Wince - Gem (Single Premiere)

Sometimes opportunities present themselves at unexpected times. That reminds me...  I should be better at seizing such opportunities. What am I talking about? The opportunity to premiere (well do a UK premiere at least) for the brand new single 'Gem' from New York, USA post-rock band Wince.

I was supposed to host it via my YouTube channel but I noticed that the single was already up there, so I decided that I'd much rather Wince get the attention themselves. 'Gem' is their first single since the 2023 full-length To Be a Fly in the Rain and it's being jointly released today via Dead Mothers Collective and Cropsey Records.

You can stream 'Gem' via YouTube below:-

Wince's music has been described as post-rock and there's definitely nods to that here. They've been compared to the likes of Russian Circles and Holy Fawn due to their ambient, and sometimes experimental nature. There are elements of indie and art-rock in there as well, pointing to a very well-rounded band. 

This is merely a taste of what Wince deliver musically and after listening to their previous full-length via their bandcamp page here, I reckon plenty of you will enjoy them to, especially if you like post-rock, post-hardcore and experimental music. Thanks for checking this out, I hope you've enjoyed it. Please give Wince your attention and show them some love.

Wince Instagram - @wincebandnyc

Dead Mothers Collective - https://linktr.ee/deadmotherscollective

Cropsey Records - https://cropseyrecords.com

Chivàla - Boato

Labels: Fireflies Fall/Friendly Otter/No Funeral Records/Pike Records/Shove Records/Stonehenge Records/Through Love Records/Zilpzalp Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 27 Dec 2024

Tracklist:

1. Oggetto di scena

2. Far tremare il corpo

3. Cuore di pietra

4. Non lascia nulla

5. Non diremo

6. Alla Fine della corsa

7. Rumore di passi

Last month I received an e-mail from Axel (who heads up German DIY label Pike Records) asking if I would like to review the newest record from Italian post-hardcore/screamo band Chivàla. Due to being behind on my e-mails I missed Axel's initial message but I thankfully caught the second one and humbly accepted the offer. Little did I know that Axel's offer would include a physical copy of the record. 

Fast-forward a few weeks and it has arrived. Axel sent me a copy on red vinyl, which has come out great! I've been familiar with Chivàla for quite a while now; so much so that I own a copy of their split with Suirami on tape. I've featured them here a few times before and I'm quietly trying to fill their discography gaps in my collection (amongst a myriad of others).

The sun’s shining, I’m surrounded by records and I have no plans for the rest of the day. I make it time to give this lovely piece of Italian screamo a spin. The cover art catches my eye due to it’s abstract nature. Not sure if that’s as hint to what the music will sound like but I’m about to find out. Opener ‘Oggetto di scena’ sounds a lot more laid-back and melodic than expected; especially the instrumentation. The vocals are a mix of spoken-word/shouted vocals in the verses and semi-cleans/screams later on. All lyrics are in Italian and are beautifully woven into the song. 

It’s beauty that flows through Boato, as ‘Far tremare il corpo’ mixes melody with off-kilter percussion and a take on modern post-hardcore that feels like it’s done a complete 180 degree turn, heading back to the sound of the early 00’s. That was a crossover time for me as I was discovering a lot of punk/core bands and moving slightly away from metal. ‘Cuore di pietra’ highlights the intricacies that exist in Chivàla’s music. I guess alongside countrymen like Ojne and Shizune, I’d place them next to La Dispute purely due to the fact that they do the clean guitar/spoken-word verses so well and when they explode, they do so in a short, controlled manner.

The pattern of following a mid-tempo song with an up-tempo one isn’t a new thing but here it works really well, as ‘Non lascia nulla’ immediately hits top gear. The screams are so passionate and they help to make the instrumental/clean sections sound even better. The latter half of Boato is slightly more precise, yet it comes complete with extra layers, especially during ‘Non diremo’. Subtle atmospheric, almost blackened riffs are added into the mix for a brief period. I guess that’s where Chivàla get their post-rock influence from. Whatever the approach, this is still a fantastic song.

