“I got my brain on hype/Tonight will be your night/I got this long-assed knife/And your neck looks just right.” -Body Count
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| Horns up |
New Horizons
Deathfiend – Dark Rising
At last, Johnny Doom’s death metal act deliver a top tier record filled with macerating riffs that hark back to the likes of Entombed, Celtic Frost and Amebix (no bad thing at all of course). Production wise, the songs sound enormous (as if they were playing in a cave) and the songwriting is top notch. ‘Forget Mankind (Desecration Ritual)’ is one of many highlights.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
The The – Ensoulment
The first album of new songs from Matt Johnson since 1999’s ‘NakedSelf’ (although he has been busy with some brilliant soundtracks) has a weight of expectations that would crush the ordinary person. Thankfully, he is back with an album that casts a cold eye over the world we live in and has a sound that is warm, intimate and minimal. Classic The The.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Fierce Shock – Something Sophisticated
Hailing from Tullamore, Fierce Shock traffic in garage sounding post punk that manages to sound sloppy, heavy and joyous at the same time. ‘Universe 25’ embodies these traits perfectly while ‘Bus Trip’ is a folk tinged number that reminds me of a cross between Neutral Milk Hotel and Guided by Voices. Closer ‘Forgiveness’ solidifies Fierce Shock as strong Irish contenders.
The EP can be streamed and purchased here.
Don Mandarin – Regional Collection
Known for his various collaborations with The Pop Group’s Gareth Sager, this record has been released alongside a 100 page prose and short stories illustrated. Music wise, it’s nearly 15 minutes of drone that actually manages to sound sinister and hypnotic at the same time, which is some feat I’m sure you’ll agree.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Deep Fade - Further
Billing this record as a cross between Neil Young and Einstürzende Neubauten is certainly one way of shaking people out of their complacency. Awkward, off kilter guitar lines combine with distant, echoey and haunting vocals and moments of noise to create a record that is boldly ambitious, a challenging listen but one that conjures up atmospheres aplenty.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Golden Oldies
Echo and the Bunnymen – What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?
Released in 1999 hot on the heels of their well-received ‘Evergreen’ LP, this has been derided as a solo venture for Ian McCullough (largely confirmed by guitarist Will Sergent). While that may be the case, the songs are gorgeous. Widescreen in scale, orchestration galore and Mac living out his dream of being Burt Bacharach for the late 90’s.
Antisect – In Darkness There is No Choice
1984 saw Crass split up and the anarcho punk scene lose hope and momentum thanks to the miner’s strike. This legendary record, alongside ‘Arise’ by Amebix, was not only a fierce reaction to these desperate times, but also helped to bridge the gap between anarcho punk and the burgeoning hardcore scene. Brutal, relentless and bleak, it has never been surpassed.
⏩ Christopher Owens was a reviewer for Metal Ireland and finds time to study the history and inherent contradictions of Ireland. He is currently the TPQ Friday columnist.
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