Category: Blog

Categories
Concert Preview

Upcoming Metal Shows

What’s going on Butcher Crew?! There has been tons of shows that have been announced and I know that it can be hard to keep up with, but I decided I would help out my Butcher Crew and make a list of the tours that will be coming through North Carolina!! The Saw will be at most of these shows, will I see you?

Monday, March 9th: Local 506, Chapel Hill

This show is going to be killer!! You have some of the most hard-hitting bands on one bill! I am mainly excited to see Kublai Khan because I love their most recent album, Absolute, and I can’t wait to hear them play those songs live!

Sunday, March 15th: Amos’ Southend, Charlotte

Literally every band on this bill I am excited for. I haven’t seen Aversions Crown or Fit For An Autopsy in a few years!!I’ve just recently seen Thy Art Is Murder a few months ago and I love seeing them any chance I get.

Sunday, March 15th: The Ritz, Raleigh

Killswitch Engage is one of the OG bands for the new wave of metal that opened the door for metalcore bands, and they are bringing another heavy hitter, August Burns Red, with them!

Friday, March 20th: The Pour House, Raleigh

Vio-lence has never been to Raleigh and this will be their first time coming here! They have some of my Local Butchers opening for them! I will be the MC for this show!


Saturday, March 21st: The Drunk Horse Pub, Fayetteville

Pathology and Pyrexia are some big-name bands that have had a huge impact on the heavier realm of music, and they are bringing some more of my Local Butchers with them to open up this show! The Saw will be there, will I see you?


Friday, May 8th: The Blind Tiger, Greensboro

Suicide Silence is hitting North Carolina again with their newest record, Become the Hunter, and they will have many of my Local Butchers with them! The Saw will most definitely be there!!

Sunday, May 10th: The Ritz, Raleigh

I am so excited to see Motionless in White, Knocked Loose, Stick To Your Guns, and Ovtlier. There is a wide variety of bands on this bill and I am very interested to see how this shows goes!! I am super excited to see all of these bands!

Monday, June 1st: The Ritz, Raleigh

Do I really need to say anything about this tour? Two of my favorite bands are touring together, so it’s a no brainer that I will for sure be there.

Sunday, June 14th: Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh

Megadeth, Lamb of God, Trivium, and In Flames will be hitting Raleigh and I am super-excited for all of these bands! I haven’t seen Megadeth in so long and I can’t wait to yell their lyrics back to them!

Wednesday, June 17th: PNC Music Pavilion, Charlotte 

Slipknot is bringing A Day To Remember on this run and, honestly, I love seeing the mixed genres that bands are bringing on tour with them! Slipknot and ADTR never disappoint!

Friday, September 11th: Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheater, Charlotte

Let’s be real, I love all of these bands on this bill: Parkway Drive, Hatebreed, Knocked Loose, and Fit For A King. I already got my pit tickets for this show and I can’t wait to mosh to all of these bands!

Thursday, September 17th: PNC Music Pavilion, Charlotte

I have never seen Judas Priest live so hopefully this will be my chance to see them!

Are you going to any of these shows? Did I miss any that you are excited about?

Stay Metal,

THE SAW

Categories
Miscellaneous

Music and Sound in Film

You’re heading to the movie theater, the newest movie with your favorite actor is playing. You get to your seats just as the (hour long!!) credits end and the theater grows dark. Suddenly you can hear low music swelling up. Film company logos flash across the screen and the music only gets louder till the opening shot of the movie begins. The music is important. It signifies the genre and style of the movie you are about to watch. If there are loud droning tones it might convey the film is suspenseful or horror. If you hear a pop song, you should expect a rom-com or some kind of happy kids movie. Music sets the tone before we even lay our eyes on the set or characters. 

That sound, during the credits and not the cinematic universe, is called non-diegetic. The music and sound the characters within the film can hear and can interact with are called, you guessed it, diegetic sound. Sometimes music can change from diegetic to non-diegetic and the other way around. For example, we can hear a song as a part of the soundtrack (non-diegetic) while the movie shows us the setting of the film. Then, the film shows the character turn off the radio causing the music, which we now realize is diegetic, to stop. Directors can play with our expectations of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, which draws interest in the film. 

