The Anniversary Designing a Nervous Breakdown Vagrant/Heroes & Villians/BMG 2000/2016 Reissue

The Anniversary Designing a Nervous Breakdown Vagrant/Heroes & Villains/BMG 2000/2016 Reissue CAT #VR4401

Man, I remember being so excited for this record in 2000. I actually got an advance copy to promote through an indie-promotion company when I was doing "street team" work. The Anniversary was becoming a big deal, locally and nationally. They were touring with the Get Up Kids, the singles they had released up to their debut were frantic emo-pop sing-alongs.

However, when I got the album I remember being completely let down. The album starts out promising with "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" followed by "All Things Ordinary", but after that, I remember thinking the band had run out of ideas. The Rentals formula was wearing thin and in bursts, it worked for the band, but for an entire album, it gets thin. When the album was officially released, I never bothered updating my promo copy which was just a disc in a plain white envelope with a hype-sticker across the back.

Years later, when nostalgia took over, I regretted never buying it on vinyl. When I started looking for it, I would have been lucky to find a copy for $50. Then, just recently, Vagrant started re-releasing a bunch of their back catalog for the label's 20 year anniversary and this was included. I waited too long apparently to get a standard black copy and settled for this blue colored version...and once again, I was disappointed when I first put it on. Not because I felt I bought a bad album, I can now validate the purchase for two great tracks and some solid filler, I got more money than I did in 2000. But, what I was upset about this time was slightly warped vinyl...WTF. Quality control on recent vinyl pressings leaves a lot to be desired, but that's to be expected when everyone is buying records again.

Either way, the album sounds better today than it did back then. Bonus, the warp doesn't affect playback, so it's cool. I'm picking up on all the moments when the Get Up Kids association rubbed off on these guys, the pick slides, the obvious emo infliction, it's nice. But, mostly it's the nostalgia that gets me.

Designing a Nervous Breakdown

Don Mueller The Ballad of Black Jack Audio House 1970

Don Mueller The Ballad of Black Jack Audio House 1970 CAT# AHSPLA 12670

This LP is very 'Waiting for Guffman.' The Ballad of Black Jack was a musical written by former Baker University professor, Don Mueller, for Baldwin's centennial Maple Leaf celebration in 1970. Through musical theater, it attempts to tell the story of Baldwin, KS in the era of Bleeding Kansas. So, it's not as hokey as the musical from 'Waiting for Guffman,' the subject matter is serious, but the musical theater aspect is an acquired taste.

As evidenced by the many online obituaries for Mr. Mueller, who passed in 2013, the Ballad of Black Jack was obviously well-remembered and apparently performed multiple times after it's debut in 1970. Coincidentally, is a recording of the musical's debut as evidenced by the label.

My favorite part about this LP is that I found it in a plain white outer jacket with the title, 'The Ballad of Black Jack' written across the top in permanent marker. I'm not sure if there was ever a cover printed for it. Seemed pretty local when I found it, so I looked inside and found Don Mueller's 2013 Lawrence Journal World obituary placed inside. Figured, whoever took the time to do so, wanted to keep it for posterity...just assuming I'm carrying that on even though it ended up in a Goodwill 3 years later.

Appleseed Cast Peregrine Graveface 2006/2016

Appleseed Cast Peregrine Graveface 2006/2016 CAT# GRAVE115

Record Store Day happened again and it was lamer than the year before. Despite that, there was a couple of prominent local releases, this reissue of Appleseed Cast's Peregrine album and a live recording of current KC darlings, Madison Ward and Mama Bear. I picked this up. Nothing against Madison Ward & Mama Bear, it's just that group is too available. I have to wait until the band's releases are impossible to find before I show interest. That said, I probably need to pick up a Madison Ward release at some point.

Moving on, Peregrine was released by the Militia Group in 2006. It does have a vinyl pressing, but seeing how the label stopped releasing stuff in 2012, like many of Appleseed Cast's LPs it's become hard to find. Graveface, Appleseed Cast's home since 2013, has the other Militia Group LP Sagarmatha in print and available. For whatever reason, unlike Sagarmatha, Peregrine got the limited release. 2000 copies were pressed, some of which are a colored variant for Record Store Day, others are Graveface Record Club hand-poured vinyl variants, there was a Kickstarter version, and there is standard black vinyl available through Graveface mailorder.

