Posted in Features on August 22nd, 2014 by JJ Koczan
Right now, you’re probably saying to yourself, “Wait, what? These people are going to be on Earth‘s next record?” I don’t know. I doubt it. This is a wishlist. It goes like this:
Earth release their new album, Primitive and Deadly, Sept. 2 on Southern Lord Recordings (preorders are here). I’ll have a review up in the next week or two, but if you’ve ever listened to the massively-influential Seattle mainstays, you know they’ve been instrumental for the bulk of their run to date. For the first time, the new album brings in guest vocalists — the venerable Mark Lanegan (ex-Screaming Trees, etc.) and Rabia Shaheen Qazi (Rose Windows) — on a few choice selections. The results, as you’d expect and as you’ve probably heard by now, are stellar.
I had the record on just now and was daydreaming about what a new avenue Earth — founding guitarist Dylan Carlson, longtime drummer Adrienne Davies and bassist Bill Herzog — have opened for themselves. Of course, if time has proved anything, it’s that Earth work best following their own creative whims and drives, but it wasn’t long before I had a handful of voices I thought would work really well if they wanted to continue pursuing a partially vocalized approach.
Should you have a name to add, please feel free to leave a comment. Here’s who I came up with:
1. Ann Wilson
Okay, so maybe I’m breaking out the big guns right way, but how badass would Ann Fucking Wilson sound on an Earth track? Then and now, her voice is so powerful, moving and I just think she’d nail any part given to her and bring the spaciousness in Earth‘s signature drone-rock approach to an operatic level. I know she’s done most of her work in more traditional structures — Heart could be pretty out there, but still — but you can’t tell me she wouldn’t absolutely kill it in collaboration with her fellow Seattle-ites. Plus you might convince her to break out some flute, and that’s a bonus.
2. Marianne Faithfull
I admit this one’s kind of a reach, but one-time Rolling Stones collaborator Marianne Faithfull shares one thing in common with Earth‘s sound, and it’s a lasting resonance. Faithfull‘s voice can be so uplifting or so, so sad, and either side that she brought to Earth, it would work. It really would. It sounds really crazy, but I’m telling you straight up, it would absolutely work and be amazing, and you’d call me up or text me or whatever and like, “Dude, you were right, this is killer,” and then we’d get together and high-five about it, which would also be awesome.
3. Mark Lanegan
But wait, doesn’t Mark Lanegan already sing on Primitive and Deadly? Yeah, he does. It’s fucking great. They should do it again sometime.
4. Sera Timms
The former Black Math Horseman and current Ides of Gemini vocalist seems to carry an ethereal sensibility with her wherever she goes. Certainly that was the case on Field of the Host (review here), the 2013 debut outing from her solo-project Black Mare, and I’d say it holds up on Ides of Gemini‘s new one, Old World/New Wave (review here) as well. Timms does a lot of fascinating work with echoing effects and layering, and has a lot of experience in open structures and droning sounds, so even aside from the otherworldly folkishness of her approach, she seems like a natural fit.
5. Dylan Carlson
Stay with me on this. Yeah, he sang on 1996’s Pentastar: In the Style of Demons, but after almost 20 years of going the other way, Earth have switched it up and decided to incorporate singers. As the founder of the band, doesn’t Dylan Carlson deserve a say? I think he’s more than earned it, and I don’t even care if he doesn’t want to sing. Let him do a spoken word retelling of his grocery list, it doesn’t matter. It just seems to me that if this is something Earth are going to pursue for any amount of time going forward, it’s as worthwhile for them to look inward as outward in challenging themselves.
Earth‘s Primitive and Deadlyis out Sept. 2 on Southern Lord, and they’ll begin a US tour with King Dude two days later (dates here). More info at the links.
Posted in Whathaveyou on July 15th, 2014 by JJ Koczan
Ever ones for hand-delivering their groundbreaking drone, Earth have announced that they’ll follow their extensive upcoming European tour in support of their 10th album, Primitive and Deadly, with a corresponding jaunt across the US beginning Sept. 4, just two days after the record is set to release on Southern Lord. I’ll be interested to see who winds up on tour with the band, considering some of the varied personnel said to show up in the material, but if they come even moderately close to capturing the sound of “From the Zodiacal Light,” which you can hear below, it’ll be a win. Actually, it’ll probably be a win anyway. It’s fucking Earth. Some bands you just have to trust know what they’re doing.
The PR wire has dates for your calendar-marking enjoyment:
EARTH Confirms US Tour Dates In Conjunction With Release Of Primitive And Deadly LP
With the next phase of EARTH’s ongoing evolution coming closer to actuality, as their tenth studio LP, Primitive And Deadly, is set to see North American release on September 2nd, the group announces the next phase of international touring in support of the album, in the form of a month-long US tour.
With the band’s treks through Japan, Australia and New Zealand behind them, and their trek into Europe set to begin late this month, EARTH will bring their new material to American fans. From September 4th, commencing in their hometown of Seattle, the new venture will see the band winding counter-clockwise around the entire perimeter of the country through October 3rd, the last show taking place in Boise, Idaho. With twenty-five performances confirmed, additional shows are expected to be added in the coming days. Direct support for EARTH on the entire trek will be provided by dark folk act, King Dude.
With Primitive And Deadly, for the first time in their diverse career, EARTH’s founding guitarist Dylan Carlson and long term cohort, drummer Adrienne Davies allow themselves to be a full-on rock band. Here the dialog between Carlson and Davies drumming remains pivotal, underpinned by the sympathetic bass of Bill Herzog (Sunn O))), Joel RL Phelps, Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter) and thickened by additional layers of guitar from Brett Netson (Built To Spill, Caustic Resin) and Jodie Cox (Narrows). Primitive And Deadly also brings forth the band’s first vocal contributions since 1996’s Pentastar LP, and first in the band’s second incarnation, with guest vocalists Mark Lanegan and Rabia Shaheen Qazi (Rose Windows), who transform these thundering, organic songs into something approaching traditional pop structures. The foundation of the record was laid in the mystic desert high lands of Joshua Tree, California at Rancho de la Luna where EARTH recorded after hours of meditation on each track’s central theme. Upon returning to Seattle these were edited, arranged and expanded upon at Avast with the help of long-term collaborator Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Wolves In The Throne Room, Eagle Twin). Thick, dense and overdriven, melodically rich and enveloping, Primitive And Deadly is EARTH reaffirming their position as a singular point in the history of rock.
Preorders for Primitive And Deadly will be available in the next few days. Stand by for further live and album news transmissions from the EARTH family.
EARTH Tour Dates: European Tour: 7/31/2014 Off Festival – Katowicw, Poland 8/01/2014 UT Connewitz – Leipzig, Germany 8/02/2014 Lido – Berlin, Germany 8/04/2014 Super Uho Festival – Sibenik, Croatia 8/05/2014 Arena – Vienna, Austria 8/07/2014 Schlacthof – Wiesbaden, Germany 8/08/2014 Bogen F – Zurich, Switzerland 8/09/2014 Point Ephemere – Paris, France 8/10/2014 Zuiderpershuis – Antwerp, Belgium 8/11/2014 Tivoli – Utrecht, Netherlands 8/13/2014 Whelans – Dublin, Ireland 8/14/2014 CCA – Glasgow, UK 8/15/2014 Gorilla – Manchester, UK 8/16/2014 Jabberwocky Festival – London, UK
US Tour w/ King Dude: 9/04/2014 Crocodile – Seattle, WA 9/06/2014 Shakedown – Bellingham, WA 9/07/2014 Doug Fir – Portland, OR 9/08/2014 Midtown Barfly – Sacramento, CA 9/09/2014 Catalyst Atrium – Santa Cruz, CA 9/10/2014 Bottom Of The Hill – San Fransisco, CA 9/11/2014 Hollywood Forever Cemetary – Los Angeles, CA 9/12/2014 SD Music Thing Fest – San Diego, CA 9/13/2014 Yucca Tap Room – Tempe, AZ 9/14/2014 Sister – Albequerque, NM 9/16/2014 Red 7 – Austin, TX 9/17/2014 Club Dada – Dallas, TX 9/18/2014 One Eyed Jacks – New Orleans, LA 9/19/2014 Drunken Unicorn – Atlanta, GA 9/20/2014 Kings Barcade – Raleigh, NC 9/21/2014 Rock N Roll Hotel – Washington, DC 9/23/2014 Great Scott – Allston, MA 9/24/2014 Saint Vitus – Brooklyn, NY 9/26/2014 Boot And Saddle – Philadelphia, PA 9/27/2014 Midpoint Music Fest – Cincinnati, OH 9/28/2014 Pygmalion, Music Fest – Urbana, IL 9/29/2014 Empty Bottle – Chicago, IL 9/30/2014 Record Bar – Kansas City, MO 10/01/2014 Larimer Lounge – Denver, CO 10/03/2014 Neurolux – Boise, ID
Before I even start, let’s get one thing out of the way. I want a new Sleep album too. My not including them on this list isn’t due to the fact that I don’t think a new Sleep album is a good idea, but just because I haven’t seen anything about it being recorded or released in the next five-plus months. If it hits on Jan. 1, 2015, I’ll be the happiest Baby New Year you ever saw, but that’s a different list altogether.
Ditto that Om and High on Fire. The latter were writing as of May, and I know Om did some recording way back in January, but I’ve yet to see solid word of new records at all, let alone before the end of the year. Either or both or all three may happen, but until I see some hint of it, all I can go on is the info I can find.
Seriously though, how badass would it be if all three put out albums before the New Year? That excitement is kind of what this list is about. Some of these records I’ve heard, but most I haven’t, so it’s just basic speculation about what I think could be some of the best releases in the next couple months. You’ll note that while there are plenty of dates TBA, nothing listed arrives in November, so as 2014 winds down, there’s bound to be even more quality stuff than appears here.
In fact, I struggled to take things out to get it down to 30. And it still goes to 31! I figured no one would mind. They’re numbered, but the list is in alphabetical order.
If I left something out you’re dying to hear, please let me know in the comments.
Thanks in advance for reading:
1. Alunah, TBA (Sept.)
Birmingham’s Alunah, like several others below, are a holdover from the Most Anticipated Albums list back at the start of the year. The difference between now and then is that, while its title still hasn’t been revealed so far as I know, their Napalm Records debut has been recorded, mixed and mastered, the latter by Tony Reed, the former by Greg Chandler of Esoteric, and given a September release date. Two years after Alunah made riffy doom sound easy on their sophomore outing, White Hoarhound (review here), I look forward to hearing how they’ve grown and shifted in their approach to warm-sounding tones and memorable hooks. They’ve set a pretty high standard for themselves. Alunah on Thee Facebooks, Napalm Records.
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2. Apostle of Solitude, Of Woe and Wounds (Oct.)
These guys. I don’t mind telling you it was a thrill when Indianapolis doomers Apostle of Solitude were announced as having signed to Cruz del Sur to release their third album, Of Woe and Wounds, this fall. Their second outing, 2010’s Last Sunrise (review here), didn’t get the attention it deserved, but the handful of songs they’ve made public since have shown much promise, and as the first Apostle of Solitude full-length to feature guitarist/vocalist Steve Janiak (also Devil to Pay) in harmony with guitarist/vocalist Chuck Brown — the band is completed by bassist Dan Davidson and drummer Corey Webb — this is definitely going to make for a doomly autumn. Apostle of Solitude on Thee Facebooks, Cruz del Sur Music.
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3. Blackwolfgoat, Drone Maintenance (Aug. 26)
Recorded late last year at Amps vs. Ohms in Boston, the third album from Maple Forum alum Blackwolfgoat — the prog-drone alter ego of guitarist Darryl Shepard (Milligram, Black Pyramid, The Scimitar, Roadsaw, etc.) — is the project’s most expansive outing yet, and it seems Shepard is moving more in a song-based direction, rather than some of the building loops of the past two offerings. Of course, there will be plenty of those as well, but watch out for some acoustic guitar, and deep-in-the-mix vocals, as they could easily hint of things to come. Or Darryl could turn it on its head and do a calypso record. Either way, I’m on board with no pretense of impartiality. Blackwolfgoat on Bandcamp, Small Stone’s Bandcamp.
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4. Blues Pills, Blues Pills (Aug. 5)
The much-heralded Swedish/French/American psych-blues conglomeration Blues Pills will make their self-titled debut (short review here) next month, and while it’s probably going to be a bigger deal in Europe than in the States — at least until Nuclear Blast brings them over here for a tour, then the country is going to go apeshit for them — the songwriting and soulful execution of their tracks justifies the hype. There’s a bit of retro posturing to what they do, some Graveyard shuffle (it feels inevitable at this point with a ’70s-influenced band), but the grooves are easy to dig into and the potential is basically limitless for where they want to go. It’s scary to keep in mind, but this is just the beginning. Blues Pills on Thee Facebooks, Nuclear Blast.
