Episode #44
1. Beefclaw
Beefclaw is a new solo project of Mat Fixit, singer of hardcore punk band, Fixit Kid, from Derby. It is a new electronic project that is one part dubstep, one part electronica and lots of filthy noise (as described on Bandcamp HERE). Lots of drum patterns saturate the four-song demo released by Beefclaw, with lots of thick distorted sounds and bass. It also has a bit of an 8-bit influence with a modern day tinge. Beefclaw has also been consistently releasing new tracks on Soundcloud (check that out HERE) which include a remix of the new Crushing Blows single, Hiding Place. Beefclaw's song on this episode is titled, Owlsmasher, off of the demo.
2. Candy Warpop
Candy Warpop are a five-piece rock band based in Las Vegas, Nevada. They play progressive rock with lots of fuzz in their guitars and bass, led by an aggressive singer and backed by a top notch drummer. They currently have two EP's, one titled, Pre-Op Lollipop and the other, Post-Op Lollipop. Their first EP (Pre-Op) has five songs of experimental hard-rock while their second EP contains remixed versions of the same five songs. On Post-Op, the five songs are now transferred into a sound-scape of drum loops and electronica. Very interesting remixes and all enjoyable in their own unique way. The band also released a new music video for the song, Smilefucker, off of Pre-Op (check that out HERE). Candy Warpop's song on this episode is the remixed version of Smilefucker, off of, Post-Op Lollipop.
3. From the Cradle to the Rave
From the Cradle to the Rave are a drum and bass group based in Edinburgh. They blend hardcore electronica with punk and ska and dance floor beats. Their music is very rock driven and consistently aggressive. They have a few releases on the RIOT STEP label. Their releases include, The Seven Deadly Singles (2011), A Nightmare on Wall Street, and a four-song demo (2009). They also have been featured on the compilation, Aceh: 10 Days Strong Mixtape (check that out HERE), released through UNKNOWN and RIOT SKA Records. From the Cradle to the Rave's song on this episode is titled, Death Throes, featuring Dead Subverts, off of, A Nightmare on Wall Street. The song was also released on the Aceh: 10 Days Strong Mixtape compilation.
4. Pie Are Squared
Pie Are Squared is the electronic side project of Mohammed Ashraf, member of Cairo, Egypt based rock band, Feed Me (check them out HERE). Pie Are Squared's work is a bit more on the experimental side of electronic music. His compositions are more epic and drawn out, capturing a large amount of space, noise and ambiance. The songs also feature multiple instrumentals including drums, guitar and keys, laid perfectly on top of one another. Pie Are Squared has several releases which include This Life Changing Decision Will Change Your Life (2010), Covered In Pie (Both I and II), and the more recent, (Hungover In) Siberia (2011). The Siberia album is Pie Are Squared's first release through a label (LOST CHILDREN NET LABEL). Pie Are Squared also does remixes and collaborations. Bit Molester is a collaborative project between Pie Are Squared and Demolition Man (check out a tune from that project HERE). Pie Are Squared's song on this episode is titled, Sorry Kid..., off of the self-titled EP.
5. Moonwatcher
Moonwatcher is the electronic solo project of Michael Buehl, drummer and composer for alternative rock-band, Abandon the Raft (check them out HERE). Moonwatcher recently released a six-song self-titled EP (check it out on Bandcamp HERE). The EP features a taste of different electronic styles, some a bit experimental, but all very enjoyable. The songs are all instrumentals with the exception of the opening track, LttleBter, which features Megan Carlson on vocals and a voice recording on the funk based song, Asneeded. This song features some stellar use of the guitar, long drawn out sounds and some tight sounding solos. The songs, Abtrctn and Hi-Rja sound a bit more experimental and exotic than the other tracks, with the former using some looped incoherent voices in the mix and the latter having a bit of a middle-eastern twist in its drum samples. On the song, Caught, as the title may suggest, is full of suspense and layers of chills and thrills. The filtered drum loop on this track is a really nice touch to the overall atmosphere of the song as are the percussive bits that are scattered about (bells, chimes, triangles). The EP ends on a lively track on Dadarling. It's a smooth track filled with grooves and distant sounds of cool guitars (and maybe voices? I can't tell) submerged under water. Excellent, worldly and spacey music on this EP. Moonwatcher's song on this episode is titled, LttleBter.