Aside from all that nonsense, it's a good album and was the band's sixth release. It sounds a little more humble than their ambitious Low Level Owl albums, but the experimentation does run rampant throughout the LP, it's just not as obvious. There's a lot of groove and hooks throughout Peregrine and the band doesn't waste their time with beeps and glitches getting to those moments. It also serves as a concept album as it attempts to tell the story of a child, her name being Peregrine, who is murdered by her father and comes back to haunt him for it.

Appleseed Cast Peregrine

21st Century Sound Movement S/T Gear Fab Records 1968/2012

21st Century Sound Movement S/T Gear Fab Records 1968/2012 CAT# GF262A

This is a bootleg of a mega-rare Kansas City garage record. The original 1968 album was put out by these Kansas City kids when they booked time with Damon Records and paid for some albums to be pressed. Damon Records was a custom label, which would mean the group likely only bought 50 to 100 copies and who knows if they got them all sleeved, they likely used many of them as demo to provide to booking agents and labels.

The label, Gear Fab Records, stated no one had a clue who these kids were, but since 2012 when this was released, they've been featured on a number of high-profile Numero Group comps. Members of the group played around in this band and others, the 21st Century Sound Movement also release a couple 45s if memory serves, one of which is tacked onto this bootleg.

The bootleg is true to the original as far as the packaging, the photo is the same, the non-descriptive backside that doesn't list members, even the label smacked on the colored vinyl is authentic to the original.

The photo is interesting, the statues are actually part of the William Volker Fountain in Kansas City that you can see in Brush Creek. They moved it in the 1990's from Theis Park, which as you can see in the photo, is in front of the Nelson Atkins. Today, the Atkins is thought of as the place with the shuttle cocks out front, but at one time, it had the Volker Fountain featured in the band's photo.

In terms of gargae rock, The 21st Century Sound Movement are pretty good. Which translates to an acquired taste in everybody's else's world. They are little weak on their pop-psych, vocals aren't great and they sound wimpy, but when they break out the guitars, it's a fuzzed out trip. Their heavy versions of "The House on of the Rising Sun" and Hendrix's "Fire" are pretty fun. There's a 7 minute cover of "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida", which in all it's amateurishness, is another highlight. The album was all covers apparently and the only original featured here on the bootleg was on the band's 45. Overall, the rarity, as with loads of garage rock, makes the band better than they actually were. There's solid moments, but its not like we're talking about the long lost 13th Floor Elevators here, were talking about some KC kids that bashed out some interesting covers.

The Original LP

Brandon Butler Heno Private 2012

Brandon Butler Heno Private 2012 NO CAT#

Brandon Butler of Boy's Life released this on colored wax in 2012 as what appears to be a self-funded, private release. Butler had moved to the D.C. area after Boy's Life disbanded years ago and made great friends. J. Robbins of Jawbox fame helped record and produce the album along with some other D.C. area players.

However, as cool as the East Coast is, this album sounds awfully Midwest. Heno is bordering between the alt. country sounds of  and 90's No Depression scene and the American Cosmic sounds of Gene Clark. While DC is cool, perhaps an extended visit back to the Heartland could have brought a bit more space and loneliness, but regardless, it's a very good album.

It's surprising that no one cares about this release. There's still Boy's Life/Farewell Bend fans out there and all you can find on the LP is, "Is this any good?" on webboards. It's very good. The fuckers asking should just buy it already. The track "Dear Assassin" is just as perfect as anything found on the Canyon LP's. It's spread out and lonely, get's big at the end, it's an amazing song.

The only faults to the album are it's length, it's just 7 tracks, with lots of room to spare. Also, Butler's vocals do sometimes sound a little high and out of place on some of his country outings, it works well with the spread out songs, but the more uptempo tracks, the vocals need a bit more depth.

