6 Records CMM Wants You To Know

Ballad Of Geraldine S/T E.P. (balladofgeraldine.bandcamp.com)

A fine debut from this Halle Germany based band who's sound mixes the best of Kill Rock Stars inspired punk and psychedelic pop. "I Want You" has a strong 60's girl group presence with it's simple chord structure and raspy vocals. It's catchy and cool and will sit well beside some of your favorite garage rock classics. "Mine" is a quick two minute rocker full of surf guitar sounds and underlying angst that brings to mind The Wipers, Huggy Bear and Wire. "What's The Deal" is more melodic and moody, highlighted by a climbing ethereal guitar riff that creates an element of mystic and intrigue. An excellent collection of smoke filled, stripped down enticing rock n roll.

Julius Earthling "NFL Bliss" (juliusearthling.bandcamp.com)

Julius Earthling make songs full of unbelievable charm and originality and their latest E.P. "NFL Bliss" is catchy, quirky and complex as the band blend a healthy dose of absurdly technical math rock with an indie pop sensibility. "The Faint Stew" starts off with dream like vibes that quickly give way to a barrage of twists and turns pulling you into all kinds of directions before settling back into a driving climatic ending. "575" features a buzz saw power chord presence matched with twangy reverb filled leads and a bridge that has a tinge of alternative dance rock flair. "Mind Grind" really ups the ante filling the song with a powerful riff and multiple tricked out leads that come off like Jawbox doing an improvised jam with Robert Fripp while "Motorcycle Trix", "2Kool4Skool" and "Tripper" further fuel the fires of extraordinary technical magnitude. Behind all this intricate musical wizardry is an incredibly captivating voice that puts forward a sense of warmth and atmosphere making the songs even more unique. A stellar record to say the least.

Paper Apes "Scylla and Charybdis" LP (paperapes.bandcamp.com)

Brooklyn alt-rock heavyweights Paper Apes, debut is a full on blast of crushingly atmospheric rock n roll. Opening track "One" pulls no punches with it's wall of distorted guitars and pounding drums capped off by the dynamic voice of singer guitarist Dan Boscov-Ellen. "Indian Summer" is quicker and a bit more catchy but much more twisted and psychedelic. It adds a college rock vibe to the mix that's sure to be embraced by fans of Pavement and Built To Spill. "Sekhmet" delves into more ambient territory and has a truly beautiful section that again showcases Boscov-Ellen's incredible voice while "Siren Song" captures Guitarist Justin Purtle's angular riffs and dark tones alongside an underlying feel of hope. The intricate playing of Bassist Will Castellucci and Drummer Josh Weinberg comes to the forefront on "Heatwave". It's a complex track that puts an abrasive twist on the sounds of classic NYC bands like Television and Talking Heads. Overall their top notch song writing is Paper Apes biggest attribute. They know how to set a mood and create wonderful sounds around it. Certainly a band to watch in 2015.

Silence Through The Rain E.P. 1 (silencethroughtherain.bandcamp.com)

Silence Through The Rain combine post rock and synth pop sounds that channel the spirits of New Order,The Shamen and Depeche Mode. "Forevermore" starts with a catchy guitar riff backed by a fluttering synth tone and desolate vocals. The layers of striking guitar melodies build towards a wave of distortion and darkness. The mid tempo "Equilibrium" is a moody track that features an almost orchestral feel full of haunting tones and shimmering nuances. "Post Everything" focuses on the work of the rhythm section with it's trance inducing drumming and dynamic bass runs. It harnesses all the elements of the bands sound as they lock into a droning trance like state. An impressive collection of gloom and doom full of infectious hooks sure to inspire repeated listening.

The Be Colony "Settling Down" Single (thebecolony.bandcamp.com)

"Settling Down" is a brilliant piece of psychedelic pop from Fort Wayne Indiana band The Be Colony. It's go go beat and laid back bass line set the tone while the spaced out vocals show off a dynamic range and top notch quality in the vein of Tommy James & The Shondells. The guitar leads only add more favorable textures with their bursts of blistering fuzz and shimmering echo. Think ?Mark & The Mysterians, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels and The Delta 72. One of those songs that just feels great to sing along to.

