“I seek the buildings blazing with moonlight/In Channing Way/Their very eyes seem to suck you in with their laughter/They seem to say/You're all right now/So stop a while behind our smile/In Channing Way.” - Scott Walker
 |
| Horns up |
New Horizons
Guiltless – Teeth to Sky
As a follow up to one of the finest releases of 2024, Guiltless are back with a full length release and what a monster it is. Mixing math rock, post metal and noise rock into a powerful, overwhelming and apocalyptic sounding release, Guiltless have made the first essential release of the year. In particular, listen to ‘Our Serpent in Circle’ and feel the power on display.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Manic Street Preachers – Critical Thinking
The last few Manics albums have been ruminations on aging as the world you knew collapses. While in a similar vein, this is much more optimistic LP in its outlook with songs accepting that humans aren’t perfect (‘People Ruin Paintings’), finding catharsis in reconciling the old and young self (‘Hiding in Plain Sight’) and standing firm against the madness (‘OneManMilitia’).
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Russell Haswell – Boro Salvage
The techno/noise legend is back with a live set from Middlesboro in 2024. His sound veers from cut up beats, disjointed bass to moody ambient pieces and overwhelming noise. In places, it reminds me of Autechre and, in others, I marvel at the force that Haswell creates. Fans of IDM will find much to enjoy here.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Golden Oldies
1916 – Motorhead
The major label years which resulted in two records, with this unquestionably being the finest of the two. Some fairly iconic moments (‘Going to Brazil’) alongside some left field material (for Lemmy and co.) like 'Love Me Forever' and 'R.A.M.O.N.E.S.' The title track is a poignant look at the Battle of the Somme, demonstrating Lemmy's power as a songwriter.
Napalm Death - Smear Campaign
More flat-out brutality from the grindcore pioneers. ‘Weltschmerz’ should forever be the band's intro music, ‘Sink Fast Let's Go’, ‘When All is Said and Done’, ‘Call That an Option’ and ‘Rabid Wolves for Christ’ rip your face off. The use of Anneke van Giersbergen on ‘In Deference’ may have annoyed some, but it works wonders by harking back to the band’s anarcho punk past.
Killing Joke – Fire Dances
The first LP with Raven on bass is an odd one. Although the songwriting is as strong as ever (‘The Gathering’, ‘Frenzy’, ‘Harlequin’), the all-consuming darkness of the first three records is replaced with a more jokey/celebratory tone that feels lightweight by comparison. One to play whenever you’re in a more frivolous state of mind.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Push the Sky Away
After a few average releases (and the departure of long-term Bad Seed Mick Harvey) this signalled a new direction for Cave and co. Slow, smouldering, ethereal and spiritual in its sound and message, the production seems to be based on half-remembered memories and a longing for a seemingly perfect past. Listen to the title track as the sun comes up in the morning.
⏩ 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.
No comments