To any of my followers, this will be the final LookOut post on this page.
I will be moving my operations here:
http://thelookoutboston.com
Farewell, Blogspot.
-LookOut Leahy
Monday, March 21, 2016
Latest List (3/18)-The Body, Daddy, Koi Child, & More!
Genre: Doom Metal, Industrial, Noise
FFO: Thou, Sandworm, Neurosis
I discovered the Rhode Island-based bearded duo The Body via their collaborative effort with Louisiana's Thou. The strength and diversity and of the multi-layered "You, Whom I Always Hated" compelled me to discover the unique yet entirely different angles the two bands take on Doom. The Body applies an industrial-heavy formula in their latest LP making a gross, pop-influenced, noisey mess. However, there is horrific beauty to be found in this sonic mess. "No One Deserves Happiness" is a remarkably distinctive experience that your ear drums must be prepared for. There is spine-chilling elegance to be found in the crushing muck and mire.
Streaming here: https://thebody.bandcamp.com/album/no-one-deserves-happiness
Genre: Noise, Drone Metal
FFO: Sunn O))), Earth, Jesu
Gensho is the name given to the newborn baby of happily married Boris and Merzbow. Gensho is a two part mammoth of a pill that is all but easy to swallow, combining the sludgey, experimental avant-garde stylings of Boris with the harsh, ear-piecing drone Merzbow is known for. There is even a beautifully haunting cover of "Sometimes" by My Bloody Valentine found within the noisey wall of Gensho.
Streaming Here: https://borismerzbow.bandcamp.com
Genre: New Wave, Post Punk
FFO: The Smiths, The Cure
When I first heard the Slowdive-esque single "Lime Green Dress" and was informed James Franco was the mind behind it, I just simply couldn't believe it. I struggled associating the comedic celebrity with such poetic, hazy, post punk. But alas, Daddy is the shared art project of THE James Franco and his college buddy Tim O' Keefe. Their debut LP, "Let Me Get What I Want" is so heavily inspired by The Smiths, they even managed to get Andy Rourke to provide bass duties. This strange debut is beyond worthy of a spin if you're ready for it.
Currently streaming on Spotify™.
Genre: Jazz, Hip Hop
FFO: Hiatus Kaiyote, The Roots, Kamasi Washington
After receiving the attention of Kevin Parker from Tame Impala fame, the seven piece jazz/hip hop outfit from Australia known as Koi Child had the opportunity to open a few shows for them. Parker saw so much potential he even produced their self titled debut which hit stores this week. Sharp flow backed by free jazz instrumentation filled with seamless sax solos make this the feel good album of the spring you must check out asap.
Currently Streaming on Spotify™.
Genre: Folk, Post Rock
FFO: Sufjan Stevens
The Magnetic North is the brainchild of England's Simon Tong with the assistance of his chums Gawain Erland Cooper and Hannah Peel. Their sophmore effort "Prospect of Skelmersdale" is a beautiful, orchestral concept album centered in Tong's upbringing. The utilization of authentic orchestral instruments aids the album creating vibrant, captivating soundscapes sucking listener's into Tong's world.
Currently Streaming on Spotify™ .
Genre: Psychadelic Rock, Shoegazing, Drone
FFO: Creepoid, Swervedriver
Copenhagen's Telestar Sound Drone proves with their sophomore LP they are forced to be reckoned with. Isolated in the confines of a World War II air raid shelter, the three piece spend long nights crafting what we now know as "Magical Solutions to Every Day Struggles." The album is a multi-layered, tranquil, hazy, yet unrelentlessly loud monster that bites hard when threatened. Immerse yourself in this bipolar piece of unique, droney instrumentation.
Currently Streaming on Spotify™ .
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Latest List (3/11)-Brian Fallon, Into It. Over It, Killswitch Engage, & More!
Genre: Black Metal, Symphonic
FFO: Moonsorrow, Dark Forest
Finnish Pagan Metal trio Draugnim strike again releasing their first LP in six years. "Vulturine" is a passionate pilgrimage traveling through darkened forests of pagan folklore, channeling vast atmospheric soundscapes, balanced production, and topped with slight, subtle sprinkles of symphonic elements.