To Sail Beyond The Sun "Weightless" E.P. (tosailbeyondthesun.bandcamp.com)

Long Island instrumental band To Sail Beyond The Sun impress on this brand new six song E.P. Opening track "Reflections" begins with a very delicate slow moving chime filled riff that eventually explodes into a huge wall of sound that's like diving off a hundred foot cliff into the ocean. "Wanderers" has a more abrasive side that's backed by a thunderous beat, enhancing the cinematic vibes throughout the track. "Nazare" is fast and intricate and possibly the most spacey sounding of all the songs. The different movements flow very well together taking you on a hypnotic roller coaster ride. The pulsating bass line that drifts in mid track adds a really nice touch. "Stargazer" travels further into uncharted territory with it's other worldly guitar tones, while "Godspeed" closes out the E.P. in crushing fashion delivering a knock out blast of menace and power. A sonic journey through beautifully crafted ambient landscapes.

6 Records CMM Wants You To Know

Babbling April S/T E.P. (babblingapril.bandcamp.com)

Led by songwriter Dave New, this Dayton OH band has struck gold on their debut self titled E.P. The music ranges from delightful indie pop, jazz influenced instrumentals and fuzzy guitar driven rock n roll. They all play off each other well and show a nice range of sounds that really make the record feel whole. Opening track "Sunny Day Records" has a timeless feel. New says “The song is inherently nostalgic, a memory of the excitement of feeling free and young in a new relationship on a beautiful day, in a 1993 Ford Ranger." His description couldn't be more true. The song certainly makes you feel good. "Girl Ima' Babe" is fast paced and full of energy. The distorted guitars and pumping bass line are infectious and add a nice blast of energy to the mix. "All Around" caps off this six track release with a touch of atmospheric dream pop. It's another stand out track that cements their ability to write well crafted and inspiring music. A highly recommended debut.

LEWB "Bummer" LP (lewb.bandcamp.com)

Noise driven guitars, and pounding percussion fill "Dog Music", the opening track on Dallas dream pop unit LEWB's debut album "Bummer". It makes quite an impact as the beautiful voice of Charlie Frizzell swirls around your head. "Rental Car" is slower paced and carries a syncopated drum and guitar groove that glides along with daydream-ish gliss. The tones in "Numbers" have an enticing feel that draws you in with it's multi-layered vocals and melodic keyboard sounds that push the envelope as the song goes on. "Sorry Charlie" captures the band at it's most catchy while "Repetition" has a sinister guitar riff that's got tons of swagger and is certainly the darkest sounding song of the record. It's also my favorite as it really captures all the best elements of the band. Start to finish "Bummer" is refreshing and highly enjoyable.

NYOS "Vltava" E.P. (nyos.bandcamp.com)

NYOS are an instrumental drum and guitar duo from Jyväskylä Finland. "Vltava" is a one track album that comes in at twenty six minutes and twenty two seconds. It's full of crazy riffs, odd time signatures and flashes of noise inducted guitar mayhem. There are hints of U.S. post hardcore bands like Glazed Baby, godheadSilo, and Pink & Brown as well as elements of jazz fusion pioneers like Mahavishnu Orchestra and Larry Coryell. The musicianship is top notch and the riffs are simply crushing. A fine addition to the experimental math rock spectrum.

Party Static "My Cat Doesn't Like That" E.P. (partystatic.bandcamp.com)

Party Static impress with this E.P. of fabulous noise fueled garage punk that follows in the spirit of Nervous Gender, Huggy Bear, and The Headcoatees. The dual female vocals remind me of 90's East Bay punk bands like Blatz and Raoul while the guitars bounce back and forth between Melvins-ish doom, NYC no-wave and Dick Dale surf sounds especially on tracks like "Jill The Jerk" & "Mile & Honey". The songs are quick and to the point averaging around two minutes each. A fine collection of catchy garage punk fury.

