The Rock Blogger

Retrospective bursts from the archetypal metropolis

I had this song on repeat throughout must of my trip to NYC last week
There is something about Mick Barr’s mathematical guitar work that conveys the twisting caverns of the underground and the architectural chaos of the skyline.
Whereas traditional black metal evokes scenes of dark forests and valleys, Krallice is contained, claustrophobic and highly technical. Easily one of the most unique and compelling black metal acts out of the States right now.

As a side note, if you are in NYC, be sure to check out Hospital Productions, a very unique independent record store (and label) that specializes in black, folk and experimental metal

Having just finished my last exam for my first year in law school, its time to revel in the mist.
I’ll be heading to NYC for a few days, hoping to see Mogwai and The Twilight Sad while I’m there.
I hope everyone is doing well as spring slowly (ever so slowly) turns to summer.
Seeing that I’ll be on hiatus for the next week, here are some tunes to enjoy.

Legendary English author JG Ballard has passed away today at the age of 78.
He is most well known for his visionary works of science-fiction including the controversial Crash and High Rise. His work has had an enormous influence across the world, earning him a substantial cult-following in literary and artistic circles. Ballard’s dystopian themes were also influential on Britain’s post-punk music scene, especially on Ian Curtis from Joy Division.
His imagination will be dearly missed.
RIP.

The Atrocity Exhibition shares the namesake of one of Ballard’s most disturbing short stories.

Cobalt. Gin . 2009. Profound Lore 4 stars

A grim and innovative album from this Colorado based black-metal duo. Tinged with acrid post-metal riffs, these bleak compositions convey epic scenes of desolation and decay. Despite its mournful atmosphere, there are touches of nihilistic intoxication, like a soldier punch drunk from the bloody mayhem around him. The vocals shift from terrifying screams to deep bellows, like on the sprawling "Dry Body", adding intense lyrical clarity that is rarely seen in the genre.

The album’s solid production also lets the band build their extensive guitar riffs into massive cathartic bursts. Unlike the usual tremolo fare, Cobalt’s style has more of bloody groove to it. With their rollicking pace and brutal energy, Cobalt’s sound seems more akin to a blackened Neurosis than anything coming from the Norwegian school of metal. The change of technique is consistently interesting without compromising the oppressive atmosphere. Interwoven with acoustic passages and sparse bridges, songs like "Throat" are much more than mere fits of rage, as intelligent progressions add tactility to melee.

Overall, Gin is a satisfying black metal record that balances aggression with refined composition and musicianship. Seeing that it touches on elements from sludge, doom, post-metal and black metal, it is likely to sit well with North American audiences. While it may not have the same airy, transcendental qualities found in most atmospheric black metal, the intensity of this record is hard to ignore.

Incredible stop-motion animation from Japan that strictly uses individual photographic prints to show a wild chase. Keep watching it, it’s mind-blowing.

“Idumæa”, from Black Ships Ate The Sky, by Current 93 (2006).
on Durtro & Jnana Records.
Vocals by Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy.

For when the ground gives way beneath you

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I got an email this morning requesting that I put this up here.

…

I don’t know if you’ve heard but the CRTC is holding two hearings: one on broadband and one on new media. The broadband proceeding, to begin on July 6 2009 (http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2008/pt2008-19.htm ), will have quite a bit of impact (or not) on all of you who download music, video, whatever… or really anyone using the internet.

The gist of it is, ISPs (internet service providers such as Bell and Rogers), in order to manage the amount of traffic on their networks often shape traffic. For example giving certain applications priority over others during peak times. These practices are not always in the users best interest, but the good news is that the CRTC has set up this website:
http://isppractices.econsultation.ca/

Think of it as a town hall meeting. Sign up and answer the 5 questions (your opinion on things) and help shape the internet to serve you!

An intimate live performance of one Pygmy Lush’s most soothing tracks. If you’ve never heard of this excellent group, their sound is a meditative blend of drone, folk and lo-fi rock. Be sure to track down their latest LP “Mount Hope”.

Codeine was an influential slow-core band from the early 90s who, along with Slint, helped pioneer some of the dynamics of early post-rock. They certainly had an effect on Mogwai’s earliest albums. You can hear seeds of Young Team when things get heavy in this song. Do you have your lighter handy?