‘Alla fine della corsa’ is the album’s penultimate number and even at this late point in the record, Chivàla’s sound is still as inspiring. The blend of soaring guitar melody, epic low-end/percussion and multi-layered vocals might sound complex though in truth it’s anything but. Everything is perfectly intertwined. Ending with ‘Rumore di passi’ and it’s most beautiful musicianship, I’m in complete ecstasy and in awe of just how good Chivàla are as a complete band. It takes time for any band to truly find their sound, especially when they’re competing with so many others. Given that it’s been a little over six years since their debut EP, I think it’s safe to say that Chivàla have found theirs. If you need more persuasion before listening to this record, you’re in the wrong place.

You can stream and purchase Boato digitally via bandcamp below:-

You can also get physical CD/Vinyl copies from Chivàla above.

Chivàla - https://www.facebook.com/chivalaband

Physical copies are also available from the labels below:-

Fireflies Fall - https://firefliesfall.com/product-category/releases/ 

No Funeral Records - https://store.nofuneral.ca/collections/no-funeral-vinyl

Pike Records - https://www.pikerecords.com/releases/

Shove Records - https://shoverec.bandcamp.com/merch

Stonehenge Records - https://www.stonehengerecords.com/?orderby=alphabetical

Through Love Records - https://shop.throughloverec.com/collections/releases

Fireflies Fall - https://www.facebook.com/firefliesfall

Friendly Otter - https://www.facebook.com/friendlyotterrex

No Funeral Records - https://www.facebook.com/nofuneral8

Pike Records - https://www.facebook.com/pikercrds

Shove Records - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100062967532917

Stonehenge Records - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100053696468870

Through Love Records - https://www.facebook.com/ThroughLoveRec

Zilpzalp Records - https://www.facebook.com/zilpzalpdiy

Also, I'd really appreciate it if you could take a few short seconds to answer the survey I currently have running here - http://www.thisnoiseisours.com/2025/03/subscription-consultation.html. Thanks in advance.

Återstod/MEIßEL - Split

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 13 Jan 2025

Tracklist: 

1. Återstod - Never Let Go

2. Återstod - And Longing Since

3. Återstod - Through Dust Covered Windows

4. MEIßEL - Intro

5. MEIßEL - Verblendung

6. MEIßEL - Verlies

Brand new Swedish solo-project Återstod recently teamed up with German duo MEIßEL to release a split of fresh screamo via Zegema Beach Records. Återstod is the new solo-band from Suis La Lune's Henning, while MEIßEL (who released their debut album in 2022) also released another split earlier this month alongside Ikigai, Apousia, Azzacov and Portrëit. Plenty of reasons to be excited about this release then!

Another sick new ZBR release is just what’s needed during this cold and dark month. It’s even better when you realise that Återstod carries the legacy that was started by Suis La Lune. It’s a solo-project from vocalist/guitarist Henning and opener ‘Never Let Go’ is a great introduction to the future of Swedish screamo (if that’s not too excessive to say). Mixing lovely melodic yet angular guitar with harsh vocals and properly explosive percussion/bass. Instrumentally, it’s surprisingly heavy the further you get into it.

‘And Longing Since’ takes the band’s sound in a very different direction, as the song barely surpasses a minute in length and goes from blistering screamo/emo-violence to heartwarming, slowing post-rock in mere seconds. Återstod’s final addition to this split ‘Through Dust Covered Windows’ goes for a nastier, almost sludgier sound initially before flowing almost seamlessly into more familiar off-kilter screamo territory. Nothing stays the same for too long though, as breathable moments of melody are cut short by bursts of effortless violence and vice versa.

