Local KLYAM favorites, Bent Shapes are releasing their debut LP Feels Weird on August 20th via Father/Daughter Records. Here’s the track list, which features one of my all time favorite songs, “I Was Here But I Disappear.”
1. Behead Yrself, Pt. 2
2. Leave It ‘Til You Need It
3. Panel Of Experts
4. Brat Poison
5. What Do You Get??
6. Hex Maneuvers
7. Big Machines
8. Bites And Scratches
9. Check My Vitals!!
10. Boys To Men
11. I Was Here But I Disappear
Band: Kazalok Label: Shake Your Ass Records Year: 2006
Comments: What was going on in the Memphis, Tennessee area in 2006? Aside from lots of ‘cuin (nah, I’ve never been there), ‘ckin, and whatever else, a group of dudes in their early 20s were making some odd rock ‘n roll. And most likely doing the same kinds of social activities that their peers had long engaged in. Memphis legend (in the eyes of the music types that matter) Jay Reatard was probably touring his ass off and likewise making a great deal of music. Now whether or not Tard and the dudes in Kazalok – Cole Weintraub, Bennett Foster, Billy Hayes, and Alex Gates – were bros at this point is unknown to me, but by the sound of Chandrasekar Limit, it seems not. Opening tune “Eolian Process” is a bit like Animal Collective, a campfire kind of song. “Cia”, however, is a complete rocker, almost calling to mind bands like Interpol and Tapes ‘n Tapes – heavy, but accessible (in the ‘indie’ sense of the word). On the last song of the A Side, “Caspian Sea,” we hear “the Caspian Sea ain’t what it used to be, in fact I think I’ll stay at home” – this is the cheeky early rock ‘n roll ballad that later associated bands like Girls of the Gravitron, even more so Barbaras, and Magic Kids a touch would take a gamble (and very much succeed) on creating. Is that the auto-harp I hear? It’s bizarre music, but not really for dudes like me who are fond of it.
The happy-go-lucky yet sinister thing continues on “White Devils” in its chirpy guitar lead, and ultra smooth rhythm. Sounds like the guys are having a bunch of fun jamming around and enthusiastically adding their $.02 to a demented vision of pop music. I like the vision. “Summertime Worksong” might be the least off-kilter of the bunch. I’m really feeling The Loon vibes on there. The quintessential Memphis finale as I call it is “Ping Pong With The Stars” which is not easy “’cause it’s light years away” is like Barbaras closer “Annual Botanical” – led by acoustic guitar strums; a final story that documents friendly ole times… that one summer. This kind of – everyone join in – joy, isn’t something you get very often. The Lovely Feathers did it right on Hind Hind Legs. It’s a loss to music that this isn’t some kind of widespread, noteworthy EP. Of course, I love it more because I’ve been following this family tree for some time now. If you haven’t really been tracking these guys closely or if you don’t even know what I am talking about, I wouldn’t really start with Chandrasekar and work your way up. Especially not if you are expecting a clean, straightforward sound throughout. In that case, I’m not sure. The production on this is decidedly scrappy – a better audio experience than Let It Bloom and Smith Westerns and laughable compared to say Blood Visions. Stephen Pope (formerly of Boston Chinks, Barbaras, Jay Reatard, currently in Wavves) recorded it. He did very well. This EP is also outside the realm of a lot of the garage stuff, which might be why some have overlooked it. Whatever though — this is something that might be hard to get your hands on (check Florida’s Dying), but go on, get a hold of Kazalok somehow. You can write your own review.
Featuring the likes of a couple bands we could not recommend more: THE MIGS and CUMSTAIN. Fuzzy and loose, this is a compilation for the ages. These groups come from all over the map – most haven’t received the kind of attention they very much deserve.
Also on this tape: SON OF A GUN, LAUGHING LEAVES, HELLSHOVEL, REAL NUMBERS, TODAY’S HITS, HEAVY TIMES, LAZY, EL SUR, and UH BONES.
Bands: Colleen Green, Fat Creeps, Fedavees, Ronnie Nordac Date: Thursday, April 25, 2013 Venue: Radio (Somerville, MA)
Ronnie Nordac – The infamous Ronnie Nordac. I don’t know much about Ronnie, but I have seen his name appear in Boston Compasses for the last year and a half or so (give or take). He’s the dude that makes those rad drawings. Ronnie Nordac. His name sure sounds funny and it’s fun to say. Ronnie Nordac. Sounds like a comic book super hero. If a super hero looked and sound like Joey Ramone – tall, long black hair, black shades. Ronnie is hard to miss.