Genre: Alternative Rock
FFO: The Gaslight Anthem, Bruce Springsteen, Lucero
2014's "Get Hurt" is regarded by many fans as The Gaslight Anthem's weakest offering despite showing Brian Fallon at his most emotional, blunty lamenting the pains of his recent divorce to paper. Gaslight went on hiatus soon after and now we see Mr. Fallon therapeutically writing the album he was meant to. "Painkillers" channels the Petty, Dylan, and Springsteen vibes we all know and love from Gaslight but applies it to a more intimate stripped down formula keeping fans in check with the artist's emotional journey.
Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
FFO: Joey Bada$$, Vince Staples, Action Bronson
Flatbush Zombies is an unconventional NYC hip hop trio consisting if Meechy Darko, Zombie Juice, and producer Erick "The Architect" Elliot. The group's debut LP "3001: A Laced Odyssey" takes a leap forward from their prior mixtapes in terms of production, atmosphere, sharp flow, and lyricism. The colossal, drug-induced debut channels the previous absurdities anchored in nonsensical immaturity, and steers it towards clever, subtle wordplay.
Genre: Powerviolence, Grindcore
FFO: Napalm Death, Pig Destroyer
Swedish Grindcore quartet Gadget have been around the block more times than you would think releasing numerous LPs, EPs, Splits, and Demos since their inception in 1997. Prepate yourself for the high-speed, dirty, sonic onslaught of their comeback LP "The Great Destroyer" out now on Relapse Records.
Genre: Noise Rock, Post Hardcore
FFO: Everytime I Die, The Dillinger Escape Plan, At the Drive In
Known for their humble beginnings as "Baby Godzilla," the Nottingham noise quartet were recently forced to change their band name due to an imperative demand from Japanese cinema. They now return as Heck armed with a fresh full length. "Instructions" is an intense, noisey, mathy rock n' roll ride that rocks hard all the way through.
Genre: Psychadelic Rock
FFO: Deerhunter, MGMT, The Beatles
Austin, Texas' psych rock outfit Holy Wave returns for round three with their latest LP. "Freaks of Nurture" is a reverb-drowned lullaby with soft, whispery vocal work gliding peacefully throughout plains of clean, lush, riffs that will lead your mind to drift into uncharted dimensions of time and space.
Genre: Indie Rock, Emo
FFO: American Football, Death Cab for Cutie, Owen
Evan Weiss invites us back into his serenading world of emo/indie rock goodness with his third full length "Standards." Weiss continues upon his successfully executed formula of balancing technical, upbeat, mathy indie rock while kissing the feet of Ben Gibbard with his soulful ballads. Into It. Over It has never been an act associated with wheel reinvention, but Weiss' superb instrumental talent and sincerity shape him into an artist you dont want to overlook. The tracks found on "Standards" are delicately alluring and showcase a hard-working young man proudly wearing his heart on his sleeve and seeking more mature artistic routes for his work.
Genre: Metalcore
FFO: Overcast, All That Remains, Slipknot
Any Killswitch fan could argue for hours over the age-old Jesse vs. Howard debate, but I'll cut to the chase. I'm a Jesse guy. That being said, you probably imagined my delight when "Disarm the Discent" was announced. Hard to believe it's already been three years since Jesse's triumphant return, and luckily the latest offering from the Massachusetts Metalcore pioneers does not disapoint. Killswitch has never been a band to experiment much with their sound and if anything, Adam D and the boys have always simply yet sucessfully created an intense backdrop for either Howard or Jesse to shine. Why fix what isn't broken? "Incarnate" shows the group at their most heavy, choatic, and abrasive and show little signs of slowing after an almost two decade career.
Genre: Experimental Rock, Progressive Metal, Black Metal, Noise Rock
FFO: The Ocean, Sunn O)))
Spanish quintet Obsidian Kingdom steals the prize for the most unique release of the week. The group's sophomore offering strangely combines piano-driven, progressive, industrial rock ballads with groovy death riffs and blackened drone. Listen for yourself.
Genre: Black Metal, Folk
FFO: Wolves in the Throne Room, Ash Borer
The latest split between Austin Lunn's baby Panopticon and Germany's Waldgeflüster shows both acts channeling their similar strengths in perfect harmony. Both sides of the split beautifully exemplify that black metal and folk go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Latest List (3/4)-Church of Misery, Day Wave, Wolvserpent, & More!
