ANTIQUE BROTHERS "Hot Shit" c50 (Really Coastal)

Of all the things i'd never think to make a 'comeback' or find a home in the 'noise tape' community it would be "pro-dubbed" tapes. But what do i have in front of me but a new release on the Really Coastal label by Antique Brothers on a pro-dubbed bone colored tape, with printing indicating "hot side" and "shit side." Next step "one side longer to retain continuity" notices.

The upside of pro-dubbed tapes is definitely in the fidelity, you can hear the music a bit better, and i'd guess the label has to have a little more at stake in them (it does cost more right?) so they're going to expect a higher quality release, and Antique Brothers deliver just that.

Two sides of music that push and pull at elements of looseness and cooperation as a slide guitar beautifully leads the group through and off of percussive paths suggesting folk, psych and free jazz elements while never investing in one at the exclusion of others. The first side is a lot more patient and exploratory of the forms while the second side does venture into the spastic which is suggestive of out/free jazz. But still, something in there doesn't quite hold on and it remains more in the "psych freak out part" rather than a genre crossing.

The title does seem a little weird to me though, there is never really a "shit" vibe to the whole piece and hot doesn't exactly seem an apt description for something that is so toned down and focused for 3/4 of the listen. It's not for me to name releases though and it's not really worth complaining about when it's as good as this stuff.

A nice second release from the Really Coastal label with full color photo artwork.
Printed in an edition of 125 on the aforementioned pro-dubbed tapes.
still available from the label:
www.reallycoastal.com

LATERAL HYETOGRAPHY : Some Girlzz cassingle (Really Coastal)

First off i have to get my conflict of interest out in the open, Jon, who is lateral hyetography, and i email each other about the Boston Celtics and Books, i don't think that'll effect my write up, but i just want to put it out there.

This tape is a legit, professionally printed m-f'in cassingle. kudos for that ish; you'll occassionally see a new tape that's professionally printed, but i'll be damned if dudes are still making cassingle/promo tapes. Anyhow this jam (it's just one jam! program repeats!) hits a really really soft spot of mine, old organ drum beats, or something that sounds hot-shit-just-like-it. its a great beat that runs through the whole tune. it has a playful pop feel and structure to it, wispy, sort of high pitched vocals. i don't like using musical comparisons because i don't want to belittle or offend people or give one person ownership of a sound but this does have some ariel pink vibes quivering through the atmosphere, though the production is a lot, lot cleaner.

After a bit of verse chorus verse action, there's a long refrain that builds layers and layers of voice and synth padding, which had me thinking about the effect of the Line 6 era of noise bands and their effects/role in constructing pop format songs, there are a few bands, most notably Black Pus, who are utilizing the technique exceptionally well. while i wouldn't put this tape in that category only because it's a studio recording, it does suggest some interesting approaches to the pop/noise/ambient hybridity that are occurring.

Second Edition of 95. released by Really Coastal
http://reallycoastal.com/