Tristan Geoff's Post-Hardcore Extravaganza

Tristan_Geoff · 02-22-2016, 09:24 PM

Terrorhawk by Bear vs Shark

Year: 2005

I can't do this album justice in writing (partly for my inept ability as you all know). It definitely has a lot of things I like about it, but I'm finding it excessively hard to put to words. Needless to say, I'll be giving this a lot more listens in the coming weeks. Everything you'd want in a post-hardcore album is here.

9/10

Tristan_Geoff · 02-25-2016, 03:05 PM

I actually listened to this yesterday but I was too lazy to make a review (I'm too lazy to do a loy of things around here actually, like update to OP. It's seriously been like 3-4 pages since). Welp, here we go.

Cunning Stunts by Cows

Year: 1992

In a flurry of post-Pussy Galore noise/blues fusion, Cows played rampant music that could easily be played at a bar during a game of billiards and opening for Melvins the like. Basically, imagine Mudhoney playing to their distortion limits and you're spot on to this release. Full of cool blues riffs and noise (almost Melvins-esque sludge), it almost sounds contradicting but the coolness and aggression balance out so well. Needless to say, it's a really fun album, and there's nothing wrong with that.

9/10

Tristan_Geoff · 03-07-2016, 06:05 PM

"!" by The Dismemberment Plan

Year: 1995

"!" is right. That bold statement and flashy cover give a nice preview as to the content of this piece; some nerdy, manic, hardcore influenced mid 90's indie rock tracks that can be accurately described as Shellac with dashes of Dinosaur Jr. Beforehand, I've read that this particular group was a huge influence on the dance-punk/post-punk revival to rear it's head later that decade. And boy, is that epitomized in Q and Not U and later era Blood Brothers' music? Yes.

Great record, great sound. Very angular, punchy, and nerdy at the same time. Plus it's a fun ride. Give 'er a spin.

9/10

Tristan_Geoff · 03-08-2016, 06:28 PM

I thought with all the rave reviews this has been getting and my procrastinating getting around to a full album of theirs (although being very impressed with what I've heard) that I'd get around to listening to this fabulous record.

Before a Million Universes by Big Ups

Year: 2016

My first exposure to this group was when my punk-inclined buddy encouraged me to check them out. And wow, did they impress me on first listen. The group takes a lot of cues from Albini and fits in nicely alongside modern post-hardcore outfits like KEN mode and The Men. Much like Shellac and Big Black, they perform noisy, abrasive punk rock, topped with the elements I love out of Slint, like the sweeping guitarwork and crazed spoken word vocals. Unlike Albini however, there's no room for tongue in cheek humor or occasional beauty. This stuff is certainly hardcore, and straightforward at it's base. The songs end abruptly and at just the right moments so that they don't dwindle on aimlessly. Very satisfying, energetic listen. Overall great album.

9/10

The Identity Matrix · 03-24-2016, 07:02 PM

Hope this doesn't derail your wonderful journal... I have been jamming to a ton of bands from this thread but I am wondering something. If you had to pick the 5 best tracks off of relationship of command by ATDI what would those be

Tristan_Geoff · 03-24-2016, 09:46 PM

Charmer by Tiger's Jaw

Year: 2012

Admittedly, I listened to this like a month ago, but I've been too lazy to review it until now. You may remember that their S/T wasn't my favorite thing in the world. Like 3 tracks on it are amazing and the rest was just decent at best. This album, however, is a massive improvement. The tracks are still sort of generic at times, and "The Sun" isn't on here, but nonetheless, the songwriting is superb and the vocals are vastly improved. The songs are lush, complimented by the organ playing and smooth dual-vocal performances that wrap you up like a blanket. It's a real comforting album, an experience not unlike that of a shoegaze or post-rock album.

9/10

Tristan_Geoff · 03-24-2016, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Identity Matrix

Hope this doesn't derail your wonderful journal... I have been jamming to a ton of bands from this thread but I am wondering something. If you had to pick the 5 best tracks off of relationship of command by ATDI what would those be

This is a question I was hoping never to be asked.

But, I'd have to say...

Sleepwalk Capsules
Cosmonaut
Arcarsenal
Catacombs (my copy came with this)
Quarantined

And thanks for the feedback! It means a lot!

Tristan_Geoff · 03-24-2016, 09:58 PM

Doppelgänger by The Fall of Troy

Year: 2005

A technically proficient skramz/prog rock masterpiece. It's got so many things happening at once, but ends up pulling the cacophonous and the mystical together nicely.

9/10

Tristan_Geoff · 03-24-2016, 10:12 PM

Needless to Say by Choke

Year: 1998

I think it's safe to say that most of you aren't aware of Choke. Here's a little crash course: they're a late 90's Canadian punk band whose style is a strange amalgamation between snotty, fast skate punk and mathy post-hardcore. Their style might have been an influence on The Blood Brothers, but other than that the sound hasn't been replicated as of yet. As for this release, I prefer their later albums. This one's just okay. But it's still Choke, so...

7/10

The Identity Matrix · 03-25-2016, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tristan Geoff

This is a question I was hoping never to be asked.

But, I'd have to say...

Sleepwalk Capsules
Cosmonaut
Arcarsenal
Catacombs (my copy came with this)
Quarantined

And thanks for the feedback! It means a lot!

Interesting picks... Im trying to pick the best from the album but I guess you would understand how difficult that would be.

I have

Cosmonaut
Catacombs (i also have the reissue)
One Armed Scissor (Sentimental reasons)
Pattern Against User
Enfilade