Killer Ghost - Demo, Lo​-​Fi High Five & Not Punk Enough (2013)

Look here, three EPs by one artist dating only as far back as the summer. He must really be trying to win us over, eh? Well, I am sold on it, Killer Ghost is a member of a band I heavily praised in previous posts, Fun Guns. Naturally I was very excited to hear his new project and it did not disappoint, though the Demo really is that, a very rough recording and the songs that he decided to re-record on the latter EPs are really significantly improved. Musically it can easily be told that this guy is from the Fun Guns, as the music is really of the same style, which is to say bluesy, lo-fi garage rock with surf rock thrown in here and there. However, it is great to hear more from him as I can't get enough of the three EPs I've heard by Fun Guns and was already hankering for more tunes of that sort. Be sure to at least check out the super righteous EPs Lo​-​Fi High Five and Not Punk Enough. Between the two you've basically got a short album on your hands, and a damned fine one at that.

To be had here:




Demo

Lo​-​Fi High Five

Not Punk Enough

Fun Guns - Sleep When You're Dead (2012) & This Forntier (2012)

I got so many EPs lately that I had to break some of them off in some way. so seeing as how Fun Guns have two EPs out already this year they seemed the prefect candidate to write a full post for. Now I believe they're a Los Angeles based group that plays garage rock/folk with a very bluesy style. Features rather lovely lo-fi vocals along with folksy and surf elements mixed in. Why they've done a pair of EPs in the beginning of this year instead of a full-length is curious, but then again it hardly matters so long as we get to hear the songs. Best I can endeavor is that the songs where of such different sorts they split them up. However, it is certain is that this band knows how to make some really awesomely lo-fi garage rock songs on Sleep When You're Dead. In addition they've got a sweetly hazy folk sound on This Frontier, and I was enthralled especially by the stripped down tune, "Calligraphy." Make sure to check out both, I think Fun Guns are on to something.

To be had here:

Sleep When You're Dead

This Frontier

Fun Guns - Dead In The Living Room (2012)

A fresh offering from the Fun Guns, a band from Los Angles you may remember releasing a couple of EPs earlier this year. So for the third time this year we're getting a fine EP filled with garage rock. While I was charmed by the stripped down lo-fi of This Frontier, there was an incredible use of gospel-blues-surf influences in Sleep When You're Dead that recurs here. There's a definite homage to the Black Lips in what they're doing, and I might add the Black Lips' work with King Khan and Mark Sultan in Almighty Defenders are recognizably similar. Soulful and loud with that warmness of a live performance, because it was basically a live recording (didn't mean to make the title's joke too obvious). Also, the submission made a point that help of some musicians with other noteworthy work was recruited. Some check out Straight Dimes and Black Boots if you're so inclined. Finally, they've got some neat short literature for you to read as you listen to the tracks on the bandcamp page, which is pretty neat.

To be had here:
Fun Guns - Dead In The Living Room

Assorted Spilts

I've gotten enough split EPs in lately I've decided to make them into a post of their own instead of throwing them into the EP Grab Bag (cause even at my ideal bimonthly rate there's more than I can reasonably post). So here three release with six bands, like a bunch of double barrel shotguns staring you in the face.

To be had here:
War Party/Doom Ghost - Lo-Life Recordings: Love at First Fight vol. 1 (2012)


This spilt put out by the small label Lo-Life Recordings features two lo-fi rock acts with sinister names. The first three tracks are by War Party, whose sound is somewhere between shoegaze and pop-rock. Makes me think of another submitted act, Fun Guns, which is good for I've really been digging those cats still. Second three are from Doom Ghost and are more eclectic. Starts with a garage rock song, a British-esque rock number (think Follying Molly), and one's a shimmery lo-fi pop ditty that invokes the Beat Happening. Must admit both bands are impressive and a finely complimenting spilt.

Mother Night/Dropouts - Garbage Fire Spilt (2012)

More from the several times featured band, Mother Night, but this time with friends sharing the bill. The two bands contrast more strongly than the previous spilt. Mother Night plays their finely done math rock, especially well on "Uprising of the Beast." The Dropouts on the other hand are some intense, abrasive metal that'll packed to the gills with powerful guitar and hollering vocals. A palate cleanser for sure, yet enjoyed by even a non-metal fan such as myself.

