Iron Monkey

I popped into my local second hand record shop the other day. I only went in to pick up an old Sonic Youth record I spotted the previous weekend, but figured that since I was there I might as well have a bit of a poke around...

A few hours later I left with the Sonic Youth record, plus nine others - one of which was the eponymous debut from these guys.

I now find myself wondering how the hell I managed for so long without such unutterable filth in my life. I knew of Iron Monkey by reputation; and much like the mighty Botch, I think I first heard of them when I read mournful articles about their dissolution.

They are now of course long defunct; and having only recently popped my Iron Monkey cherry, there's not a whole lot I can tell you about them. It's all very raw, very sludgy and very noisy; and the world is probably a far safer place without it.

Website: http://www.earache.com/bands/iron_monkey/iron_monkey.html

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/survivaloftheshittest

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Monkey_(band)

††† (Crosses)

Free stuff is cool, but also - by definition - valueless. Well, sort of. In any case, the fact that I hadn't spent any money on it meant that I had no real sense of urgency in getting around to listening to this self-titled ep.

††† is a side project from Chino Moreno (Deftones), Shaun Lopez (Far) and some guy called Scott Chuck; and when I did eventually get around to sticking it in and pressing play, my first thought was that I was glad I hadn't spent any money on it. Not that it was particularly bad; it just sounded a bit like a more radio-friendly Team Sleep b-side. All production, not a lot of soul.

After the first track, though, things got a lot better; and by the end of the fifth and final track, I was reaching for the play button again.

I still can't get into the dreary plod of the first track (†his Is A †rick), but the rest of the ep is pretty damn great; great celestial waves of lush electronica with a malevolent undercurrent. It's like being smothered with a pillow by Depeche Mode, whilst Shaun Lopez and Chino Moreno jam out sinister ambient electronica in the background...

Similes were never really my strong suit. If you'd like to be smothered with a pillow by Depeche Mode, go to http://www.crossesmusic.com/ to download the ††† ep for free.

Website: http://www.crossesmusic.com/

Myspace: nope

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crosses_(band)

Enablers

Enablers have featured here before; and whilst I don't really like to repeat myself on this shitty blog, the fact is that I went to see them last night and was completely blown away. They were awesome.

I should probably write more words and things to qualify that statement and explain why I was completely blown away; but that would simply be an exercise in attempting to string words like passion, intensity and snake-hipped wild man together into some sort of coherent sentence.

And having just done exactly that, I feel that my work here is done.

Website: http://enablerssf.com/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/enablers

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enablers

The Icarus Line

I thought these guys had called it quits years ago; but then last month I read a review for a new record. After a bit more digging, I discovered that they hadn't gone anywhere - I'd just stopped paying attention. They even had a small line-up change and released a third record while I wasn't looking, the tricksy bastards.

I'm pleased to say that I am now, more or less, back up to speed with The Icarus Line - no doubt a prelude to a massive resurgence in my ignorance. In the meantime, I am happily reacquainting myself with their obnoxious brand of sleazy brat-punk.

I heartily recommend that you do the same.

Website: http://theicarusline.org/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/theicarusline

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Icarus_Line