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5. Bongripper, Miserable (July 7)
You may notice something strange about the date above for a list of upcoming albums in that July 7 was yesterday. Well, Chicago’s Bongripper posted their new three-track full-length monster Miserable on their Bandcamp for stream and download ahead of the vinyl’s arrival, and it was just too righteous to leave out. Those seeking landmark riffing need look no further than the 19-minute centerpiece “Descent,” which meters out stomp enough that future “scientists” will study its footprint, and closer “Into Ruin” (28:25) is guaranteed to be the heaviest half-hour you’ll spend today. Miserable feels like a no-brainer, but maybe that’s just because Bongripper have such a propensity for pounding skulls into mush. Bongripper on Thee Facebooks, Miserable on Bandcamp.
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6. Botanist, VI: Flora (Aug. 11)
I feel like I missed a couple numbers from San Francisco-based environmentalist black metal unit Botanist along the way, but they’ll nonetheless issue VI: Flora on The Flenser next month, furthering their marriage of destruction and beauty and insistent percussive expression. The spaces Botanist — a one-man project from Robert Martinelli — create feel ritualistic without the dramatic posturing that pervades much of the genre, and sound, somewhere between raging and mournful, is hypnotic. Whatever your expectation might be, Martinelli seems pleased to use it to their advantage, and ultimately, defy it. Post-human, hammered dulcimer-laden black metal. It would be harder for Botanist to not be unique. Botanist on Thee Facebooks, The Flenser.
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7. Brant Bjork, TBA (TBA)
When Brant Bjork‘s next album might show up, I don’t know. I know he’s signed to Napalm, and I know the photo above was snapped as he finished some vocals before going on tour with his Low Desert Punk band that includes guitarist Bubba DuPree, bassist Dave Dinsmore and drummer Tony Tornay, but whether or not the album they made is the funk-inspired Jakoozi that’s been in the offing for a while, or another collection of songs, and if Napalm will get it out before the end of the year remain a mystery. I do find it interesting that for his first “solo” outing post-Vista Chino (that band being on hiatus), Bjork has assembled a new band to work with rather than record multiple instruments himself, but no matter who’s involved, when it’s Brant Bjork writing the songs, it’s gonna be high rock from the low desert. Can’t wait to dig into whatever comes. Brant Bjork on Thee Facebooks, Napalm Records.
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8. Earth, Primitive and Deadly (Sept.)
The headline for Earth‘s new album is it’s the one where they experimented with vocalists. And hey, if you’re going to toy around with the idea, you might as well get Mark Lanegan involved. The former Screaming Trees frontman is one of several singers appearing on Primitive and Deadly, due in September on Southern Lord, and it would appear that Earth‘s sound — always evolving, always somehow changing — is about to take another considerable turn. Fortunately, the Seattle band, led by guitarist Dylan Carlson and now approaching their 25th year, have long since proven worthy of trusting with their own direction. Earth will never be huge, by the simple nature of what they do, but their influence resounds and the quality of their output is unmatched. Earth on Thee Facebooks, Southern Lord Recordings.
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9. Electric Wizard, Time to Die (Sept.)
“Wake up baby/It’s time to die.” So goes the title-track hook of Electric Wizard‘s new album and Spinefarm Records debut, Time to Die. As ever, it’s simple, hateful, drenched-in-fuzz misanthropy, and Electric Wizard revel in it accordingly. Their witchcult continues to grow in their native UK and abroad, and while their last two records have divided some listeners, they’ve invariably gained more ground than they’ve lost. A legal dispute with Rise Above finds them on the new label, and if there’s even the slightest chance that change will bring them to the US for a tour, I’ll take it. Expect 66 minutes of glorious filth. Electric Wizard on Thee Facebooks, Spinefarm Records.
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10. Fever Dog, Second Wind (TBA)
Palm Desert youngsters Fever Dog have been kicking around the last few years finding their sound in varying elements of heavy rock and psychedelic experimentation. Most recently, they impressed with the single “Iroquois” (review here) taken from their new album Second Wind, and in looking forward to the full-length, I’m eager to learn how their style has solidified and what sort of vibes they conjure over its course. They’ve shown plenty of propensity for jamming in their prior work, so hopefully there’s a bit of that on hand as well. I’ve said before they’re a trio of marked potential, and nothing I’ve yet heard has dissuaded me from that impression. Fever Dog on Thee Facebooks, Fever Dog on Bandcamp.
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11. Goat, Commune (Sept. 23)
Somehow, a band from Sweden who dress up in tribal costumes (problematic) and play Afrobeat psychedelia became a very, very big deal. I couldn’t explain it if I wanted to, and I won’t try, but I know that when Sub Pop releases Goat‘s second album, Commune, it’s going to be to a flurry of hype and heaps of critical fawning. It would be tempting to call Goat a novelty act, but their 2012 debut, World Music (discussed here), showcased a legitimately creative musical approach to go with the visual aspects of their presentation, and I find the fact that I have no idea what to expect from Commune to be refreshing. Goat on Thee Facebooks, Sub Pop Records.
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12. Grifter, The Return of the Bearded Brethren (Aug. 11)
UK heavy rockers Grifter will make a welcome resurgence on Ripple Music with The Return of the Bearded Brethren, an album that builds on the straightforward, catchy sounds of their 2011 self-titled label debut (review here) and takes their infectiousness to new places lyrically, such as exploring issues of aging via an ode to Princess Leia from Star Wars. That particular brand of humor and is writ large on Grifter‘s second Ripple outing, and the trio set to work refining their take without losing the engaging feel of their self-titled. It feels like a long three years since that record hit, and I’ll be glad to have a follow-up in-hand. Grifter on Thee Facebooks, Ripple Music.
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13. Ice Dragon and Space Mushroom Fuzz, New Blue Horizon/A Peak into the Future (TBA)
Unclear at this point whether Boston outfits Ice Dragon and Space Mushroom Fuzz collaborated on New Blue Horizon/A Peak into the Future, or if it’s a split. Either way, the prolific acts make a sound pairing. Both are vehemently creative and exploratory, psychedelic and progressive each in their way, and if what’s presumably a single finds them working together, all the better, but even if not, new material from either is nothing to balk at, particularly when topped off by such gorgeous artwork. Neither act is ever long from putting something out, so to have them come together one way or another makes a weird brand of sense, which I’m relatively sure the songs will as well. Ice Dragon on Thee Facebooks, Space Mushroom Fuzz on Thee Facebooks.
