COSMONAUTS - S/T 12'' LP and CASSETTE

I saw Cosmonauts while they were on a Burger Tour in the summer of 2010. They came through and played in a small art space with Cum Stain and Nobunny - unless Nobunny was some other time and it was some other time because they played with Cum Stain and Audacity that night. Anyhow, there was a bit of an issue with our PA system and the gang more or less played without vocals. Despite the setback, Cosmonauts thoroughly impressed and are now my favourite band. I put up a 7" release of theirs a couple years ago and recently found that they have most of their discography up on bandcamp (minus some limited release comps, an Italian released 7'', and any other pre-signed material). So, let's take a look at their self-titled.

They released it with Burger (BRGR049) on a limited run of 250 red cassettes. I was lucky to snag one because the cassettes are long gone by now, but they did re-release on vinyl a year later - several different versions. A few of us were lucky enough to get it on 'Easter Egg Yellow.' This self-titled is one hell of a first cassette. It's hard to pin-point tracks of interest on albums that are so solid, but if you are pressed for time (these are full length songs ladies and gents) then check out Neon Kids, Dorothy, and Yer So Rad. Actually, if you are pressed for time then wait. This album should be listened to in its entirety. Cosmonauts will gladly drag you through ups and downs of psychedelia - upbeat hip shakers, downbeat droning trance, eastern inspired instrumentals, and lazy nearly-inaudible vocals. There may be many ways to play music but they make rock and roll the way it should be made. If this album isn't something you can dig on, then don't come back to this blog because you don't belong here.

The four men of Cosmonauts are some hard working cats and are always on tour. Check out their facebook for dates because I am sure you can find them in your area soon enough. Also check out all their stuff on bandcamp. You'll need to do some extra clicking to buy things and it is worth it. Listen and love it.



cosmonautstheband@gmail.com
cosmonautstheband.bandcamp.com/
facebook.com/cosmonautstheband

SULTAN BATHERY - FIREWORX

 So, this little release is a bit over a year old and we all know that if it is older than six months and younger than 20 years then it is no longer relevant. But that isn't going  to stop anyone from sharing it with you. Sultan Bathery is a groovy little three piece from Italy. These three gents seem to be making some splashes here and  there with interviews here and there and blog shout outs here and there and some facebook fans here and there and today we listen to the band's first EP, Fireworx - released in October of 2012. They have  since been touring throughout Europe and a quick  overview of the facebook doesn't say anything about  any US shows, but if you find something out that I  didn't bother taking the time to read (let's face it, google is for information and this blog is for  music) then please throw it in the comments.

The EP starts with the title track - a little ditty with beefy guitar tone, simple and effective drums, and the oooo and ahhh sort of vocal dissonance that so many of you listeners out there have grown to love since its popular re-emergence in the early 2000s. It is a great opener that will get your attention. The second track, 'River raw', does not stray far from the jangle and dance in the first track - the entire fucking EP follows suit. Fireworx dips its toes in a lot of seemingly 1950s inspired sort of western rock and roll on the berge of psychedelic breakthrough. And for the sake of not getting all meta with this and that - these are some good psychedelic garage tunes that are all under 2:30. Who can get enough of those short punch-you-in-the-mouth-songs?

You can snag the 7'' from Slovenly for 5.25 (I donated more than that - I just thought I would let you all know that because I take philanthropy lessons from Bono). Only con to ordering from Slovenly would be the occasional e-mail that I choose not to read and then have to take time to delete. Listen. Buy. Enjoy.

sultanbathery@gmail.com
sultanbathery.bandcamp.com/
facebook.com/sultanbathery
slovenly.bandcamp.com/

UH BONES - S/T

Although not the freshest piece in their arsenal, let's take a listen to the self-titled four track release by Uh Bones. This little goodie came out a bit over a year after their debut on facebook in 2011 (which, as you know, marks the birth of a band - that and the earliest release date on bandcamp). This three piece is currently rocking in the Chicago area and working on an LP to be released in the near future - duh. We might as well dive right on in with track number one, 'Amess'; if you carry any garage or psychedelic (god forbid psychedelic-garage) sensibilities you will immediately see the credibility of this band's sound. The song is an instant winner with repetitive high-mid guitar riffs and a low pulse'd bass line. The songs continue to follow suit with tight grooves wrapped around lazy and genuine vocals. If you are looking for something that takes root in yesterday (maybe today's yesterday or maybe 50-years-ago's yesterday) while still playing a part in our post-music era then look no further - it's right here. Even though we may not see Uh Bones putting out chart-topping-billboard-success-singles, the band knows what it is doing, how it wants to do it, and they sound great doing it.

