Janglybones

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[janglybones]

Storm and Stress - 'Under Thunder and Flourescent Lights'

I had been a big fan of the Ian Williams-era Don Caballero recordings when I came across this album. So I already some context as to what this 'side-project' was trying to do. I’ll be the first to admit, it’s not an easy listen. It’s incredibly disjointed. There’s no tempo. There are no chord progressions. All the familiar signs of rock music are stripped away. For me, it was (and still is) incredibly beautiful. It’s as close to ‘high art’ (urgh) as guitar music has ever been. Bearing in mind almost no effects were used in the recording (a volume pedal on the bass is all, as far as I’m aware), no simple string of symbols and words could describe the way it sounds. Like..the first computer to become self-aware, and then to realise it’s loneliness. Like…being the only awake passenger on an aeroplane and seeing the most beautiful sunrise stream through the cabin windows and across the drooling, wrinkled, unaware faces. Beautiful-ugly. Happy-sad. The placement of every note, the unexpected little bursts of vocals, the gorgeous, cello-like bass swells, Ian’s jarring, atonal, freeform riffs, the rolling, tempo-free drumming (there’s seashells on that kit. I’m sure of it).Storm and Stress. Not for everyone, but then what that’s great is?

[janglybones]

Carson McWhirter - 'The Deadly Silver Light of Margaras'

I first discovered Carson playing bass in the Advantage, THE videogame cover-band. These guys played all the classics, from Bomberman, Castlevania to all the Super Mario tunes, note for note. He also played bass on some of Hella's work. Obviously a pretty talented musician, Carson's solo stuff demostrates his creative ability. Spazzy, disjointed at times, yet very melodic, this is my personal favourite of the videos he's put out so far. I understand he travels regularly, living out of a minivan, so his output is pretty sporadic. His latest album, 'SNDLPVN' is some of the most exciting guitar music I've heard in ages. Available at http://carsonmcwhirter.bandcamp.com.

[janglybones]

Blake Mills - Guitar Moves

Usually, when a friend says ‘check out this amazing guitarist!?’ it’s time for a snooze. Having played guitar on and off for 15 years, I agree with the sentiment that guitar is ‘an instrument for assholes’. No other instrument has been subjected to so much brutality. With the exception of a handful of musicians (Ian Williams, Marc Ribot, Carson McWhirter and a few others spring to mind), most guitar playing is derivative, uninspired and boring as fuck. Blake Mills, for me, joins the few. I mean, the dude can play, clearly, but he also has a unique voice, something seriously lacking in the world of guitarists. The Sitar-style playing is technically awesome and has so much feel. The Cuban improv at the end shows his knowledge, the amount of chord voicings he crams in is incredible, and most importantly you never feel like he’s using them for the fuck of it. It’s exciting to see a guitarist who really cares about the craft. Plus, his songwriting is pretty awesome too. Check out his album ‘Break Mirrors’ for proof.

[janglybones]

Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples, Casey Veggies - 'Hive'

With ‘Doris’ available for pre-order and out in less then two weeks, hype is building for Earl's debut solo album. The first few bars on ‘Hive’ (“promised Heron I’d put my fist up/after I get my dick sucked/quick buck/maybe a gold chain”) makes it pretty clear what you’re in for. Everyday, vacuous money raps this ain’t. His slurring, heinous, introspective, tripped-out verses slither over a brooding, minimalist, fucked-up bassline, and the last verse by Vince Staples, 32 bars and apparently written in 15 minutes!!! is to the point, grimy as fuck and contrasts perfectly with Earls more otherworldly style. The few other tracks floating around, his work with Flylo/Captain Murphy, as well as several comments in interviews and on twitter, all point to a darkly surreal, more personal, anxious, mature feel to Earls raps. With anyone who’s anyone producing/rhyming on the album, and one track ‘Centurian’ sampling Can, Earl seems to be picking up where ‘Chum’ left off. I’m hyped. Doris is released on August 20th and available for pre-order now.

[janglybones]

My good friend Mo Daghlas and I in his garden. Cbury 2013. 3 years since my last visit, getting looked after pretty well.