Vertical Twin |
Looking for new music? Here are four recent releases ranging from indie-rock sludge to dive bar biker anthems to bowel-churning metal madness. Buy local!
SLONK DONKERSON | II | SLONKDONKERSON.COM
Local indie-rock trio Slonk Donkerson say they whip up "left of the dial rock as if SST never died." Hell, even the album cover evokes influences Hüsker Dü and Dinosaur Jr (it reminds me of the "Just like Heaven" 45). Slonk Donk's sophomore full-length II follows their 2010 self-titled debut (available for free download at their site). Guitarist/lead vocalist Parker Silzer (a senior at Brown University) shows off his love of Paul Westerberg on "Radical Dude." Silzer, Zack O'Brien (drums), and Dylan Vandenhoeck (bass) are at their best on "Nobody Knows This Is Somewhere" and "Heat of Night."
"We've made a truly compelling recording, and I have no doubt that if you give us a moment, you will find something to love about our band," Silzer said via email.
Visit their website or Armageddon Records on Broadway and grab a copy of II.
GALVANIZE | 75ORLESSRECORDS.COM
Straight outta Rumford, Bill Keough returns with the guitar-driven attack of Galvanize, which released a self-titled EP in December, produced by 75orLess go-to studio guy Kraig Jordan. Mission of Burma, early Sonic Youth, and Jawbox (just about the only '90s indie-rock band not on a reunion tour this year) come to mind on the five songs here. Keough keeps the vibe loose on "Battleship" and "Cupcake Face"; he clearly spent time huffing the SST and Discord catalogs early on, most evident on standout cuts "Audrey Meadows" and "Sane Coupon." Word is the Galvanize fellas have cooked up a Guided by Voices cover for the upcoming triple-dip with Six Star General and Vertical Twin this weekend (note the early start time).
VERTICAL TWIN | GEEZER WHEELIE | VERTICALTWINROCKS.COM
"Their song cloud drips motorcycles, mental illness, and sex," reads the 75orLess presser for Vertical Twin's self-titled debut EP, and VT's second installment, Geezer Wheelie, follows the same entertaining trajectory. The six tracks summon thick riffs and mucky chords made for crushing beers (fans of Supersuckers will eat this up). Vertical Twin saw some lineup changes prior to Geezer Wheelie, with drummer Tommy Riendeau and Brian Sheehan joining guitarist/lead vocalist Jose Traynor. "Bounce," "CrazyX," and "Rabbit" are barroom thumpers, and the gnarled riff on "One with the Asphalt" goes great with Traynor announcing, "It's all blood, sweat, and beers."
Pick up Galvanize and Vertical Twin discs at 75orlessrecords.com.
GALVANIZE + VERTICAL TWIN + SIX STAR GENERAL | Friday, February 10 @ 7 pm | PVD Social Club, 71 Richmond St, Providence | $5
