid, or even flat, RAM is, for the most part, a gorgeously produced record featuring a whole host of phenomenal musicians. It has mass appeal, yet it also is dripping with class.

The Caretaker- Everywhere At The End Of Time – Stage 1 (2016)
avant-garde electronic

The Caretaker- Everywhere At The End Of Time – Stage 1 (2016)

The whole concept of Caretaker’s Everywhere At The End Of Time series was something I found incredibly interesting. The six parts of this series are supposed to document the mind’s decline into the unknowing hell and fear of being consumed by dementia. Stage 1 here, gets things off to an eery but jaunty start; swinging tunes that I’m led to believe are original compositions of The Caretaker himself, but easily sound pre-WW2. Things loop around a bit, but the overall theme is that of a long-reaching nostalgia. I’m beyond excited, and a little terrified, of where this series goes from here.

TT – LoveLaws (2018)
pop

TT – LoveLaws (2018)

TT is a guise – or pseudonym if you will – of musician Theresa Wayman, who is known for being a member of the band Warpaint. I’ll first off admit that I discovered this album on the off chance of a bit of a CD browse and haul; a sort of musical gamble I suppose, having not heard any material from the album or the artist. I decided to take a chance on it, and what a fantastic impulse buy is was. I absolutely love it, and I only wish I’d discovered sooner. LoveLaws is a wonderful collection of downtempo, offbeat, borderline electronica. A dream-like, alternative bliss. Perfect stuff.

Fata Morgana – Fata Morgana (1995)
dungeon synth

Fata Morgana – Fata Morgana (1995)

If you think dungeon synth is cheesy then walk away now, because this early side project from dungeon master Mortiis is just that. A far cry from the endless unfolding single-track monstrosities which birthed his synthesizer career, Fata Morgana is instead more wondrous, more celestial, and dipped in a healthy coating of a sticky, melted yellow substance that you would usually find on burgers and hotdogs. That said, this is a stunning record, and the perfect soundtrack to a D&D sesh, or to listen to whilst playing your favourite RPG or reading some immense tome of fantastical content and proportion. Otherworldly!

Laura Marling – Song For Our Daughter (2020)
pop

Laura Marling – Song For Our Daughter (2020)

Laura Marling returns with her Mercury Prize nominated seventh studio album, “Song For Our Daughter”. This is a really nice album. It has a lot of soul to it; some beautiful melodies, harmonies and an overall big warm sound, and is a really good album to just pure chill out to, with it’s strong summer-esque, lazy day vibes and the odd sombre moments. There is fabulous songwriting and a captivating performance throughout that just takes you away to someplace else for a moment, with songs like “Held Down” and “Only The Strong” in particular.

Necrocannibalistic Vomitorium – Untitled (2004)
grindcore

Necrocannibalistic Vomitorium – Untitled (2004)

I decided to start at the beginning with NxVx, so back I went. I had my PayPal password ready to go, thinking I may need to purchase some obscure tapes off Discogs, but alas some kind and wicked soul has uploaded this rare catch to YouTube for my perverted perusal. I’m unsure why this release is marked as Untitled? Surely it’s just a self-titled EP / demo? Either way, It showcases an early template the bands sound, coupled with the original second vocalist that lasted up until around Pussymist, I think. There are some obnoxiously loud porno samples on this, which are jarring, but I can’t really complain, considering the genre.