"Banshee!!!" (director: Colin Theys)

This interesting indie horror flick harkens back to the days of classic splatter-monsters, and does it with flair and fun. The story involves a group of college friends who, upon vacationing in rural Connecticut, encounter a rural "legend", in the form of a demonic banshee with a devastating subsonic cry (and a taste for human flesh). The creature effects are actually quite superb (kudos to Dan Anderson and director/visual effects master Theys), and the gross-out gore here is top-notch. The acting and dialogue is a stumbling point, though, as some of the acting is delivered a little too "scripted" and unnatural. The lovely Ashley Bates is obviously the focal point here, and some of the other actors are likeable enough, too, though the aforementioned dialogue hurts the film's overall impact. I admit to cringing with the finale, where, not to give away too much, "Rocker" uses his guitar riffage to banish the beast. Ugh. Despite these flaws, "Banshee" is an entertaining and well-done little film that gets the job done better than many major studio offerings.
(Synthetic Cinema via MVD Visual)

Pajo's Evila - "Hexes"

It's always good news to hear of a new project from David Pajo, former guitarist for Slint, Tortoise, Zwan, and Dead Child, and mainman behind Papa M (and someone Goatsden interviewed/got stoned with 20+ years ago - hah!). He's unveiling a new solo album, under the name Evila, and there's a definite black metal influence. The album, titled "Hexes", is now available as a download from amazon and itunes, with a vinyl and CD release imminent (I am waiting for these to be announced to order!).

Visit Pajo's sites:
Pajo/Papa M site
Evila site
Dead Child site

Here's a video for his solo Pajo cover of the Misfits' "Where Eagles Dare", from his last release, the vinyl-only "Scream With Me". Notice the presence of lovely Papa M collaborator Paz Lenchantin!

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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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)

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