ALBUM REVIEW: Guck – Gucked Up


Guck are a new band from Los Angeles, and their style is described as “loud, deranged, jazz-damaged noise rock.” Gucked Up (Three One G Records) is their debut record.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Arcadea – The Exodus of Gravity


The Exodus of Gravity (Relapse Records) is the follow-up to Arcadea’s 2017 debut. Brann Dailor is still handling the drums and vocals, with Core Atoms returning to handle the bulk of the synth duties. At the same time, they are also joined by Mastodon‘s current touring keyboardist João Nogueira, adding to the layers of prog unfolding here. There is less of a synth wave feel this time around. His drumming is more aggressive. He piles on layers of vocal overdubs to try things he does not normally explore with his day job. The title track would feel more like current-day Mastodon if the synths were replaced by guitars. “Fuzzy Planet’ is the lead single and the best of the first three songs, as it takes things in a more new wave, Gary Numan direction, while applying some funky grooves. This sets the project apart as a more distinct entity.  Continue reading →


ALBUM REVIEW: Youth Code – Yours, With Malice


Youth Code reclaims its crown for being the torch carrier of the industrial revival with its new EP Yours, With Malice (Sumerian Records). The lead single “No Consequence” sets things off, with the duo sounding more refined and with a serrated edge to the vengeful hooks of Sara Taylor’s chanted declaration of “never pretending/ to be something she’s not,”. A powerful sentiment in today’s world, where artists are often as fabricated as the online personas people adopt. The challenge the band presents for themselves, by setting the bar so high from the get-go go is will they will be able to measure up? That is what the rest of the review will determine.  Continue reading →