Category: Blog

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New Album Review

New Music: The Magnolias

Listen if you like: Bon Iver, Cigarettes After Sex, spookyghostboy

The Magnolias are a band based in Chapel Hill/Mooresville composed of members Sam Gatlin, Bryton Shoffner, and Danny Knutelsky. They began writing and playing together as The Magnolias last year. With the help of UNC’s Grammy-nominated music production professor, Jason Richmond, the band was able to begin recording in a professional studio in late 2019; thus allowing them to put out their most recent tracks, on An Invitation. 

An Invitation features the songs Goodnight, I’m going to sleep and Blood in the Sink. The Magnolias show a clear talent in the multiple instruments they play. The melody of the songs is intricate and their sound is incredibly developed, especially for a band so new. I adore the lyricism in both of the singles, and especially enjoy the layered vocals in both songs. I definitely recommend giving this up-and-coming band a try, you won’t be disappointed. 

I was able to interview band member Sam Gatlin about the band and their recent releases, which are available on Spotify and all other major streaming platforms. Gatlin told me that some of the main sources of their music come from personal topics like depression and self-harm; and musical inspiration from artists like Moses Sumney and Jeff Buckley. The band is passionate about these recent additions to their discography and they are ready to make more. According to Gatlin, The Magnolias plan to release more singles in the upcoming months. 

The best way to find out about upcoming music and shows is their Instagram, @magnoliasband. 

– Miranda 

Categories
New Album Review

Hot New Indie: Alone, Omen 3 (King Krule)

In his new single, King Krule continues on his tradition of punky and dark jazz fusion. His unique voice here takes on a more relaxed, contemplative tone, similar to the second half of “The OOZ”. True to King Krule’s form, the central theme of the single is being alone. Through all the darkness, though, there’s a touch of hope that shines through.

The sound profile of the two songs on the single sound like they would fit on “The OOZ”, yet “Alone, Omen 3” in particular uses samples, something that Krule does not use often. The track opens with a phone ringing that is never picked up, particularly fitting for the first line of the verse it precedes: “Take a dip, if you’re alone, take your time”. Krule seems to believe in patient contemplation and self-discovery.

The hope interspersed in the track sits in the bridge and the outro: 
“But don’t forget you’re not alone; Sometimes you’re stretched … Every minute, every second, you’re not alone, you’re not alone…” Krule may be talking to his partner here, who he had his first child with in 2019. Throughout the track, the lens shifts from the royal “you” to specific references to his girl, indicative of the fact that they’re present for each other and that neither of them are alone.

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Categories
New Album Review

Snippets: Tame Impala, “Tomorrow’s Dust”

Tame Impala has recently come out with their newest album, “The Slow Rush”. One track in particular, “Tomorrow’s Dust”, is an excellent representation of the sound of the album and the direction in which Tame’s sound is going.

Lead by ethereal synthesizers, sublime guitar leads, and a powerful dance beat, the song prepares the listener for Tame’s sweet-yet-sad lyrics. The ideas present in the track are dense, as the verse extends to give time for contemplation on being alone and connecting to others.

In fact, a central theme in the track (and the entire album) is time. The second verse is short and to the point on this front: “There’s no use trying to relate to that older soul; And no use biding your time if the bell is tolled”. What exactly the bell is tolling for is not clear, but perhaps it’s meant to be that way. Maybe the isolationist yet newly-wed Kevin Parker has gained a new perspective on biding his time.

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Categories
Classic Album Review

Album of the Week: Diary of a Madman – Ozzy Osbourne

When John Michael “Ozzy" Osbourne was effectively fired from Black Sabbath in 1979, I don’t think anyone (except the “Prince of Darkness" himself) knew what would become of an Ozzy solo career. In 1980 he released his first record, Blizzard of Ozz, and there was, in fact, something to pay attention to, here. He had found a young guitar player by the name of Randy Rhodes (Quiet Riot), who played in classic fashion but with uncommon precision and style. “Crazy Train" and “Mr. Crowley,” the two singles from the album, give the listener a clear view of both, Ozzy’s future and the talent of the young guitarist.

