MOTHER JUNO “Commit” (popnihil)

Get ready for some severely groovy squidpop from postpunk everynihilist Mother Juno! Based out of #Sacksonville (yes, I went there, although Mother Juno’s from Orlando), popnihil’s been dropping facefists full of deathdreams for nigh on a decade (seven years at least), and “Commit” is the latest missive to your dome. Drum machines stand sentry guarding the synth melodies and liquid basslines sloshing behind them, while Mother Juno preens and poses and spits (literally spits!) what he’s got to say like there’s a permasnarl all up in his grill somewhere. At home with Krushgrooves and ESGs alike “Commit” will almost certainly soundtrack a party or two in the 904. Drop some friggin cash money on it right away!

Also: Myles Jack wasn’t down!

https://motherjuno.bandcamp.com/

https://popnihil.bandcamp.com/

--Ryan

SEVERED + SAID "Pyrrhic Fortunes” (Dead Tank Records / Popnihil)SEVERED + SAID

Oh, this is electronica alright. Dark and menacing electronica. Movie soundtrack stuf. Scary movie soundtrack stuff. This tape begins the assault with “Error Unknown” which has a drone effect layered with various synth ornamentations and manages to keep its musical tentacles reaching out for just over seven minutes. The remaining two tracks on the first side are equally suspenseful, though running a shorter duration.

Side two opens with “Secret Master II” (There is a “Secret Master I” on the first side) which features low pitched droning and a synth drum accompanied by various other electronica/noise contributions. The tape ends with the title track which, with multi-layered tracking, builds to a frenzied climax, several times-appropriate for a closer.

This release was recorded and engineered by Jeremiah Johnson and the artist. The vocal on “Pyrrhic Fortunes” is done by Electric Petal. It comes in a jewel case with a full color j-card but not a lot of information.

The saving grace here is the e.p. length as this format works well for this style of music. A full length album might have been too much. This artist (he, she, they?) are good at what they do and if you’re inclined toward this direction, then by all means get this one.

www.deadtankrecords.com
www.popnihil.bandcamp.com

-- Bob Zilli

Severed+Said - "Crying In Dreams" (Popnihil)

  Another winner from Popnihil. Ultra-cinematic horror noir from the dark, dank corners of Florida. 

  

 Severed+Said has created a great set of Carpenter-esque creepers, respectively. A ghastly score for a film that doesn't actually exist, but for in the mind of the listener. Initially this reminded me of that amazing intro to The Fog, which is one my favorite film scores ever. Monstrous bass swells slither in and out of drifting analog synths, like a thick black liquid dripping through cracks in the floor. The arrangements are right and right, and all of the sound are mapped out to perfection.

  Side B bites straight out of the gate, with a heaving, wobbly bass, cyclic snares and hats, bringing a classic acid vibe into the mix and now things are picking up. Phased out synths take the lead and a haunting presence is near, and there's a deep sinking feeling that just I can't get enough of.

  S+S shifts moods often, he doesn't make a habit of lurking around any particular zone for too long, and the entire album flows smoothly in one direction. This kind of stuff often loses my attention pretty quick, but Crying In Dreams held it's own from front to back. If the Italo-horror scores are your bag, you'll want to pick this up for certain. Pro dubbed. Purple shell. 

Get it from www.popnihil.com

  

Decades/Failures - "February 14th" (popnihil)

 

 Sturdy pair of icy downers from Decades/Failures, on Jacksonville's consistently surprising Popnihil label. 

 Side A jumps right into things with "February 14th", a brooding synthpopper full of sharp and layered sequencing, treated baritone vocals and swaggering drum machine. The hooks are infectious, yet lucid, and right now this reminds me of the last Blank Dogs record, or a few of those great coldwave artifacts that Dark Entries has been unearthing. 

  Side B is a bit more gliding and tranquil. A less assaultive approach altogether, with a staggered beat and crawling synths, it's somber vocal retreat creates a slight contrast to the sweatier vibe of the flipside, and now it's time to flip the tape again. Overall a great pair of well constructed songs. I would like to see them tackle a proper LP, and as a fellow Floridian, it's nice to see something like this is happening on your own turf. 

Pro dubbed, black on black tapes. Get one from popnihil.com now.