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14. Ides of Gemini, Old World New Wave (Sept. 16)
Ides of Gemini‘s 2012 Neurot Recordings debut, Constantinople (discussed here), established the three-piece as freely inhabiting either side of the imaginary line between ambience and heaviness, J. Bennett and Kelly Johnston providing sometimes minimal, sometimes consuming foundations for vocalist Sera Timms (ex-Black Math Horseman, also Black Mare) to cast ethereal melodies. What Old World New Wave will hold sound-wise, I don’t yet know, but Ides of Gemini‘s otherworldly resonance and ultra-patient approach makes it well worth finding out. Ides of Gemini on Thee Facebooks, Neurot Recordings.
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15. John Gallow, Violet Dreams (Aug. 4)
Frontman of Blizaro and Orodruin guitarist John James Gallo adds a ‘w’ to his last name and steps out solo on the I, Voidhanger Records release, Violet Dreams, the title hinting at some of his on-his-sleeve affinity for Italian psych-doom master Paul Chain and Swedish legends Candlemass. Gallo‘s work in Blizaro has a tendency to lean toward the progressive and cinematic, but as John Gallow, the focus is more on classic doom riffing and darkened metallurgy. As one would expect, he’s well in his element on the hour-long album, and I hope he decides to call the next one Ancient Theatre. Also note the incredible artwork of Costin Chioreanu. John Gallo on Thee Facebooks, I, Voidhanger Records.
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16. John Garcia, John Garcia (Aug. 5)
A long-discussed solo debut for the former Kyuss frontman following a stint alongside Brant Bjork in Vista Chino, John Garcia‘s John Garcia (review here) finds the singer right in his comfort zone, topping desert rock riffs with his trademark guttural vocals. To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure I’d trade a second Vista Chino outing for it if given the choice — that band seemed to be on course for a sound of its own, separate from Kyuss‘ legacy, and that struck me as worth pursuing — but these songs have a similar enough production style that it’s easy to think of the one as an offshoot of the other, and of course Garcia calls his shots well throughout. John Garcia on Thee Facebooks, Napalm Records.
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17. King Buffalo, TBA (TBA)
Including King Buffalo here was pretty speculative on my part, but I dig the Rochester, NY, outfit and didn’t want to leave the prospect of their STB Records debut long-player out. It probably won’t land until 2015 — the future! — but their demo (review here) still gets regular plays around these parts, and I’m very much looking forward to catching them with similarly-minded Nashville blues rockers All Them Witches when they tour together next month. Whatever King Buffalo‘s recording/release plans might be, they’re definitely one to keep an eye on in the back half of this year. King Buffalo on Thee Facebooks, STB Records.
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18. Kings Destroy, Kings Destroy (TBA)
Love these guys, love this band. I make no bones about it. Their third record, self-titled and produced as the last two were by Sanford Parker, is as close as they’ve yet come to capturing their live sound, and while they’ve yet to nail down an exact release date, they have a couple very cool tours in the works for this fall, including dates next month with Eric Wagner‘s Blackfinger, that will make a fitting lead-in to their best outing yet. I’ve heard this and had the chance to see some of the material live, and they’ve outdone themselves again, which, considering the esteem in which I continue to hold their 2013 sophomore full-length, A Time of Hunting, is really saying something. Kings Destroy on Thee Facebooks, War Crime Recordings.
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19. The Kings of Frog Island, V (Fall)
Easily one of the LPs I’m most eager to hear over the next few months, and specifically on vinyl. The Kings of Frog Island have shown themselves to be so dedicated to the format that their early-2013 album, IV (review here), was presented as two bundled sides even digitally. They recently gave a taste of what their fifth album will in-part hold via a video for “Sunburn” and I’m told more jamminess ensues elsewhere to complement that track’s easygoing flow and platter-ready hook. All the better. The Kings of Frog Island on Thee Facebooks, The Kings of Frog Island on YouTube.
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20. Lonely Kamel, Shit City (Sept. 9)
I’d be lying if I said part of my immediate interest in Oslo heavy rockers Lonely Kamel‘s fourth record wasn’t due to the cheeky title, but it’s been three years since the Napalm Records four-piece released their last album, Dust (track stream here), and as they’ve put in plenty of road-time, it doesn’t seem unreasonable to go into this time around with elevated anticipation. I’m not sure you could get away with calling an album Shit City unless you meant business. Got my fingers crossed that’s precisely the case with Lonely Kamel. Lonely Kamel on Thee Facebooks, Napalm Records.
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21. Lo-Pan, Colossus (Oct. 7)
Fucking a. Doing the research for this list was the first I’d seen the Jason Alexander Byers cover art for Lo-Pan‘s fourth album, Colossus, or its Oct. 7 Small Stone release date. I haven’t heard the tracks yet — they recorded in Brooklyn back in March, and while I got 2012’s Salvador (review here) pretty early, the Columbus four-piece seem to be keeping a tighter lid on the follow-up — and I can’t help but feel like that’s my loss. Judging by what I’ve heard of the material live, Lo-Pan have dug further into their individual brand of riff-led soulful heavy, and I’ve got a high wager that a few months from now, Lo-Pan‘s latest will make an appearance on another list. More to come. Lo-Pan on Thee Facebooks, Small Stone Records.
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22. Novembers Doom, Bled White (July 15)
One of doom’s most fascinating and largely ignored progressions is that of Chicago melancholists Novembers Doom, who, when they started out 25 years ago, did so largely as a death metal band, and then moved on to pioneer an American interpretation of what’s commonly thought of as European doom, until, over their last several records, as they’ve started to move back to a more extreme, double-kick-drummed style. Bled White, on The End Records, continues along this path, but especially in the cleaner vocals of frontman Paul Kuhr there remain shades of the morose emotionality that typified what’s now become their mid-period doom idolatry. Unheralded, Novembers Doom keep exploring deeper, darker terrain. Novembers Doom on Thee Facebooks, The End Records.