It'd be a shame if this was the last thing Butler puts out. Personally, I have this grandiose idea he should return to Kansas City with a grip of songs and just get everyone around to put out a double LP. A KC allstar outing of American Cosmic recordings, sure, like this, I bet no one would care, but it'd be the type of thing that becomes legendary years later.

Dear Assassin Live Recording
https://brandonbutler.bandcamp.com/album/heno

Cowboy Indian Bear/It's True Foolish B/W The Bridge The Record Machine 2010

Cowboy Indian Bear/It's True Foolish B/W The Bridge The Record Machine 2010 CAT# TRM 019

I used to have all these really great split 7"s back in the day. Loved them. It was such an economical way to get something from a band you liked and possibly get into a band you've never heard. Or, you'd get a couple songs from two of your favorite bands on the same 7". They were special, many times it'd be the only way to grab a certain song, or you'd get a preview of an album track prior the full length release (and it would often be an alternate version).

It's not the same anymore for the split 7" EP. With the vinyl resurgence, they still try to push these out in front of everyone, but too often a 7" isn't cheap. $7 to $10 for two songs you can download on Bandcamp for a $1 doesn't make a whole lot of sense. It made sense when you got something special for less than $5, but anymore, 7"s cost too much. Which is a shame, because more people would probably end up with good ones like this if they weren't such a cost prohibitive format.

Either way, this is a great 7" put out by the Record Machine, The Cowboy Indian Bear track, "Foolish" doesn't feature female vocals like many of their songs, but makes up for it with an opening that could be confused for something by the Sea & Cake. It's True is a band from Omaha, NE, their track fits right in with the whimsical Record Machine sound, but unfortunatly, it doesn't appear the band is active any longer and didn't put out much in the way of releases.

Various Artists Eccentric Soul: Smart's Palace Numero Group 2009

Various Artists Eccentric Soul: Smart's Palace Numero Group 2009 CAT# 27

This is a Numero compilation highlighting Wichita Kansas' Smart Brothers along with the artists that played with them at their Wichita, KS club.

The story is pretty surprising and not very well known. Wichita, Kansas soul scene is so obscure the 7"s that are connected to Smart's Palace aren't out of reach for collectors. If found, they bring in around $20, with maybe a few of the dance floor burners edging the $50 range.

The music here is raw. This isn't uptown soul, this isn't even roots driven Southern soul, soul sides. It's working class with tracks that range from the 60's into the 70's. The music changes with the decade and time they were recorded in, however, even the obvious 70s track never get smooth, the music stays raw. Each decade is well worth time on the comp, but if there is a winner, the basement sounds of the 60's sides are impossible to ignore.

As usual, the Numero Group compilation is complete with amazing liner notes telling the story and fantastic packaging. Highly recommended.

Smart's Palace

Cowboy Indian Bear Live Old, Die Young The Record Machine 2013

Cowboy Indian Bear Live Old, Die Young The Record Machine 2013 CAT# TRM 045

The Lawrence based Cowboy Indian Bear recently disbanded in 2014, which is a shame. The band could do a lot with a small budget and a lot of talent, listening to them is like listening to a lo-fi Coldplay, but cooler, with much better songs.

The band certainly doesn't "rock", which is fine, because they find enough soul to keep you interested. Putting on this LP, you're greeted with the atmospheric "Waiting," which is loaded with sounds, and makes you feel like you just got home. It's an inventing opener and a perfect introduction to the albums well thought out soundscapes and experiments in post-modernism.

You look at the cover of 'Live Old, Die Young' and see four Lawrence, KS hipsters and you're going to make obvious assumptions, some of which may be right, but there's so much more going on here. The obvious assumption is the current Eno/Radiohead/post-rock fascinations hip with all the kids. But, what's unexpected is this slick, well-produced 80's modern-soul vibe you can get from the record. Partially due to the soulful vocals, but there's a dance element hidden among all the noodling on guitars, electronic experimentation, and layered harmonies. It keeps it more interesting than other bands of the same ilk.