On November 7, 1981 the greatest Ozzy record (IMO) was unleashed onto the world, Diary of a Madman (Jet); and it was a clear and powerful sign that there would be no containing this madman, later to be called, The Godfather of Heavy Metal! The two singles, “Flying High Again" and “Over the Mountain" give an immediate glimpse of Ozzy’s Genius and the evolution of that young guitarist, Randy Rhodes. The production of the entire record is thick, in a good way! It helps to portray the power of this duo as they were getting wound up to revolutionize the metal world. But it is the title track, “Diary of a Madman" which casted Ozzy’s vision the clearest, I think; with the incorporation of a choir and keyboards, this track is huge when speaking to what was to come – Dark and Eerie.

Unfortunately, it would not be the duo of Ozzy and Randy that would conquer the world. Ozzy would have to foster another relationship when Randy Rhodes was tragically killed (1982) in a plane crash while on tour with Osbourne in Florida. Three Ozzy guitarists would follow, Brad Gillis [Night Ranger] (1982), Jake E. Lee (1982-87) and Zakk Wylde (1987-present). But for this masterpiece entitled, Diary of a Madman, its Ozzy (vocals, obviously), Randy Rhodes (guitars), Bob Daisley (bass), Lee Kerslake (drums) – though neither of the last two are credited anywhere but the original release. Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot; Whitesnake) soon took over bass and Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake; Ted Nuggent; Thin Lizzy) the drums for the American tour to support the album.

Ozzy has had MANY great songs during his career, but the ONE great record is Diary of a Madman – Triple Platinum in the US!

I got to see Ozzy in 2018 in Bristow, Va. His stage presence, along with Zakk Wilde’s, is the best I’ve seen. Of the “big bands,” this was definitely one of the best shows!

Favorite Songs: Flying High Again, Over the Mountain, S.A.T.O., Diary of a Madman

Rating: A Masterpiece 10/10!!

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

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Band/Artist Profile

Band of the Week: Abbath

Photo by Courtney Breen @chewing.glass on Instagram

Abbath (the band) was formed in Bergen, Norway in 2015 by Abbath (the person; Abbath Doom Occulta). Their genre is Black Metal,  but their sound is not that easy to nail down (no pun intended). They are definitely Black Metal. Yet, they fuse German Thrash and symphonic to form a blistering, crushing sound. Combined with the howling, screeching, rasp of Abbath’s vocals and devastating guitar playing, they are definitely distinct in the metal scene.

Abbath (the person) is Olve Eikemo (a.k.a., Abbath Doom Occulta). He, along with Harold Naevdal (a.k.a. Demonaz Doom Occulta), were the founders of the legendary Black Metal band Immortal. As one of the groundbreaking artists in the dark world of Black Metal, Abbath worked with the giants of the genre; drummers like Hellhammer, Armagedda, Horgh, Padden, and Grim; guitarists like Demonaz, Tore Bretsath, and Varg Vikernes; and bassists like Apollyon, Iscariah, Ares, and Saroth; and bands like Bathory, Celtic Frost, and the band the began it all, Mayhem.

Abbath (the band) has had so many different members in it’s short life that only Abbath (the person) is original – the original “Creature” (drums), and a couple of drummers donning the “Creature" mask, bass players like King Ov Hell and Mia Wallace, and several great guitarists (too numerous to mention). As of this writing, Abbath (the band) is: Abbath (the person – guitar, vocals), Ole Andre’ Farstad (guitar), Rusty Cornell (bass), and Ukri Suvilehto (drums).

