Ok, here's another band that Moloken is touring with (dates posted here, but check myspace for the latest -- they are playing at Ungdomens Hus in Uppsala tonight). This Gift is a Curse aren't just tourmates though, they're also on Moloken's label who co-released the group's new self-titled EP in cooperation with TGIAC's own imprint . The association makes good sense too, as both bands play dark, sludgy metal, though TGIAC forgoes the technical wizardry that makes Moloken stand out. Instead, we get brutal repetitive riffs, far darker melodies and a heavier dismal crust vibe. Problem is, the recording on the EP sounds like they scooped out all the low end and buried the kick. Listen to the part on the intro of "The big sleep" where it's supposed to hit like a ton of bricks and it comes off more like a tap on the shoulder. Even stranger, this was recorded by Tomas Skorsberg at the famed Sunlight Studios which is normally a mark of high quality. I suspect that This Gift is a Curse are more than adequately crushing in-person and the songs themselves are good, but I'm having a really hard time getting past the recording.
Jeudah, the sideproject of Khoma frontman Jan Jämte and ex-Eskju Divine/Pg.lost bassist Kristian Karlsson, is reportedly on track to mix their debut album in November for an early 2011 release: http://www.khoma.se/?p=890
Introducing The Bells, a new Luleå-affiliated project featuring Jonas Teglund (Park Hotell, Neverna), Peter Nuottaniemi (The Bear Quartet) and Johan Forslind. They have a full-length album on the way entitled "Threads" which was produced by renown musical genius/recluse Björn Olsson and will be released via the band's own in October. Unsurprisingly, it sounds a lot like a mix of Park Hotell and Bear Quartet (circa "Personality crisis"/"My war), which of course is perfectly fine by me (and should be for you too). Four tracks are up for streaming preview at the band's website, my favorite being the ominous/gloomy "Outside". Much like the Tsukimono track I posted earlier today, the song's spaciousness is a perfect companion to the sound of rain; furthermore, it hearkens back to some of BQ's most powerful work such as "Walking out". Resigned and reflective, revealed by severe simplicity, and yes, starkly beautiful; a song that says a lot with very few words/notes.
Fall came early to the northwest; it's been raining pretty much non-stop since yesterday afternoon. But it's not cold yet, at least I have that to be thankful for. And my fall crops are actually doing quite well which is a huge relief following our lousy summer that never quite was. As for a musical accompaniment to go with this seemingly endless patter of rain, I recommend Tsukimono's "Field hollers" netrelease. In a perfect world you all should have already downloaded it by now, but I know that's likely not the case, so here's your chance to make up for it! Adjust your volume so the sounds of "Sung about, gone" blends with the drips and drops and don't forget to take your vitamin D. Download the rest here.
Parken's 2nd single off his forthcoming album "Framtide var här" is now posted for streaming: http://soundcloud.com/florafauna/parken-annas-sang
The official release date for said single is September 20.