And again, the album feels like home. It's effortless and comfortable.

Let it Down 

Secret Handshakes The Record Machine/Golden Sound Records 2012

Secret Handshakes The Record Machine/Golden Sound Records 2012 CAT#GSRM001

This was a local Record Store Day release met with little to no fanfare upon it's release in 2012, because let's be honest, independent labels can't do things on Record Store Day, it's for the major labels.

Nevertheless, The Record Machine teamed up with Golden Sound Records to put out this limited and colored vinyl compilation of groups from the labels' rosters. It's got a screened cover and is clever in it's simplicity. It looks and feels limited. Yet, despite the labels attempt to get on the RSD thing in 2012, you can still grab a copy with ease in 2015.

The Record Machine side is filled with the label's breezy indie-pop sounds. The La Guerre track, "23," is stellar and a huge stand out. Another definite highlight is the Akkiles track, "She's Alright," which is sparse, haunting and has addictive phrasing you can't get out of your head, The whole side is worth checking out, just to experience this tiny KC label's cohesive sound and identity.

The Golden Sound Records side isn't as cohesive, but filled with great tunes all the same. The fist track, "Hot Bright Night" by Everyday/Everynight is filled with a lot of directions, but it's grandiose and worth repeated listens. The Caves track, "Liars," has a pretty great groove and power-pop moves. It also features the Baby Teardrops, which is a Matt Dunehoo (of Proudentall) fronted band formed in New York, I mention it because that guy is dedicated and it's good to see him get a song out there now and again.

Overall, great listen and worth owning. I'm sure since it's now 2015, either label would take $10 and send you one if you asked nicely (currently selling for $12 at TRM).

Soundcloud TRM Side

Shiner Starless Private 2000/2015

Shiner Starless Private 2000/2015 NO CAT#

This album was originally released as a CD on Owned & Operated Recordings in 2000. It was the third album in the Shiner catalog and I remember having it and being bored by it. I had loved Splay, tolerated Lula Divinia, but didn't have the patience for this album.

Looking back, I was in college when it was released and trying to understand complex subjects in class, I didn't want any complication in my music. I was feeling the lo-fi scene featuring Pavement, power-pop of the late-70's, and punk rock. I didn't have to think about that music, that stuff was plug and play. And, if I did have to concentrate on tunes, it was at KJHK and by the year 2000, post-hardcore had run it's course in the college radio scene. I just thought I had to have some sort of persona. I used to like Shiner, but couldn't anymore. They were like Rush at this point, way too old-man rock.

Looking back, I'm a bit embarrassed by that version of me. I had lot more of my own pretensions than this album has. Sure, it's math-y and each song is like an equation that only makes sense upon it's conclusion, but, its got a lot of depth and emotion to go along with it. Listening to it now, I get why they were big in Chicago and signed to a label owned and operated by post-hardcore darling, Jawbox frontman, J. Robbins. It's cause they were pretty great.

This new reissue was put out by the band themselves, vinyl only on blue/white splattered vinyl. The colored effect does go well with the original artwork which is greatly enhanced by the size of the cover. The pale guy in the suit and crown standing over a skyline looks much more grand staring at a LP jacket versus squinting at the old CD liner. Got to think Shiner may be able to get the rights to give the same treatment to Lula Divinia and Splay at some point. The doors are closed at DeSoto with Dischord only paying attention to the Jawbox catalog. I'd hope J. Robbins is a cool enough guy that he'd just let Shiner do what they want if asked.

SHINER - STARLESS

Mates of State Mountaintops Barsuk Records 2011

Mates of State Mountaintops Barsuk Records 2011 CAT# BARK119LP

The first track, "Palomino", is quite the statement piece from Mates of State. It's huge piece of refined pop. It's cinematic and you've probably heard it in commercials or on the radio, it's that kind of thing. Then, right after that, the husband and wife duo hit you again with the track, "Maracas", which is just as perfect. Just a bouncy rhythm, catchy lyrics, and it'll give you an immediate sugar rush.

