Across Tundras - "Sage" album

After a number of obscure and limited albums, this Nashville-based group finally gets their due with their first release on Neurot. Starting things off with the thick, molasses rock of "In The Name Of River Grand", this group's attack is multi-pronged. On one hand, they're a heavy rock band with roots in extreme metal. But the moods and textures here are distinctly Americana, with country, western and Appalachian themes around the edges. For example, "Buried Arrows" is a country-folk tune at heart, but played with louder amps. "Tchulu Junction" is a slow-burn crusher with enough epic peaks and valleys to please any Neurosis or Swans fan. "Mean Season Movin' On" is a 12-minute mountain of huge post-Hawkwind psychedelic space rock, and the closer, "Shunka Sapa" is another wandering psyche-metal jam that proves that these guys are at the top of their game. Splendid work! (Neurot Recordings)

Across Tundras site

Across Tundraspace

Summon The Crows - "One More For The Gallows" album

Fiery and potent thrash/death metal here from a Norwegian act. Limited to only 1000 copies, "One More For The Gallows" also channels some crusty English hardcore on tracks like the punchy "Ornaments", and "Black Hole" brings in some black metal influences, as well. All said, it's 10 tracks in 26 minutes here, all fairly vicious and packed with crunch and groove. Completely worthy. (Southern Lord)

Summon The Crowspace

"The Quiet Arrangement" DVD (director: David C. Snyder)

This small-time indie film may not be perfect, but certainly shows some vision and skill. A tense action crime thriller ripe with treachery and murder, "The Quiet Arrangement" begins with a simple abduction and ransom, but gradually morphs into a befuddling and twisty ride. Featuring a cameo from Public Enemy's Chuck D, this one has some outstanding cinematography, decent acting, and a fine showing from the alluring Christina Simkovich, who plays abductee Sharon Briggs. Stylish and inventive, this is one micro-indie that's well worth a chance. Here's hoping Sundance or IFC will pick it up. (MVD Visual)

Duke Ellington - "Reminiscing In Tempo" DVD (director: Gary Keys)

This loving tribute was filmed predominantly at Duke's sister's yearly celebrations in honor of Duke's birthday. So expect a cast of Ellington's former bandmates and colleagues, some telling stories of the famed jazz bandleader/pianist's heyday and some even performing pieces. "Reminiscing In Tempo" strays from the usual documentary format in that it's like being at a party in honor of Ellington (which it is). Director Keys also inserts a number of rare video clips and photos into the mix, so this one's probably a must-see for fans and those curious about one of America's most important musical icons. Enjoyable and well-done. (MVD Visual)

Duke Ellington website

The Low Anthem - "Smart Flesh" CD

Recorded (at least partially) in an abandoned pasta sauce factory in their home state of Rhode Island, this album further proves that the Low Anthem are one of America's best unknown musical treasures. Sure, they have only a mere 3 albums under their belt, but "Smart Flesh" is wise listening for anyone who appreciates rustic and earthy indie pop with country and drone flavorings.
The spectral and heartfelt opening paean, "Ghost Woman" opens it all in a low-key fashion. It's a great little song, with wonderfully literate verbiage. Perfect. "Apothecary Love" is another memorable and catchy old-time country lament. Beautiful. "Boeing 737" is a rousing and moving anthem, and "Wire" is a lovely clarinet interlude by the band's Jocie Adams. "I'll Take Out Your Ashes" is an appropriately sparse banjo-and-radio ballad featuring charismatic front man Ben Knox Miller. But it's all good, here. Every song tells a story with grace and poeticism.
The Low Anthem will easily appeal to fans of stuff like Dylan, Wilco, or even similarly-named Minnesota drone-rockers Low. This album couldn't get higher marks from me. So what are you waiting for? (Nonesuch Records)

The Low Anthem site