Record Reviews #7

Plethora. What a great word, “Plethora”. I have a plethora of records that have been piling up around here. Every time I have a few extra bucks (and sometimes not), I’ve been buying records, and I’ve also been sent some records to review, which I thank you for! Here are a small handful of reviews. More to come!

The Ape-Shits/The Gash
Split 7inch
Big Action Records

This is an awesome split with two Texas bands I’ve never heard of. Both sides are really good garage punk and the bands compliment each other well. The Ape-Shits feature a bunch of members from the Dirty Sweets. The Gash are another band I’ve never heard of, but I’m impressed. They remind me of the Kidnappers at their punkier moments. Too bad they are already broken up, they sound like they could have been a promising live band.

Digital Leather
S/T
I Don’t Feel a Thing / King of the Monsters

This is the first LP out by Arizona’s Digital Leather on one of the most beautiful records I’ve ever seen: an amazing split colored vinyl- half pink, and half black. This is a blast from the past synth record. You may find yourself wondering, what year is it? Sean Foree is extremely talented in creating these catchy, heart-gripping melodies, and lyrics like in “Fools Heart Mechanism.” ‘When I had that heart, I was just a fool.’
On this record, you’re also treated to greats like, “I’m Wrong”, “Depression” and an early version of “Black Flowers from the Future”. Fortunately, you can’t go wrong with any of these tracks on this record. I remain in awe of this one-man band.
www.myspace.com/digitalleather

Haunted George
Shotgun in My Mouth
Solid Sex Lovie Doll

Straight from the Mojave Desert, Haunted George is one of those artists’ that comes around and just blows your mind, just as the title track of this 7inch- “Shot Gun in My Mouth”. The sound is very raw, with twangy guitar chords, cut throat vocals, and simple drums that only a one-man band can deliver. Obsessed with war history, the old west, and weird records, check out his blog for a look into the genius of Haunted George, and you’ll get a better understanding of where he’s coming from.
Live, he’s just as brilliant.
Your record collection should not be without of any of his records.
http://butchersfloor.blogspot.com/

Home Blitz
Live Outside
Self Released

This is one of those 7inches that catches you off guard in a fantastic way. I’m attached to the B-side, “Feeling Cold”, a simplistically sweet, lo-fi song with the charm of Beat Happening, or fellow current bands’ like Tyvek. The chorus, “I feel like riding, bikes, tonight…but mine’s been in the shop all day” rings in my head. This was also recorded live on a street corner in Princeton, New Jersey. How can this not win you over? You can even hear cars passing by in the recording, adding an extra special touch that makes it truly unique.
www.myspace.com/homeblitz