Parts & Labor

Parts & Labor is one of the newer bands that I've been listening to a lot lately. If you're not familiar with the recent trend towards 'circuit-bending', you might have missed these guys. Basically, it's a bit lo-fi, with some really interesting use of effects and tweaked digital sound sources, mixed with the melodic awareness of Guided By Voices. Throw in an old-fashioned punk rythm section, and you have one of the most interesting and exciting bands I've heard in a while. Listen to A Great Divide and see if you can argue. Amazing.

Konono No. 1

Konono No. 1 is a semi-traditional Bazombo trance music group, but amplified through home-made equipment, which gives the music an urgency and presence that I don't hear in most 'world music', which is often recorded in that pristine 'naturalist' manner. The thumb piano sounds amazing, almost like some sort of old Casio played through your home stereo way louder than god intended. This is almost like electronica, but without the precision. It reminds me a little of Philip Glass, if he'd been born in the 3rd world! Check out their site, and mp3s here: Konono No 1.

Ex-Models

The Ex-Models are a group (sort of) from Brooklyn, NY. They are noisy, mathy, weird and a lot of fun. They have evolved over the years, but they are consistently inventive and over-the-top. Some of my favorites are from their "Other Mathematics" release, but it's all pretty damn good. Check out Girlfriend is Worse, and their myspace page has some of their latest loopy craziness...

Pelican

If you enjoy loudish, dense, heavy music, but prefer it devoid of screaming, or other vocal embellishment, Pelican is the band for you. Their early releases bordered more on Melvins-style sludge metal, and their most recent release is somewhere in the realm of Mogwai, but they travel in between frequently. Here's an mp3 of a track from their debut ep: Mammoth.mp3 Listen to it loud, for maximum effect...

Deerhoof

If you're like me, you love finding a new band with an interesting take on things. Deerhoof combines wildly creative "rock" music with often hilarious lyrics and vocals that would ordinarily be found in Japanese pop music. While they can be occasionally grating, I find the twists and turns invigorating, and the melodic inventiveness is amazing. Be forewarned, if you have a low tolerance for very high-pitched singing, Deerhoof may not be for you! Check out The Great Car Tomb and Gore In Rut. Also, there are a ton of links on their site: Deerhoof.KillRockStars.com.