Welcome to Sonic Baptism with Spirit Lust and friends. Dim Things graciously gave me a platform to share my favorite recent releases and shows of the week (No shows this week). For a playlist of all the songs, and artists mentioned in the week’s article follow here (also includes our friends and releases). It’s been another tough week in quarantine, but music always helps. Without further interruption Sonic Baptism, this week with Jacob Saxton and Sergio Falvo.
Greg Fox is a multi-instrumentalist, interdisciplinary artist, and teacher from New York City. If you aren’t familiar with Fox you may recognize him from either touring, or recording with Liturgy, Uniform, Dan Deacon, Ben Frost and many more. Now Fox announces his latest solo record Contact. With the first single, “From the Cessation of What”, Fox explores and experiments with his master skills as a percussionist. Hypnotic and tribal percussion evolve through out the 8 min beat driven landscape. With support from exploratory elements of synth, “From the Cessation of What” is a jumpstart for your brain, an instant energizer to help you tackle any obstacle. This song morphs and transforms keeping you on your toes. With elements of experimental, jazz and world music permeating through out the song. Constant is out 5/29 via RVNGIntl. – Spirit Lust
YEEHAW! Razor Braids is a rock band hailing from the great state of Brooklyn. Their debut single “Nashville” dropped this week and it couldn’t have come at a better time. If you haven’t heard of them yet, they come with two guitars, a bass, drums, and a whole lot of star power. Razor Braids comes in hot with three minutes of joy in these uncertain times. “Nashville” has this sense of nostalgia to it. Almost like you’ve known this band your whole life. It’s got huge vocals, catchy melodies, and killer leads that swallow every thought in your mind and take you to a better place. Check it out and be on the lookout for more to come from these pals. – Sergio Falvo
The debut release from Husband (Rafay Rashid of Ravi Shavi and Dennis Ryan of Deer Tick), is not something you should sleep on. It contains 6 tracks made by the duo over the last few years. “Where Eagles Dare” is a refreshing take on The Misfits’ classic anthem. Stripped down to the essentials and reworked, Husband brings it out in new light. The track is slowed down immensely and also brings a slight swing to the mix – it’s as if you are hearing it for the first time. Along with this track, the entire album deserves attention, as this pair has an apparent knack for quality songwriting and musicianship. Visit their Bandcamp to support them directly as they continue to prep for a follow-up release with aims to have it pressed on vinyl. As mentioned many times before, now is one of the most crucial time to support artists. – Jacob Saxton
Dale Jr. is solo project of DJ O’loane, the ever inspiring prolific member of Brooklyns own diy bands Should’ve, Otra Vez and Swear Tapes. Having found himself with extra free-time from losing his job, he decided to use his time for finishing up demos from his past. “broken bones” is the first of these unfinished wonders and what meaningful gift it is. Bleeding with a ’90’s indie pop/psychedilic that has become a signature of O’loane’s songwriting style. An instant classic that would make Malkmus, Martsch and Albertini envious of not writing “broken bones’ A jangly slide guitar by Roger Siver adds to the growing guitar layers, each with their own hook and catchiness. Rumor has it that Dale Jr. will be on the Quarantunes comp by DIM Things and a full length in the future out via Spirit Lust ;}. “Broken Bones” is out now via Dale Jr.’s bandcamp. – Spirit Lust
“Strange” is the debut single from New York psych project, Gift. This track couldn’t have come at a better time, it hits like a beam of sunshine – something we all need right now. Packed with jamming guitars, synths, and a steady rhythm to back it up, this song takes you back to warmer days when you could spend time outside with your closest friends. The song sounds like what the world looks like through sunglasses, cool sunlight through the trees with clouds slowly passing behind. Gift – known for their great live performances – was set to have a killer single release show on March 26, alongside Carinae and Mary Vision, but due to obvious reasons, this was postponed. However, we are thankful that they still released this song for us to enjoy collectively in our own homes. Keep your eye out for what they do next because, after listening to this single, you know it will be good. – Jacob Saxton
Do you love psychedelic music? Do you love Japan? Do you love Sub Pop? If you answered yes to any of these questions then acquaint yourself with Kikagaku Moyo, Japans finest export in Psychedelic music. Now the release their recent recordings from their release part of Sub Pops awesome Singles Club. Featuring two relaxing cuts that show their softer side of psyche rock. The first song, “Gypsy Davey”, is a reworking of the traditional British folk song by the same name. While referencing Sandy Denny’s arrangement from the 1971 album Fotheringay for their performance. Kikagaku Moyo recorded the track in London with guest vocalist Kandice Holmes, aka Bells. A beautiful song for a day trip to your fire escape for a beer while social distancing. living is easy with Kikagaku Moyo. Gyspy Davey is available now via Sub Pop. – Spirit Lust