Dolores – To die no more
October 17, 2011
Normally for such a post, I would offer some sort of bias disclaimer. Something like, “This album is incredible, but my opinion may be slightly swayed by the fact that it was made by one of my best friends.” No such disclaimer is needed for this. Dolores’ album To die no more is a perfectionist finding perfection in music he loves the most. Ryan De La Rosa has been working on this project for countless months and now, after what has seemed like an eternity for those of us that know how much thought and creativity Ryan pours into his art, Ryan has unleashed the fruit of his labor. What lies a mere click or two away from you now is not a black metal fan’s take on drone and ambience. It is not an appreciator of noise’s attempt to meld genres into a cacophony of sound. Instead, what you’ll find is a true disbeliever of beauty’s attempt to convince himself that beauty truly does exist. I can only hope that as he listens to what he has made here, despite what anguish peeks its head out from the recesses and corners of these songs, he finds it. I certainly do, even after forgetting its existence.
Ryan is also offering physical copies of this album on CD and cassette in hand-made packaging for the simple cost of shipping them to you. Get in contact with him through his bandcamp and be sure to let him know what you think of this album.
Flashlights – Choking
October 13, 2011
This album is great. Get it here.
Bad Sports – King Of The Weekend
October 11, 2011
So, speaking of Denton… Here’s another solid Denton band. Bad Sports rolls out their newest album of catchy garage rock jams. Bratty tunes that make you want to spit on your neighbor’s sandals. According to what I can find, this is Bad Sports’ second full length and follows at least a couple 7″ singles. Bad Sports features members of the incestuous Denton scene’s other bands such as Wax Museums, The Pumpers, and Secret Bangs. On King of the Weekend you’ll find a healthy mix of other Texan garage rock (see: Harlem and Marked Men) and an obvious nod to the Ramones (I know they sonic comparisons have already been overstated). BUT! Let it be known, they put their own twist on the mixture to keep you interested. Also, take note of the best ode to narcissism since the early 80s Stones’ catalog, “I’m in Love with Myself.” Download this and have you heart melted by the “oohs” of “I May Be Cruel.” Get into it, you screamo nerds.
LINK REMOVED
Big Al, from the great town of Spokane, has been blogging over at Morose Terrior. Check it out if you’re into the scuzzy, the fuzzy, or the blatantly surf inspired jams. I miss him and the guys from the Bamboo Palace dearly. Alex, your 7″ care package is on its way!
Teenage Cool Kids – Denton After Sunset
October 6, 2011
Haven’t been this excited about an album in a very long time. Ever since 3 songs from this album leaked months ago, I’ve known it was going to be good. Andrew Savage and co. have really refined their song writing, which was already superb. The hooks are catchier, the vocals smooth and quirky, the guitars driving and diverse. Each song has varying tempos and elements, but they’re all tied together nicely with recurring themes. I basically think this record has it all. The description of this album calls it TCK’s “swan song”. I certainly hope they continue writing, but I think this would be a fitting album to end such a great band with. Highly recommended.
