Johnny Action Figure - "Good Eye" CD

Upbeat and melodic indie power-pop from some Pennsylvania dudes, Johnny Action Figure craft back-to-basics songs sans studio trickery, and in the process harken back to the 'good old days' of alternative radio, and wouldn't sound out of place on a roots-rock show. The single, "Young Rider", will appeal to fans of stuff like Dead Cab For Cutie, which isn't a bad thing. Nothing about JAF stands out too far in the crowd, but their lite-rock vibe is cool and gentle on the ears, and they definitely know how to write a hook-laden pop song. No claws or unintended noises here, just radio-friendly indie rock with a clean and nondescript vibe. It may not be too unique or memorable, but "Good Eye" is pleasing to the ears. (Johnny Action Figure)

Johnny Actionspace

Nekrasov / Aderlating - "Split" LP

This is an ultra-limited (300 copies) split vinyl album from a couple of little-known artists who are working well outside the lines of the mainstream. Australia's Nekrasov take one side, and their "Qualities Of Being Futile And Valueless" is an epic 24-minute ambient doom-ride, and certainly coming from the darkest recesses. Drones, disembodied voices, and effected electronics make this one an unsettling listen, like a trip through a horrific fun house. They refer to themselves as 'black metal/ambient/experimental', and that seems relatively appropriate based on the material here. Not bad, and certainly not for the easily-spooked. Aderlating is a project of Mories from Dutch extreme metal/noise group Gnaw Their Tongues, and it's outlook is much the same. Blackened ambient drone with atmospheres that evoke an oppressive mood of claustrophobia and tension. Flashes of noise and feedback litter the opener, "Chalic Of Abalam", and though there are 3 tracks listed (including the charmingly-titled "Dog Semen"), Aderlating's music flows into one. It seems a little more static and less subtle (and thus less interesting) than Nekrasov's side, but the mood and texture fits. For fans of classic noise-based ambient industrial, this LP will prove to be a fulfilling journey to a hellish sound-world. (Chrome Leaf)

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Nekrasovspace

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Free download of Aderlating's new "Dying Of The Light" EP

'kirchenkampf' - "Dark Planet" CD

This lovely and mysterious ambient CD is the ideal soundtrack to a Kubrick-esque space journey, and the intense visuals this one instills make it a must-hear for fans of dark and cinematic electronic music. Beginning with the suspended animation sleep of "In Transit" and "Homesick", the crew then awakens to some startling visions of distant worlds in transformation. Confusion arises with the chaotic "Dark Planet", which seems to cause some distress, as heart-rate increases and otherworldly sounds envelop the cabin. "Terrorform" and especially "Firemountain" are dark visions of what may be a distant world sustaining a violent disturbance. Could it be natural, or ??. Regardless, "Newmoonrise" sees a new beginning, as deep drones and reverberations bring a peaceful conclusion to the day's tumult. "Waiting For The Sun" brings an even more hopeful ending to this incredible sojourn. "Dark Planet" is a memorable and evocative collection of thematic instrumental pieces that sparkle with just the right balance of light and dark hues. Fully recommended. (Cohort Records)

sound samples courtesy of Cohort Records

Rock-Afire Explosion covers Arcade Fire!

Okay, so a lot of people may be too young to remember Showbiz Pizza, which was basically a precursor to kid-friendly party/pizza joint Chuck E. Cheese. These massive animatronic figures, known as the Rock-Afire Explosion, were programmed to play music in the restaurants. Well, it seems the characters have survived and there are die-hard fans who are keeping the band going, programming them with modern music! Check this amazingly well-done clip of Rock-Afire doing the Arcade Fire's chilling "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)". See what you think. There are plenty of other songs performed by this innovative robot-band, too.



And check out this amazing fan museum and archive site:
Showbiz Pizza

Inferno - "Black Devotion" CD

From the Czech Republic comes this veteran band of "intolerant antihuman" (their label) black metal marauders. "Black Devotion" begins with the dark ambient/symphonic "Prolog" before erupting into the ferocious tempos of "Superior Will". It's a tight and sturdy groove throughout the album, with machine-like drums, blizzard-gale guitars, and incomprehensible wails for vocals. Definitely strong work. "Holy Poison" is a blazing sonic attack, though it differs little from the previous tracks. The melody (all but submerged under the lightning blastbeats), as well as a rough-and-rowdy guitar solo mid-track, feels much like classic metal, but this one dives back into the black metal abyss pretty quickly. "Sign Of Hell" is another highlight, with some stunning technical and tempo changes that show the group's mastery of their material. Solid and potent black metal with nods to classic metal in spots, Inferno bring a storm of riffs, rhythms, and snaky vocals that certainly crush many of their peers. This is something to be proud of. (Agonia)

Infernospace

Zu - "The Way Of The Animal Powers" LP

After 10 years and a number of releases on genre-bending labels like Atavistic and Ipecac, this Rome-based quartet turn to Public Guilt for the James Plotkin-mastered vinyl version, and it's a wonderful blending of elements and out-there instrumental (and organic) textures. Zu are like the missing link between free jazz, Black Flag, and no-wave, if you can imagine that. Or maybe the mutant offspring of Tortoise and Mr. Bungle. Either way, it's great and imaginative music. The memorably-titled "Tom Araya Is Our Elvis" opens, and this sets the stage with a monolithic SWANS (pre-"Filth") groove that meets Greg Ginn somewhere in a New Orleans bar. Awesome and annihilating. "Things Fall Apart" is a bewildering avante-tribal-jazz-improv that sounds like Crash Worship jamming with Ornette Coleman. Very kuhl. "The Witch Herbalist Of The Remote Town" is an apt title, capturing a feral set of magical tones, scrapings, and rolling percussion. Jungle jazz, indeed! Zu's innovative and out-there music can safely be called experimental, but whereas most sounds classified as such can be overly conceptual and academic, this album is both evocative and engaging, from start to finish. Stupendous work, and something that should be mandatory listening for jazz, metal, or indie rock purists alike. (Public Guilt)

Zuspace site

"Rescue Dawn" (director: Werner Herzog)

Count on Herzog to take opening shots of an air-to-ground bombing and make it look like a beautifully choreographed ballet of sorts. And leave it to Herzog to capture the majestic and lush natural scenery of a war-torn country and make it look like a National Geographic paradise retreat. But this isn't necessarily a stereotypical Herzog film, though it does feature a solitary man whose spirit overcomes startling odds -- a seemingly recurring theme for the famed German director. Starring marquee Hollywood madman Christian Bale as Dieter Dengler, "Rescue Dawn" is a true story of an enthusiastic American pilot who is shot down over Laos during the Vietnam War, and becomes a prisoner of Laotian insurgents. During his incarceration, he encounters a group of fellow P.O.W.s, who he befriends and plans a grand escape from his slightly sadistic captors. Bale's leaden performance isn't particularly impressive, but his supporting cast (including "Lost" cast member Jeremy Davies as emaciated P.O.W. Gene) makes up for it well enough. Remarkable photography, some memorable characters on both sides, and a subtle score (mostly by Klaus Badelt). Overall? Not one of Herzog's finest triumphs, but a worthy view, nonetheless.

Werner Herzog's official site