Fresh from their reformation stint as post-rock/drone legends Godspeed! You Black Emperor, Canadian formation Silver Mt. Zion here release a limited double-single and their first new tunes in 2 years.
"What We Loved Was Not Enough", in 2 parts, is a slow and almost mournful folk/chant reflection. "The State Did Not Agree" is a similar lament, with the wailed, strained vocals of Efrim Menuck. The fourth cut, "Psalms99", doesn't divulge much from that formula, either. This one's for collectors only, it seems. Me? I'm anxiously awaiting that new Godspeed! album. (Ruined City Birdsong Combos)
Among their post-rock brethren, Japanese loud-soft rockers Mono are perhaps the most disciplined and symphonic of all. Their devastatingly intense live shows are consistently among the very best concerts I've ever seen, and it seems I'm not alone in that sentiment. So, joining up with a full orchestra to perform for 2 consecutive nights in New York doesn't seem much of a stretch for this band.
Building with the string section in the opener, "Ashes In The Snow", Mono and the Wordless Music Orchestra lead into the swarming crescendos of "Burial At Sea", as the band rides a cascade of swirling noise and bombastic percussion. "Pure As Snow" is epic -- with mop-haired guitarist Taka Goto kicking over his chair and attacking his guitar and effects boxes with reckless abandon. My favorite, "Halcyon (Beautiful Days)" is as beautiful and majestic as it gets, with the orchestra enhancing the band's gorgeous melodies and crushing finale.
Mono's strength lies in their mastery of juxtaposing gentle, soft guitar lullabies with powerful waves of amped-up noise. Their music is simultaneously energetic, lilting, monolithic, gentle, cathartic, peaceful, savage, and sorrowful...yet it always finishes with unquestionable hopefulness and humble humanity. "Holy Ground" is possibly the group at it's pinnacle. Mixing by Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Isis, Soundgarden) brings the live experience up to par with the studio recordings, while the DVD is a no-frills (but multi-camera) affair that more accurately represents the live experience than their 2007 tour documentary, "The Sky Remains The Same As Ever". "Holy Ground: NYC Live" is a splendid package, and priced more than reasonably. It's a must-see for fans as well as those curious about Mono's blindingly evocative and gorgeous experimental rock. (Temporary Residence)
Best-known as drummer for Minneapolis punk icons Husker Du, some would be surprised to hear this new solo record from Hart, his first in 9 years. All but abandoning his more raucous punk roots, "Hot Wax" sees collaborations with members of Canadian post-rock acts Godspeed You Black Emperor/ A Silver Mt. Zion, but even this is overshadowed -- probably for the better, due to Hart's fine, mature, and well-developed songwriting skills. "You're The Reflection Of The Moon On The Water" is a superb, raved-up rock song that admittedly owes much to Patti Smith. "Barbara" is a sweet bit of 60's-style English baroque pop, and "School Buses Are For Children" is a well-written and heartfelt classic rock-style song that showcases Hart's considerable skills as a vocalist -- a fact seemingly forgotten and overshadowed by his years in the background. "California Zephyr" is a simple pop song that's effectively catchy and narrative, as is the 60's pop of "Sailor Jack". Taken as a whole, "Hot Wax" is an amazingly well-composed collection of diverse, tuneful, clever, and timeless songs that will withstand. Full accolades! (MVD Audio)
I was never very familiar with Chesnutt's highly-regarded back catalogue, but this new release on Canadian label Constellation is a superb collection of darkly introspective and atmospheric folk tunes, with musical contributions from Thee Silver Mt. Zion Orchestra and associates. Everything here is moody and literate, highlighted by the epic 'Debriefing', which begins as a textural collection of radio transmissions and 'found' sounds that erupt into a powerful and driving noise-infested rock song that further frames Chesnutt's desperately poetic words. 'You Are Never Alone' is another memorable cut, detailing a world-weary but uplifting set of circumstances that one can ordeal, with a lovely chorus of 'keep on keepin' on'. I can't help but think that this is precisely what A Silver Mt. Zion needs, a vocalist/songwriter who can express with great feeling the sorrow and fragility of life in this world, but with a finely-tuned spiritual side that doesn't drag down, but inspires. Chesnutt is awesome here, gelling his rootsy and personal words with the group's sometimes minimalist, othertimes percussive and overloaded post-folk noise. Transcendent and beautiful work. (Constellation)
Fresh from their reformation stint as post-rock/drone legends Godspeed! You Black Emperor, Canadian formation Silver Mt. Zion here release a limited double-single and their first new tunes in 2 years. 