Genre:Psychadelic Rock, Ambient
FFO: Animal Collective, Deerhunter, My Morning Jacket
Allow Baby Birds Don't Drink Milk to wrap you in their warm, silken blanket of thought-provoking ambiance. Burritos is a crafty collection of acoustic-driven cavernous chants reminiscent of early Animal Collective.
Bandcamp: https://babybirdsdontdrinkmilk.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbddm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babybirdsdontdrinkmilk/
Twitter: n/a
Before a Million Universes
Genre: Post Hardcore, Alternative Rock
FFO: Slint, Shellac, Fugazi
New York's Post Hardcore hooligans Big Ups have returned with a volcanic LP erupting with razor sharp intensity comparable to the likes of Slint's landmark Spiderland. Give this album a spin if you long for a wild ride of seemingly nostalgic post hardcore goodness.
Bandcamp:https://explodinginsoundrecords.bandcamp.com/album/before-a-million-universes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearebigups
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearebigups/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wearebigups
Genre: Garage Rock, Noise Rock, Punk Rock, Lo-fi
FFO: Ty Segall, Fuzz, Jesus Lizard
Local garage rock trio Black Beach prove their worth and capture the vibrant nature of their live performance with their debut LP Shallow Creatures. Hailing from Middleborough, Massachusetts, these guys have come a long way from their humble beginnings covering Blink 182 to the raw, punk-driven, fuzzy rock n' roll you hear today. Make sure you grab this LP and catch them in an intimate live setting before they skyrocket into the successful state they deserve.
Bandcamp: https://blackbeachma.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackbeachma/
Instagram: n/a
Twitter: n/a
And Then There Were None
Genre: Doom Metal, Psychedalic Rock
FFO: Black Sabbath, Boris, Electric Wizard
Tokyo doom rockers Church of Misery flaunt their profiency of gritty sabbath worship with their latest LP. Nothing necessarily new here but nevertheless "And Then They Were None" showcases Tatsu Mikami's preeminence in combining psychadelic rock and harsh doom.
Bandcamp: n/a
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchofmiserydoom/
Instagram; n/a
Twitter: n/a
Genre: Indie Rock, Dream Pop
FFO: Diiv, Turnover, Beach Fossils, Wild Nothing
Oakland, California's Jackson Phillips has returned to serenade you with his sophomore EP Hard to Read. Phillips continues to expand his established craft of ripe, tender, dream pop influenced indie rock similar to the soundscapes painted by groups such as Wild Nothing or Turnover. Hard to Read is a smooth selection of soothing seduction catering to any human with functioning ear drums.
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/day-wave
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daywavemusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daywavemusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/daywavemusic
Genre:Indie,Folk
FFO: Chelsea Wolfe, Daughter
I implore you all to immediately listen to this Norwegian songstress' debut four song offering to the world. Eera applies a sonically layered, bassy take on chamber folk to serve as an accurate dark setting for her alluring vocal performance.
Bandcamp: n/a
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eeramusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eera_annalena/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eeramusic
Guerilla Toss-Eraser Stargazer
Genre: Funk, Punk Rock
FFO: The Donkey Kong Soundtrack
If you're looking for something musically that is truly creative, refreshing, and unorthodox, this is the album for you. Guerilla Toss is an extremely bizarre combination of punk and funk that producing tunes that could properly function as the soundtrack to a Donkey Kong game. Known primarily for their eccentric live shows, the strange New York ensemble manages to capture every peculiar characteristic of their performance on their latest LP.
Bandcamp: https://guerillatoss.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Guerilla-Toss-294357483907927/
Instagram: n/a
Twitter: https://twitter.com/guerilla_toss
Genre: Doom Metal, Death Metal
FFO: diSEMBOWELMENT, Mournful Congregation
It's been four years since Australian Doom quartet Inverloch dropped their Dusk|Subside EP. Distance|Collapse is a ferocious beast woken from a long hibernation refreshed and ready to annihilate everything in it's path. Inverloch features ex members diSEMBOWELMENT so their mastery of balancing speed, atmosphere, and doom-laced Death metal comes as no surprise.