German duo MEIßEL make up the other side of this split and they compliment it perfectly, as ‘Intro’ gently builds from lone-melodic guitar to ever-growing explosive instumentation. It fades, giving way to ‘Verblendung’ with it’s rumbling bass/guitar and rabid dual-vocals that are pushed along at great speed by the unrelenting drumming. It’s too short to fully appreciate in just one play!

Their closer ‘Verlies’ is also their longest song, which is the perfect way to end the split given that Återstod’s longest song kicked it off. It doesn’t disappoint as it moves in so many different directions throughout it’s playing time. It’s made of equal parts math, screamo, emo and post-rock. MEIßEL do a fantastic job of sounding much bigger than just a duo. Now is the time to check out their split release with Ikigai, Apousia, Azzacov and Portrëit if you haven’t already done so.

This split is top quality. Both bands give it everything (as you’d expect) and it shines a light on two of the newest screamo bands to look out for this year. I’m not a trendsetter so you don’t have to listen to me, but at least listen to them.

You can stream and purchase the split digitally from both bands here:-

Tape copies are sold out at ZBR's bandcamp page but you can still purchase copies from their online stores below:-

ZBR CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/aterstod-meissel

ZBR USA - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/aterstod-meissel

Återstod - https://www.facebook.com/profile

MEIßEL - https://meiszel.bandcamp.com

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Hanry - Disruption EP

Labels: Pelagic Records

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 10 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. Radiance

2. Ether

3. Zénith (Tape#2)

4. Intermission

This evening's review is an exciting one for me, as I wouldn't be writing it if it weren't for a PR contact I have in France who graciously put me in contact with one of their counterparts, who publicises German label Pelagic Records internationally. Through reaching out to them is (ironically) how I learned about French instrumental post-rock band Hanry and their new EP Disruption. It was officially released last Friday on digital platforms (with no set date for a physical release at time of writing) and is their second EP, following Panorama in 2022 and it's subsequent expanded re-issue in 2023.

I have been a subscriber to Pelagic’s monthly flat-rate vinyl subscription package for nearly two years now and it’s provided me with so many fantastic records and this year promises to be bigger, and better than ever for the label. They have already teased us with some of the new bands they’ve signed up to work with and kicking off the year is Hanry, a six-piece post-rock band from Rennes.

Disruption is their newest EP and if you’re at all familiar with the labels output, you’ll know that Hanry fits in perfectly amongst the other varied and talented artists on the roster. Opener ‘Radiance’ is a dreamy song filled with electronic beats, ambient synths, melodic piano and the dramatic guitar work that permeates through so many of their label-mates. 

‘Ether’ builds on the electronics of the opener with a greater use of beats and ambience, which in turn release so much emotion. It’s really hard to let this song go without saying how great it is to listen to, though the devil on my shoulder constantly fools me into thinking I could be listening an instrumental version of Linkin Park at times (sorry for the comparison).

Obviously, Hanry are on their own creative trajectory and not merely out here to copy any other artist or band. ’Zénith (Tape#2)’ follows on from ‘Zénith (Tape#1)’ that appeared on the re-issued and expanded version of Panorama and it’s a mellow number laced with calming beats and glorious piano, as well as shoegaze-like guitar that lays comfortably in the background.

Closing with their longest song ‘Intermission’, Hanry present a side of themselves that is both brighter yet more immersive. They orchestrate and layer the song with more instrumentation, as well as more effects. It builds in volume and heaviness at the mid-point before retreating back again, revealing a cultivated post-rock sound that’s as close to perfection as you’ll ever hear.

When I started writing this blog fifteen years ago I was discovering so much new music, I was almost overwhelmed and in reality that’s been the case ever since. I’m not saying I’ll change but I do feel that things are different, now especially. Hearing Hanry for the first time has been an absolute joy and this EP reminds me that spending time with music is a privilege and not a right, in the same that spending time with loved-ones and friends is.