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23. Pallbearer, Foundations of Burden (Aug. 19)
Foundations of Burden is unquestionably among the second half of 2014’s most anticipated albums. Arkansas-based doom four-piece Pallbearer will mark its release with extensive European and North American tours, and where their 2012 Profound Lore debut, Sorrow and Extinction (review here), came out and caught listeners off-guard with its unabashed emotional core, their sophomore outing finds them positioned at the forefront of American doom. Already the hype machine is rolling out the red carpet for the Billy Anderson-produced Foundations of Burden, but no one can say these guys haven’t put their work in, and the record is indeed one to look forward to. Pallbearer on Thee Facebooks, Profound Lore Records.
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24. The Skull, TBA (TBA)
For The Skull to put out an album of original material is a unique challenge. Their earlier-2014 first single (stream/review here) found them standing up to it on the new song “Sometime Yesterday Mourning,” but at least half the point of the band since its inception has been to pay homage to legendary doomers Trouble, from whence vocalist Eric Wagner, bassist Ron Holzner and drummer Jeff “Oly” Olson come. For their Tee Pee Records debut full-length — yet untitled and hopefully out before 2015 — it’ll be most interesting to see how guitarists Matt Goldsborough (ex-Pentagram) and Lothar Keller (Sacred Dawn) rise to the occasion of building off some of doom metal’s most celebrated tones. Fingers crossed on this one. The Skull on Thee Facebooks, Tee Pee Records.
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25. Snail, Feral (TBA)
Nothing has been formally announced yet, but on Small Stone Records‘ website, they list Snail‘s Feral among their upcoming releases. It would make a suitable pairing, the West Coast riffers having previously worked with MeteorCity on their 2009 post-reunion outing, Blood (review here), prior to independently releasing 2012’s Terminus (review here), and Small Stone seems like a good home for their fourth overall record and return to form as a trio, which was their original incarnation before their original dissolution circa 1994. How they expand on the heavier crunch of Terminus remains even more a point of fascination, and surely their cult following will be glad to find out. I know I will. Snail on Thee Facebooks, Small Stone Records.
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26. Steak, Slab City (Sept. 9)
After two strong EPs in 2012’s Disastronaught (review here) and 2013’s best-title-ever-boasting Corned Beef Colossus (review here), it’s time for London stoner rockers Steak to step up their game for their Napalm Records debut full-length. The four-piece headed to the Californian desert to record Slab City, and so it’s fair to think some of that atmosphere may have worked its way into the material. Would be an awfully long way to go, otherwise. In either case, Steak have showcased considerable songwriting chops already, now it’s just a matter of sustaining it for a full album’s runtime and keeping enough variety in their approach. I have no doubt they’re ready for this next step. Steak on Thee Facebooks, Napalm Records.
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27. Stubb, Cry of the Ocean (TBA)
It is with simple, unabashed warm feelings that I look forward to hearing Cry of the Ocean, the second long-player and Ripple Music debut from UK riffers Stubb. They’ve traded out drummers since 2012’s self-titled (review here), bringing aboard Tom Fyfe with guitarist/vocalist Jack Dickinson and bassist/vocalist Peter Holland, but I’m excited to hear what changes and shifts in sound Cry of the Ocean might have in store to match its provocative title. Goes without saying the photo above isn’t the final artwork, but instead Tony Reed‘s mastering sheet from back in May when he worked on the tracks. No solid release date yet, but hopefully soon. Stubb on Thee Facebooks, Ripple Music.
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28. Torche, TBA (TBA)
Torche‘s new album and Relapse Records debut was originally slated for the end of the summer. Given that no official word has come out about a title or anything like that and the members of the band have been busy with other projects, it seems unlikely as of now that they’ll hit that target, but after something of a break so frontman Steve Brooks could focus on the resurgent trio Floor, Torche are in fact getting going again, beginning with their first tour of Australia this fall. Maybe their LP will be out by the time they go and maybe it won’t, but word on the street is that whenever the thing arrives, it’s gonna be heavy, which I have no problem believing. Torche on Thee Facebooks, Relapse Records.
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29. The Well, Monomyth (Late Summer)
I’ve been waiting since the March announcement that Austin trio The Well signed with RidingEasy Records for further word of their debut full-length, Monomyth (pretty sure that’s not the cover above), but thus far to no avail. Their 2012 single, Seven (review here), was a repeat-listen thriller, and anticipation abounds for what sort of psychedelic garage riffing they’ll conjure up for the album itself. It’s been a couple months at this point, and maybe it’ll be 2015 before Monomyth gets out, but screw it, a boy can hope. The Well on Thee Facebooks, RidingEasy Records.
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30. Witch Mountain, Mobile of Angels (Sept.)
Please note: The original cover art with this post was not final and has been replaced with the above band photo.
Portland, Oregon’s Witch Mountain have spent much of the two years following their 2012 third LP, Cauldron of the Wild (review here) on tour in the US and abroad, playing fests, headlining, supporting, but generally putting in a lot of time. As such, Mobile of Angels, which will be out on Svart in Europe and Profound Lore in North America, comes as the end product of a considerable touring cycle. Has all that gigging worn Witch Mountain into the ground, or will they rise above it with metal-loving doom-blues supremacy? They’ve got a vinyl-ready 38 minutes on tap for September and if they’ve ever been in a position to make their case, it’s now. Watch out for the killer sway in “Can’t Settle,” the title of which seems a fitting theme for the band. Witch Mountain on Thee Facebooks, Profound Lore Records.
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31. YOB, Clearing the Path to Ascend (Sept. 2)
Yet again — as was the case back in January — alphabetical order forces me to end with YOB, whose seventh full-length and Neurot debut might just be my most anticipated of all on this list. The recently-unveiled Orion Landau cover speaks to a brooding sentiment, and from the one time I was fortunate enough to hear it to-date, the four-track album from the Eugene, Oregon, natives corresponds to its visual side in being a more aggressive push than was 2011’s Atma (review here), but also more exploratory and contemplative in its approach. Now statesmen in American doom and the forebears of a cosmic-minded sound, YOB stand ready to showcase a creative progression that has yet to find its end point. YOB on Thee Facebooks, Neurot Recordings.
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Other Notable Mentions
Just a couple of these I’d be remiss if I didn’t note. Some were carried over from earlier this year, others just come up along the way. Not sure on all the release dates, but these are worth keeping an ear out for:
Acid King — Were listed in January, but their record has a Feb. 2015 release date.
Bright Curse — Second album recorded at Skyhammer Studios.
Brothers of the Sonic Cloth — My understanding is the album is done and they’re waiting to secure a label. Seems like a good occasion for Southern Lord to step forward, if not Profound Lore or Neurot.