Sleep/Walk S/T LP (sleepwalk1.bandcamp.com)

This blistering instrumental math-rock 3 piece make intense yet melodic tracks in the vein of Don Caballero, Bread Winner and Hella. All nine tracks are fast and hit with sledgehammer like force and are matched with precise execution. The production is also tip top. I love the angular tones the band make on songs like "Manhunter" and "Neu". "Lunatic" has an intricate riff and breakdown that brings to mind "Freedom Bondage" era Zeni Geva while "Bandini" incorporates a tastefully used cowbell and a riff that channels the spirit of 90's heavyweights like Guzzard and Helmet. A must for fans of barn burning technical rock n roll.

The Fog Ensemble S/T LP (thefogensemble1.bandcamp.com)

I find the haunting melodic sounds made on The Fog Ensembles new S/T album quite intriguing. Songs like "Drugeons" and "City Rat" add tons of underlying mystical tones that make them perfect for a sci-fi horror film. The ambient sounds in "Goffs" are more melodic and peaceful, moving with almost a danceable feel. "Cage" has more of a goth type vibe and features some dark sounds I can truly say I've never heard used in such a way. It almost sounds like something is being ripped write out of the tracks while an evil figure looms over top of it all. "Subway' also has a dark post-punk feel to it with it's fuzzed out bass line and driving beat topped off by a cagey synth riff. The album closes with "Melting Statues" which is possibly the most epic song on the album. It's shoegaze inspired drones are captivating, atmospheric and lush. Overall an excellent blend of hypnotic, thought provoking sounds.

"Sonic Soundwaves" An Interview With Luke Phillips of Icebeing

Based in Kent England Icebeing is the recording project of musician Dylan Phillips. His debut self titled E.P. is a beautiful collection of songs that blend the sounds of 90's shoegaze and 60's psychedelia. We sat down with Dylan to talk about what inspired him to play music,the recording of the E.P. and his approach to songwriting. Have a listen to the E.P.'s first single "Pools" and enjoy the conversation.

CMM-What's the first music you remember hearing as a child and what made the most impact on you?

Luke-Pretty much anything I heard, a real mix of stuff - anything FX-heavy is great. I've always liked 60s music, my favourites growing up were The Jackson 5 and the Monkees. The Gorillaz debut was my first proper album I got after liking the videos, and I still love it today. I've been a big Blur fan from a young age too. I think there's a little bit of everything I like in the music I make.

CMM-When did you start playing guitar and what pushed you to pick up the instrument?

Luke-I wanted to play as many instruments as possible, I was just obsessed with the idea of making my own music and wanting to be able to do what I'd heard. I started off teaching myself how to play the drums when I was 4 years old, then piano lessons and guitar lessons came a few years later. I didn't really get into guitar music until I was about 10. I've played drums in a rock band for the last four years so I don't really see myself as a guitarist at all. I sort of treat the guitar as a way of getting sounds as opposed to playing chords and riffs because I'm not great at playing.

CMM-You just released your debut E.P. What was the writing and process for it like and what was your approach when it came down to recording it.

Luke-I've had some releases prior to this under different names, but this felt like a bit of a change up. I've got another more ambient electronic project that this seemed too noisy for, but a lot of the songs started out as sketches for that. Then I got properly into the whole psychedelic and noise rock genres and wanted to turn them all into this. The writing process has been kind of weird, lots of these songs have been pieced together from loads of different parts I've come up with, so it almost feels like I've been working towards this for the last few years. Pools, for example, started off as a little piano thing, then it changed to a marching waltz type thing, and finally ended up being this abrasive heavy song. I don't usually finish writing the song until I've recorded it, changing stuff as I go along. Recording the EP was basically overdubs and overdubs, then taking some stuff out and rearranging things, and then overdubbing again. I used my 8-track to record the main instruments and mixed that all with some plugin synths and noises on the laptop. I'm a bit of a perfectionist so I spend a lot of time on minute details and things.

