Kowloon Walled City

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:

New Release: Kowloon Walled City- Oxygen Tent

The mighty and very awesome Kowloon Walled City have returned with a new track, “Oxygen Tent.” According to the band, “the song is about fearlessness and resilience and not taking shit from powerful men.” This song is shows a very dynamic range of how great of songwriters they are. The production on this song too is exquisite. It’s so great to have new material from Kowloon Walled City. Can’t wait for the album and tour! If you don’t know about this band, now is a great time to get familiar with them.

Kowloon Walled City- Oxygen Tent:

Band Of The Week: Strangelight

One of the best things about rock music is the ability to mix different genres and styles. The end result of these concoctions often times end up making for some really intriguing bands. Which is exactly why I’m really digging the band Strangelight. They’ve been able to take rock n roll music and add bits of punk and an anthemic tinge and made something fun, lively and thought provoking. Their debut album, Adult Themes, is chock full of hard hitting rhythms, crunchy riffs and impactful vocals. The production on the album courtesy of Scott Evans (you might recognize him from his work in Kowloon Walled City) gives these songs the added realness their already raw and direct delivery. There are moments when listening to Strangelight, that you pick up on the inspiration and influence of bands like Fugazi, Hot Snakes and Rocket From The Crypt but, it’s apparent in a flattering way and not a straight up rip. Strangelight are the type of band that, I’m sure if you saw them live, they would straight up rip the roof off the venues they play.

Strangelight- Adult Themes:


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:

 

New Release: Less Art- Diana The Huntress

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I’m sure you can tell that I’m really stoked on Less Art. Their debut album Strangled Light can’t arrive soon enough. Today, a new song “Diana The Huntress” was released. This track is another great representation of what the band has to offer. This explosive song features guest vocals from Meghan O’Neill-Pennie (Super Unison ex-Punch), which helps to add another layer of urgency to the screams of vocalist Mike Minnick. To pre-order Less Art’s debut album click HERE.

 

Less Art- Diana The Huntress:

 

Less Art- Wandering Ghost:

 

Less Art- Pessimism As Denial:

Anticipated Albums: Less Art- Strangled Light

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I’m seriously beyond stoked on Less Art. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of their debut since it was announced who was in the band. After the first single “Pessimism As Art” was released, I got extremely giddy and listened to the song on repeat for the next few days. Now, today, Less Art released another song from their up coming debut entitled “Wandering Ghost.” This track is continues the great foundation that “Pessimism” laid down. Strangled Light is shaping up to be quite the debut.

Less Art are the type of band that deserves your attention. There is real depth and passion in each of these songs. The sheer joy of creating this music comes through in each of the members performances.

Check out “Wandering Ghost!”

Less Art- Wandering Ghost:

Less Art- Pessimism As Denial:

Less Art Tour Dates:

08/04 San Francisco, CA – Hemlock Tavern
08/05 Oakland, CA – 1234 Go! Records
08/06 Santa Ana, CA – Constellation Room
09/14 New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
09/15 Boston, MA – Middle East
09/16 Washington, DC – Songbyrd
09/17 Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts

By: Brian Lacy

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