It is this lineup that I witnessed a few months ago when Abbath (the person and the band) came to Raleigh with Obituary (check-out my show review). H.O.L.Y C.R.A.P! What an awesome stage performance by the band, and an unforgettable performance by the person! Now, if you’ve never seen them, Abbath (the person) reminds me of a much darker, more evil, bringing the hordes of Hell with him, Gene Simmons. Not only the face paint (“corpse paint” for Abbath), but the stage persona and presence is incredible. The band was not overcome by this, however, as each was truly impressive in their own right.

Abbath (the band) has two studio albums, Abbath (2016) and Outstrider (2019). I know that Black Metal is an acquired taste, but Abbath do it well. Especially live! If you get a chance to check them out, recorded and/or live, do it! You won’t regret it!

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

Categories
Playlists

Friday Favorites

Hi everyone, it’s Miranda back again with my favorites from the past week! Hope everyone is managing to keep warm during the cold weather. 

Run – Joji 

I absolutely love Joji’s music and witnessing his evolution as an artist. This song is melancholy and perfect for the cold week we’ve been through. I’m a sucker for songs about lost loves and this one is no exception. It’s quite similar to melodies and content of his first album. Regardless, it’s a great song and the music video is well-made. I am definitely eagerly awaiting Joji’s sophomore album based on the singles he’s released so far. 

Hot Tub Time Machine – tobi lou 

Tobi Lou is consistently creating vibrant, interesting music which mixes the best parts of rap and anime beat-type music. His songs are truly unique and this one is no exception. As a recent release, it caught my attention because the vocals are distorted, use interesting adlibs, and a basic rap beat combined to create something different from most hip-hop/alternative artists. 

One and Only (ft. Ella Mai) – J Hus

British rap is an underrated genre and both J Hus and Ella Mai have such beautiful voices that this song feels completely natural. J Hus is an artist who constantly surprises fans by changing his style and flow with every song, this one is great because it kind of throws back to 90’s British rap, which I adore. Definitely listen. 

BUSSIT (with Ari Lennox) – Dreamville 

I absolutely love Dreamville and Ari Lennox, and together they made such a cool, sensual song. I love the gospel-style harmony Ari Lennox plays with in this track. It’s flirty and the beat is really calming, and I’m a sucker for any kind of love song. 

Stoned Again – King Krule 

This song just came out but I’ve already been listening to it on repeat. It’s a really interesting mix from King Krule’s newest album which is overall more complex and has more sound depth than some of his past music. I really enjoy the album in general, especially this track. 

Thanks for reading.

– Miranda 

Categories
New Album Review

Snippets: Gus Dapperton

Sporting broad-rim glasses and an ever-changing color scheme, Gus Dapperton forgoes convention to bring his audience a truly unique sound. Implicit in his music is the understanding that we all can sometimes struggle to “fit in” and that it’s ok to travel your own path.

Gus’ own path began completely self-produced. He released two EPs on his own (Yellow and Such and You Think You’re A Comic!) that both carry a bedroom-pop yet danceable feel. Gus seems to feel as though the feeling is the most important thing, as he’s gone on record to say that there is no specific interpretation of his lyrics. He works in metaphor and abstraction and states that each track he’s created is like a sounding board, where individuals can project their own meaning.

Check out these tracks:

Ditch (single)

I’m Just Snacking (Yellow and Such)

Miss Glum & The Pursuit of Falling (Yellow and Such)

Prune, You Talk Funny (You Think You’re A Comic!)

I Have Lost My Pearls (You Think You’re A Comic!)

World Class Cinema (Where Polly People Go to Read)


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Categories
Weekly Charts

Chainsaw Charts 2/25

Artist Record Label
1 LAMB OF GOD “Checkmate” [Single] Epic
2 TESTAMENT “Night Of The Witch” [Single] Nuclear Blast
3 SEPULTURA Quadra Nuclear Blast
4 SUICIDE SILENCE Become The Hunter Nuclear Blast
5 VARIALS In Darkness Fearless
6 MAGNITUDE To Whatever Faithful End Triple B
7 HANGMAN One By One FlatSpot
8 THE AMITY AFFLICTION Everyone Loves You… Once You Leave Them Pure Noise
9 WHITECHAPEL The Valley Metal Blade
10 SEEYOUSPACECOWBOY The Correlation Between Entrance And Exit Wounds Pure Noise

Categories
DJ Highlights

Best Video Game Soundtracks

Video games have a great cultural impact for people across the world. Their importance to different cultures has increased as more game technology has developed throughout the years. One piece that is crucial to the success and longevity of games is the soundtrack that is paired with them. Today, I’ll be discussing some of my favorite game soundtracks and why I enjoy them so much. 