Eggnogg — Not sure if it’s their full-length, You’re all Invited, or something else that’s coming, but whatever. More stoner-funk riffing needs to be had.
40 Watt Sun — There was some word of this early in the year, but nothing since.
Godflesh — Their first in 15 years, A World Lit Only by Fire, will be out Oct. 7. A fuckup not including them on the list proper.
It’s Not Night: It’s Space — Eagerly awaiting the Small Stone debut from this instrumental outfit, but it might be next year.
Karma to Burn — New album, Arch Stanton, out in August. I emailed for a review promo and never heard back. Always a great feeling.
Larman Clamor — Solo-project from Alexander von Wieding has a new one in the can, but I’m not sure on the release schedule.
Lowrider — They’re working on it, but don’t hold your breath to have it out by December.
The Machine — Kind of a slow year for Elektrohasch, but the new one from these Dutch fuzzers would be a nice way end up.
Nachtmystium — Century Media releases their final album, The World We Left Behind, on Aug. 5.
Orange Goblin — Seriously debated putting them on the list, since I know they’ve recorded, but they seem to be promoting a recent reissue of 2007’s Healing through Fire and their upcoming European tour with Saint Vitus rather than their new album, so unless news comes out about it like this week from Candlelight, I wouldn’t expect it until early in 2015.
Pink Floyd — Believe it when I see it, but I honestly couldn’t care less either way if I tried.
Ruby the Hatchet — Their full-length Tee Pee debut is due sometime in the next couple months.
Sun Voyager — Upstate NY youngsters had hinted at new recordings.
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Again, if I forgot anything — and I’m sure I did — please let me know in the comments.
Posted in Whathaveyou on May 30th, 2014 by JJ Koczan
Underrated bombast specialists Sweet Cobra are playing with High on Fire this weekend in their native Chicago, and from there, the trio will join forces with Auxes for a run of European dates mostly in Germany and the Czech Republic. It’s been two years since the Seventh Rule veterans debuted on Black Market Activities with Mercy, and they’re reportedly got a follow-up in the works ready to release sometime before the end of the year. If you were, say, compiling a list of albums to watch for before 2015 and planning to post something like that in the next month or so, that might be handy information to keep in mind.
Ever-resilient, the PR wire seeks refuge among the converted:
Sweet Cobra Announces Upcoming European Tour w/ Auxes (ex-Milemarker)
New Album “Earth” Produced by Kurt Ballou and Matt Talbot of Hum Out Later This Year
The sonic assault of Sweet Cobra has been described by critics as everything from “hypnotic, riff-driven mayhem” to “sludgy groove with hardcore intensity.” Still, that doesn’t do their unmistakably original sound justice. Parallels can be drawn to Torche’s rapturous hooks, High On Fire’s hellbound riffing, and Young Widows’ stomping rhythms, but Sweet Cobra has always rocked with its own unique voice – earnest, driving, anthemic songs that are equally pummeling and trance-inducing.
A pillar of the underground for almost a decade now, SWEET COBRA was founded in Chicago in 2002 by bassist/vocalist Botchy Vasquez (The Killing Tree, Milemarker) and drummer Jason Gagovski (Suicide Note). Through the mid-00’s, the band released acclaimed music through Seventh Rule Recordings (Akimbo, Indian) and Gagovski’s own Hawthorne Street Records, and toured with the likes of Pelican, Russian Circles, Black Cobra, Doomriders, The Life And Times, and Young Widows.
In 2009 SWEET COBRA entered Volume Studio in Chicago with producer Sanford Parker (Pelican, Nachtmystium) to record its third full-length: Mercy for Black Market Activities. Mercy is a masterpiece of urgent, honest aggression, channeled into unforgettable songs. It is the definition of SWEET COBRA – ripping yet atmospheric, rocking yet angry as hell. Mixed by Kurt Ballou (Converge, Trap Them) at Godcity Studio and mastered by Carl Saff (Coliseum, White Drugs), Mercy features guest appearances by Robert Lowe (Lichens) and Bruce Lamont (Yakuza), among others. Album art comes courtesy of William Test.
Sweet Cobra Live!
European Tour Dates w/ Auxes Thurs 06/12/14 Kiel, Germany at Hansa 48 Fri 06/13/14 Hamburg, Germany at Størte Sat 06/14/14 Berlin, Germany at Schokoladen Sun 06/15/14 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic at Central Mon 06/16/14 Prague, Czech Republic at 007 Tues 06/17/14 Leipzig, Germany at Zoro Wed 06/18/14 Brno, Czech Republic at Boro Thurs 06/19/14 Vienna, Austria at Rhiz Fri 06/20/14 Bojkovice, Czech Republic at MisMas Fest Sat 06/21/14 Plzen, Czech Republic at Pod Lampou
Posted in Whathaveyou on May 29th, 2014 by JJ Koczan
So you’ve got an Earth record with Mark Lanegan singing on it? Well fucking a. Yes, please. Sign me up.
Details of Earth‘s forthcoming long-player, Primitive and Deadly, come via the PR wire below. Southern Lord will have it out in September, and it seems like yet another fascinating turn in Earth‘s ongoing progression is in store.
More to come I’m sure:
EARTH Reveals Details Of Their Tenth Studio Recording, Primitive And Deadly
International Tour Dates Begin Next Week
EARTH’s career, like its music, has always been a slow, deliberate progression. Each record slightly removed from the last, a constant refinement of a singular vision. Dylan Carlson has remained focused throughout on coaxing moments of strange beauty and reflection from “the riff”. This elemental foundation of rock is refracted, in their earliest recordings, through the prism of sheer volume and feedbacking drone or, in the twin Angels Of Darkness, Demons Of Light set from 2011 and 2012, via a sparse unraveling take on folk.
With Primitive And Deadly, EARTH’s tenth studio collection, Carlson and long term cohort, drummer Adrienne Davies, manage to pull off the trick of completing an Ouroborean creative cycle, twenty-five years in the making, whilst exploring new directions in their music. For the first time in their diverse second act, they allow themselves to be a rock band, freed of adornment and embellishment. As much as Carlson’s guitar has always been the focal point of EARTH’s music, it’s been surrounded by consistently diverse instrumentation. Here the dialog between Carlson and Davies drumming remains pivotal, underpinned by the sympathetic bass of Bill Herzog (Sunn O))), Joel RL Phelps, Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter) and thickened by additional layers of guitar from Brett Netson (Built To Spill, Caustic Resin) and Jodie Cox (Narrows). Perhaps the largest left turn on Primitive And Deadly, though, is prominence of guest vocalists Mark Lanegan and Rabia Shaheen Qazi (Rose Windows) who transform the traditionally free ranging meditations of EARTH into something approaching traditional pop structures.