You can stream and purchase Disruption digitally via Hanry's bandcamp page below:-

Hanry - https://www.facebook.com/hanry.music

Pelagic Records - https://www.facebook.com/pelagicrecords

Qoya - Karma

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 04 Oct 2024

Tracklist:

1. Ascend

2. Ghost

3. Mantra

4. Karma

5. Anima

6. Timeless

7. Sheol

8. Mirrors

9. Temple

10. Altar

Way back in December 2022 (how has it been that long already?) I reviewed the 2nd Stellar Frequencies Session from French post-punk/post-rock/shoegaze band Qoya. On 4th October the trio are due to self-release their latest album Karma, which follows their 2021 full-length Yokai. I really enjoyed what I've heard from Qoya to date and coupled with a broadening musical palette courtesy of Pelagic Records (Thot, Sugar Horse etc), and a more recent deep-dive into French punk thanks to Crapoulet Records, I can't wait to get stuck into this release.

As I hit play on Karma’s opener ‘Ascend’, the extremely slow build has me worried. It takes a good fifteen seconds for any sound to come out of the speakers and I’m not gonna lie, I thought I’d been sent a faulty promo. Thankfully and obviously that isn’t the case, and as intro song’s go this one is beautifully delivered.‘Ascend’ was wholly instrumental, whereas ‘Ghost’ sees Qoya fully open up with both vocals and heavier musicianship. The vocals are clean and definitely lean towards the haunting sounds of high-profile goth/post-punk/pop vocalists gone by (Robert Smith, Tony Hadley) and even have some similarity to the clean tones of Vice Martyr (of Hateful Abandon). The instrumentation is made up of subtle percussion, synths, and melodic guitar work. 

Qoya’s sound is a melting pot of many different styles that are effortlessly woven into one. I recently watched (the newly reformed) Linkin Park live-stream and while that fact bears no real importance here, there is a subtle synergy between both bands musically as ‘Mantra’ flows. Maybe you’ll understand what I’m on about one day! With title-song ‘Karma’ it really feels like Qoya are looking to breakout of their small musical cosm and into the wider consciousness, and why shouldn’t they? After all, there are millions if not billions of music fans out there. Yes there needs to be an element luck thrown in as well but sometimes a band make’s their own.

Atmospheric, Cinematic music like this has become an ever growing love of mine and ‘Anima’ proves exactly why as it navigates through nearly four minutes of flowing guitar work, and glacial percussion. ‘Timeless’ is a very apt choice of song title as one day Qoya’s blend of slow and mournful post-rock could become just that. I for one hope it does! The most expansive side of Qoya shows through during in their five plus-minute songs, starting with ’Sheol’, which has a much doomier outlook while still sounding easy on the ear. At times, it reminds me of UK post-punk/indie band Franz Ferdinand, which is not a bad comparison in my opinion (tell me if you agree or not). 

Effervescence comes with ‘Mirrors’, which is amongst the most shoegazey of songs on Karma thanks in no small part to the effortless delivery of those now familiar, and epic guitar tones. This is starting to get a bit emotional and as if my general verbose gushing wasn’t enough, we still have two songs to go! ’Temple’ is the first of those two and Qoya straddles a (by now) familiar path, while also performing their most expansive song on Karma. Heavily instrumental for it’s majority, it’s grandiose beyond compare. When the vocals do appear, they’re soaring first and then buried deeper later on. A brooding dynamic that really works for the band.

Album closer ‘Altar’ is at the opposite end of the song-length spectrum while being up front when it comes to ambience. It rounds out the album in haunting brilliance, allowing you to truly take stock of what you’ve just witnessed. With a few more months of 2024 to go there’s no doubt going to be records that really hit hard. When Karma is released in early October, it will definitely be one of them.