Horror is an easy genre to hear, how directors can put us in the shoes of the character for an effect. A classic example is heartbeats. If you hear slow heartbeats in a movie while a character is walking, the character is probably calm and the viewer feels the same way. If the heartbeats are speeding up while the character is also speeding up, viewers understand that the character is scared, and running away from something. For my Introduction to Film Class, we watched A Quiet Place and discussed how both diegetic and non-diegetic sound makes meaning throughout the film. In A Quiet Place because one of the main characters is deaf the film plays around with periods of silence as the audience is immersed in her point of view. This movie creates suspense so well when it uses sound to condition the viewer into hair-raising reactions from the dramatic score and sound effects. 

What are your experiences with sound in film?  

 -DJ lil witch xoxo

Categories
Classic Album Review

Hidden Gems brought to you by The Eclection

ALBUM REVIEW: Koenjihyakkei – Angherr Shisspa (2005) 

 BEST TRACKS: Rattims Friezz, Quivem Vrastorr

 FCC Clean 

 LISTEN TO IF YOU LIKE: avant-garde, experimental, jazz

 Before we get into this album in particular, it’s important to mention what “Zeuhl” is which is the musical genre this falls into. Born from 60s and 70s krautrock and coined by the band Magma’s constructed language Kobaian, there are only a handful of groups that have been able to consider themselves under this genre umbrella. As Pitchfork once put it, Zeuhl can be described by “sudden bursts of explosive improv and just as unexpected lapses into eerie, minimalist trance-rock.”

 I would go on to say it is some of the hardest music to describe as it is to find. Koenjihyakkei is the side-project of Yoshida Tatsuya of Japanese Zeuhl group, Ruins, which is heavily influenced by 60s and 70s progressive music in general. This group also includes Aki Kubota (on vocals and keyboards) from another modern krautrock group, Bondage Fruit.

Koenjihyakkei’s “Angherr Shisspa” is one of the best albums to get into this genre with though. 

This would be my own attempt to describe this wild album: experimental opera jazz with intensive complicated time signatures that boom and burst from huge orchestral and choral hits to single xylophonic beats. If you are looking for something like you’ve never heard before and crave the subtle balance between dissonant chord structures and ear candy, this is certainly an important listen. 

The album has this way of being able to add this playful tone to something extremely avant-garde. Sometimes I feel when listening to this album that I am surrounded by a bunch of fairies that are screaming, dancing, and performing various rituals.

It is also another one of those albums that grows on you the more you listen to it, because it draws from so many different types of progressive and experimental music, it’s hard to keep track of it all on first listen. I’d consider this a hidden gem, simply given it’s status of being representative of a genre that does not get a lot of representation. Check it out if you want some new avant-garde music to listen to. 

 – Artzoid (Host of the Eclection)

Categories
Weekly Charts

Chainsaw Charts 3/3

Artist Record Label
1 GREAT AMERICAN GHOST Power Through Terror Entertainment One
2 VARIALS In Darkness Fearless
3 SUICIDE SILENCE Become The Hunter Nuclear Blast
4 BODY COUNT “Bum-Rush” [Single] Century Media
5 AS I LAY DYING Shaped By Fire Nuclear Blast
6 THE AMITY AFFLICTION Everyone Loves You… Once You Leave Them Pure Noise
7 MY DYING BRIDE The Ghost Of Orion Nuclear Blast
8 DESPISED ICON Purgatory Nuclear Blast
9 LORNA SHORE Immortal Century Media
10 UPON A BURNING BODY Southern Hostility Seek & Strike

Categories
Weekly Charts

Afterhours Charts 3/3

Artist Record Label
1 COWGIRL CLUE Icebreaker Vada Vada
2 INDIA JORDAN DNT STP MY LUV [EP] Local Action
3 YEULE Serotonin II Bayonet
4 BESHKEN Aisle Of Palm Self-Released
5 BRIJEAN Walkie Talkie Native Cat
6 CHANNEL TRES Black Moses [EP] Godmode
7 JACQUES GREENE Dawn Chorus Lucky Me
8 GRACE IVES 2nd Dots Per Inch
9 SWEELY Nice Archive Traxx, Vol. 1 Lobster Theremin
10 FLOATING POINTS LesAlpx/Coorabell [EP] Ninja Tune

