Joe 4 - Enola Gay EP

Whosbrain [2011]

Got a request to review this recently. I was aware of this band's existence but had not really spent time with any of their material.
I just spent some time.
I like this.

Joe 4 is a trio from Zagreb, Croatia. I had to look up where Croatia was. Apparently it's next to Bosnia and across the bay (Adriatic Sea) from Italy. I will admit that learning this somehow increased the band's cool factor in my unreasonable mind.
Anyway, these guys produce some spectacular noise. Overall, the music offers a combination of classically angular noise rock with the melodic presence and energy of a post punk/ hardcore tune. The guitars are dry and metallic (that "aluminum" sound), the bass is gritty, and the vocals are barked with an intensity akin to a thunderstorm. Think Brainbombs doing a Fugazi cover. Ya, these guys sound like Brainbombs imitating Fugazi (in the best possible sense). All of this is tangled within that intensely staccato rhythm we might expect from such a venture. It's easy to see why these guys got Albini to do their most recent record.

Check these guys out and buy their stuff.

http://joe4.bandcamp.com/
http://www.facebook.com/Joe.Four

Calvin Krime - Dress For The Future

Amphetamine Reptile [1997]

The combination of noise rock and hardcore can get sketchy at times. Don't ask me why. It just does (remember the garbage 31G put out...?).
This record is not sketchy, though. Well... not in a bad way at least...

Download

United Sons of Toil - When the Revolution Comes, Everything Will Be Beautiful

 
 Phratry [2011]

I don't get it... Someone finally put out a good anthemic protest record and Crimethinc is nowhere to be found?... At least the black bloc can throw out their shitty Catharsis records now... This this is the stuff window-smashers have been waiting for...

When I first heard this record I was stoked.... All the members of Buzzoven started a post-hardcore band?!!!! I'm Sold!
I was wrong though. It's actually a trio of dudes from Madison, WI that like noise rock and class struggle.
It really does sound like Buzzoven playing post-hardcore. I promise. Listen to it. Tell me I'm wrong (actually don't, I have a very fragile self image and I might off myself if you criticize me).

Musically, the band offers a heavy sound laced with both melody and dissonance. The juxtaposition of "soft" and "harsh" reminds me Today is the Day...

I like it...




Buy here
The band's website