On “Rooks Across the Gates,” a song stylistically the closest to the folk inspired modality of Angels Of Darkness, Carlson stretches out into some of his most lyrical playing to date, creating an almost symbiotic relationship between his performance and the vocals of old friend Mark Lanegan. “From the Zodiacal Light,” meanwhile, takes the late 60s San Franciscan/freaked-out jazz-rock transcendence of The Bees Made Honey In The Lion’s Skull and quickly re-appropriates that sound into a musky torch song for the witching hour.
This contradictive tension between a band pushing itself ever-forward whilst surveying their history is reflected in the albums twin recording locales. The foundation of the record was laid in the mystic desert high lands of Joshua Tree, California where EARTH recorded hour after hour of meditations on each tracks central theme at Rancho de la Luna. Upon returning to Seattle these were edited, arranged and expanded upon at Avast with the help of long-term collaborator Randall Dunn (who was previously at the helm for the Hex, The Bees Made Honey In The Lions Skull and Hibernaculum sessions).
Thick, dense and overdriven, melodically rich and enveloping, Primitive And Deadly is EARTH reaffirming their position as a singular point in the history of rock. The album will see worldwide release this September, with a final street date to be announced shortly.
Prior to the album’s release, Southern Lord shall be reissuing Hex; Or Printing In The Infernal Method and The Bees Made Honey In The Lion’s Skull on LP on June 24th in North America.
EARTH shall embark on a run of international tours beginning next week, including June and July dates across Japan, New Zealand, Australia and Europe, followed by another European tour in support of Primitive And Deadly, with much more in store.
EARTH Tour Dates: 6/04/2014 Conpass – Osaka, Japan 6/05/2014 Earthdom – Tokyo, Japan 6/06/2014 Fever – Tokyo, Japan 6/12/2014 Chicks Hotel – Dunedin, New Zealand 6/13/2014 Bodega – Wellington, New Zealand 6/14/2014 Kings Arms – Auckland, New Zealand 6/17/2014 Crowbar – Brisbane, Australia 6/18/2014 Rosemount Hotel – Perth, Australia 6/19/2014 Manning Bar – Sydney, Australia 6/20/2014 Dark Mofo Festival – Hobart, Australia 6/21/2014 Hi-Fi – Melbourne, Australia 7/31/2014 Off Festival – Katowicw, Poland 8/01/2014 UT Connewitz – Leipzig, Germany 8/02/2014 Lido – Berlin, Germany 8/04/2014 Super Uho Festival – Sibenik, Hungary 8/05/2014 Arena – Vienna, Austria 8/07/2014 Schlacthof – Wiesbaden, Germany 8/08/2014 Bogen F – Zurich, Switzerland 8/09/2014 Point Ephemere – Paris, France 8/10/2014 Zuiderpershuis – Antwerp, Belgium 8/11/2014 Tivoli – Utrecht, Netherlands 8/13/2014 Whelans – Dublin, Ireland 8/14/2014 CCA – Glasgow, UK 8/15/2014 Gorilla – Manchester, UK 8/16/2014 Jabberwocky Festival – London, UK
SELECTED EARTH DISCOGRAPHY: Extra Capsular Extraction (Sub Pop) 1991* Earth 2: Special Low Frequency Version (Sub Pop) 1993 Phase 3: Thrones and Dominions (Sub Pop) 1995 Pentastar: In the Style of Demons (Sub Pop) 1996 Hex; Or Printing in the Infernal Method (Southern Lord) 2005 Hibernaculum (Southern Lord) 2007 Bees Made Honey in the Lions Skull (Southern Lord) 2008 Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light I (Southern Lord) 2011 Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light II (Southern Lord) 2012 Primitive and Deadly (Southern Lord) 2014 *re-issued as A Bureaucratic Desire for Extra Capsular Extraction (Southern Lord) 2010
Posted in Bootleg Theater on February 8th, 2014 by JJ Koczan
Earth, The Bees Made Honey in the Lion’s Skull (2008)
If Earth had decided after their 2005 comeback studio album, Hex; or Printing in the Infernal Method, to put out another full-length of similarly-minded Dead Man-inspired Americana desolate soundscapes, I doubt there would’ve been many complaints. I think in some ways the heavy underground is still coming to grips with that album, now almost a decade later, and it has served as a point of influence for many in a wide variety of subgenres probably even more than something like Earth 2 – Special Low Frequency Versiondid for the band in the early ’90s. Maybe that’s overstating it. Still, you get the idea. No one would’ve argued with Hex Pt. 2.
That’s not the band’s nature, it seems. None of their albums or even their bevvy of live releases splits, etc., really makes any effort toward retreading past ground, and when they released The Bees Made Honey in the Lion’s Skull on Southern Lord in 2008, all you had to do to realize how different its character was from its predecessor was look at the artwork. It’s like the color wants to punch you in the face. And the elaborate font of the band’s logo — or the huge one, if you have the vinyl — left a much different, much fuller impression than the stark, grainy black and white of Hex. The music on The Bees Made Honey in the Lion’s Skullproved similarly colorful, richly thematic, patient as ever and no less evocative than was the record before it, if somewhat harder to place in time and atmosphere.
More open, in other words. The Bees Made Honey in the Lion’s Skullwas a powerful development of the ideas presented on Hex; or Printing in the Infernal Method, and while the album hasn’t had the same kind of sonic legacy in the half-decade since its release, it continues to resonate and radiate a rich, human beauty, and I continue to like very much the places it takes me when I put it on, as now.
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Tonight The Patient Mrs. and I drove south to Connecticut to have dinner with her mother and grandmother ahead of her birthday, which is next week. Two hours each way and we just got back a little while ago, so yeah, the Earth record is about fitting with my energy level right now. It was a hell of a week, and I feel like I could really, really stand to get out to a show in the next couple days, so I’m going to look around and see if there’s anything I can make happen in that regard. It’s been a while at this point. Feels like too long.
I’ll review whatever it is, should I prove successful in finding something, and look out next week as Ben Smith from The Brought Low will answer The Obelisk Questionnaire, and I’ll have reviews up of Slough Feg and maybe that SunnO)))/Ulver collaboration, since this drone seems to be hitting so right. I’ve done two weeks in a row now of review roundups; one went over decently well and this week’s seems to have fallen utterly flat. Okay then. I’ll give it another go this week and see what happens.