CMM-What program do you use for recording and what type of guitars, amps and pedals did you use when making the E.P.?

Luke-The E.P. was all mixed in REAPER, with tracking done on the Foster MR8 multitrack, then everything was mastered in Logic. The only guitar I have is a cheap Fender Squire, and then the FX are mainly done with distortion plugins like Camel Crusher and the stuff in REAPER. I don't think I used any amps. It's pretty much budget equipment, anything I can get cheap or for free. If I could afford all the pedals and amps then I'd definitely use them!

CMM-The songs have a very cinematic feel to them. If you where to score a film for a particular director who would be your first choice to work with?

Luke-I've always wanted to do film stuff, with my music I try and set a mood and create an atmosphere. I'm not too sure on directors but doing soundtracks for horror films would be a lot of fun, I love doing dark sinister music. But it'd also be amazing to work with an orchestra and do some big classical stuff.

CMM-Are your lyrics more from a personal experience or are they more from an outsiders type view?

Luke-I'm not really a fan of writing lyrics, this is the first release of mine that I've really bothered with them. I prefer using my vocals as another instrument in the mix rather than the main focus. Whilst I spend ages on the music, I don't really spend much time on the words. There'll be lines that I come up with over time that I cobble together, or sometimes there'll just be words that I use because I like how they fit together. It's definitely something I'm looking to focus on more in the future.

CMM-"Pools" is a very intense track where as the rest of the E.P. is more laid back and experimental. What set the pace for the contrast in styles?

Luke-I suppose it was because I worked on them at different times when I was into different things. Pools and Murmured are both influenced by My Bloody Valentine and heavy shoegaze, and Suntrip is kind of Soft Bulletin-y, whereas the others are more 60s influenced with the mellotrons and stuff like that. But I'd say my music taste is pretty varied so I wanted to try and get as many different elements in there as possible. The fairground bit in Ebb was put in just to have something totally different from the rest of the track for a surprise element type thing, and then the last track was meant to be a sweeping cathartic ending. A lot of the experimentation was me getting bored after working on it so long, and then putting stuff in to make it interesting for me again.

CMM-The cover art for the record is beautiful. Did you make it yourself and what are your feelings about how records are packaged. Did you see a record you'd never heard and get drawn in to listen to it based on the artwork?

Luke-Thank you, and yeah it's a photo of a reflection in some water that I took and warped. I like to spend time on artwork, I think it's really important that when you see the cover you instantly think of the music. It's part of the overall package, and the first thing I judge an album on usually. Black Foliage by The Olivia Tremor Control has an excellent colourful album cover that drew me in, and when I heard the album it was excellent and colourful too. I think if there's a great album with a poor cover it tarnishes it a bit.

CMM-So what's the current underground scene like in Kent? Do you attend shows regularly? Any standout bands you really like?

Luke-It's something I don't do enough, I should definitely go to more shows. The only time I get to see other local bands is when ours is gigging really, which isn't too regularly at the moment. There's a band called http://www.theboweryelectric.com/the-shinerslazy-queencluster-sun/ that stand out, they have a huge noisy sound and great songs.

CMM-What can we expect next? New songs? Maybe a full length?

Luke-Hopefully an Icebeing album on the way! Although I don't know how long it'll take. I want to try and merge a load of ideas together and really experiment with sounds and production a bit more on this one, so at the moment it could sound like anything. I suppose it depends on what music I get into when I'm making it.

"Five For Friday" with Jim Mendola of King Everything

Jim Mendola is the master mind behind Power Pop sensations King Everything. Based in Lockport New York Mendola has released a massive catalog of impressive rock n roll gems which you can explore at (kingeverything.bandcamp.com). Jim has picked a fine collection of tracks for this weeks "Five For Friday" feature but first enjoy his song "The Last Day Of Pumping".

