INTO ANOTHER: Rachel and Grant Evans, the pair behind the wonderfully expressive Hooker Vision label, released a split album recently titled Dark Macramé / FM Prayer, and it’s credited to Rachel’s project Motion Sickness Of Time Travel (MSOTT) and R. Grant Evans. These recordings were captured during rehearsals for separate solo shows that took place back-to-back this past June. The MSOTT side (“Dark Macramé”) is, somewhat expectedly, composed of meditatively peaceful drones for the first several minutes, but begins to turn in mood just after the nine-minute mark. Before its conclusion it escapes, but just barely. Grant’s track, “FM Prayer” also takes up most of 20 minutes, but is much more mechanical in its execution. Melodic bleeps and bloops are all around, there’s what sounds like a fan blade passing through, etc. Interestingly, this track, too, changes just after its nine-minute mark and into something moodier and half-sinister. It does not, however, reach as comforting a conclusion. Find this at hookervision.bandcamp.com.
YOURS TO KEEP: In advance of a new EP coming out in November, Sloan Brothers will release a new single this week named “In A Movie.” This is, of course, the ongoing project of musician and recordist Sloan Simpson, who often employs a cast of Athens ringers to bring his visions into full relief. The new EP is titled Middle-Aged Love. The single is yet another instantly catchy pop tune full of synth swells and hooks, but this one features a tad more jangle-pop in its DNA than previous Sloan Brothers tracks. In the interest of full disclosure, please note that Simpson and I have worked together on many projects over the years so, you know, grain of salt and all that. The single will come out Friday, Oct. 10 and can be found on major streaming services. For all other information, please see sloanbrothersathensga.com and facebook.com/SloanBrothersMusic.
THE MUSIC MAKER: Working at his own steady pace, composer and musician Monty Greene has released a new Nerveclinic single. It’s named “New Energy.” He warned me in a message that this was a “pop song.” While he’s not completely incorrect, listeners will not likely match this up with anything in the current chart milieu. However, this compelling and sweeping electronic track is quite aligned with the electronic tradition established by Gary Numan, Brian Eno and even of that established later on by the likes of Aphex Twin. Find this and a host of other tunes over at youtube.com/@nerveclinic.
COOL ON THE SPOOL: VHS enthusiast organization vhs.or.die will present the fourth annual VHS Fest Sunday, Oct. 12. Conveniently spread across two nearby venues—Creature Comforts and Ciné—it’ll run from noon to 5 p.m. at the former and 5–7 p.m. at the latter. The entire event is free and open to the public. At Creature Comforts, attendees will enjoy the VHS market accompanied by live performances from Libbaloops, Corporal Quigg, Jaguardini and Organically Programmed. The VHS market is to be populated by over 20 vendors, so you’ll have plenty to look at and purchase. At Ciné, there’s a screening of 2018’s Hellbound, along with a Q&A with director Ben Winston. For more information, please see the somewhat inscrutable but ultimately informative vhsordie.com.
SINGLES GOING STEADY: Dark punk/electro/industrial outfit Obscurity is on a tear releasing singles over the next few weeks, and I’m going to tell you about all of ‘em as they come out. First up is last week’s two-song release “Trenches” b/w “Drink Smoke Fuck.” The former opens with a nightmarish wave of screams buoyed by a slow synth. This continues for a couple of minutes until there’s a clearing in the actual musical track, then continues on but with more clarity. The latter is an apocalyptic dance track appropriate for stark, disused industrial buildings as well as claustrophobic urban landscapes. While it follows a traditional song structure (i.e. discernible lyrics, a sense of melody, etc.) it’s also another punishing track, albeit maybe not quite as punishing as previous releases. Find this at obscurityy.bandcamp.com.
CELEBRATE: Nuçi’s Space will celebrate its 25th anniversary Friday, Dec. 12 at the Georgia Theatre. Advance tickets are on sale now with VIP access—which includes a pre-party, mezzanine access, buffet and two drink tickets—running $250 and general admission $100. Performers include Patterson Hood and Camped Amped alumna Willow Avalon. In other news, Nuçi’s has teamed up with Condor Chocolates to release a limited edition 25th anniversary chocolate bar. These are available at all Condor locations, as well at Nucçi’s Space. One bar contains a Golden Ticket for admission for two to the anniversary concert at the theater. So make like Charlie Bucket and go get you one. For more information, please see nuci.org.
THIS OLD CHESNUT: Way back in 2015 rapper Donny Knottsville released his mixtape Hoof Beats (Freedom Rock), which was constructed entirely with samples from the band Deerhoof. The thing is, though, having a working knowledge of Deerhoof’s catalog, or even a passing knowledge of their existence, is not at all necessary to enjoy this. Indeed, I can’t stand ‘em, but still rock this comp. This new edition features three bonus tracks, as well. Due to its Deerhoof connection, along with a co-sign from the band itself, this was by far the most downloaded Knottsville album. With your help, it can continue to be. Find it at donnyknottsville.bandcamp.com.
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