Jon Howell

Album Of The Week: Ex Everything- Slow Change Will Pull Us Apart

As a rabid music fan of multiple genres and styles, I still get excited when I hear a band, album or song that really grabs my attention. There’s something to be said for the way certain bands can pull you in and you are then in for quite a ride. Recently, I finally had the time to check out a band and album that the moment I heard about it really got me interested. The band is Ex Everything and their debut album, Slow Change Will Pull Us Apart is one hell of an album. It’s aggressive, chaotic, heavy and down right pissed off which all this then makes for a cathartic release of thought provoking and compelling music.

Ex Everything is made up of members of Kowloon Walled City, Early Graves and more. While there are tinges of each of the members other bands in this, Ex Everything explores a different side of things by tapping into their inner Fugazi and other similar bands to create a visceral sound that not only grabs your attention with interesting progressions and timings but, also with vocals and lyrics that call for attention. The eight songs on their debut, Slow Change Will Pull Us Apart are armed with a ferociousness that is desperately needed. When you listen to Ex Everything the inner mosh pit in your head goes off and from there, I can’t be responsible for what you do next. I will say this though, an album like this is and at the time of its release was much needed. As I mentioned above there is a catharsis with this album not just lyrically but musically as well. The way the riffs and rhythms shift and pull you in different directions is quite powerful. Not to mention the production by Scott Evans who was able to capture the essence of a band that is quite on fire throughout this impressive debut.

Ex Everything is a band I hope to hear more from. It’s right up my alley of what I enjoy and I have a feeling they’ve only scratched the surface of what they are capable of. There is a volatility to these songs that could ignite a fire and hopefully that fire is within you to fight for what’s right.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Review By: Brian Lacy

Ex Everything- Slow Change Will Pull Us Apart:

Live Review: Less Art at The Echo

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One of the best things about being a music nut is the feeling you get when you hear an album, and while in the midsts of listening you start to imagine the band live and how much more of an impact the songs have when played live. Last night I got to witness that amazing feat as Less Art took the stage and stole the entire show. The forceful magnitude in which they played and performed left me and the rest of the audience in a state of awe.

Performing songs from their stellar debut album Strangled Light, Less Art was everything I had hoped they would be live. The intensity of each member as they played through songs like “Diana The Huntress,” “Optimism As Survival,” “Pessimism As Denial,” ” Wandering Ghost,” and my favorite track “Shapeshifter” was impeccable. Riley, Ed, Ian, Jon and Mike all proved that this band is a serious venture in the way they played and performed. I wish they were able to play longer, that’s how good they were.

Being a fan of all these guys other bands, it’s a very cool change of pace to see them get their creativity out in a band like this. Less Art is different and a very welcome kind of different. They have created an album that stands out in the post-hardcore genre. I really hope that they have the chance to make another album and tour again. If you are a fan of post-hardcore music, you MUST SEE LESS ART!!!

 

Less Art- Strangled Light (BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!!!):

 

 

Album Review: Less Art- Strangled Light

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There is something to be said for taking the time away from a main project and really letting yourself get fully immersed in something new. The members of Less Art have done just that and have made an album that stands out among all the other work they’ve done and then some. Their debut album Strangled Light is a fully inspired and influenced album. Riley and Ed Breckinridge of Thrice, Jon Howell and Ian Miller of Kowloon Walled City and on vocals Mike Minnick of Curl Up and Die have paid their respects to their influences but, taken that and turned it into something all their own.

Throughout the 9 song album, Less Art lay the foundation for heaviness and maturity. Each song feels like they spent the time to really hone in on a vibe and feeling. With each listen, you tend to pick up on a different emotion that puts you in a different headspace, in a good way. The moment the first song “Optimism As Survival” begins, the shivers begin up your spine. There is also a brutality to the album that is carried over from their main bands. When you listen to songs like “Diana The Huntress,” “Mood 7 Mind Destroyer: Guilt,” Pessimism As Denial,” and “Crushed Out” you can really hear their hardcore roots show through. Then there are songs like “Wandering Ghost,” “Shapeshifter,” What Is In It Man?,” and the closer “Strangled Light” that really show who Less Art really are. Their sheer knack to remain heavy but, at the same time vulnerable is what makes them special.

Something really intriguing about Less Art is, Ed Breckinridge is playing guitar rather than bass (as he does in Thrice) on the album. This move has really allowed him to shine as a player and writer. And with him and guitarist Jon Howell, they play off each other in a way that fits the feel of the song. The rhythm section of Riley Breckinridge and Ian Miller builds on the mold of great post-hardcore duo’s. Vocally, the emotion, pain, thoughts and ideas of Mike Minnick are beyond stellar.

Less Art’s Strangled Light, is an album that is very much needed. There is a sense of hope to these songs that when you grab a hold of, you won’t let go.

 

Overall Rating: A

 

Less Art- Strangled Light:

 

Band Of The Week: Less Art

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Since Less Art was announced, I’ve been looking forward to hearing music from them. Made up of Riley and Ed Breckinridge of Thrice (on drums and guitar) along with Kowloon Walled City’s Jon Howell and Ian Miller (on guitar and bass) and Curl Up and Die’s Mike Minnick (on vocals), you knew that the music these gents would release would be something substantial. Their debut album Strangled Light is shaping up to be a righteous slab of post hardcore with a bit of a shoe-gaze vibe. The first song released “Pessimism As Denial.” is everything you want it to be and more. Obviously with Thrice, back and going full steam, this is a side project for Riley and Ed but, I can tell that they are really dedicated to this. Check out Less Art, you’ll thank me later!
Less Art- Pessimism As Denial:

 

Pre-Order their album HERE

 

LESS ART on TOUR
Aug. 4 — San Francisco, CA @ Hemlock Tavern
Aug. 5 — Oakland, CA @ 1234 Go! Records
Aug. 6 — Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room