I'll also put up this video the band has of a newer song of theirs - 'Drink to Sleep.' As the title suggests, the song is a bit dreamy and will get you in the mood to take off your socks, pour a drink, grab a woman, and dance on the kitchen floor smoking a filterless cigarette and waiting for the baby-making to happen.

The band is good, so if you like that 60s influenced blues-born garage noise then take a listen and maybe spend four bucks for four songs.






uh.bones@gmail.com
uhbones.com
uhbones.bandcamp.com

THE PUPILS - S/T LP

The Pupils, are a downright nasty garage three piece that do it like it should be done. Straight from that oh so romantic France, these teens (yes, teens) shred some hard 1970s influence punk garage rock and roll. Similar to The Saints, raw like the Stooges, and catchy like to the Stones, these boys have put together ten slammin' tracks at the beginning of the summer and they could probably milk these tunes for another summer to come (though we'd like to see more!). And if you checked out DEAD FARMERS, then this should be right up your alley! There isn't much yet to discover about these three rag tag rockers; a myspace page, a page to their label, and a couple little OOOOs and AHHHHs here and there. After seeing some of their live footage, it seems as though they need to coordinate with their choreographer soon, though let's not forget that these kids have plenty of time to work up a stellar stage presence for their stellar stage sound. Listen to them, and love them! We might get you a leak soon, if you are lucky and say please. And if you're in France sometime, look for a show, if not, give them some of your money. If I had any, I would.

disquessteak@gmail.com
http://www.myspace.com/the3pupils
http://lesdisquessteak.bandcamp.com/album/the-pupils-s-t-lp

NOHOPEKIDS - NOHOPEKIDS EP

Just found NOHOPEKIDS through...let's say a mutual musical taste. These three gentlemen, from Hungary, have brought some gnarly noisy surfin' 'tude to the wonderful world of the internet. Releasing bits and pieces since December 2010 through DIY bedroom recordings, they now have an EP - NOHOPEKIDS EP- and a nice collection for your listening pleasure. This release begins with a nice lil' diddy Lone Surfer pt. 1. It's an instrumental track and if you're paying any attention you'll notice this band is two guitars and a drummer - no bass. Track number two, Fuzzin' Around, also brings you into a great fuzz'd out surf daze. With their two guitar style, and heavy reverb/strong snare drumming, it's easy to see some J&MC or Woven Bones influence. The two tracks following are real nice foot stompers that'll get those toes a movin'. Did we forget to mention that these cats are also singing in english? Track number 5, Coward Cowboy ft Piresian Beach, has got to be the crowd favourite - it's a groovy early blues garage psychedelic tune that slows down the EP right in the middle...just so they can pick it back up with a distorted riff heavy instrumental that has a killer title - Fuzzocalypse vs. Mechagodzilla. And as planned?, the album does a bit of a switch-eroo and the mood follows in reverse and the EP ends with Lone Surfer pt 2. It's great to see the garage spirit alive and still panning across the world - we've seen in in Central and South America, and  the UK...now Hungary! Follow that link down there on the bottom of the post and download this brilliant garage/party punk/surf album for FREE!

After, this little write up was posted, we were informed that NOHOPEKIDS is just one kids doin' some sweet garage. And that picture down there is not band mates, but just good buds. In any case, enjoy the tunes!

[DOWNLOAD]
http://nohopekidzzz.tumblr.com/
http://nohopekids.bandcamp.com/

BEACH BABES - THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Here's another BEACH BABE band. Though, this time around it's just BEACH BABES (the previous band probably got pissed that this name was taken) and they aren't your typical surf tunes. This three piece, from  Asheville, NC are loud and heavy enough to pierce an eardrum. BEACH BABES puts down some hardcore/grind noise and not one song reaches over two and a half minutes. There nine-track release, titled The Great Wall of China, is filled with screeches, yells, shouts, transitional songs, and the occasional sample; making for an interesting audio experience. Beware, this is not a release for the easy-listener. Download The Great Wall of China for the wonderful price of NAME YOUR PRICE. If you're kind, leave 'em a few dollars - writing and recording music is not free.

http://beachbabes.bandcamp.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beach-Babes/197849726917517

COSMONAUTS - BAD AFRO RECORDS 7"