Butterglory “Skills of the Star Pilot”

This song will always make me happy. I want to know the star pilot. Finds his way through a crowd of female admirers to call his wife. A song about a respectable guy! Love it.

Salako “Do It Yourself”

An absolutely perfect song. I’m so happy to see it on YouTube finally. We’ve all felt what this guy’s feeling. When the help you’re getting is worse than no help at all. The production is perfect too. He’s on the phone for the first verse, sound effects while they work. Love everything about it.

Swag “Near-Perfect Smile”

I wonder if Paul McCartney has heard this song. It should make him proud. The harmonica takes it to another planet. All in under two minutes. Find a flaw. I dare you.

Papas Fritas “Live by the Water”

The rhythm does something weird. Something I am always mesmerized by. So does the melody. But it’s the lyrics that get me. Simple. Perfect. I don’t think I’d want to live by the water, but certainly away from the city.

Bill Fox “I May Never Know”

A perfect song from a perfect songwriter. He disappeared from the world for a decade, then resurfaced to play a few shows. One in my hometown. I went alone to the show after playing in a poker tournament. The place was empty. Maybe I was early, maybe I was late. I approached a couple in the back of the club to ask if Bill Fox had performed yet. He had. Ends up, this was not a “couple.” It was a fan talking to Bill Fox. Oops. I had no idea what he looked like. I got in touch with the girl later and she sent me a copy of the demo CD that he had given to her. Pretty awesome.

"Five For Friday" with Jen Hingley

Hailing from Manchester England Jen Hingley makes pop songs drenched in heavy guitar fuzz and noise. Her debut album "Autonomy" was just released in limited edition cassette format by us here at CMM. Adopting a DIY/punk ethic to create her album Hingley played every instrument and recorded it entirely by herself. Enjoy her picks for this weeks "Five For Friday" feature but first watch the video for her song "It's In Your Eyes" and order the cassette at www.custommademusicva.com

Elliott Smith - Sweet Adeline

I’ve been inspired big time by Elliott’s knack of rich, varied chord progressions - as this song has when it kicks in. He was of course an amazing songwriter and lyricist, but this is weirdly probably one of the most underrated things about his work which I think elevates it more than many realise.

Cloud Nothings - Psychic Trauma

The end of this song is one of the best, most shambolic but brilliant things I’ve ever heard (mainly down to that insane drumming). I’ve followed Cloud Nothings for a few years from Dylan’s one-man-band solo origins to the louder, more energetic sounds of now and thought everything they've ever put out has been pretty solid. I guess it’s also super inspiring to hear that someone has actually recorded every instrument on a song all by themselves (as Dylan did in the early days). If no one had told me that then I suppose I might have been less likely to try it myself. Tom Vek and Speedy Ortiz have also really inspired me in their DIY ways.

Smashing Pumpkins - Quiet

It’s all about the fuzz. There’s something magic about how that guitar sound surrounds your ears, it’s just so rich sounding. Inspired by the album Siamese Dream in general, my friend and I ended up honing our own guitar sound which we like call ‘dreamtone’, which is made it onto my album a bit. Fuzz-wise I also appreciate My Bloody Valentine in a big way.

Reuben - No One Wins The War

I started listening to Reuben when I was 15/16 and something just clicked, changing everything. It’s melodic, it’s dissonant, the time signatures often shift - it just engaged me so much and still does nearly 10 years later. Reuben have long-since disbanded but I’m very thankful for the three albums that they made. They’ve definitely made their mark me in terms of the kinds of chords that I sometimes think I can get away with using. I also love how this song starts and ends with the same riff, clever stuff.