Legend of Zelda Franchise 

Legend of Zelda is a game franchise of Nintendo which has produced some of the most beautiful soundtracks of any video game. Legend of Zelda OSTs consistently include intricate melodies, calming songs, and ones with an adventurous spirit. The most recent addition to the franchise is Breath of the Wild, which has beautifully evolved from the original more simplistic tunes to having a more orchestral base.  

Undertale 

When Toby Fox created Undertale, it became one of the most popular indie games ever made. One reason Undertale gained so much popularity was the complex soundtrack Toby Fox designed which perfectly pairs with each area of the game. For example, in the area called Snowville, Toby Fox created a bright and soft melody that perfectly represents falling snow. The soundtrack for Undertale is so beautiful and musically interesting that I often play it in my car during long drives.

Stardew Valley 

Stardew Valley is a farm simulator and adventure game published by Chucklefish in 2016 and developed by Eric Barone. Barone (also known as ConcernedApe) created the Stardew Valley Original Soundtrack. The soundtrack is incredibly relaxing – just the first few notes of the opening theme give me a wash of nostalgia. I’ve also found that the soundtrack is excellent for studying or doing homework to. 

Year Walk

Developed in 2013, Year Walk is a Swedish mobile horror game. Although the game is nearly a decade old, music from the soundtrack still occupies spots on my playlists. Daniel Olsén, the composer, most recently created the soundtrack for Sayona Wild Hearts in 2019. Since Year Walk is a horror game, many of the songs are eerie and they are completely perfect for Fall or Halloween. Would recommend both playing Year Walk and enjoying its soundtrack with headphones for a truly immersive, spooky experience. 

Thank you for reading!

– Miranda  

Categories
New Album Review

EP Review: Something You Needed by flipturn

My favorites: Savannah, Something You Needed, Poppies 

Listen if you like: Fleet Foxes, Leland Blue, The Alabama Shakes  

Something You Needed, an EP by flipturn was released earlier this month. flipturn is an indie/alternative band that has slowly increased in popularity throughout the years.  

The EP is short but very complete. I absolutely love this EP and can’t sing its praises enough. The vocals remind me of something between Neil Young and the Fleet Foxes. The lyrics are emotional, filling the listener with a deep sense of nostalgia. I swear, listening to the first two tracks on the album knocked loose memories I’d buried deeply, in such a beautiful way. There is an unshakeable raw emotion to each song on the EP. Just read the lyrics from Glistening: “Sweet thing, if I’m losing you/Know my silver linings typically hit me in the afternoon.” This emotional song reminds me of some of the metaphors of Fleetwood Mac. The whole EP also shares the same kind of simple type of pretty melody, infused with plucked guitar strings and soft piano notes. 

The melancholic tone of Did I Love You (Like I Promised) most reminds me of my favorite Fleet Foxes songs. Absolutely love this type of indie band, especially because it pairs so well with the transition from winter to spring. Soft, sad notes paired with happy lyrics, and vice versa. The contradiction always reminds me of the changing seasons; the EP couldn’t have been released at a better time for the association I have with it. 

Definitely recommend that anyone reading this listen to this album ASAP, and let me know what you think. I personally can’t get enough, and have already added some of the best songs to my playlists. In addition, flipturn is coming to The Pour House in Raleigh April 22nd. You can check out this event and more here. 

– Miranda