You can stream 'Karma', 'Timeless' and 'Sheol' prior to full release below, where you can also pre-order the album directly from Qoya:-

Qoya - https://www.facebook.com/qoyamusic

Locktender - Sage: I

Labels: Self-Released/I.Corrupt Records

Formats: Digital/Vinyl

Release Date: 08 Mar 2024

Tracklist:

1. Tomorrow Is Never

2. For The Wind To Tear

3. No Passing

Back in January (was it really that long ago!) I reviewed the debut release from Inosuke and following that write-up, guitarist/vocalist Jason wrote back to tell me about the brand new release from Locktender (whom he's also a member of). I'm sorry that it's taken me so long to get round to this post. If you know Locktender then you'll be familiar with their self-proclaimed 'philosophercore'. To date Sage: I is self-released and the first of several inspired by surrealist painter Kay Sage. I.Corrupt Records will have a vinyl pressing of the EP available in the near-future too!.

Locktender has always been a band that has produced such beautifully cinematic post-rock/hardcore and after a six year wait, they’re back with a new release and concept. ‘Tomorrow Is Never’ begins in a vein that reminds of long-departed UK bands Voe and Mausoleion. Those comparisons only relate to the intro though as Locktender switch up a gear after a minute or so, taking you on a sludge/post-rock journey. It’s only at the mid three-minute mark that they hit full stride with the addition of bellowed screams and equally powerful instrumentation.

‘For The Wind To Tear’ gently floats along, with melody and music that builds throughout it’s short life-cycle. It’s quite sad when the song dissolves into near silence but there’s always a reason for suspense and Locktender use it perfectly as they lead into EP closer ‘No Passing’. After a week without wi-fi (gifting me the ability to fully switch off), it’s truly awe-inspiring to have this as the first music I listen to on my return. 

As ‘No Passing’ reaches the point of peak heaviness, the knowledge that this release is the first of many to come fills me with great joy. It’s crazy to think that Locktender has been a mainstay of the fertile screamo/post-hardcore/post-rock community for twelve years now. Here’s to many years to come. The added anticipation for the vinyl pressing from I. Corrupt Records will be well worth it too.

You can stream and purchase Sage: I as a name-your-price download from Locktender below:-

Locktender - https://www.facebook.com/locktenderband

I.Corrupt Records - https://www.facebook.com/icorruptrecs

Abandoncy/Norse - Split 10"

Labels: Kono Dischi/Longrail Records/Vina Records/Shove Records/New Knee Records/Tenzenmen Label

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 06 Jan 2023

Tracklist:

1. Abandoncy - Machine Organism

2. Abandoncy - It'sallfunandgamesuntilimakemyselfcry

3. Norse - Colpevole

4. Norse - Complice

Back on the screamo wagon this evening (as promised in my In Wolves Clothing review) and it's gonna be that way for at least the next few posts. Once again I'm demonstrating just how far behind I am when it comes to my inbox by writing about the early 2023 split featuring Kansas City, USA's Abandoncy and Biella, Italy's Norse. It was released on 10" vinyl back in January via a wholes host of labels including Kono Dischi, Longrail Records, Vina Records, Shove Records (all from Italy), New Knee Records (USA) and Tenzenmen Label (Thailand). Today's fun fact: I first came across Tenzenmen Label via their 2012 release of Farewell To Joy by Australia's Idylls. Nostalgia aside, let's get stuck in.

I first came across Abandoncy when I picked up a copy of the 4-way Meditations In Affinity: Solicitude split (released via The Ghost Is Clear Records and Zegema Beach Records) that also included Bighand//Bigknife, Almanac Man and Emma Goldman. It was so nice to receive an e-mail from the band in promotion of their split with Norse earlier this year and I feel terrible for not getting to it sooner. It starts with Abandoncy’s ‘Machine Organism’, which is a short blast of noise-rock filled with guitar feedback and loud percussion that envelope the vocals. Calling this merely screamo was unfair. 

