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All of us here at BWS have been extremely excited for this release… and the time has finally come…. not to just show off with these pictures… but to put these pretty little things up for Pre-Order.  We are still deciding on a fun Pre-Order package for anyone who is interested. Riviera’s “Parla Con Gesu'” is the bands second release and we are so proud to be able to work with them and Cause Care to give this release some physical beauty. There are 100 cassettes…Hand numbered ta boot! 50 will be available through the band and 50 though our store. Something nifty that we decided to is the 50 that are in the U.S. will be numbered with Blue ink and the 50 that are in Italy will be numbered with Green ink. This band deserves your attention and you owe it to yourself to not miss out on this amazing EP. Check back really soon for the Pre-Orders.

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Hopefully you remember Ancient Sky. Since they released T.R.I.P.S. in 2011 (one of my favorite albums of that year) they’ve gone through a bit of a lineup change, but have managed to improve upon their take on swirling psychedelic rock.

“Castle” starts the record off with bouncing vocals and slow-building guitar parts that slowly meld into a psych-bender that would make fans of Cream drool. The end of the song showcases what Ancient Sky does best; balancing their psych weirdness with intensity that few bands in this genre could match.

The b-side, “Allegory,” makes me extremely interested to see where these guys go next. The fuzzy guitars bring to mind Real Estate initially, but once again are overtaken by tremolos and crashing drums. There’s a dichotomy in this song. This balance of crushing and beautiful is only delicately stitched together by a second and a half pause in the song, but the tension it creates perfectly sets the stage for the impending crescendo that Ancient Sky has mastered.

Pick this 7″ from Wharf Cat and support a great band and label.

Stream

Buy!

(Also, check back tomorrow for a review of another new Wharf Cat release, Dads’ Brown on Brown) (Not the NJ Dads)

Riviera…

January 3, 2013

riviera

So Dylan and I over the holidays have been nerding out pretty bad on “Euro-Screamo” (or whatever you want to call it) bands we love. Daitro, Raein, Suis La Lune, La Quiete, etc. So just today I luckily found this awesome Italian band RIVIERA. Riviera play their own blend of Euro goodness. They put out a 7″ a while ago via Sons Of Vista… but you can purchase it over at Robotic Empire. Just do yourself a favor and listen to it.

Riviera Bandcamp

Sons Of Vista

Robotic Empire

Sean’s Top 10 for 2012

January 2, 2013

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1) MEWITHOUTYOU – Ten Stories
2) HOT WATER MUSIC – Exister
3) SUIS LA LUNE – Raila
4) GLOCCA MORRA – Just Married
5) HOP ALONG – Get Disowned
6) CHRIS WOLLARD – Canyons
7) TWO GALLANTS – Bloom and the Blight
8) WE WERE SKELETONS – Blame & Aging 
9) BEAU NAVIRE – Lumens
10) COMADRE – S/T

Dylan’s Top 10 for 2012

December 22, 2012

1-5. the men – open your heart

6-10. parquet courts – light up gold

also, everything glocca morra put out this year.

December 21, 2012

Assuming we don’t all die in the next 24 hours, Black With Sap year end lists will be posted in the near future. Preorder our upcoming release (Three Man Cannon/Lee Corey Oswald split 12″) right here. While you’re waiting for our worthless opinions on worthless art, check out this video! Saintseneca’s new album is probably my most anticipated record of 2013.

 

Big News Today…

November 30, 2012

Black With Sap is pleased to announce that we will be releasing our first 12″ record this Winter. It will be a split release between Portland’s Lee Corey Oswald and Philly’s Three Man Cannon (featuring members of Tigers Jaw)! This record will be a group effort with our friend Russell and his new label Stereophonodon. Both bands will be touring the East coast in December and preorders will launch on December 13th. First pressing will consist of 500 records on 3 different colors, but more about that later…

For now, stream 2 new songs and check out the tour dates on Property of Zack!

Yardwork – Brotherer

November 21, 2012

Yardwork are a band from North Carolina that I’ve never seen get any attention. To my increasing delight, they seem to be pretty active lately. Describing their sound can be a little difficult. First and foremost, I suppose they’re a folk band. Yet, at the same time, they seem to appeal to twinkly emo fans equally well. They’ve got a huge sound and the music captures much of the energy of punk and hardcore without being abrasive or agressive in the slightest. I know, it sounds like a pretty forced combination on paper, but I’ll bet that just 30 seconds of this album is all it takes for you to feel it. This is a great band with a unique sound and they should be way bigger than they are.

Download.

Bandcamp.

Buy it on vinyl.

Halloween Contest

October 26, 2012

Rather than brood about how I’m missing the Fest this year, I decided to be a little more productive. We’re running a content and giving away 3 (possibly more) tapes. Just go to the Black With Sap facebook page, and share the latest post (w/ an adorable dog) and you’ll be entered to win. HAPPY HALLOWEEN PARTY PEOPLE.

This is so great! Go buy the cassette here.