Some Kind of Hate: Withered returns, '94 Broncos parody OJ, Cissy's new noise, and more
It's been a busy year so for for local metal and punk. Here's some choice cuts, including the first new Withered track in six years.
Withered — “Husk” (from forthcoming Season of the Mist album Grief Relic)
Recently unveiled track “Husk” casts Withered’s Grief Relic (out May 27 on Season of the Mist) as worth the six year wait between albums. Skull and Bones and Decibel broke the news, streaming the band’s latest cut of intricate yet unpredictable metal. Like numerous Withered songs, “Husk” blends regional death metal’s glory days — think Morbid Angel — with contemporary Southern sludge. Pummeling beats and an agitated hive of guitars back cryptic cries and guttural screams. Hopefully, it's a preview of the entire album’s tense mood.
’94 Broncos — We Don’t Pull Over E.P. (self-released)
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Musically, ’94 Broncos does a fine job blending standard garage-punk with dashes of psychedelic, funk, and rockabilly influences. That’s fine, especially at a time when fewer locals embrace sounds that helped define Atlanta 10 years ago. What isn’t standard is the theme. O.J. Simpson humor, be it purposeful or a John Travolta as Robert Schapiro level accident, is way less overdone by neo-garage kids than singing about pizza and cheeseburgers. Hopefully the foodies won’t follow suit and start writing songs about the Making a Murderer guy.
Cissy — Slow Jerk demo (self-released)
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The latest addition to Atlanta’ wealth of noise rockers is local three piece Cissy, featuring members of the Joy Kills. Digesting the band’s four song Slow Jerk demo conjures up expected memories of Amphetamine Reptile and Sub Pop’s back catalogs. Like obvious forefathers Nirvana or regional peers the Power Room, Cissy is the result of three guys clicking together musically as they build songs around meaty riffs and melodic screams. “Sweet Suezy” and “Rejection Protection” are examples of ‘90s nostalgia done right, capturing the urgency of punk’s last mainstream gasp.
Day Old Man — Prolapsed Brainus (self-released)
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It’s difficult to label Day Old Man’s sound. Bassist/vocalist Derek Schulz and drummer/vocalist Bobby Theberge disperse doom, stoner, and drone metal influences across sprawling soundscapes on Prolapsed Brainus. Though social media misuse has nearly rid the term epic of its actual meaning, it really does apply to this three-song release. Cuts like the hulking, 22 and a half minute “Portal Rips” meander through more twists and turns than you’ll find on some key releases from prog rock’s glory days. Each interlocking part paints bleak pictures of modern living and mankind’s eventual demise. Download, tune in, and drop out.
Jock Gang—self-titled E.P. (self-released)
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Experimental rockers Jock Gang have gained traction in recent months — adding Shepherds guitarist Jonathan Merenivitch and drummer Adrian Switon to the fold, and having a song on Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Records Compilation Volume 1. The four-piece’s latest forward motion came in late February when an eight-song digital EP hit Bandcamp. Sonic offerings range from wistful indie pop (“Amen Love”) and peaceful baroque sounds (“Moon Song”) to abrasive, full-volume art rock (“They Vacation” and “Alls Clear”). Together, these songs come across as experiments that trample indie rock’s sometimes narrow boundaries.
Some Kind of Hate is a collection of punk, metal, garage, and hardcore cuts released by bands or labels practicing their craft in and around Atlanta. The previous installment can be read here. Submissions are accepted via email.