WHAT I'VE BEEN JAMMING: FEB. 1-12 2024

Frail Body - Refrain: This new single from Frail Body, a band I’ve recently been exposed to, hits that tender sweet spot between screamo and black metal. It’s dark, frenetic and lush, painting a grief-stricken landscape. I’m beyond excited to listen to more of them, and I’m looking forward to their upcoming album.

Birds in Row, Coilguns - Stranding Shelters:Their collab, which is a pay-what-you-want three-song vinyl, is dense, atmospheric, and fantastic - exactly what you’d expect when you weld Birds in Row’s textured hardcore and Coilguns experimental noise rock together. Recorded in only seven days, it’s a landmark DIY project, and this song is arguably the best out of the bunch.

Between the Buried and Me: White Walls: a 14 minute epic that seemingly changes time signature every two measures, and is both disorienting and mesmerizing with that one sweet guitar riff. Lyrics call out other metal bands (as well as their past selves) for catering to the lowest common denominator, instead of making the music they wanted to make. I’m very glad they’re making the music they want to make.

Paramore - Burning Down the House: A cover of the Talking Heads classic, and they do it justice. Their artsier, poppier take on the song, especially when compared to the cover by the Used for the Transformers soundtrack, is bouncy and energetic, and Hayley’s voice is as good as ever. The full album will feature Miley Cyrus, the National, Lorde, and Girl in Red, so presumably the indie and pop fans will be excited.

Atheist - Mother Man Atheist are often considered one of, if not the, first technical death metal band, and even today they’re still one of the best. Yeah, it’s a fusion of death metal and progressive metal, but there’s also plenty of jazz and flamenco influences across their discography that are real treats. Mother Man, the opening to their album Unquestionable Presence, goes to some very unexpected places with utter ease.

Comeback Kid - Trouble in the Winner's Circle Hardcore veterans Comeback Kid gave the world their take on hard rock, and it’s actually awesome. Fast and aggressive, while tamer than it could be, the chorus feels like it was designed to be blasted from walls of speakers at arenas. While it’s sure to alienate some listeners, it’s a blast and I’m anticipating where they go next.

Blonde Redhead - For the Damaged Coda: Most people know this song from Rick and Morty, and that’s a shame, because it’s a poignant, heartbreaking ballad that deserves better. The piano and strings are filled with gorgeous anguish, and the turning point of the song is almost sweet in its melancholy. Truly, it’s a short and simple aural heartache. (Also, fun fact, it was inspired by Chopin's Nocturnes, Op 55: No. 1 in F Minor. The more you know!)