The Top Grossing Films of 1984/Nate Henricks - Hang Out Lay Low (2012)

Another returning artist, Nate Henricks, shares more of his E6-style lo-fi psych-pop. This time with an epic track that exceeds 15 minutes. The Top Grossing Films of 1984, other than bearing a lengthy name, are a minimalistic lo-fi psych-folk that has qualities of Weird America stuff. For whatever reason the split this release into their respective bandcamp pages so to get it all you've got to go to each, so just click on each name to get there.

EP Grab Bag vol. 67

So here is a really mixed selection of EPs, some in genres I have not so much experience in and others basically what many could have come to expect from me. They say it is good to try to new things, I am not so sure, but seeing as I did it already for you and these ones I could get down with in some way you may as well take my word for them.

To be had here:
Killer Ghost! - Sad Boys Magic Club (2014)

A new EP from the fantastic Seattle band Killer Ghost! If you recall when I posted a group of their EPs, this band features musicians I've been down with for a while, as some where in the Fun Guns. Both of these bands are among the most played on my iPod, especially if I have the misfortune to be trapped in a car. To simply explain why I like their lo-fi rock and roll so much would be like trying to explain a taco to a weirdo that never ate one. They're are so many parts one can point out, but the real gist is that they are just the fucking best.

Cozy Catastrophes - Way Last June (2014)

Cozy Catastrophes are an group from Indiana that've got an EP released on the transatlantic label, February Records. They play sweetly composed indie pop that has a sugary quality that reminds me of Australian twee pop bands like the Lucksmiths and the Mabels. They aren't even slightly a rock band like those groups though, but veer into electro-pop with the amount of effected vocals and synthesized beats. The songs are catchy, and I found lead track "Always Say Never To Always " to be especially so.

Macsen - Clara EP 

Mascsen is a new electronic musician, having just released this debut EP of house tunes with help from Mickey Valen. Specifically it was called "tropical house / disco house" in the submission, which seems applicable as far as I can tell. I am not usually a listener of house, but every now and then, weather permitting I can get down with it. So as the heat of this summer has cooled off just enough o making the outdoors less oppressive I've been enjoying this EP on my headphones on a hammock, perhaps not what it is meant for, yet it's good for it.

The Wild Ones - Nasty Habits (2013)

This is something I found kicking around on bandcamp when I couldn't get to sleep. The EP is from last summer, but since when are summer's all the different? Anyhow, it is an all female group for Santa Cruz, CA (which'll seem familiar to another writer on this blog). The songs are short, garage pop tunes with sweet lyrics about infatuation and being fucking cool. If you liked the Silkies EP from back in Grab Bag 57, you'll be down for this more than likely.

Monster Surprise - Hiii! (2014)

Now to round this baby off with something bizarre from Paris, France. Monster Surprise makes psych-pop with an almost creepy vibe that unsettles as much as it entertains at times, but it is overall a charming EP that has some well written tunes dressed up with oddness. I believe they are attempting to be provoking with how they went about composing the tracks, and to that end they succeeded rather well. It is a good start, and could very well be the first steps of a band that could make something freaky and awesome in the vein of Elephant 6 or some other reference I don't have...

Space Rock Mountain Podcast 20 - Rock and Roll 1000th Post All Night!

We celebrate the 1000th post of the podcast by digging deep into the 8 years of Space Rock Mountain history. Subscribe to the podcast, and email us your comments/questions for free super-cool cholo prizes!



Music:
1. The Karovas Milkshake - Yeah!
2. The Omecs - Tell Me Why
3. Public Dims - Numb Shuffle 
4. The Woolen Men - Submission
5. Gregory Page - Shine, Shine Shine 
6. Wavepool Abortion - I Want to Die
7. Wet Paint DMM - It is Therapeutic
8. Merlin's Magic Music Box - I Don't Care 
9. Fun Guns - Sleep When You're Dead

Bumper Music by:
Car Seat Headrest - Twin Fantasy 

EP Grab Bag vol. 23

The latest collection of overdue EP reviews in brief. Hope they're to your liking as much as they were to my own.