And, if you only had the album for those two songs, it wouldn't be a bad thing. However, the whole LP is filled with hits. Gone are the chaotic back and forth of their duo's first albums, this features a full band and a much more focused sound. The kids, they hate it, they still want the bashed out sounds and shouted vocals. But, there's nothing wrong with enjoying this album, it's like finally admitting you like Fleetwood Mac. Sure, some of your cool points are lost, but at least you're being honest with yourself.

Palamino Video

Soft Reeds W/ Minden Split 7” Magic B/W Get Clean The Record Machine 2011

Soft Reeds W/ Minden Split 7” Magic B/W Get Clean The Record Machine 2011 CAT# TRM 038

I can’t get into the Soft Reeds…the song, “Magic,” is no different. It’s catchy and all, it’s just got too much flashy tricks, it sounds way too Republic Tigers, which to me, isn’t that Kansas City. But yeah, I'd spin it at a bar or something.

Minden is on the flip side and also a Kansas City band. They do, at least on this 7”, take a more lo-fi approach than the Soft Reeds, but it’s in the same vein of the atmospheric indie-rock.

Either way, it’s a nice 7” by the Record Machine, apparently limited and like anything limited, on colored vinyl.

The Mitchells to God, the Glory (In Honor of Our Parents 50th Wedding Anniversary) Unknown Year

The Mitchells to God, the Glory (In Honor of Our Parents 50^th Wedding Anniversary) Unknown Year Cat# AHSPLS 17272

This is pretty much the definition of a custom press. I was done to honor a 50^th Wedding anniversary for Mrs. & Mr. Mitchell. Pressed by Lawrence’s Audio House custom label.

Couldn't have been an insane amount pressed, possibly only 50, possibly up to 100 to be shared with the family. Which questions why this copy was found in an Arkansas thrift store, you’d think you’d hold onto such a nifty family heirloom. It does feature a nice photo of the couple in front of their old-timey car on the cover. Also, just for fun, it was pressed on blue vinyl.

As far as what’s on the album, well, pretty boring Christian stuff. However, apparently the Mitchells did have some pull/clout. The album is introduced by former Senator Arden Booth who along with serving as senator founded Lawrence radio station KLWN/KLZR and served as a radio personality. His story draws the Mitchells into the Lawrence, KS where they made their home. But, he gives a substantial history of the extended family.

Other than that, it’s just Christian church music. Not even creepy white gospel music…just vocal hymns.

The Casket Lottery Real Fear No Sleep Records 2012

The Casket Lottery Real Fear No Sleep Records 2012 CAT# NSR063

This was released almost decade after the previous Casket Lottery LP, so in that regard, it can be called a comeback album. Listening to it, it can certainly feel that way. It's not as angry and aggressive as the prior albums. It takes in a much wider array of influences. It's more sophisticated than the prior work. Skill sets have changed and the band explores it.

This all sounds great, but to the kids stuck in early 2000s emo-bubbles, it's just okay. Even though the fans of the band have likely grown-up, that's not what they want out of their high school heroes. At this point, the Casket Lottery are in their 30's, long gone are the teenage problems they screamed about over the course of several albums. They probably have kids now and wives (or divorces) and relationships centered around adult problems, not teenage drama. It's an age where just out of fucking nowhere, Jeff Tweedy and Wilco make all the sense in the world. Punk rock politics seem trivial and you start to realize Fugazi (despite being incredible at any age) isn't the only band that matters.

It all shows on this LP. It's great, just like everything Casket Lottery did, the quality is here. Further, it's improved. The songs are spaced out, the groove is considered and the band attempts to crossover their punk influences into new tricks and influences works to a great extent. But, unfortunately, their fans wanted Moving Mountains Mach 2. So despite never losing their sound, only maturing, this album is doomed to be lesser Casket Lottery by the band's fans. Which is fine, I just hope when they get into Wilco, they give this another chance.

