Deerhoof "Apple O'" (2003)

Deerhoof are a four piece band from California who have been utilizing a DIY ethic for 20 years, producing 13 albums and various EPs. I recently stumbled across this record which has proven to be a delightful one. My first impression had me thinking this would be a challenging listen, but i gravitated towards it quickly. It has since expanded my view of what constitutes music and musical aesthetics.

Apple O' is a quirky record that defies conventional musical norms with its sporadic and abrasive sound. From track to track there is an ever growing progression between noisy and melodic elements that exist in a explosive and unconventional environment. With odd time signatures and simplistic riffing Deerhoof harness the most simplistic of musical pleasures and package them into quirky songs that flow in there own direction, free of conventional song structure. When you deconstruction the songs in your mind its easy to see what makes these songs works, however there creation has a subtle touch of genius I couldn't see myself recreating.

The riffage on this album is varied, sometimes metalic, punkish or even stadium rock, but its always performed in a brash, clunky, out of tune act that give this record the quirky and sporadic vibe aforementioned. The drumming is fantastic, wild, free flowing and interesting throughout. It may be a little shadowed by the guitar, but its impressive and a highlight. Matsuzaki's vocals are playful and have a childish energy about them, often singing quietly alongside screeching guitars, she provides another quirk to this record with her wordless vocals adding extra dimensions to the intense guitars. Their sound and style on this record is in full effect, theres plenty of memorable moments and the album progresses into a more melodic state before blowing up near the end with the intense track "Adam + Eve Connection", which gradually builds and explodes with distortion. A great listening experience!

Favorite Tracks: Sealed With A Kiss, Flower, My Diamond Star Car, L'amour Stories, Panda Panda Panda

Rating: 6/10

Aeons Confer "The Soul Of The Universe" (2003)

This may just be one of the best records you've never heard in the world of symphonic black metal. Aeons Confer are a German band who's brief activity in the early 2000's yielded 2 EPs, this one being the first. Clocking in at just 17 minutes across 6 tracks this record delivers 3 blistering, thrashy and aggressive tracks that execute a sublime balance between the progressive metal elements and the symphony that moves from the background to the forefront effortlessly. Along side these are 3 symphonic interludes that really thicken listening experience and enrich the astral theme this band deliver.

This EP is a tight execution of some very well written songs that have stuck with me as a favorite for over 10 years. When i discovered this record Aeons Confer were a localized band with a website i some how managed to stumble across. Since then they have been a lost gem, unable to obtain there second EP release in late 03 they have been a band i often check back in with and search the web in hop of finding there second release.

It seems very fitting that on this day that i write my thoughts on a record, that has given me 10 years of listening pleasure, that a search reveals they have got it back together and released a new album and the Mirror Heart EP on bandcamp. I am very much looking forward to hearing them both :-)

Favorite Songs: All

Rating: 8/10