The new Lithics album, Tower of Age, is simply wonderful. The spirit of Wire and Gang of Four inhabits the post-punk miniatures of this criminally-unsung band and I also hear echoes of Doc at the Radar Station-era Beefheart. Aubrey Horner’s coolly deadpan vocals are the perfect complement to the music and I hear echoes of the great William Carlos Williams in her minimally but perfectly constructed lyrics. Throughout this album, there is such wit and invention and a joyously mesmerising sense of adventure here and it is deeply, deeply compelling and immensely rewarding. It takes a little patience to penetrate and attune oneself to this band’s musical wavelength but it is time well spent.
Quite frankly, it is scandalous the lack of attention this band are receiving right now. They have been ploughing a lonely furrow since their inception a few years ago and especially now in these pandemic-hit times and they desperately need more high-level recognition and advocacy from the print and online music magazines.
As a sample, try their endearingly low-budget promo video for Hands.
One I haven't pulled off the shelf in many years. Forgotten how great it is.
"I may skip. I may even warp a little.... But I will never, ever crash. I am your friend for life. " -Vinyl. Michell Gyrodec SE, Hana ML cart, Parasound JC3 Jr, Stax LR-700, Stax SRM-006ts Energiser, Quad Artera Play+ CDP
The album, Spring, by Itasca is a slow-burning delight, one not to be rushed. It takes time for the subtleties of these delicately formed, gently ruminative songs to coalesce and cohere in the mind, songs which are akin to images observed from afar, obscured by a dusty haze, and which take a while for the eyes to adjust to. I have been coming back and forth to this album over the last 6 months, each successive listen gently drawing me in and weaving its understated spell. There are elements of Linda Perhacs here and I hear the influence of English folk-rock particularly but Kayla Cohen has her own very unique voice which I look forward to following over the coming years.
Listening again this evening to one of this year’s best albums, Nadia Reid’s quite stunning Out of my Province.
Such a beautiful mixture of melancholy and resilience. I don’t believe I have heard a more affecting song all year than Get The Devil Out. A wonderful artist.
As I listened to the videos posted by Paul (thanks!) I came across this video. Then I got a shock. Dave Roback their founding member and slide guitarist extraordinaire is dead. February 24th this year. Didn't even know. This is what happens when you stop buying magazines.....So sad.
cybot wrote: ↑Wed Jul 22, 2020 11:57 am
As I listened to the videos posted by Paul (thanks!) I came across this video. Then I got a shock. Dave Roback their founding member and slide guitarist extraordinaire is dead. February 24th this year. Didn't even know. This is what happens when you stop buying magazines.....So sad.
cybot wrote: ↑Wed Jul 22, 2020 11:57 am
As I listened to the videos posted by Paul (thanks!) I came across this video. Then I got a shock. Dave Roback their founding member and slide guitarist extraordinaire is dead. February 24th this year. Didn't even know. This is what happens when you stop buying magazines.....So sad.
That's the very video I heard first before heading over to Mazzy's version. Then the bombshell. Nice version too. Lot of catching up tonight from the likes of Rain Parade, Opel et al. Still can't beleve it.