Bandcamp:https://inverloch.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InverlochOfficial/
Instagram: n/a
Twitter: n/a
Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
FFO: Freddie Gibbs, Lupe Fiasco
When Kendrick Lamar recorded last year's hip hop masterpiece To Pimp a Butterfly it is believed the process took him three years to fully record and that up to 60 songs were tracked. This week, Kendrick decided to suprise the world and drop an 8 song EP containing some of these forgotten songs encompassing free jazz, funk, and soul-laced hip hop.
Bandcamp: n/a
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kendricklamar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendricklamar/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kendricklamar
Genre: Dream Pop, Ambient
FFO: Cocteau Twins, Candy Claws, Purity Ring
Sound of Ceres is a new, Colorado-based supergroup featuring members of Candy Claws, Apples In Stereo, and The Drums. Their debut Nostalgia for Infinity is an artistically-layered achievement featuring "orbits" of both spacey and dreamy soundscapes.
Bandcamp:https://soundofceres.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoundOfCeres
Instagram: n/a
Twitter: https://twitter.com/soundofceres
Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
FFO: Big KRIT, Wiz Khalifa
The latest LP from New York recording artist Smoke Dza contains authentic, tight flow as well as atmospheric top knotch production delving into elements of jazz, soul, and funk.
Bandcamp: n/a
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smokedza
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kushedgod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/smokedza
Genre: Drone, Black Metal, Doom Metal
FFO: Sunn O))), Jupiter
The latest release from Relapse's Wolvserpent is a single track spanning across 40 minutes of vast, atmopsheric terrains. This epic piece is filled with movements and crescendos as horrifying and spine chilling as they are beautiful.
Bandcamp: https://wolvserpent.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolvserpent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolvserpent/?hl=en
Twitter: n/a
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Shoegazing, Electronic
FFO: Deerhunter, MGMT
French psychrock duo Yeti Lane follow up 2012's "The Echo Show" with the monstrous, reverb-drowned LP "L'Aurore." The two piece continues to demonstrate their profiency with both electronic and guitar-heavy instrumentation releasing a droney, psychadelic, shoegaze influenced monolith of an album.
Bandcamp:https://clappingmusic.bandcamp.com/album/laurore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YETI-LANE-38768014114/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeti_lane/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YetiLaneMusic
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Black Beach's "Shallow Creatures" LP Release Show (Concert Review)
On the evening of March 5th, 2016, I attended Black Beach's release show for their debut LP Shallow Creatures at the Middle East Upstairs. I have observed these three hard-working, young men evolve from their humble Blink 182-covering beginnings into the explosive and unique punk-driven garage rock project they are now so attending this landmark event was a no-brainer.
The Mardi Kings (1.5/5)
Steep Leans (3.7/5)
Philadelphia’s Steep
Leans took the stage next with a strong performance of entrancing, dreamy
psychedelia. Frontman Jeffrey Grey Somers ushered the audience into his world of
swirling distortion matched with a captivating vocal performance that brought the
likes of Nick Cave to mind. The set prompted me to spin their debut LP which surprisingly
managed to succeed in capturing the vibrant energy of their live show. Check
out Grips On Heat out now on Ghost Ramp Records.
Dent (3.8/5)
Boston’s Dent stood out to me as the most unique and entertaining act on the bill. The female fronted four piece’s take on psych rock utilized a mammoth range of influences including sludge, noise, punk, math rock, and many more. Frontwoman Lan Shi Dent’s sporadic stage presence and high pitched wales served as an instrument in itself matching the chaotic, skill-driven instrumentation exhibited by her fellow bandmates. As the set reached its winding finale, it became clear Dent’s overall presentation of stylistic range proved void of any dull moments.
Black Beach (3.7/5)
I have seen the Middleborough garage rock trio known as
Black Beach countless times over the span of four years and they have yet to disappoint
in a live setting. This particular gig proved to be no different and managed to
steal the evening of terms of energy and crowd participation.
From the moment the opening riff of “Self Potrait” kicked
in, the three piece was met with a wildly enthusiastic reaction of wild fans
tossing their beer in the air with glee. The party-like intensity of the group’s
performance was unmatched as one fan even served as a real life “wacky-arm-waving-inflatable-flailing-tube-man”
vibing onstage front and center the entirety of the set.