Also look for a writeup on Blackwitch Pudding‘s new vinyl if I can find a way around showing the needlessly sexist album cover, and though I’ll be traveling south (yes again) next Friday and won’t have much by way of posts during the day, I might get a podcast ready to go up so at least there’s something. Hopefully things shake out that I have time.
It also looks like I’ll be going to Roadburn after all. More on that in the weeks to come.
I hope you have a great and safe weekend. Please check out the forum and the radio stream, because they kick ass.
Posted in Whathaveyou on October 2nd, 2013 by JJ Koczan
Always fascinating, always exploring, Earth founder Dylan Carlson continues to grow a solo aesthetic apart and expanding on the signature drones of his long-running avant outfit. On Oct. 14, he’ll launch what’s essentially a long weekender, but during the week, in the UK, taking along with a new 7″ split with Rogier Smal, with whom he may or may not be performing on the tour. Call me crazy, but if you knew what you were getting outright, it just wouldn’t be the same.
The new drcarlsonalbion — Carlson‘s chosen banner for solo work to date — song, “Holly’s Jeans” is available now for streaming, and it follows the PR wire info below, which also includes hints at a new Earth album:
DYLAN CARLSON SOLO TOUR FAST APPROACHING; HEAR HOLLY’S JEANS FROM UPCOMING 7″ RELEASE
Expanding on the far-reaching folkloric explorations of drcarlsonalbion’s solo tour of last year, the totemic figure and his celebrated guitar will be bolstered by the accompaniment of Rogier Smal on drums on the upcoming UK tour which commences on 14 October in Bristol.
Incorporating free playing whilst maintaining the sublime recurrent elements Dylan Carlson is known far, Rogier Smal (Dagora, Marshall Allen, Mick Pontius) brings his singly unique and drumming capabilities to the heady mix.
The duo will be playing material from a split 7” released in conjuction with the tour, as well as expanding and elongating material from drcarlsonablion’s recent Hackney Lass and Latitudes series releases.
Today we can share the track “Holly’s Jeans” from the 7″ release…
Here are the tour dates: Mon 14-Oct-13 Bristol, The Exchange Tue 15-Oct-13 Leeds, Brudenell Wed 16-Oct-13 Manchester, Soup Kitchen Thu 17-Oct-13 London Lexington (w/Thurston Moore) *Matinee 5-8pm TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE* Thu 17-Oct-13 London Lexington (w/Thurston Moore) *Main show 8pm SOLD OUT*
Earth will be playing an exclusive show at Unsound Festival in Krakow, Poland, on October 19th, alongside Monolake, King Midas Sound, Eyvind Kang and Altar of Plagues amongst others. The lineup for this show is composed of Dylan Carlson (guitar), Adrienne Davies (drums) and Bill Herzog (bass). In other Earth news, there is a new album in the pipeline, with further details to arrive in good time.
Posted in Reviews on November 9th, 2012 by JJ Koczan
Even if you went into listening to Drcarlsonalbion‘s La Strega and the Cunning Man in the Smoke with no idea that it was Dylan Carlson of Earth behind it, you’d probably be tipped off within 10 seconds of the opening title-track. The long-running drone forebear’s style is so distinct, his sleepy minimalism so recognizable as it has long been at the core of Earth‘s resounding influence, that there’s just no getting away from it. It seems like whatever the context, Carlson sounds like himself.
And I guess it is the context that’s different, mostly. The surroundings. La Strega and the Cunning Man in the Smokewas recorded as a Latitudes session (see also releases by Blood and Time, Wino & Conny Ochs, The Entrance Band, Bardo Pond and many more), set to tape live in the Southern Studios in the UK — far enough away for the guitarist to be removed from the America in his Americana, if not the Americana itself. Joined by vocalist Teresa Colamonaco (also of London’s Screaming Tea Party) and fellow guitarist Jodie Cox, the seven component songs on the 42-minute full-length take on an English folk atmosphere, the opener pairing loops and feedback volume swells with Colamonaco‘s subdued, semi-spoken delivery while “Reynardine” carries a distinctly Gaelic air and accent.
All three players prove malleable. Colamonaco sings in an almost Scandinavian-sounding accent on The Kinks‘ “Wicked Annabella,” and Carlson‘s foreboding rumble there seems a far cry from the sweetened peaks of Richard Thompson‘s “Night Comes In.” The vocals give a sense of structure to Carlson‘s lines, as does Cox‘s own guitar, but even so, the 13:26 “The Faery Round,” the second track after “La Strega and the Cunning Man in the Smoke,” fills any instrumental or open-structure quota one might perceive for a Carlson release, his guitar offering tonal richness that’s nigh on orchestral as it paints images of the rolling English countryside later to be answered by the urbane impatience of the PJ Harvey cover, “Last Living Rose,” which closes.
After Earth‘s explorations of UK folk traditions on the two Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light albums, it doesn’t seem unreasonable that Carlson would look to push that inspiration further, and though it has its moments of indulgence — how could it not? — his first work under the Drcarlsonalbion moniker engages atmospherically with the calming effect that has been so prevalent in Earth‘s latter-day outings while also giving a different feel for what it is that he does with his guitar. Colamonaco‘s voice is a natural fit, and the penultimate “Little Woman” feels all the more intimate despite its two-guitar dynamic. There are parts of the album where one might miss some percussive aspect, but with a release like La Strega and the Cunning Man in the Smoke, the idea isn’t perfection or elaborateness of production, but rather the raw stuff of human songwriting and performance, and like other Latitudes sessions before it, this one certainly has that. It must be some room they record these things in.
As Earth‘s approach has grown increasingly complex with the additions of cello, horns, bass, etc. over the years, to hear him play as stripped down as he is with Drcarlsonalbion underscores how utterly vital he is to what Earth continues to do and how much he and the sound of that band are permanently intertwined, because just as one can’t hear Earth and not think of Dylan Carlson, one can’t hear Drcarlsonalbion and not think of Earth. That’s not to say the two don’t have distinct personalities between them — Colamonaco‘s presence here is enough to make that true and Cox‘s guitar complements in ways one just isn’t used to from recent Earth — just that the mark Carlson leaves on any of his outings is unmistakable and indelible, and that’s as true with La Strega and the Cunning Man in the Smokeas it has ever been.