In the Branches

Granmax A Ninth Alive Pacific Records 1976

Granmax A Ninth Alive Pacific Records 1976 NO CAT#

First, a couple of interesting things on this band. It's generally held, especially here, that Granmax formed in Kansas City. Their manager and producer for this album is long time Kansas City concert promoter, Chris Fritz. He and Granmax recorded the album at Liberty Sound. However, there is some information on the web that cites the band is from Omaha, Nebraska. Maybe there are some roots there, but I think it's safe to say Granmax was a KC band.

Another interesting nugget, there is possibly two pressings of this LP or at least multiple covers.. Chris Fritz produced this LP in 1976 and released it under the label name, Pacific Records. Later, Chris Fritz would start the label, Panama Records (the same that scored a somewhat national success with the band Missouri). There appears to be some copies of this LP that get tagged a Panama Records release with the catalog number, PRS 1001. That number does not appear on this copy and it's not a super common record floating around, so it's unlikely that I'll uncover anymore info in that regard. Both the issues listed as Pacific Records and Panama Records appear the same, both white vinyl, both with the same black label on the vinyl. I assume it's two separate covers or possibly just a sticker placed on some copies Chris Fritz had lying around after Panama Records was created.

As far as the music, can't knock Chris Fritz as a talent scout, he was onto something here. A Ninth Alive is adept and intelligent hard rock. For about $20, this LP can be had and if you're a 70's metal fan, I can't imagine this would disappoint. It's not juvenile like your Aerosmiths and AC/DCs, it's got progressive rock tendencies and tries to sound important. But, it's loud power trio (although, tons keyboards sprinkled throughout with no credit given). There is tons of Jimmy Page worship and riffing, they can't get as technical as 70's prog. rock, but they're just as heavy if not more so. They released a second LP for Panama Records entitled Kiss Heaven Goodbye which is worth an absurd amount. If it's better than this LP, it's probably worth every bit of the $200 price tag it fetches.

Three Songs from the LP, A Ninth Alive

The Life and Times Lost Bees Slimstyle 2014

The Life and Times Lost Bees Slimstyle 2014 CAT# thin0080

I don't do year end of lists. First, because I'm sure there's something I'd miss and second, because I can't afford enough new records to make an accurate judgement to begin with. Regardless, this is one of my favorites out of the few things I did pick up from this year. It's Shiner-esque power, ultra-mathy beats, and focused sound is spot-on throughout this LP. When you think it gets a bit too Radiohead-y and pretentious, the band just crashes down on drums and guitar, when you think it's going to get to 90's for you, they drop in enough electronics to keep it interesting.

Unfortunately, I think this album is going relatively unnoticed. Sure, the band appears to have the zine-famous thing down. The reviews are decent and there's always a mention of Allen Epley's Shiner work. But, I don't think it's going to be given the chance to set the world ablaze.

Truthfully, this band is now too old to be cool. Seriously, Shiner was like 20 years ago. It's like the Police in 1978 trying to fool everyone into thinking they were punk. The kids looked at them and said they were too good at their instruments to fit in. That's just as true with The Life and Times, they're too good to fit in. They're too proficient, they're too talented, and they got way too many cool tricks to be fitting in with the young, indie-rock crowd. The kids can't keep up with this, it's got dad skills (you know, the way your dad can beat you in 'HORSE' on a basketball court).

And that's probably just fine. Leave this for the Shiner fans and anybody with an open-mind. They're the ones that deserve it.

Ice Cream Eyes

Appleseed Cast Illumination Ritual Graveface Records 2013

Appleseed Cast Illumination Ritual Graveface Records 2013 CAT# GRAVE090

The 7th LP by the Appleseed Cast and I believe the first to be without founding member, Aaron Pillar.  I'm not sure why Pillar parted ways, but it ultimately leaves singer and guitarist, Chris Crisci, to be the only founding member left in the band.

The music doesn't suffer at all.  It's one of the band's most inspired LPs.  Based in long, transitional, instrumentals that focus energy into a boiling point.  When Crisci starts singing, the tune is almost over, but every time, it's worth the wait to get there.  It's certainly something you have to enjoy in full, there's no single stand out track, nothing you can skip to for a quick fix...well, except maybe the plastic-funk found at the beginning of side 2 on "Branches on the Arrow Peak Revelation," but other than that, it's an album experience.