Despite how COSMONAUTS are my (the first time I have made this blog personal) favourite band, I have yet to support you - the reader and listener - with any write-ups or leaks. Well, we aren't going to get into the leak factory just yet, because today is about a new release these guys are comin' out with under BAD AFRO. The title of the 7'' is still on the drawing board, but the tunes are available now! I saw this band of O.C boys come through my art-free and clean downtown just last summer - shortly after the release of their s/t cassette - and if i would have worn socks they would have been blown off.  After a stellar debut and an equally awesome follow-up, these gents are at it again! Side one of this little gem contains in its little grooves, Emerald Green. It starts off with a great little surf lick and then is quickly accompanied by the remaining members of the band to create an intro that builds great anticipation for a chilling and stomping anthem filled with a moving melody supported by strong back bones (the bass and drums, in case you didn't know) and haunted by, now familiar, distant reverb drown'd vocals.  The second track, Motorcyle One, is a great b-side. It compliments Emerald Green in the best fashion. Again, we the audio-audience will find our brains overloaded with fantastic psych/punk goodness. their song writing ability isn't that bad either. Composing songs for full bands isn't all that easy, and to create consistent sound within each album isn't any easier. Cosmonauts are making great progress in their musical careers, and hopefully we can all get the pleasure of seeing them in an art space or venue soon. For now, check out their newly acquired bandcamp (awesome points right there) and listen to their great music. Though, you won't find their full s/t up there...oh well. LISTEN TO THEM!..we'll get a leak later.

cosmonautstheband@gmail.com
http://cosmonautstheband.bandcamp.com/
http://www.facebook.com/cosmonautstheband
http://www.myspace.com/cosmonautstheband

THE SINBUSTERS - SECOND COMING

The Sinbusters have been up here before, and we wanted to get you a listen to their second full length before it went on sale, but that didn't happen....oh well...forgetful minds. Well, these kids (who are like the cousins twice removed of the children that Thee Oh Sees and The Stooges had, despite the fact they are from different eras, age is justa numba babeh) are back with a most excellent sequel to their hard hitting, loud, and upbeat garage/punk. Remember how your grandmother listened to Buddy Holly? Take that and speed 'er up by a handful of BPMs, put in some feedback, drown those lyrics and throw 'em in the background, get your feet moving, and you got The Sinbusters.  Here's another perk to this release, all songs are under 2:15; perfect for a lively crowd with short attention spans and bursts of energy to expel. Though you aren't going to get this one for free, 4.99 is not a bad price for raw rock and roll energy! Plus these guys tour often; no reason not to support their efforts. BUY IT! LOOK FOR A LEAK! GET IT!

thesinbusters@gmail.com
http://thesinbusters.bandcamp.com

http://www.myspace.com/thesinbusters

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sinbusters/159998169137?sk=wall#!/pages/The-Sinbusters/159998169137?sk=info

SON CATS - O'DELL / 1971 7''

The coasts have been pounding out more than stellar rock and roll for years, and will for years to come. And from both our coasts, and so many other places, come SON CATS. A two (sometimes three) piece from nearly every time zone in the US, Alex and Jasmine put all of the 'ooooooo's in groovy. These cats (no pun intended) put out thick rock and roll waves that drown your brain in a hazy maple flavored smoke.  The two tracks on this 7'', O'Dell and 1971, are packed with truck loads of pure energy. Without any post-production sort of static-magic, these two fill up a lot of  dead air with primitive skin-pounds, wailing guitar riffs, and genuine vocals. Combining folk, 60s psychedelic garage, and pure rock and roll - SON CATS piss excellence. Buy their 7'' from For Arbors / For Satellites or from their bandcamp, then check out the neat little animation/music video for O'Dell.

http://www.myspace.com/soncats
http://www.facebook.com/soncats
http://forarborsforsatellites.blogspot.com/

DEAD FARMERS - GO HOME

Though this post finds itself nearly a year too late...In a fit of rock and roll rage, Dead Farmers-a three piece band from Australia, throw around crass upbeat tracks that are pieced together with driving psychedelic bass, sustained fuzzed-out guitar riffs, high energy drumming, and dampened gang vocals all layered to magically manifest aviators, sideburns and a 'stache on your face within seconds of hearing it. Dead Farmers put out like, as so many have written,  The Stooges (pre Iggy Pop) but crunchier, faster, and without out the pressures of poster-child-dom and money-hungry studio producers breathing down their neck; plus Dead Farmers sound better.

