Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Ben Clayton Wolfindale "Selfie" E.P. (benclayton.bandcamp.com)

Really excited about this new E.P. from Ben Clayton Wolfindale as he is quickly becoming one of my favorite experimental sound artists. "Tracif" opens the record with mind bending appeal. It sends traces of backwards tone manipulations in all directions before launching into a hypnotic beat. Soon the sounds of water, traffic and other audio stimulation move throughout this thought provoking piece. The lulling feel of "Memristic" washes over you with grey tones that evoke a cold and grim spirit that eventually give way to a menacing array of mechanical soundscapes while "Selfie" is even more dynamic and deranged. The E.P. closes with the bold, almost frightening stance of "Vessel". It has a stern, powerful presence to it that is enlightening and terrifying at the same time and I have to say I love it. Another must have release from Ben Clayton Wolfindale's rapidly growing discography. Bravo.

Brandon Martin S/T LP (brandonmartin.bandcamp.com)

Hailing from the rural town of Mc Alester, Oklahoma comes the debut album from lo-fi psych rock mastermind Brandon Martin. This self titled release is chocked full of short to the point songs that are brilliantly crafted and sure to get stuck in your head and have you singing along in no time. From the opening chords of "Long Pig" I new I was hooked as it's infectious riff and catchy feel is truly inspiring. The primitive mood of "Immolation Dream" has a very adventurous approach to it that is nothing short of stellar while songs like "Bicycle Days" and "Ether" mix psych driven traces with a hook laced jangling pop approach. Other favorites include the acoustic based beauty of "Floating" the galloping drive of "Prelude" and the deep, laid back, dirge like approach of "Heaven". An enticing album that takes you on an engaging musical journey that's inspiring, colorful and open minded.

Black Dunes S/T E.P. (blackdunesgr.bandcamp.com)

Led by a sea of guitars that seem to sweep in like an unpredictable shift in the weather, Black Dunes offer up 4 spectacular tracks on their debut self titled E.P. Opening piece "Lost" showcases intricate riffs that swing from cagey and clean to angular and noise driven, showing right out of the gate what this band is made. The slow crawl of "Subtlety" filters in colorful waves of uplifting sounds as the monstrous bass tone and pounding drums really put everything over the top, The soaring mood of "Inhabitant" pushes the envelope even further with it's crushing energy and melodic undertones while closing number "Steps" sends things off on a high note that harnesses layers of hypnotic bliss into a frantic blast of sonic fury. A top notch release that channels a wide range of eclectic moods.

Dares "Flying Colors" E.P. (dares.bandcamp.com)

New York City's Dares offer up this promising pair of exciting upbeat tracks which I believe are their first. "Flying Colors" is a catchy, bouncy number full of jangling guitars and a fun energetic vocal cadence. It's got some good shuffle and swag to it that echoes the spirits of The Kinks, Billy Bragg and Squeeze. The band then shift things up a bit as "Flock Of Arrows" has a more menacing attack that also harnesses an underlying spirit that's a bit haunting with some flourishing pulses of experimental sound filtered in for good measure. It's quite inspiring and I must say I've had this track on repeat quite a bit over the last few weeks. An excellent new band that are carving out a sound of their own through well crafted songs with a relentless attitude. Highly recommended

Swampland "Badlands" E.P. (swampland.bandcamp.com)

Los Angeles post punk outfit Swampland are back with this brand new 5 song E.P. adequately titled "Badlands". The songs carry Swampland's trademark "old west" stance as the tracks are all very cinematic in spirit and structure. "Lady Lazarus" bold vocal delivery and blistering guitar work are simply second to none while the dark, sinister mood of "A Thousand Times" channels the likes of Nick Cave, The Cure and Echo & The Bunnymen. I really love the bassline on "Caught In A Wash" as it's organic approach really adds to the dangerous mood that flows throughout the track while the stoic vibes of "Lonesome Life" close out the release in fine form. Another impressive effort from one of my favorite new bands.

Tall Tall Trees "Being There" Single (Joyful Noise Recordings)

Did you say a banjo being played through a bunch of effects pedals alongside a pumping drum machine beat??? Well count me in. Yes that's part of what you get on "Being There" the lead single from the new Tall Tall Trees album "Freedays" out now on Joyful Noise Recordings. The other side of the song is Tall Tall Trees brainchild Mike Savino's beautiful voice and amazing songwriting ability. I mean the amount of energy and power this guy creates here is truly inspiring as each note gives off a spirit of happiness that's ready top take on the world. Simply magical!!!

