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 & Sergio Falvo.
Dig Nitty – “Lomita”
Dig Nitty, a Brooklyn DIY staple, just announced that their debut album Reverse of Mastery is to be released this summer via the legendary Exploding in Sound Records. With the announcement, they gave us their first single off the LP. “Lomita” is the surfy, sun-fueled track we all need. It’s as bright and poppy as a summer bike ride through the park but also lined with a little grit, showing off their New York roots. Lead vocalist Erin McGrath provides a soothing vocal melody that washes over the bouncing rhythm section. Guitars jangle along in accompaniment with just the right touch of distortion to provide that needed punch. The track wraps up with a loose but mean, shredding guitar solo that leaves you wanting to listen to it all again form the top. It takes just two minutes, but “Lomita” is a great taste of what is surely going to turn into a summer favorite. Reverse of Mastery is due out July 24th. – JS
Public Practice – “Each Other”
Whoa! Gentle Grip! The debut album we’ve all been waiting for. Public Practice released an album nothing short of perfect last week. Funk, punk, disco, you name it, this four-piece out of Brooklyn found a way to bring back the best parts of the ’70s and create a sound that is distinctly theirs. While opinions on live shows may not mean much in these times, it’s fair to mention that Public Practice puts on a killer show and we can’t wait until they’re back at it. But in the meantime, they’ve blessed us with a beautiful full length. While the whole album is worth a thousand listens, “Each Other” finds its way into the brain every day. Quick hitting riffs and groovy bass lines will have you running for those dancin’ shoes. And by dancin’ shoes, we mean those crocs that you ordered three weeks ago because “what’s the point anymore?” Public Practice really shows how well they can blend different genres into one magnificent track. While they show this throughout their debut LP, “Each Other” feels extra special. Each verse grows funkier and funkier until it gets punkier and punkier. And that would be the best way to explain it. Check it out for yourself. -SF
Shitstorm- “Can’t Get Away”
St. Louis, Missouri’s Shitstorm have a new split coming out alongside their buds Sunwyrm (mentioned below). One track from each band has dropped in anticipation and I personally can not stop listening to “Can’t Get Away.” It’s a killer garage rock tune that may appear a bit laid back, but it’s loaded with attitude and style. This song makes me want to pop on a leather jacket and some shades, light a cig and strut down the sidewalk on my own time – as in I’m not stopping for crosswalk signs, and I’m not moving out of your way. The bass bumps along giving the whole track that needed groove as the drums smack away holding it all down tight. Lead guitar is noodling around with that perfect bit of psych-rock influence – I just can’t get away. The whole thing has a great lofi quality to it, sounding like it was recorded in their basement, and it makes me love it that much more. The full split EP is due out May 29 through What’s for Breakfast Records, so stop by their Bandcamp and preorder a tape while you still can. – JS
Sunwyrm- “Skeletal Surfer”
The other half of the previously mentioned split is nothing to sleep on either. Also, out of St. Louis, Sunwyrm leaves you certain that the unreleased tracks on this split are going to be great. Their track “Skeletal Surfer” is a pure shredder. They warm you up with a nice little intro, but once you hear the guitars turn on for real you find out what your in for, and that is a big wall of noise that makes up an awesome punk track. Rhythm guitar and bass are speeding along tirelessly as the leads screech out high above. The drums are tight as hell and hold nothing back for the entirety of the song. The vocals are screamed as much as they are sung, and are loaded with a nice taste of distortion to blend them into the mix. The whole thing comes together in a perfect way. It’s a different sound than the other half of the tape, and that’s what I love. What’s for Breakfast Records really threw together a heavy one here. – JS