A timely follow up to their 2020 full length ‘Axiom’, ‘Sys’ presents three new performances by Brooklyn experimentalists Kilter. Going deeper into jazz than ever before, the material’s extremely moody saxophone sounds and distorted bass grooves will thrill extant fans. As for attracting a wider audience, as before, the strange and alternative elements of Kilter’s sound will upset the jazz purists, but listeners brave enough to enjoy ‘Disco Volante’ by Mr, Bungle, The Book of Knots and the more wilful aspects of early 70s King Crimson will certainly find plenty to latch onto here.
THE FALL – Fall Sound Archive Vol 6: Are You Are Missing Winner
Following two excellent reissues (a four disc ‘Reformation! Post-TLC’ and equally extensive ‘Imperial Wax Solvent’), the sixth instalment of Cherry Red’s Fall Sound Archives reissue series turns its attention to 2001 and The Fall’s 22nd LP, ‘Are You Are Missing Winner’, an album which seems to gather more criticism than praise. Although very much an album geared towards the fan rather than the casual admirer, there’s still a lot to enjoy. The material has a rough and ready feel, almost certainly a reaction to the more commercial path the band had taken over the 90s – or at least more “commercial” by Fall standards. It was also recorded on the quick and the cheap, an approach that wouldn’t suit all bands but, in this case, it sort of helped The Fall achieve a factory reset and capture a little of the old ‘Dragnet’ era spirit whilst simultaneously looking to the future with a brand new line up.
Watch: Radiohead Live In Pittsburgh 2018 (full show)
During the first UK pandemic lockdown of 2020, much to the delight of fans, Radiohead explored their archives and uploaded various professionally shot live shows to YouTube for free. It was an interesting document of shows we may not have been given access to in a “normal world”.
KEELEY – Brave Warrior EP
The enigmatically named Keeley was formerly the vocalist with Session Motts, a band that fused bubblegum melodies with chopping guitars and frivolous lyrical concernes, creating a quirky hybrid of garage rock and disposable pop. They gained a following around their native Dublin, but it seems their time was short. After a couple of years away, Keeley returned with a new eponymously named project for 2021 and although a couple of the songs from this debut EP occasionally sound like a distant cousin to the Session Motts by way of an aloof vocal, it’s very often a different animal. There’s a strong call back to the 90s at all times, but the material itself doesn’t always have the clearest identity.
THE RIZZOS / TOP NACHOS – Split EP
Bringing together four unreleased tunes by The Rizzos and Top Nachos, this split release from King Pizza Records is a fine DIY recording. Split releases are a good way of introducing people to new bands and for Top Nachos the opportunity to appear alongside The Rizzos is definitely a chance for the Queens-based, self-proclaimed “silly-core” band to build upon their following. For extant fans of The Rizzos, of course, a purchase of this release will be a no-brainer. It has something a bittersweet feel, too, presenting both an end and a beginning: the Rizzos’ tracks are the last to feature drummer and founding member Bettina Warshaw while, for most listeners, the release will provide a first time exposure to the rather juvenile world of Top Nachos and their occasional cardboard headgear, fascination with junk food and unfashionable facial hair.