Categories
Weekly Charts

Daytime Charts 3/3

Artist Record Label
1 CAVEBOY Night In The Park, Kiss In The Dark Self-Released
2 KOKO NEETZ I.T.T.I.P. Admirable Traits
3 PAPOOZ Night Sketches Half Awake
4 MARINA Love Atlantic
5 LOVING If I Am Only My Thoughts Last Gang
6 BAD SOUNDS Escaping From A Violent Time, Vol. 1 [EP] Theory
7 HAZY SEAS, THE The Hazy Seas Self-Released
8 CHASTITY BELT Chastity Belt Hardly Art
9 TURNOVER Altogether Run For Cover
10 JAY SOM Anak Ko Polyvinyl
11 BASEMENT REVOLVER Wax And Digital [EP] Sonic Unyon
12 STRANGE RANGER Remembering The Rockets Tiny Engines
13 JUDE SHUMA From The Garage [EP] Self-Released
14 BODYWASH Comforter Luminelle
15 BABE RAINBOW, THE Today 30th Century
16 MARIKA HACKMAN Any Human Friend [EP] Sub Pop
17 SOCCER MOMMY Color Theory Loma Vista/Concord
18 ROSEY DUST Keep for life Self-Released
19 DAYGLOW Fuzzybrain Self-Released
20 RUSSIAN BATHS Deepfake Good Eye
21 TY SEGALL Deforming Lobes Drag City
22 PALACE Life After Avenue A/Fiction
23 FYOHNA Radio Sampler [EP] Self-Released
24 HANA VU Nicole Kidman/Anne Hathaway Luminelle
25 KATE TEAGUE Kate Teague [EP] Muscle Beach
26 CHARLY BLISS Young Enough Barsuk
27 BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB Everything Else Has Gone Wrong Mmm…
28 BLACK BELT EAGLE SCOUT At The Party With My Brown Friends Saddle Creek
29 MATT MALTESE Krystal 7476
30 POW Shift Castle Face

TOP ADDS

1 PURR Like New Anti-
2 APPROACHABLE MEMBERS OF YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY Love Thy Neighbor [EP] AntiFragile
3 TENNIS Swimmer Mutually Detrimental
4 ALA.NI ACCA Self-Released
5 JANE HERSHIPS The Home Record Self-Released
6 BLANKS Blanks [EP] Self-Released
7 SOCCER MOMMY Color Theory Loma Vista/Concord
8 KYLE FORESTER Hearts In Gardens Self-Released
9 BOY ROMEO Pure Soul Self-Released
10 KEVIN KRAUTER Full Hand Bayonet

Categories
Weekly Charts

Underground Charts 3/3

Artist Record Label
1 DOUG SHORTS Heads or Tails [EP] Daptone
2 JID Off Deez (ft. J. Cole) Dreamville/Interscope
3 VINCE STAPLES Feels Like Summer Def Jam
4 KEY! “Miami Too Much” [Single] Hello!
5 KANO Can’t Hold We Down (ft. Popcaan) Parlophone
6 DANA VAUGHNS “Lovey Dovey (ft. Jordan Ward)” [Single] The house
7 BUDDY Find Me Too RCA
8 SUPA BWE PROBLEM / FUEL Freddy G
9 RICO NASTY Ice Cream Sugar Trap
10 FOGGIERAW “I Gotta Ball” [Single] Diff Sound

Categories
New Album Review

Album Review: Miss Anthropocene by Grimes

My favorites: New Gods, You’ll miss me when I’m not around, IDORU

Listen if you like: Crystal Castles, Purity Ring, Kap Bambino 

Grimes’ most recent album, Miss Anthropocene was released a few days ago. Grimes is known for her ethereal electronic melodies and otherworldly vocals. This album is no exception, though there is a saturnine quality to the entire album; in complement with the themes of climate change and human destruction Grimes attempted to portray. The last track, IDORU contrasts with all of that – its lyricism is all based on love, and has a softer tone than the other tracks. Some of the other main themes of the album include depression, self-destruction, and the recent experiences Grimes has been through (such as her relationship, pregnancy, and focus on ethical issues). 

I have followed Grimes since I first gained an interest in synth-pop/electronic music in my teens. Her albums Visions and Geidi Primes are among my top favorites of all time. Although nothing will meet the novelty of Visions as an album truly unlike any other, Miss Anthropocene is a delicious complement to Art Angels. Her music is unparalleled by any other electronic or art-pop artist, and since her entrance into the music scene in 2007 has gained prominence and prosperity. Throughout the many years, she has Grimes has evolved alongside her music. Now 31, she is pregnant with the child of the billionaire Elon Musk and has gained much more of a celebrity status. Miss Anthropocene shows the growth of Grimes as an artist as well as a reflection on the changes within her life. Grimes shows a  motivation to break out of her previous more pop-influenced albums and pull from different influences and genres, like the influence of Korean music in We Appreciate Power and Bollywood in 4ÆM. I love to see the progression in sound reflected on this newest album. 

– Miranda

Categories
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.

-Decent Icon