Fountains of Wayne

WIFE, “Salvage”

WIFE is the new band started by James Kelly, after the sublime black metal band Altar of Plagues disbanded. He clearly wanted to pursue a different direction, focusing on electronics to make his noise. It does share some of the same oppresive atmosphere of Altar of Plagues at times, and What’s Between (the only album so far) is a very interesting record.

Fountains of Wayne, “Michael and Heather At The Baggage Claim”

After three great records in a row, Fountains of Wayne put out Traffic and Weather, which on the surface seems similar, but it’s just not in the same league. The songs are shallower, they’re not as catchy, they’re not as sly. It’s just a big step down, which is a shame. The record is OK, and I do listen to it occasionally. But mostly, I do that just to check and see if my opinion has changed. It has not yet.

This Friday, 8/4/2017, Bandcamp will be donating all their revenue to the Transgender Law Center. I’m planning on buying a bunch of stuff from them that day, I hope you join me in supporting both human rights and musicians at the same time. Here’s today’s music.

Astronoid, “Trail of Sulfur”

In the wake of Deafheaven’s Sunbather, I’ve noticed more bands that are working in that same area: incorporating elements of black metal, but removing some of the ugliness that’s usually associated with the genre. It’s sort of partway between the old genre of shoegaze and black metal. Astronoid (and this track) is a good example. You have some of the hallmarks of the genre in terms of the tempo and drumming, but none of the shrieks or noise that you might otherwise get. It’s an interesting hybrid.