Palms just dropped two previously unreleased songs, their first new music since their self-titled debut album 10 years ago. You can stream and purchase “Opening Titles: and “End Credits” right now from Bandcamp. The post-Rock, post-Metal band is compromised of Chino Moreno of Deftones and Crosses, along with Aaron Harris, Jeff Caxide, and Bryant Clifford Meyer who were bandmates in the much-missed ISIS, as well as Red Sparrowes (Caxide and Meyer) and Zozobra. The band also has a brief message on their page with the hashtag #palms10, hopefully indicating further activity from the group this year.
Tag Archives: Aaron Harris
Spotlights – Love & Decay
Having been graced by the patronage of Aaron Harris and Chino Moreno for the last three years, Brooklyn couple Spotlights have shared the stage with the latter’s Deftones while still sailing under many radars. That may be about to change with the permanent appointment of live drummer Chris Enriquez and the release of sophomore album Love & Decay (Ipecac Recordings).Continue reading
Watch A New Video From Surachai ft ISIS/Palms’ Drummer Aaron Harris
Celebrated avant-garde musician/producer Surachai is dropping a new album, Come, Deathless, on Jan. 25 via BL_K Noise. New track ‘An Unfamiliar Reflection Activates A Gate’ features Palms and ISIS drummer Aaron Harris and is a nightmarish soundscape, like the scars leftover in your psyche. Topping it off, the trippy video, directed by Simona Noreik, the perfect companion to the uncomfortable. Prepare to be amazed and be made uncomfortable at the link below. Continue reading
Pelican – The Cliff EP
In the world of post-rock, there are a lot of pretenders to the throne, but few worthy of the crown. The holy trinity of the genre in the USA falls to Russian Circles, Junius and, Pelican. As they have once before in their career, Pelican have teamed up with Allan Epley (Shiner, The Life And Times) to add his vocal prowess to their new EP, The Cliff (Southern Lord). On paper what looks like just a good match, becomes an exquisite exercise in songcraft, self-restraint, and true talent.
The main track ‘The Cliff’ has the best of Pelican’s breed working for it. Quietly epic, building slowly and entrancing you with each cadence. Hypnotic drums fall and rise in time with your breathing and brain patterns. Beating out a compelling rhythm that beckons to you follow like a spirit. The layers of guitars, a Pelican trademark, spinning motifs and head crushing waves. Added to this expert mix is Epley’s vocals which as a much an instrument as the band. If you are unfamiliar with his work, Epley has a voice not unlike a young Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees/Mad Season). Somber, but full of gravitas and character, Epley’s powerful tones weigh so heavy, it contrasts beautifully with the sunny (for a Pelican song) final stanza.
The other original song on the EP has been termed a leftover from Forever Becoming (also Southern Lord). However, it’s a track so deep and triumphant, I kind of wished they saved it for their next album. It’s like the soundtrack to sports movie, but only for the final montage part. The other two tracks are remixes of ‘The Cliff’. One remix, by Mr. Justin K. Brodrick (Godflesh/JK Flesh) is sans vocals, but enhances the dream-scape aspect of the guitars with synths and adds a heavier bass mix. Their is also an echo effect on the drums that give a surreal sleep-walking feeling to the listener as well. It definitely takes a killer track to the next level. The other track is remixed by Palms (Aaron Harris & Bryant Clifford Meyer). This track revs up the beat quotient, and adds more a dynamic flow than before. The vocals have a great delay loop on them, and some sick backwards guitars too. This release (digital or vinyl) should be enough of a morsel to tide you over until the next full-length.
8.5/10
KEITH CHACHKES
Pelican Releasing “The Cliff” EP, Streaming New Version With Vocals
Chicago instrumentalists Pelican is set to release a new EP via Southern Lord in February 24, 2015 around new reimaginings of “The Cliff,” off their 2013 Forever Becoming album.
The four track EP includes remixes from Justin Broadrick (of Godflesh, Jesu), Aaron Harris and Bryant Clifford Meyer of ISIS/Palms, and, for only the second time in their fourteen year career, vocals. Allen Epley (Shiner, The Life and Times) will be contributing his voice once again. He previously contributed to “Final Breath” on 2009’s What We All Come To Need. Listen to “The Cliff” (vocal version) here.
The Cliff Track Listing:
1. The Cliff (Vocal Version)
2. The Cliff (Justin K. Broadrick remix)
3. The Cliff (AH & BCM remix)
4. The Wait
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Introspective Abandon: An Interview With Palms
One of the most anticipated albums of this years is the collaboration between members of ISIS and Chino Moreno of Deftones, forming the group Palms. Their self-titled debut is out on Ipecac records and Bryant Clifford Meyer (guitars, keyboards), Jeff Caxide (bass, keyboards), Aaron Harris (drums, electronics), continued more their work together from their classic run from one of post-metal’s most celebrated bands. The album is as good as advertised and Ghost Cult caught up with Cliff Meyer to learn how this band came together, how the album was made and what the future holds for them.Continue reading
Palms – Palms
The reunion of three fifths of post-metallers Isis alone is something to raise intrigue and hunger but add Deftones vocalist Chino Moreno into the mix and that appetite takes on a more voracious stance. It also ignites wondering expectations as to which direction their sound and presence together as Palms would take, the heavier more rapaciously intrusive fascination of Isis or the experimental atmospheric devouring of Moreno’s day job. The self-titled debut reveals it is somewhere in between whilst exploring its own evocative and enthralling soundscapes.Continue reading