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Allison Crutchfield "Tourist In This Town" LP (Merge Records)

Loving this debut album from singer/songwriter Allison Crutchfield. Raised in Alabama Crutchfield began performing in her teenage years forming the bands P.S. Eliot and Bad Banana with her twin sister Katie of Waxahatchee. In 2012 she co-founded the band Swearin’ and began to develop more and more as a songwriter. "Tourists In This Town" shows just how far Crutchfield has come as the album captures her amazing vocal range and stellar musicianship alongside a sea of breathtaking synths, jangling guitars and infectious percussion. The powerful hooks in "I Don't Ever Wanna Leave California" give it an undeniable appeal while "Charlie" is one of the most honest and heartfelt songs you will hear all year. The "Be My Baby" style beat and pumping piano on "Expatriate" woven with Crutchfield's spectacular vocal cadence make it another top notch track. “Tourist in This Town is completely made up of heightened anxiety and became a clearly defined puzzle that I slowly put together over the course of a year,” says Crutchfield. “It’s a record about change—change of scenery, of partner, of band, of home, of friends, of outlook—and how that change can cause a temporary panic but ultimate triumph in most of us.” "Tourist In This Town" is officially available today courtesy of Merge Records

Lagomorph "Winter Sessions" E.P. (lagomorph.bandcamp.com)

Italian ambient/soundscape project Lagomorph returns with this innovative two track E.P. full of astonishingly beautiful sounds that move together with poise and elegance. "Forest Of Misunderstandings" is surrounded by a gloomy vibe but with an underlying layer of mystery and hope. It's simple melody is backed by gorgeous layers of mesmerizing reverberations that offer a sense of euphoria as the track builds and builds with intensity. "In Pouring Rain" is even more delicate and lulling. The cinematic drone of sheets of rain looms in the background as shimmering swells of uplifting guitars create a peaceful and inspiring tone that is stimulating and strong. Overall "Winter Sessions" is a captivating release that explores the realms of experimental recording with an open mind and open heart. Highly recommended!!!

The Retinas "Singles" E.P. (theretinas.bandcamp.com)

Philadelphia's The Retina's are one of the most prolific bands on the East Coast DIY/Inide rock scene and "Singles" compiles all of the latest one off tracks that they have released under one umbrella. From the lo-fi jangle of "Holly-Touch" to the galloping shuffle and punk attitude of "Feel Alright" the band showcase their brand of stripped down, dirty rock n roll in fine form. "Love Is Ridicule" channels a bit of that laid back,tongue in cheek vibe circa "Hootenanny" era Replacements while "Dissatisfaction" is simply one of the bands best songs to date. Look for a new cassette set out soon on CMM and a lengthy U.S. tour this Spring.

Seasloth "Sometime Soon" LP (seasloth.bandcamp.com)

Quite a remarkable debut album from Australian based psychedelic band Seasloth. From the opening tones of "So It Goes" you can tell this band is "all in" as far as musicianship and intensity goes because this band can flat out play. The crawling menace of "Tea Time With Tom" showcases their ability to combine lush atmospheric sounds with grit and power while the shoegaze tendencies explored throughout "Marshmellon" create an other worldly experience that fans of bands like MBV and Slowdive will welcome with open ears. Things get even more psychedelic and even a bit tropical during the colorful and vibrant piece know as "Intergalactic Battle For The Soul Of Man". It's deep layers of modulated guitars and 60's inspired stance meshes well with the epic dynamics found throughout the cunning presence of "It's Unknown". "Sometime Soon" is the type of album that is best enjoyed from beginning to end. It certainly sets a mind bending mood that takes you to a place where anything is possible. An inspiring and thought provoking album that carves out a sound that's all it's own.

Swampland "The Stranded West" (swampland.bandcamp.com)

There's a dark cloud and dusky mood that hangs over each of the songs on Swampland's debut album "The Stranded West". Tracks like "Path To Purity" and "I'll Never Know" harness a dangerous presence and swaggering flair that embraces the spirit of Nick Cave and Dead Moon but also put a catchy twist on things at times blending infectious hooks with an intriguing blast of gloom and doom. There are also some very Americana elements to the album as the shuffling rhythm of "Wounded Knee" sounds like a cross between Chris Issak and Joe Doe collaborating on a classic spaghetti western score with a touch of The Wovenhand thrown in for good measure. The striking stance of "Sirens Wall" embraces aspects of rockabilly and punk and there's a soulfulness to "Axeman Of New Orleans" that offers a twinge of Danzig alongside a mysterious carnival like setting. Overall "The Stranded West" is a highly enjoyable ride with many cinematic twists and turns that keep you engaged waiting to hear what will come next.

WANWEIRD "Green Jelly" Single (wanweirdmusic.bandcamp.com)

Coming off of last years stellar E.P. "Honey & Salt" London's Natalie Bibby aka WANWEIRD returns with a delightful new single titled "Green Jelly". It's catchy vocals and lush undertones work brilliantly with it's pounding drums and crushing power chords. The swirling sounds of a theremin even make it's way into the mix courtesy of Love Battery vocalist Ron Nine. This is the type of track that has just enough bounce to it that it's fun to sing along to but backs it up with a solid dose of 90's inspired rock n roll angst that pulls no punches. Head over to the Wanweird bandcamp page and check out all of Natalie's amazing songs.