Yourcodenameis:Milo - I am Connecting Flight

Like Reuben, YCNI:M were a band that I saw a lot around Oxford / London in the post-hardcore scene of my youth. The layers of guitar and the drum sound are great to me, but the most important thing is the overall energy. I can’t detach this song from the feeling that you got when you were hit live with all that noise and movement. I also reckon the production on the album does a really good job of representing that chaos and that roughness.

6 Records CMM Wants You To Know

Big Safari "Elephant Walk" Single (bigsafari.bandcamp.com)

Big Safari's latest single "Elephant Walk" is simply spectacular with it's heavy 70's glam rock attack and 60's garage rock flair. Think Bowie, Alvin Stardust, Mick Ronson and Slade with a heavy dose of The Cramps. There's also a cool Nick Cave vocal vibe going on here as well. Top notch guitar tones and swinging drums only enhance it more. Bottom line is this is awesome.

Human Hymn S/T E.P. (humanhymn.bandcamp.com)

Great debut from this new dream pop outfit headed by Chicago's Patrick Hodge. "Are You Free" is a smooth sounding psychedelic piece that tele-ports you to another place in time. There are so many refreshing sounds that loom under Patrick's enticing falsetto vocals. "Windy Mind" is another moody mind bender that moves into neo-folk territory. There's certainly a feeling of travel that I get when listening to these songs. Spacey, comforting and pure.

LEAF "Wait Until" Single (leaflosangeles.bandcamp.com)

Playing a brilliant combination of 70's arena rock and 90's alternative, "Wait Until" is the second single from the L.A. based band LEAF. This slow paced number is full of fuzzed out riffs in the vein of Dinosaur Jr, Pavement and 70's garage rockers Dust. There's also a charming quality to the vocals that make me think of early Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev. It's honest and warm and I can't wait to hear more.

On Wings Of Wax "The Long Way Home" LP (onwingsofwax.bandcamp.com)

Beautiful yet heavy ambient sounds from Melbourne. Opener "The Innocence Of Youth" has a blissful tone backed by a pounding distorted bass line that makes for one of the more unique combinations I've heard in a while. "Oh This Isn't So Bad" has a driving force that sets the foundation for an almost orchestral middle section with some really nice shimmering guitar work that builds to more intense forceful riffs. "I Love The Way You Dance" reaches into classic ambient drone mode giving way to the albums closer "When I Was Your Age" which is a mass of chugging guitar riffs and under lying melodies. I'm impressed with the combination of intensity and beauty throughout this album. An excellent combination of shoegaze and sludge.

Quali "The Familiar And The Other" LP (qualiband.bandcamp.com)

Quali is a promising new shoegaze/dream pop band from San Diego. Their debut album "The Familiar And The Other" starts with the pleasing sounds and moody guitar picking of "Reach" with it's Beatles like vocals and atmospheric undertones. "Choke" is more upbeat and captures a nice in the pocket rhythm that builds to a blast of distortion and angular guitar noise. One of the stand out tracks is "Bleed/Breathe". It has some really beautiful verses that give way to some seriously nasty fuzz tones and wha wha pedal power. A truly crushing number for sure. The end of the song has a nice sound collage bit that I really love. "Mirror" also packs some force but with dialed up swagger and sway. Think a more spaced out Teenage Fanclub. A very impressive debut from one of the bands to watch in 2015.

Yard Dogs "Delphi" E.P. (yarddogs.bandcamp.com)

Channeling early Tom Petty, and the sounds of fellow Atlanta bands like Drivin N Cryin, Yard Dogs add a bit of indie rock flair to the familiar jangley rock n roll sound. Opening track "Victoria" reminds of Joe Walsh if he were fronting The Replacements. Follow that up with an instrumental titled "Better Musicianship With Louder Amplifiers" and we're off to a great start. "Since You've Asked" has a killer Cheap Trick vibe with a blazing guitar solo and bouncy rhythm. "Outta Commission" is certainly the grittiest track of the batch as the guitars are packed with more distortion adding a bit more punch. A solid collection of well crafted energetic rock n roll songs with that familiar Georgia twang.