Apathetic to the idea of music that the Billboard's top charts brainwashes the public with, these groovin' dudes have painstakingly arranged 'Go Home,' 10 tracks of lo-fi art that times in at one song (two songs in their case) short of half an hour of pure arousal and is arguably a perfect set. The album starts with 'Can't Come', a familiar, yet completely foreign four chord progression that occasionally branches off into short bursts of trashy noise guitar that do not represent an inability to climax (as the songs title may suggest) but rather an everlasting feel good desire that aches to be long, rhythmic, and satisfyingly powerful. The pulse of the first 4 songs creates a frantic and polished sound that is distinguished by an emotion that can only be delivered simultaneously with the music; by years of failed attempts at assembling the correct combination of talent and dedication; by misunderstood appreciations for raw and dirty nights of striking out and having the lasting image of layers of stickers belonging to never-will-bees and has-beens, and 30-second permanent marker graffiti tags as your last memory before loosing your guts in the piss stained urinal at the shithole you just played at; by long nights in a small room sweating rivers of blood and sloppy chord transitions. The rest of the album falls in pace with the extraordinary introductory tracks, making 'Go Home' an album that belongs in all our collections. Unfortunately, for a band that has restraining orders against them (for reasons that you'll need to find yourself) their youtube video is not dressed to impress, the boys lack energy!!! Nonetheless, listen.






(DOWNLOAD)

deadfarmers@gmail.com

http://www.myspace.com/deadfarmers
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-Farmers/68378207720#!/pages/Dead-Farmers/68378207720?sk=info

BAD INDIANS - SOUNDS FROM THE BIG ROOM

In a time where smoking herb and riding the a-train are as regular as a cup of coffee BAND INDIANS is quintessential. Unfortunately, now a cup of coffee is as regular as a cup of coffee. BAD INDIANS, the four piece garage/psych/noise band from Michigan (Yes, it seems as though American Natives and the state of Michigan seem to be a popular theme here. I guess Michigan knows how to rock and roll; we might take that as an ...insult? Nah, it just means Michigan is cooler than you are), are a busy little band and have put out a handful of releases in the last five years. Like most bands, their earlier releases seem to tower in creativity and  raw genuine psychedelia, though of course, any muso would tell you that. The first release found on the web, LIVE FROM THE BURIAL MOUND (2009), is a spectacular force of noise and garage energy that was recorded on a cassette 4track in a basement, it creates a fantastic blend of the best (and only) qualities of drone, the nonchalance of underground rock and roll, all in a clever little Native theme. SOUNDS FROM THE BIG ROOM, the band's most recent release--literally 7 days ago--continues to build upon the their throwback tribute to a day when rock and roll was on top of the world. Though the BAD INDIANS have graduated to a more polished approach to their recording, it does not take from their art. In fact, SOUNDS FROM THE BIG ROOM creates the feeling of accidentally walking into a hazed-out room at a party circa 1960s when you were looking for the bathroom, but then decided to stay because the kids in that room are far too intimidating to leave, yet not intimidating enough to force you out. So you stay, burn a few, and plan a cross-continental motorcycle trip with your new friends and learn the harmonica. Check out the discography, WHEN you want this music in your possession buying physical copies of any release is as simple as shooting them a friendly e.mail, otherwise spend a few less sheckles and get the mp3s available on bandcamp.

 

BAADINDIANS@gmail.com

http://badindians.bandcamp.com

http://www.myspace.com/badindians

YVETTE - YVETTE

YVETTE, a New York two piece (Noah and Rick) out of Brooklyn--not to be confused with Essence Atkins' character on Disney's Smart Guy, will smash your ear drums. Reminiscent of HEALTH and math-rock BATTLES, these two bring on a wall of industrial pounding and droning sounds that hit at the core. Heavy with digital effects (though we here at DIE POP prefer analog--who doesn't?), YVETTE drown an unsuspecting audience with waves of echoing delay and reverb. Their chopped-up noise chants leave goosebumps at every beat. 'Vibrations,' the first track on the duo's self-titled 7'', is more than ace, it's ACE+. Turn it up and get lost in a sea of drone, but don't let your ears bleed, or tinnitus set in. These hard hitting men have gone DIY and self produced their 7''...so buy it. A digital version of their album is also available at the YVETTE bandcamp...so buy it.

yvetteyvetteyvetteyvette@gmail.com

http://yvette.bandcamp.com/album/yvette

http://www.myspace.com/yvetteyvetteyvette

http://yvette.bigcartel.com