10th Letter – Escape from ATL
[ Self-released ]
As a near sycophantic lover of Carpenter films, I’ll admit that I went into this review with a critical eye. I was worried that Escape from ATL would devolve into understandably gushy fandom. Instead, it’s another strong effort by 10th Letter, one which stands apart from Carpenter’s filmography. To be sure, it’s much more enjoyable if the listener has a love for Escape from New York, but it’s just as critical to have an awareness of 10th Letter’s expansive discography and an appreciation of Johnson’s genre-bending balancing act. Even if Escape from ATL isn’t a wild departure from 10th Letter’s previous records, it’s a worthwhile addition to his already wide musical universe and proof that he isn’t satisfied simply reworking the jazzy electronica he has already refined. – RR
[ Full Review ]
More Info
Web: 10thlettermusic.com
Bandcamp: 10thletter.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @10thLetterMusic
SoundCloud: @10th-letter
Twitter: @10thxletter
TWINS – Music from the Insider II
[ Clan Destine Records ]
While this isn’t TWINS first foray into the guitar/bass/drums driven world of post-punk, it’s the first record on which the project has completely embraced the live medium. According to Matt Weiner, the idea was to tap into his favorite elements of the genre without access to a proper studio or the patience to deal with a band. In addition to playing guitar and bass on the record, he also utilized MIDI instruments to imitate live drums, a visceral addition which adds a sinister rhythm to the album. The synthesized reality of the EP invokes comparisons to post-punk bands like Modern Eon and Pornography-era Cure, so while it might not be the best TWINS album for electronica purists, the depth of Music from the Insider II is worth the stylistic changes. – RR
[ Full Review ]
More Info
Bandcamp: 20twin.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @20twins
SoundCloud: @20twin
Twitter: @twinsCGIDKA
Warehouse – Super Low
[ Bayonet Records ]
The vivid clarity of Super Low isn’t drawn from a newfound simplicity, instead it’s built on the band members maturing as individuals and as a community. Yet even if the group has developed a better understanding of their own sound, they are still wary of being defined by genre, sound, or scene. For a band like Warehouse, who so easily defy expectation, the danger of getting adjectivized to death is a real threat. Yet, beyond the tangled guitars and rich ambience there exists a group of humans who’ve pushed through the “art-punk” snobbery and bullshit to create a singular masterpiece. Just don’t ask them to define it. – RR
[ Full Review ]
More Info
Bandcamp: warehouseatl.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @warehouseatl
SoundCloud: @warehouseatl
Twitter: @actualwarehouse
Warning Light – Inland Empires Disregard the Sea
[ Stickfigure Recordings ]
Warning Light’s 7th album nearly escaped our notice, but the consistency of Drew Haddon’s solo project makes it required listening for anyone looking to keep up with Atlanta’s wide-ranging electronica scene. Though easily accessible, it rewards the patient listener, especially those willing to trek the circular synth journey until it dissolves into aquatic bliss. The nine-track album isn’t much of a shift from Haddon’s recent work, but he builds on the ambient soundscapes of previous records with pulsing beats drawn from eclectic post-punk and krautrock. Beyond the its technical mastery, Inland Empires Disregard the Sea is another testament to his ability to inject mystery into the simplest of melodies and then refract the dreamy tones through an evolution more mystical than scientific. – RR
More Info
Bandcamp: warninglight.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @warninglight
SoundCloud: @warning-light
Whores. – GOLD.
[ eOne Music ]
On the surface, GOLD. serves as a wealth of guitar annihilation destined for heavy rotation among noise rock enthusiasts. However, the real meat of this album is found in the cold reality of life as a musician in the digital age. “Participation Trophy” offers the listener this unflinching admission: “You can call it a trophy / I call it only the hole I poured my life into.” The music industry has failed miserably to adapt to technological changes. While visibility has been democratized to a degree, the prospect of living off one’s art is now barred by an extremely high threshold. The truly devoted should not be discouraged, but maybe come to grips with maintaining a day job amidst whatever accolades you may garner. This sick joke is not lost on Whores. With tongues in cheek and fuzz pedals dimed out, they have hoisted their trophy above their heads. It’s a golden trash can, and goddamn it sounds good. – TF
[ Full Review ]
More Info
Bandcamp: whores.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @whrsband
Instagram: @whoresband
Twitter: @whoresbandatl