Scott Evans

NEW MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: SEMUTA- THOUGHTLESS/DREAMLESS

The idea of oh, this album cover looks interesting, often leads to great discoveries. As a kid, I remember that feeling of seeing album covers that looked cool and being so intrigued by what those bands were. This day in age it’s still fun to do especially in stores but, most of the time it’s on your computer. The other day while catching up on a ton of music I hadn’t had the chance to listen to yet, I found the perfect album cover that peaked the interest that when played, listening felt just like that album cover.

Semuta, from Portland, Oregon, are making music that almost feels like you’re in a kaleidoscope. Their new album, Thoughtless/Dreamless (out October 09 on Accident Prone Records (is that a Jawbreaker reference?!?!) features their stunning title track. Clocking in at just under ten minutes (it’s basically two songs in one), “Thoughtless/Dreamless” is a song that transports you in the best way music can. The progressive elements evoke King Crimson type vibes with an atmospheric doom tonality that is reminiscent of Isis around Oceanic.

Now for the even more fun part that this is a duo! That’s right, guitarist/vocalist Benjamin Caragol and drummer Ben Stoller have crafted quite the album here. Recorded and mixed by Scott Evans (Neurosis, Kowloon Walled City) and mastered by Brad Boatright (Portrayal of Guilt, Torche), that on it’s own merit made me want to listen. And the end result from this is truly a work of art.

Semuta- Thoughtless/Dreamless:

BANDCAMP: https://semutamusic.bandcamp.com/album/thoughtless-dreamless-2

https://semutamusic.bandcamp.com/album/thoughtless-dreamless-2

New Release: Great Falls- Trap Feeding

Last year, Seattle’s own Great Falls released their album, Objects Without Pain. It was one of my favorite albums of 2023 and it’s one of those albums that with each listen, I love more and more. If you are in the mode for something heavy, noisey, sludgey and just a great all around band than I really think you should be listening to Great Falls. Ahead of the band making their way across the pond to be the direct support for Botch’s reunion/farewell tour, Great Falls have released a vide for their song “Trap Feeding.” This video captures the energy of Great Falls live and then some. Brace yourself for what Great Falls brings, it’s one hell of a volatile punch that is greatly needed in heavy music!

Great Falls- Trap Feeding:

Great Falls- Objects Without Pain:

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:

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:


Band Of The Week: If It Kills You

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Since the turn of the century, the post-hardcore genre has become one of the most intriguing sub genres of rock music. The amount of room to experiment within it has given us some pretty stellar bands. Taking inspiration and influence from past punk and hardcore bands along with bits of the 90’s like Drive Like Jehu, Jawbreaker, and Fugazi to name a few, Bakersfield’s If It Kills You has really delivered something refreshing and enticing. Their 2018 EP Infinite Hum (recorded and mixed by Kowloon Walled City’s Scott Evans), is one hell of a way to get to know this band. The band is ferocious and passionate and you can hear it in each and every song. As a three piece band too, the guys in If It Kills You really know how to maximize their sound to not only stand out but pack one hell of a punch. I can’t wait to hear what they come out with next.

 

If It Kills You- Infinite Hum: