Trump’s in the White House, and I’m recommending you new music. Like President Trump, I am both unqualified and unprepared, because the task of picking the best new music to recommend to you, Colorado Daily readers, is a great one. You deserve the best of the best, and I always aim to deliver. This week, I’ve got two great records on the lineup. First we have something dark and loud from post-punk veterans Metz. Next up, we have something great and underground from Brooklyn DIY outfit Washer. Both of these albums have their own charm, one a little louder and one a little grittier, but if you’re into punk at all, give these a listen. There’s definitely something to gain.
Toronto’s Metz are grating, driving and metallic. Their latest record, “Strange Peace” — produced by punk legend Steve Albini of Big Black — definitely lives up to the hype. Within the grating noise emerges a newfound maturity, a sense of direction that presents the opportunity for navigation, a clearer and more efficient approach. This isn’t to say that this record doesn’t absolutely bang, because it does. The songs “Lost in the Blank City,” “Escalator Teeth” and “Raw Materials” embody this agility. It’s clear that “Strange Peace” relies on more than volume and speed. The lyrical and melodic intricacies peppered throughout the track list accentuate the aggression, transcending angry noise to create a diverse and interesting record.
‘Strange Peace’ (Release date: September 22, 2017) Order Now – Sub Pop Mega Mart* http://u.subpop.com/2tEsV2F * All customers who pre-order the LP version of ‘Strange Peace’ from the Sub Pop Mega Mart will receive the album on Loser Edition colored vinyl, while supplies last.
I’ve been loving Washer for a while. Their gut-wrenchingly real and impeccably raw sound served as the soundtrack to some of my best, angsty and introspective moments to date. And now they’re back with their second full-length out on Exploding in the Sound Records. Short and sweet, “All Aboard” is a collection of gritty and casual songs, most of them clocking in under two minutes long. If you’re unfamiliar with Washer, the duo makes off-kilter, garage, punk/pop with an indie tendency. They are deceptively complex and varied, and they have a knack for making the simplest melodies the slightest bit off key or that chord progression the tiniest bit too loud. It’s within these subtle changes that a lovely, slacker-y timbre emerges. Some sort of hopeless, youthful ennui hiding behind the force of the at times whiney, at times distraught vocals. If you dig Pile, Krill or Speedy Ortiz, I highly suspect you’ll dig this.
“Mend” by Washer from their LP, “Here Comes Washer,” out now on Exploding in Sound Records. Directed by: Kieran McShane order here: http://www.explodinginsoundrecords.bandcamp.com/album/here-comes-washer Washer: https://www.facebook.com/okwasher https://www.twitter.com/washerfacts https://www.okwasher.bandcamp.com https://www.instagram.com/washerfacts Exploding in Sound Records: http://www.explodinginsoundrecords.com https://www.facebook.com/explodinginsoundrecords https://twitter.com/EISRecords http://explodinginsoundrecords.bandcamp.com
Also some exciting changes around the station: The legacy show Testosterone Detox has changed its name to Ladies’ Night. The show is still a space for women and non-binary individuals to celebrate themselves and their music, but now it has a name that better reflects this inclusive ethic. Tune in from 8 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays to hear Shruti Kaul play her favorite music as she talks to you about social justice and why you should care. Additionally, make sure to check out our new Spotify account, radio_1190, for playlists from specialty shows like Ladies’ Night and tons more!
By Jolie Klefeker