If It's Too Loud...

Photo by Steve Gullick Folk music can be pretty varied nowadays, but it usually has one thing in common: It sounds nice. It's a pleasant, non-abrasive genre of music. Well... that's not really the case with Duke Garwood's "Coldblooded the Return." That's not to say Garwood sounds bad. His voice is pleasant enough, and it's not like he's mixing folk and noise punk. But... there's just something uncomfortable in his music. It's brooding and dark and just... unpleasant. But it's so good. You want to know how unpleasant his music can feel? Another song, "Sleep," draws from the writings of Werner Herzog. Garwood himself refers to this album as "Beautiful apocalypse love music." Duke Garwood's new album, Garden of Ashes , will be out February 3 on Heavenly Recordings. You can listen to "Coldblooded the Return" below and pre-order your copy of the album here . For more information on Garwood, check out his...

Photo by Don Perry If my only complaint about "Entertain Me," the previous song from Nots' upcoming album Cosmetic , was that it was too short at seven minutes, imagine how I feel about their new under three minute song. But "Inherently Low" works at 2:52. It's a little more straightforward post-punk than "Entertain Me" was, while it still has some of the more spectacular Sonic Youth style noise that I've heard in over ten years. It's a pretty spectacular second song from what is shaping up to be an album of the year contender.  The second album from Memphis' Nots, Cosmetic, is due out on September 9 on Goner in the US and Heavenly Recordings in the UK. You can listen to "Inherently Low" below. For more information on Nots, check them out on Facebook . You can also pre-order Cosmetic on iTunes .

Photo by Don Perry Nots are probably the last band you'd expect to come out of Memphis. Their newest single, "Entertain Me," is a pure experimental post punk delight, the kind my wife referred to as "barely even music" last night. If you're looking for a comparison, Sonic Youth fronted by Bikini Kill is the obvious one here. Not only is Nots' sound comparable to these other two bands, but their politics also line up. According to lead vocalist/guitarist Natalie Hoffman: " The lyrics reflect the cyclical, distorted nature of the song, addressing different facets of the grotesque horror show going on in American politics and how they are portrayed- the rise of Trump, the reality-TV-like nature of American news, the almost-forced compliance of the viewer, and the for-profit-constructed 'right' of the viewer, the consumer, to require constant entertainment in order to participate, and to live." This might be the only seven minute song y...

Photo by Steve Gullick In one of the more interesting collaborations I've heard lately, Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees) has teamed up with Beth Orton to cover Marc Almond's "Your Kisses Burn," which was a duet with Nico in 1988. It also happens to be Nico's last recording. The track is undeniably haunting, with Lanegan's gruff vocals mixing with Orton's softer, more traditionally pleasing voice, much like his frequent collaborations with Isobel Campbell. Musically, it's very orchestral and electronic sounding, more on the lines with Orton's 90s work than her more recent folky side. It's definitely an interesting mix and a must listen for fans of either. You can listen to Mark Lanegan and Beth Orton's cover of "Your Kisses Burn" below. The track is part of Heavenly Recordings 25th anniversary releases. You can download it on their website . For more information on Mark lanegan, check out his website , and for Beth Orton, head ...

Gwenno, aka Gwenno Saunders, used to be in The Pipettes from 2005-2010. Knowing The Pipettes, her solo work seems to come out of nowhere. While her previous band was a fun throwback to 60s girl groups (Gwenno sang lead on the hit " Pull Shapes "), Y DYDD OLAF (The Last Day) is a political concept album that was inspired by a 1976 Welsh sci-fi novel of the same name. The album's first single, "Patriarchaeth," is kraut-pop. It's still a throwback sound slightly updated, but more 80s than 60s this time around. Y DYDD OLAF (The Last Day) is due out July 24 on Heavenly Recordings. For more information on Gwenno, check out her Facebook , Twitter , and website . Listen to "Patriarchaeth" below, and find her current tour dates below that. Saturday 4th July  - CARDIFF - Tafwyl   Sunday  5 th  July - LIVERPOOL - Heavenly 25 @ Kazimier   Sunday  19 th  July - SOUTHWOLD - Latitude   Friday   31st July  - CORNWALL - Port Eli...