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 Cath Spino, Jacob Saxton, Sergio Falvo, and Chris Nilson.
Fever Blush – Brick
Nashville’s Fever Blush released their debut self-titled full length this year following a collection of singles and a live session from High There. On the live session, the band played “Brick,” an exhilarating, previously unreleased track that made me anxiously await what the band would do next. The song eventually became a focal point on the LP. Jenna Moynihan, vocalist/guitarist of Daddy Issues, lends her unabashedly personal and blunt lyrics to this shoegazey outfit. The lyric “I didn’t see you leaving/because I closed my eyes to count” leads into Moynihan’s upper vocal register in the chorus with accompaniment by guitarist Matt Payne’s jangly and pedal-infused sound. Chuggy bass by Logan Everson creates the heavy feel of the track. The guitars are versatile as they mesh shoegaze, dream pop, and alternative rock effortlessly. The tone at times subtly reminds me of “Stuck on You” by Failure. Drummer Chase Loyd offers relentless drums on “Brick,” especially in the last forty seconds as he leads them into a headbang worthy conclusion. The driving feeling of the rhythm section helps the ambiance feel controlled. This chemistry is felt throughout. The song represents the rest of the album well as Fever Blush continues to mix pop sensibilities with their honed lo-fi sound. You can buy the digital album on their Bandcamp for ten dollars. – CN
Drab Majesty – “No Rain”
“All I can say is my life is pretty plain” takes on a new meaning in the age of quarantine but thanks to Drab Majesty, it now has a new sound. After their third album “Modern Mirror” provided a great success for the neo-goth alternative duo, they have decided to give our speakers and headphones a gift: a bedroom recording of Blind Lemon’s 1992 hit “No Rain” which dropped last Friday on their Bandcamp. The cover was recorded back in 2013 by Deb Demure before the Majesty was a duo and is the perfect marriage of Blind Lemon’s easy-going melody and Demure’s self-appointed “tragic wave” sound. Demure doesn’t stray from the solid bones of the chart-topping 90s track but instead gives it a new synthy space to live in. Instead of driving along a highway in a Dodge pick up truck, we’re zooming in a Ferrari Testarossa: same highway, different ride. With the deep register of Demure’s vocals flowing between the bouncy ‘80s influenced instrumentals, Blind Lemon’s emotional lyrics take on fresh energy and relevant urgency. As the song closes with a powerful wave of the familiar lyrics “I’ll have it made”, you can only trust that eventually, we will all have it made. – CS
Dehd – “Loner”
Dehd heads rejoice! Dehd just announced a new album, Flower of Devotion, and with it dropped their first single of the year. “Loner” harnesses that signature Dehd sound we have all come to know and love. Jangly guitar swings around through the track as the bass bumps and bounces. The simplistic but addicting drums rock along helping you dance in time. The vocals, as always, are mesmerizing as Emily Kempf (bass, vocals) squeals and squeaks out her words in such an inviting manner that you can’t help but try and sing along. It’s so catchy, it’s impossible to listen only once. Seeing this album announcement and this song was one of the best moments of this quarantine so far. Dehd’s debut album Water has been spinning on my turntable at least once a day since I’ve been locked down, and to know more is on the way soon is a wonderful feeling. Flower of Devotion is releasing July 17 on my all-time favorite Fire Talk Records. Until then, I will just keep listening to the songs we currently have, on repeat. – JS
SAAVIK – “He’s Dead Jim”
When you think of Miami, the image that comes to mind is palm trees, sandy beaches, piña coladas, and disastrous nightclubs. But, rising from the depths of the Miami underground scene, is SAAVIK; a super gnarly punk/industrial metal band. They released their first piece of music out into the world last week and it’s a 4 track crowd-pleaser entitled SAAVIK.
The album leads off with “He’s Dead Jim.” It’s an absolutely insane mix of sludge and punk. Right from the get-go, you’re hit with cymbal crashes and a distorted bassline that’ll rattle your bones just before the guitar comes kicking through the front door. The droning vocals and spacey synth slowly build in before this song goes from sludge to punk and back again. Picking up pace about halfway through, “He’s Dead Jim” is a brilliantly crafted track. The way they were able to find balance between the two genres is unruly. Dust off that aux cord (is that still a thing?) and plug in, because this deserves to be played LOUD. SAAVIK was released via Other Electricities. -SF
Linckoln – “Chicago”
This one is for all the Seanies out there – you know who you are. If not, listen, and you soon will. Linckoln is the moniker for NYC based musician Sean Petell. Dew is an album that Sean has been working on for the past eight or so years, throughout the different cities he’s resided in, and a few busses as well. “Chicago” is a poppy, bright track that, well, it just makes me feel good. This song may be a bit of an outlier on the album, which is loaded with plenty of varying sounds and moods, but for today’s state of being, this track really grabbed me tight and felt right (rhyme unintended, but I liked it, so I left it). Something about this track brings me back to my youth, I’m playing Diddy Kong Racing again and I’m beating Wizpig, not a worry in sight. But seriously, video games aside, this song has rooted itself in my brain. It runs along to a steady but moving drum track, as the deliciously catchy melody sparkles through beside it. I’ve been hearing it for days, and it’s great. Linckoln has a knack for creating soundscapes that you just get lost in. Visit his Bandcamp for “Chicago,” but stay for everything else, you won’t be disappointed. Dew was released through Ailanthus Recordings. – JS
Nation of Language – “The Wall & I”
The Brooklyn based trio (and one of my favorite bands on the rise) has dropped their final single off their much-anticipated debut album, entitled “The Wall & I”. The band deftly couples powerful lyrics, vulnerable vocals, colorful synths, and baselines reminiscent of New Order and Joy Division in this powerful track, further proving their place in the modern new wave cannon. But what is really the most moving thing about this song is this incredible vastness and building sense of hope. With the repetition of Ian Devaney’s searching voice “But I would like to find another way to find you here” woven through Aidan Devaney’s soaring synths and Michael Su-Poi’s comforting baseline, I am reminded of what space feels like: air running through your hair, driving down a highway with no traffic, closing your eyes and feeling the wind press against your eyelids. You simply cannot buy that feeling. The feeling of moving forward and, no matter whether it’s an inch or 100 miles, that movement being enough. Mark your calendars because their album “Introduction, Presence” drops May 22. You can find me listening to this and the rest of their singles on repeat until then. – CS