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Liars
The Tissues
Human Leather
Kelly Lee Owens
TFCF
Veil
Lazy Karaoke
Self-Titled
2 0 17
Self-Release
Cercle Social Records
Smalltown Supersound Records
Angus Andrew goes solo for this album, TFCF, which stands for “Theme From Crying Fountain”, which is about the end of his band mate relationship with Aaron Hemphill. There is a certain amount of loneliness and isolation that emanates from the album as a whole. The album plays like a single long song rolling between highs and lows, varying in speed and notes, as a story told packed with isolated emptiness and moments of intense action. Electronic experimental sounds are at it’s core while still having rhythmic pop vocals and lyrics that keep your interest and are close to danceable.
Kristine Nevrose (vocals), Jerry Narrows (guitar), Bianca Ayala (bass) and Colette Arenas (drums) put together this fast-paced, art post-punk album from Los Angeles. Theatrical, poetic and straight up punk, this album has an authenticity and energy you can feel. Los Angeles has been known for its psych music for quite some time, making this album especially exciting and vital for the west coast regarding sound and style.
We are officially in another golden age of new wave music. It’s a glorious and splendid time to be sad, so you can fully appreciate how great these new bands are. One of the most exciting groups started off by two friends sharing ideas they couldn’t use in their other projects and come together to put out a stunning debut. Admittedly Adam Klopp and Chaz Costello are dear friends of ours, and play in our shop quite often, but believe me when I say that there is no nepotism at play here, this album is INCREDIBLE.
I don’t know if an album hit me as hard as Kelly Lee Owens debut album did in 2017. Sitting at a record shop listening to music all day, sometimes the music just drifts into the background as you work. This album does not allow such passive listening. The mix of dream-pop, techno and ambient music is breathtaking even before she starts singing, then her vocals kick in, and you’re in a trance.
“Starting at Zero” has a deep continuous pulsing bass. The beat is good but slow, drawing you in slowly with its repetitiveness. “No Tree, No Branches” is musically off, which is what makes it so interesting and reinvigorating. It is fast paced, upbeat, and dark, and makes sense considering the album was conceived while Andrew was in Australia alone. “Cred Woes” is the most upbeat the album gets and is a little tongue in cheek, hence the sound. “Ripe Ripe Rot” is so sparse and beautiful; it speaks to the heartbreak that comes with having to change. TFCF is worth checking out if you are looking for a catchy album that also touches a chord. It may take a few listens to make sense of it, as it’s electronic and folk combination moments do not sound natural together at first. The melding of genres is done well and deserves to be heard.
“Red Light” has screaming vocals and a moving rhythm that grabs your attention unapologetically. “Your Own Crime” continues with in your face lyrics, a powerful approach to such an important issue. Morning Light” takes an airy, laid-back pace bringing a hopeful close to the album and is reminiscent of 90’s shoe gaze or alternative rock. Kristine’s vocals have an incredible intensity making it the star of the album, showing a range of style and skill. Colette drums energetically, and on point throughout the album. Jerry offers diverse riffs to each song, and Bianca brings an intrigue and depth that leaves you wanting more. An absolute must to see live, this album provides a much-needed punch to your day to take it from average to full of meaning and intent. The Tissues are worth keeping your eye on to see what comes next from this talented crew.
Adam has a few other projects, Choir Boy and most importantly Puck (holidaypuck.bandcamp. com). Chaz has been fronting Sculpture Club and Fossil Arms for years while shredding guitars with Baby Ghosts. Human Leather has the potential to outshine these other projects, but all are very deserving of spotlights. Lazy Karaoke is heartbreak fully realized. Both members’ vocals rip right into your soul, and you end up singing along trying, impossibly, to match note for note with their voices. I have favorite tracks but would more just recommend starting from track1, getting comfortable, and enjoying the next 30 minutes. Just let one of Salt Lake’s best albums of the last decade take control. - Adam Tye
- Alana Boscan
- Alana Boscan A R K A D E M A G A Z I N E . C O M
If there’s any way you get through the first three tracks without being fully absorbed, there’s no getting past Anxi. featuring Jenny Hval. It begins with a Kid A style intro but quickly shows the more techno elements with hypnotizing rhythms and subdued vocals. By the time she says, “this is the narrative of reality” your mind has fully expanded, your pupils have dilated and remember to stay hydrated. The bass kicks in heavy after that. A few minutes later, as the song fades, you’re met with beautiful strings that glide you into the next track. There’s no hope, give into KLO’s magic. If you’re a fan of Grimes, Boards of Canada or LCD Soundsystem I cannot recommend this album more. - Adam Tye