There's a bunch of stuff about science, numbers, and nature on the back cover.  Illumination Ritual is either some metaphysical explanation of the world or just some New Age philosophy...I don't know, get's pretentious, but I'm sure somebody "gets it" and it makes the album even more epic for them.  I'm more into the sounds, don't need some guy's take on scientific mysticism to enjoy the music.

Branches on the Arrow Peak Revelation

The Life And Times The Magician Hawthorne Street Records 2008

The Life And Times The Magician Hawthorne Street Records 2006 CAT# HSR026

This 5 song EP was initially released in 2006 on CD and later released by Hawthorne Street Records in 2008 in this vinyl version.  The band is centered around Allen Epley of Shiner fame, but also features Christ Metcalf on drums who was a part of the same KC post-hardcore scene as Epley.  To round out the three piece, Eric Abert plays bass in the three piece.

To compare the EP to Shiner is obvious, it has certain elements and the obvious player.  The math-i-ness is prevalent, still very challenging and complicated music.  The strained out vocals are there.  The bursts of distorted guitar are there as well.  However, it's much more subdued than Epley's work in Shiner.  It's not as loud and angry, it draws out post-rock soundscapes similar to what Appleseed Cast transformed themselves into after being emo for several years.  There's also a prevalent need to call it shoegazer, but I wouldn't say Epley was diving deep into the British 90's scene, probably just channeling his love for the same bands that influenced the likes of My Bloody Valentine.  However, shoegazer can serve as a valid reference point.

Most importantly, it's really good.  Begging the question, why is this band hanging out in relative obscurity?  The Life and Times recently released a new album and yet, little to no fanfare surrounding it.  Isn't even being done up for a vinyl release.  Granted, I don't keep to up to date with new music that much, however, I have an affinity for the post-rock scene and everybody is all hoped up about the new Whirr LP (it is pretty good), yet, very few of those people even know this band exists.

Hush

Coalesce Salt And Passage Second Nature 2007

Coalesce Salt And Passage Second Nature 2007 CAT# SN069

Just two brutal tracks from Kansas City's finest.  Both tracks just punch you in the face and get all math-y simultaneously.  By this time in the band's history, they were comfortable to explore things on a more sonic level.  Rather than just kick your teeth in, the band and long-time producer Ed Rose, were playing around with sounds and harmonies.  Buried vocal tracks, cleaning up the insane guitar lines that spill across the band's tracks, and getting super technical behind the drums.

For a simple 7" release, Dan Askew's Second Nature label pulled out all stops on the packaging.  Most the vinyl came in color variants.  It's sleeved in 7" size gatefold.  And the print on the sleeve is well-designed and thought out.  Amazing product.

Salt and Passage EP

Radkey Feed My Brain Little Man Records 2014

Radkey Feed My Brain Little Man Records 2014 CAT# LMR04

Radkey continues to develop and you can hear it on this super cheap 7".  I got it from the Love Garden for the basement price of $3.  That price is pretty punk rock, the music though, that's going the way of metal.

The closest the two songs featured here, "Feed My Brain" and "Digging the Grave", come to punk is a comparison to the Danzig fronted Misfits.  "Feed My Brain", is dark and bombastic, it employs all sorts of sonic metal tricks, a driving rhythm, screamed chorus, and just a killer guitar riff that drives the song.  The B-Side, "Digging the Grave" is admittedly punk rock.  It's got sweet moves and is reminiscent of the late-70's scene, when punk band had talent, but were labeled as such because they couldn't be classified elsewhere.

Kids are smart, too.  This is a well put togther 7" is on their own Little Man Records.  For one, there's no point in getting an actual label, they can keep the price down on this by doing it themselves and likely recover more.  Further the presentation is clever.  "Feed My Brain" centers around an education theme and on the inside of the sleeve is chalkboard repetition of the title.  But, favorite part is use of the old standardized testing multiple choice fill-in sheets as the label on the 7".  Nice touch.

Feed My Brain in Glasgow