To be had here:

Bad Jeans - Bad Jeans (2011)

Found this on the 'recommended by' list of Fun Guns on bandcamp page. Liking what those fellas were up to enough I thought I couldn't go wrong trying out whatever they gave a thumbs up to. My trust paid off in full, as this EP by Bad Jeans is outrageously sweet. Six beautifully done lo-fi rock songs that are equally catchy pop and garage rock. It's almost as if the songs are immediately familiar, but I can't imagine there isn't a healthy amount of good influences we all may be aquatinted making that the case. Just remarkably fresh for something so perfectly lo-fi rock it sound like it should've always been there.

My Little Underground - My Little Underground (2012)

This band makes me think of Gang of Four and Josef K for the get-go, which pulled me in for the duration. Doesn't let up either, the comforting repetition of the drum beats, angular and dreamy guitars alternating and even vocals that summon recollections of Entertainment! or Echo & The Bunnymens' Songs To Learn & Sing. In short, some damned fine post-punk. So thanks to these guys I am gonna be listening to British bands from the 80s for a couple weeks. Seeing as I can't find any email record of this being submitted it's likely I actually stumbled onto this myself. How novel...

One Leg Mary - Yes Exactly, Maybe Not (2012)

I should stop being so surprised by the fact that heavy rock/post-metal bands that submit me music intrigue me so much. Well, I've never feel any dislike for that sort of music I realize I've come to listen to it only when a musician see fit to send me some, each time reminding me that it's something I can thoroughly enjoy. Obviously most recently this thanks to Athens, Greece's One Leg Mary . The songs are wonderfully composed of loud guitars, pounding drums and dynamic singing that altogether creates an enveloping sound capable just manhandling my state of mind. Even when the slow way down such as on the track "Outfit" the music remains potent.

Michael Amason + Density - Southern Tombs/Sacred Drones (2012)

Southern Tombs/Sacred Drones is the band I was sent along with Painted Faces from Cookies N' Creme Records in cassette form (in which it is still available). The title Sacred Drones is not beating around the bush either, it is really some magnificently intense drone music. My first listen was waking up hungover to put it on while drinking coffee and preparing for work, I might as well as starting drinking all over again for disorientating pleasure it caused me. It's a stalwart example of drone and noise if I've ever heard one, and this blog makes plenty sure of that. Lastly, this is some really fucking great cover art, like for reals.

EP Grab Bag vol. 56

Here are what I pulled out from the inbox this time, with a bit more of a mix in genres which I hope will keep everyone pleased.

To be had here:

Yelephants - You Look Divorced (2014)

Lo-fi garage rock from New Orleans to begin this bag with. No reason not to come right out with it, this EP is fucking golden. Washed out singing, fuzzed out guitars and smashing cymbals are a highway straight to my music-loving heart and Yelephants are exceeding the speed limit. Can't recommend it enough, most especially if you liked last grab bag's Geyser and another favorite of mine, Fun Guns.

Teenage Exorcists - Teenage Exorcists (2014)

If you listen to the podcast you'll have already heard at least one track from these guys and know that we're united in our unabashed love it, even, almost unbelievably, Craig. It sum it up for others, it is wonderful summertime garage pop from California like their friends the Summer Twins that Elvis posted recently. Pay attention to the lyrics, as they are a huge part of how charming this band is. With any luck they won't keep us waiting for a full-length.



Honks Berry - Painted EP (2014)

Change of pace to some electronic music, a rather genre-defining style but certainly on the mellower side. Coming all the way from Sweden this EP was released by the Brooklyn label, Outward Records. The songs have rather eclectic instrumentation mixed with ambient sounds for a tender, jazzy vibe. Some of the instruments even sound like children's toys which adds a whimsical element. I nice way to come down after all the garage rock before you give yourself a nervous disorder or whatever.

Great Reversals & Sunlight Ascending - Split 7" (2014)

Two bands to check out with this 7" and it is available still on vinyl at their website for $5, and they're kind enough to let you have it digitally regardless (just click on the other image on the left side of the page to get to the other track). Great Reversals are a Detroit band with hardcore/post-metal sound and Sunlight Ascending are a more strictly instrumental post-rock group. While Great Reversals don't play a style I often find myself seeking out I did find this track to be righteous. Sunlight Ascending seem to have firm handle on how to make building and suspenseful post-rock song. Overall a good initial exposure to each of these bands and hopefully only a preview of what they're gonna produce.