‘It’sallfunandgamesuntilimakemyselfcry’ is at the other end of the spectrum in song-length and musical approach, given that it leans much more towards post-rock/doom. It’s still noisy though and it fully justifies the five+ minute playing time for sure. Think of bands like Big Business and Unsane jamming at their loudest, while Chat Pile and Nerver fill in the quieter moments and you might get close to what this song is. Obviously, those comparisons are open to interpretation. Abandoncy are a band all of their own and they close out their side of this split in veritable fashion, with intense screams adding to an emotive performance.

Norse begin the split’s second half with ‘Colpevole’, which is immediately atmospheric and beat-driven. As the song’s intro bars bleed into heavier noise, more intricate melodies make themselves heard. It’s dramatic to say the least. I don’t recall hearing Norse before (I know there are a couple of bands that share that name) but I’m sold here for sure. They prove once again that split releases really do work if you’re looking for new bands to obsess over.

Their closing song ‘Complice’ brings more urgency, which is unsurprising given both the format and structure of this release. It’s with unflinching heaviness that Norse end, with a great sense of catharsis. Musically, they’re very expressive (just like Abandoncy) but in a different way, if that makes sense. I feel like I haven’t written enough about Norse and their music here, but then again I don’t feel that anymore words will do them justice. It’s hard to compare Norse and their sound to any other band. 

I’ve been digging deeper into post-rock/metal in recent months thanks to my Pelagic Records subscription. I started out in my teenage years loving nu-metal, before progressing to hardcore/metalcore later on. I’m in my late-thirties now and while I still love those sub-genres, my musical palette has changed and grown so much. I am forever indebted to any band that treads a heavier path. This split, Abandoncy and Norse are no exception.

You can stream and purchase the split digitally from both bands below (where it's also still available to buy on 10" vinyl:-

Abandoncy - https://www.facebook.com/abandoncy

Norse - https://www.facebook.com/norsepunk

Physical copies can also be purchased while stocks last, from the labels below:-

Longrail Records - https://longrailrecords.bandcamp.com/album/split-5

Vina Records - https://store.vinarecords.com/

Shove Records - https://shoverec.bandcamp.com/album/split-norse-abandoncy

New Knee Records - https://norseabandoncyknr.bandcamp.com/album/split

Kono Dischi - https://www.facebook.com/konodischi/

Longrail Records - https://www.facebook.com/longrailrecords/

Vina Records - https://www.facebook.com/vinarecords/

Shove Records - https://www.facebook.com/profile

New Knee Records - https://www.facebook.com/Newkneerecords

Tenzenmen Label - https://www.facebook.com/tenzenmen.label

Nionde Plagan - Reflektion

Labels: Damnfinetapes!/Moment Of Collapse Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 22 Feb 2019

Tracklist:

1. Bekannelser

2. Rex

3. Prestationer

4. Trots Allt!

5. Premisser

6. Maskinerna

7. Alienation

8. Diskrepans

It's mad to think that Swedish post-rock/screamo merchants Nionde Plagan have been making music for over a decade now. Reflektion was released in early 2019, though physical versions seemed to come earlier in 2018. It followed their 2017 split with The World That Summer and proceeded their latest full-length Transformation, which was released a year ago. Tape copies that accompanied Nionde Plagan on tour were provided by Damnfinetapes!, while the vinyl pressing was handled by Moment Of Collapse (who also masterminded the CD release) and Zegema Beach Records, though ZBR aren't credited on Discogs for some reason.

Storm Babet is currently making it’s way across the UK and people have been advised to hunker down. I’m keeping warm and dry with a glass of red and the friendly tones of Nionde Plagan’s 2019 full-length Reflektion. Album opener ‘Bekannelser’ is a song that best demonstrates just how beautiful Swedish screamo can be. Composed and delivered with great sensitivity. ‘Rex’ moves and shakes like all great modern day indie-rock songs, while the vocals lay to rest any notion of the band easing off, thanks to the pure emotion they convey.