The setlist itself was brilliantly structured beginning with
Side A of the new record, utilizing the intermission for older fan favorites, winding
down with Side B, and then wrapping up the events of the evening by encoring
with a humorously animated cover of Trashmen’s “Surfin’ Bird.”
Make sure you take the opportunity to party with Black Beach
in an intimate environment before they skyrocket into the successful state they
deserve. Be sure to pick up their debut LP Shallow Creatures.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Somos' "First Day Back" Record Release Show (Concert Review)
On the evening of March 3rd, 2016, I had the unexpected
pleasure of attending the First Day Back LP release show for Boston’s own
Somos. My girlfriend sought my company due to her fondness for one of the
opening acts so I figured I would tag along for a completely unbiased concert
going experience.
The record release event took place in the upstairs room at
the Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub in Cambridge, MA, consisting of 194
maximum capacity (contrary to the downstairs room’s 575 capacity).
I am a
frequent attendee at the Middle East’s many events so I am all too familiar with
the laid back atmosphere, cheap drink menu, and surprisingly superior acoustics
of the upstairs room. The one issue I have had with the venue in particular
(regarding the upstairs room only) has been the sheer impossibility to adequately
view a band’s performance from the bar, but all things considered it is an excellent
venue for smaller acts to share their art with the public.
Photograph taken by Scott Cornell Photography
Animal Flag (4/5)
A local act under the name of Animal Flag kicked the concert
off around 7:30pm. Each member displayed their own equal contribution of sharp
instrumentation and enthusiastic stage presence performing what I consider
to be the tightest set of the evening. There were some serious Thrice and Brand
New vibes emanating from this young, vibrant four piece balancing abrasive
chord progressions with clean, well-structured post-rock-esque buildups. This group stole the
show for me and served as a strong reminder to always show up early and catch opening
acts because not only do they need more support than headliners, but they may
pleasantly surprise you. I will be sure to post a “Local LookOut” piece on
these guys at some point.
The Superweaks (2/5)
Philadelphia’s
Superweaks stormed the stage around 8:15 with a five piece ensemble of three
guitarists, bassist, drummer, and a synthesizer in sight. There was not a
single moment throughout the band’s half hour set in which I proved successful
in grasping the band’s desired sound, and thus the performance’s conclusion
left me with an aftertaste of utter confusion. The group was all over the place
stylistically ranging from Weezer to Melvins worship and the only hint at what
they were trying to do was a brief mentioning of a previous show at the venue
opening for Reggie & The Full Effect. This hatched in my brain the possibility they are a joke band and the
true point grazed over my head entirely, but minus a few cool sludgey moments
that got me banging my head, I felt “Superweak” was the only term that came to
mind regarding this set.
Petal (3.5/5)
Scranton,
PA’s Petal took their turn serenading the audience with some soothing jams at
9:00 sharp. Equipped with a smooth floral aesthetic, tight setlist, and
frontwoman Kiley Lotz’s adorably humble stage banter, Petal’s performance proved to be both a charming and delightful experience. Lotz’s vocalwork served as the set’s
fulcrum laced with passion, emotion, and skill. The lone complaint I had dealt with the bassist’s apparent apathy concerning even being there but such can be
easily ignored when Lotz reminded the audience on more than one occasion that
Petal is her solo project and that not only did the live band consist of her
friends filling in and supporting her, but that a vital member was not present due to reasons not explained.
Somos (3.5/5)
Last but not least, Boston's own Somos took the stage to wrap up the evening. I have
previously seen the band open for larger national tour packages so having the
opportunity to watch them headline their own show and have such enthusiastic
and high-energy crowd participation was a treat. The performance was tight regarding both musicianship (specifically the drumwork) as well as a high energy stage presence. The more recent tracks I was unfamilar with brought to mind “Peripheral
Vision” era Turnover stripped of the gloss and dreamy atmosphere in favor of a
more upbeat and poppy approach. Fans belted the lyrics loudly and proudly and stagedove until the set's conclusion which was met with a loud encore. After a fun evening of live music, Somos the evening right. Be sure to check out "First Day Back" out now on Hopeless Records.
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