Ronnie Nordac sings and plays guitar and he usually plays solo, but tonight he is accompanied by a bassist, a drummer, and another singer named Kara. From what I hear, this is a recent development and apparently this the first time the band has played together, having only practiced for a week. Despite (or because of) their novice status, I admire practically every song they play. I hear teeny bits of outsider rock, particularly in Ronnie’s clanky, amateurish, but ever so sweet and hooky guitar riffs. It’s eccentric garage surf pop.
Definitely memorable songs; sadly I cannot find them anywhere! One song I love is called “Rock ‘N’ Roll USA,” I especially love Kara’s vocals and her adorable dancing. Her vocals are my favorite part of the set. When she sings, it reminds me of The Pixies/Kim Deal. I can still hear it in my dreams.
Word around the campfire is that Ronnie is playing a show on August 1 at Club Bohemia (Cambridge) with rampant twat diddler Gangbang Gordon and Lowell superstar, Durt Dog the Band. That’s going to be a fine ass show, but hopefully I’ll see him and all of those dudes before then. http://ronnienordac.bandcamp.com/
Fedavees – I’ve seen these guys a couple times before and they didn’t blow my mind the way they have blown other people’s minds. They are a decent band, but this droney, laid back style of music just doesn’t do it for me. It’s like getting on a roller coaster that never takes off. I’m more of a Black Lips guy, listen to “MIA” and “Sea of Blasphemy,” and see what I mean. I won’t babble or rant anymore, because what’s the point of a “negative” review? If a positive review is to get people turned on to what’s turning you on, then is a negative review supposed to make people ignore the bands you don’t like. That is ridiculous. Don’t listen to any music blog swine, you heard it here from a music blog, no swine. Think for yourself and question authority. http://thefedavees.bandcamp.com/
Fat Creeps – Ohh dear, I have written about this band way more than I ever anticipated writing about any band, except for maybe the Black Lips. I’ve sucked so much Black Lips and Fat Creeps dick, I’m putting some serious sluts to shame. It must be kind of strange for the Fat Creeps, having some weird music nerd (and by weird I mean incredibly awesome) writing about nearly every one of their shows. As a fan it’s cool because I get to document one of my favorite bands and see how they change overtime. Around this same time last year, they were just starting to hone their craft with the arrival of drummer, Jim Leonard. Now, a year later, it’s hard to imagine the band without him (I never saw the trio pre-Jim anyway). Through writing about many of these shows, I’ve seen the group introduce several Creeps standards such as “Secrets,” “Daydreaming,” and “Going to the Party,” all of which are played tonight. Some of the more recent (though not brand spankin’ new) Creeps numbers include “Blue” and “I’ve Got.” I’m still getting into these new tunes, I can’t say I love them, but I have a feeling my opinion will change if they are fleshed out more. “700 Parts” is my favorite Fat Creeps song; it’s morbid and it doesn’t sound like any other band, which is pretty much what I look for in every artist I hear. Distinct, enticing songs. Watch “700 Parts” and all of the great Avi Paul Weistein videos from this show right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLtjuBLOutc
Colleen Green – Colleen Green is the coolest to quote one Ronnie Nordac. Damn straight Ronnie. Like Mr. Nordac, Ms. Green rocks the black shades and she also rocks out on her happy birthday Jeff! guitar, but unlike the last time we saw her, she isn’t backed by a full band. This time, the Massachusetts native turned Cali garage punk brings back her beloved drum machine and a friend named Marissa, also rocking shades (and bass).
Tonight, Colleen and Marissa deliver a fun, mellow set featuring both old and new Colleen Green songs. The Ramonesian “I Wanna Be Degraded” and “Nice Boy (I Want A)” are among the older classics that I have come to love in the past couple years. I swear the latter was written for me ;) haha jk.
Colleen and Marissa also play a steady batch of hits from the latest Colleen Green record, Sock It To Me (Hardly Art). Check out that album, if you haven’t, for it may be the greatest 2013 has to offer. The audience at the Radio has the pleasure of hearing new songs such as “Only One,” “Darkest Eyes,” and “You’re So Cool.” I love hearing all of these new tunes and this performance is even better than the last time I saw Colleen, way back in September.
For some of the songs later in the set, Colleen plays solo and Marissa sits back, watching her friend play like everyone else. Then, for the encore, Marissa joins her pal again in a cover of The Queers “Number One.”
I was just saying to myself, what Peach Kelli Pop video do I want to share with all of my fascistbook friends to articulate how happy I feel about the world around me? Whereupon I stumbled on this recent vid of Peach Kelli and friends performing some hit songs for KBeach. Watch “Dreamphone,” here’s some more:
Let’s lighten things up with a funny Nobunny interview. Watch as Nobunny discusses his preference to stay pantless, a shitty show at the Cake Shop, and knowing when you’ve touched too much aka “crossed the line.”
Kids Like You & Me (KLYAM) 