The slightly muddier sound of ‘Prestationer’ only comes about because of distortion in the guitars. It adds a rawness to the music that’s not been prevalent so far. There’s more urgency and drive throughout the song, with abundant melody keeping pace as well. The songs so far have hovered around the four+ minute mark but there’s always room for something more expansive. Enter ‘Trots Allt!’, which is the first of two songs that break the ten minute barrier, demonstrating NP’s post-metal side. When I talk to people (who only know mainstream chart music) about lengthier songs like this, I tend to get the same response. One of confusion and sometimes fear. I’m not a gatekeeper by any means, I just appreciate thought provoking music such as this. 

‘Premisser’ signals the second half of Reflektion and it’s more immediate. Tempo-wise, it’s not any faster but I guess the shorter length makes it seem that way. I kind of wish it was longer though. The way ‘Premisser’ flows straight into ‘Maskinerna’ without a pause, reveals superbly precise drumming and big riffs. The vocals sit slightly deeper in the mix here, though probably not be design. They’re just a tad buried by the sheer heft of the musicianship, which is absolutely epic.

Again, what is it with the extremely catchy rock influence that takes over penultimate song ‘Alienation’! It’s so infectious and masks NP’s screamo in such a way that it could even fool casual rock fans, as least that is until the song’s latter half when it takes a much heavier turn. Final song ‘Diskrepans’ goes long just as ’Trots Allt!’ did earlier. Even sitting here with the volume turned up I can still here the faint the sound of the wind outside, which only adds to the atmosphere that Nionde Plagan weaves. Undeniably brilliant from start to finish. Note to self: don’t take an extended break halfway through writing a review. 

You can stream Reflektion below, where it's also available to purchase digitally or on one of the five remaining CD copies (you should definitely purchase one) via Nionde Plagan's bandcamp page:-

Nionde Plagan - https://www.facebook.com/NiondePlagan

Physical copies are also still available from the label stores below:-

Moment Of Collapse Records - https://shop.momentofcollapse.com/

Zegema Beach Records - https://zbrusa.com/

Moment Of Collapse Records - https://www.facebook.com/momentofcollapse

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Rutka Laskier - Protiklady

Labels: Ffud Rec/Happy Mutant/Stoned To Death/Pure Heart Records/Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 26 Apr 2018

Tracklist:

1. Klaun

2. Vycpávač Ptáků

3. Jupiter

4. Jestřáb

5. Na Cestách

6. Schodištěm

7. Padena

8. Vltava

It feels so refreshing to have had this week off. I spent the early part of it working out me review schedule for the next few weeks and I was positive that I could smash through some of it over the last seven days, but I ended up taking some downtime instead. What seems like an age ago now, I committed to writing a series of reviews focusing on the ever growing roster of CAN/USA label Zegema Beach Records and even though I’ve seemingly bitten off more than I can chew, I’m not giving up and this is the latest review in that series.

Rutka Laskier (from Czechia) is a name I’ve heard of and read about more recently, and even though Protiklady was released over five years ago now, there’s still plenty of reason to spin it. Rutka Laskier’s sound on opener ‘Klaun’ is very much rooted in post-hardcore and off-kilter screamo without being too harsh (at least until the closing thirty seconds anyway). ‘Vycpávač Ptáků’ is more pensive and introspective. Spoken word lyrics sit atop of the instrumentation, which is tempered back to begin with. Even when it increases in volume and tempo, it’s still controlled. I think that’s the right way to describe Rutka Laskier’s music as their post-metal/rock side really shows through on ‘Jupiter’, with it’s stirring guitar work and multi-vocal approach. 

From the gentler tones of ‘Jupiter’ comes the extra intensity of ‘Jestřáb’. It’s an intensity that isn’t realised until about a quarter of the way through the song and isn’t overused either, as Rutka Laskier doesn’t just go for the jugular. Their song-writing and musical performance on this record is more intelligent. ‘Na Cestách’ kicks off a trio of shorter song’s on Protiklady’s second half. You might be expecting something akin to emoviolence here and you’d be partly right if you thought that; however, it remains just on the right side of chaotic, with guitar melody playing an important role. 

I’ve got to be honest here, I’ve hit play and stop on this album multiple times this week, due to my inability to concentrate. I’ve got a lot going through my head and focusing has been a struggle, though duo of ‘Schodištěm’ and ‘Padena’ were able to hold my focus. They seemed to be very in tune with each other, almost as if they were meant to be one song. Album closer ‘Vltava’ takes Rutka Laskier’s sound back in a slightly heavier direction one last time. It forms Protiklady’s longest song with introspective musicianship adding to a sense of closure and inner peace. 

After going back and playing through Protiklady again in full after writing this review, it felt really fresh and inspiring. Hopefully some of that inspiration will stay with me for the next few days so I can actually write some more. Thanks Rutka Laskier!

You can stream and purchase Protiklady digitally below:-

Rutka Laskier - https://www.facebook.com/rutkalaskierband

Physical copies can still be purchased from the labels below:-

Stoned To Death - https://stoned-to-death.bandcamp.com/merch/rutka-laskier-protiklady

Zegema Beach Records CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/rutkalaskier / USA - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/rutka-laskier-protiklady-12lp

Happy Mutant - https://www.facebook.com/happymutant/

Stoned To Death - https://www.facebook.com/StonedToDeathRecords

Pure Heart Records - https://www.facebook.com/pureheartrecords

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Nhomme - 一 種 の 過 音

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 13 Feb 2023

Tracklist:

1. 一 種 の 過 音 i

2. 一 種 の 過 音 ii

3. 一 種 の 過 音 iii

I'm going to interspersing my ongoing look at the discography the makes up Zegema Beach Records with some of the label's more recent 2023 releases. I mean damn, there are enough of them to keep the series going for a good few years. This is a new-ish release, having come out last month. It's the latest EP to come from Japanese band Nhomme. Nhomme's music seems to encapsulate screamo, emoviolence, post-rock, math-rock and even djent. They were on a split with Asunojokei, as well as Pale and Tochu-Kaso in 2020, which is of note because I'm slowly trying to build up and complete my Asunojokei collection. This release has been made up of 146 tape copies, across three different variants as well as 5 special test dips. 

This promises to be really good, as every Japanese band I’ve ever heard is. EP opener ‘一 種 の 過 音 I’ is a math-rock fans dream, plain and simple. Deliciously melodic but with a bizarre yet really likeable jazz approach and amazing instrumental finesse. Its not until the two-minute mark that Nhomme introduces vocals and while they’re sparely used, their high-pitched screams are perfect amongst the music they nestle amongst.

‘一 種 の 過 音 ii’ takes the experimental nature of the opener and magnifies it, thanks to a longer running time. The production and general sound of the music on here is so alive and vibrant, without coming across as overproduced or condensed. Such musical freedom seems to be afforded to Japanese bands and Nhomme exhibits it so well here.

Their final song ‘一 種 の 過 音 iii’ features their now familiar morse code-like guitar playing, which on it’s own is strange yet works brilliantly when joined by the rest of Nhomme. It’s repetitive nature may drive some people mad but lovers of avant-garde, improvisational and expressive music will love it. More traditional screamo makes it onto the song’s latter half, which adds another layer to the recording. 

Nhomme are a total find! Utterly bewildering and jarring in places, yet also beautiful and cathartic in another. This is one of those EP’s that you’ll regret not owning. I myself am in a highly suggestible mood when it comes to ordering physical releases at the moment, so may well be shopping after this. Get it while you can!

You can stream and purchase the EP as a name-your-price download below:-

Nhomme - https://twitter.com/nhomme_band

Physical tapes can be purchased from Zegema Beach Records below (but be warned, they're running low):-

Zegema Beach Records - CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/nhomme

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords