Caterpillar Tracks
Scrape the Summer
Phratry Records

Caterpillar Tracks has followed up their 2004 self-titled album with an EP, Scrape the Summer. Though it’s a short five-song CD, it packs an emotional punch. A split release on both Phratry Records and Bacteria Lounge, guitarist Dave Cupp’s own record label, Scrape displays noise and rock. Four of five songs are rock; one of five is noise. The four rock tracks display layered guitars, screaming vocals, solid thumping bass, and adept drumming. My problem with the singing is that Shane Johnson ruins his otherwise talented voice by screaming, and in doing so, renders the lyrics indecipherable. Known to be a socially conscious band, their best statement is their lyric-less-ambient-noise-drum-n-bass epic, and my favorite on the album, “Midnight at the Taser Ground”. Also the last track, “Midnight” leaves you with a hopeful feeling, because after the rhythm-less first five minutes with simulated grenade explosions and other destruction, a triumphant, powerful lead guitar line floats lingeringly above the fray, signaling that you have survived a track written by some disturbed individuals. Only one minute later, the guitar drops out again. You are left with a death march. Then the snare drum becomes a flickering heartbeat. Then it dies. Thank goodness. – Jonathan Mendick, Mannerist Zine

The Pharmacy
Choose Yr Own Adventure
Don’t Stop Believin’

The Pharmacy began in 2002 when Brendhan Bowers and Scott Yoder got together to play garage punk. Since their Vashon Island (surrounded by the Puget Sound) roots, their band has added an array of styles, members, and instruments. Their second full-length album, Choose Yr Own Adventure contains harpsichord, viola, violin, cello, drums, guitar, horns. Its fifth track “Warm and Untorn”, opening with a harpsichord solo, moving to a guitar solo, to a punk scrub at the end of the track, displays the versatility of the band’s talents. Or perhaps my favorite is the closing track “Adieu Adieu”, highlighting the new keyboard player Stefan Rubicz, as well as beautiful violin doubling the guitar line. Its refrain “I do I do/ bid you adieu”, is a pop-laden rich rhyme where “I do” and its homonym “adieu” close the record on a friendly note. Unfortunately the rest of the album, released on the Don’t Stop Believin’ label, lacks a lengthy harpsichord or violin part. In fact, only one thing keeps their album from being a weak collection of pop tunes – their unusual instrumentation. It makes you want to scream, “Give me more harpsichord!” – Jonathan Mendick, Mannerist Zine

Watson Twins
Fire Songs
Vanguard Records

You probably know Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley) and the Watson Twins’ album Rabbit Fur Coat. Critically acclaimed by many, the 2005 album found itself on the reputable top ten list of NPR’s All Things Considered. Continuing to ride a wave to success in 2006, the Twins’ self released EP Southern Manners propelled them further, the song “Time of My Life” being featured on ABC’s popular show Grey’s Anatomy. After extensive touring, the identical twins signed and recorded with the historic Vanguard Records, famous for holding such folk, country blues, and jazz acts as Joan Baez, Big Mama Thornton, as well as Buddy Guy and Louis Armstrong. Containing beautifully soothing qualities, Fire Songs, the Twins’ upcoming full-length album, holds more than enough softness to remedy anyone’s aggression problem. Though many are bittersweet love songs, they display mature simple chord progression filled with haunting and affective harmony. Each airy layer of clean acoustic guitar sounds like an experienced studio musician’s sad strumming. My favorite song “Old Ways”, a painful sleepy ballad immediately paints a picture of unrequited love with its poetic, juxtaposed first lines, “ You’ve got angel eyes/ but you’ve got devil’s blood”. It’s certain to be a classic. – Jonathan Mendick, Mannerist Zine

Mixel Pixel
Let’s Be Friends
Mental Monkey

Mixel Pixel has enjoyed success since ten years ago when they formed in Delaware. After four albums, the band has come across a proven formula for greatness. Blending hollow distant vocals from both Rob Corradetti and Kaia Wong, Atari-inspired sound effects and samples, electronic beats, bluesy organ, and hollow echoing guitar, Let’s Be Friends casts a soft vibe into your ears. Like a sun emitting its morning glow, the album immediately initiates your friendship. Rob, visual artist and founding member of the band, drew the artwork on the cover depicting subjects as diverse as the album’s lyrics and sonic utterances. Sure. It deals with cats, sweaters, death, drugs, fashion, lightning, loneliness, New York City, rebirth, and sex. But the success of the album lies in the lover/friend dilemma. Released on Mental Monkey records, Let’s Be Friends will either be an album to fall in love with instantly, or merely one to comfort you in times of loneliness. On “Distant Station”, the last track and also my favorite, lyrics about heartbreak, warm guitar and mellow keyboard exude warmness. Kaia explains “my love for you is like a secret potion”, proving the album would like to love you. Please do the same. – Jonathan Mendick, Mannerist Zine

Monotonix
Body Language
Drag City

In spite of a grueling tour schedule last year, which on average included more than a show every other day, Monotonix persisted and recently recorded an incendiary EP Body Language. The title track, also my favorite, proclaims the band’s manifesto, “my body language says I’m not afraid”. More pure muscle than careful masterpiece, these six songs capture Yonatan Gat’s amateurish guitar sound, Ami Shalev’s spirited vocals, and a knack for primal minimalist drumming that would make punk purists proud. Before now, the only way to hear Monotonix was if you were lucky (or crazy) enough to attend one of their gritty live shows. Amassing a reputation for making Iggy Pop-esque interactions with the crowd, they’ve moved beyond merely smearing peanut butter on themselves. Instead they spew entire beer bottles into your face. Sometimes at shows, while on fire (literally) lead singer Ami chases after you. You become a greater part of the show when the trio, now signed to the Chicago based Drag City label, performs another infamous move: the drummer, kit included, crowd surfs while continuing to pound the beat. Originally hailing from Tel Aviv, Israel, Monotonix are currently on a massive tour in the U.S. – Jonathan Mendick, Mannerist Zine

Sky Hero
Rose Hip (Silent Tracks Vol. 1)
Kreativ Network Recordings

Sky Hero is officially in the air. With the release of Rose Hip we are reminded that sound is not always sound. This particular release, more of a “performance/sound art piece” than party mix is composed of 15 tracks (two of them bonus tracks) of raw silence introduced by a consistent sound of something starting and stopping. These starts and stops are the essence of the album, as one forgets he is listening to anything at all until the next track is introduced and audibly startles the listener back into the activity of listening… intently… to nothing… to silence. Maybe it’s all a joke. The perfect solution to rid your ears of today’s appalling music: no music at all. Grab a listen (or download your favorite Sky Hero album) at Last.fm. – Ryan Stephens, Mannerist Zine

Finest Dearest
Self-titled
Bloodtown Records

The rocking prowess of this San Francisco quartet is the result of gambit basement jams a few years back. After a few lineup adjustments, Finest Dearest is now equipped to release a notable album with a blasting vocal front courtesy of Carly Schneider. Clean and convinced, this band is obviously still new, yet reminds me of a Sleater-Kinney/Belly/Breeders mashup. As far as lyrics, there are a few witty remarks and plenty of chic prose, but this element comes off as secondary to the instrumentation, which is highly studio-processed. The final word is that these folks have packaged some refreshing rock for you to discover. – Kelly D. Williams, Mannerist Zine

Bronx River Parkway
San Sebastian 152
Truth & Soul

Bronx River Parkway makes their debut on Truth & Soul with one of the best Latin jazz funk records that I’ve heard. This timeless sound is a collective product of Pablo Rodriguez (of Candela Records) and artist Rostarr that successfully presents the diverse sounds of Puerto Rico’s brilliant music scene. Excellent recording and overall soulful aesthetics make this album sound like it could have existed in the atmosphere of your favorite bodega twenty years ago. Veiled with the aged samba beats of the past, heightened with finger tapping instrumentals and coalescing vocals. San Sebastian 152 boasts the type of relentless sounds that make the forehead sweat. I like it. – Kelly D Williams, Mannerist Zine

The Atari Star
Aniseed
Johanns Face Records

Allow me to begin by answering a quote from one of this albums less forgettable tracks, “let me be a taste you have to acquire”, um… no thanks guys. This is a group with a ton of talent and zero originality. Honestly, listening to this album was like talking to a gorgeous dude asking predictable questions and giving predictable answers. I just kept hoping for something to redeem itself, but the bore kept pouring out. If you like John Mayer, or Teen Disney T.V. shows you might dig this stuff… might. - Ryan Stephens, Mannerist Zine

Heartsrevolution
Switchblade EP
IHEARTCOMIX

Heartsrevolution needs way more cred and attention than I can possibly attempt in this measly little paragraph. To get a feel for what this duo is all about you gotta check out heartschallenger.com. It isn’t the bands website, but is about the personas that form the HEARTS duo… kind of. But wow! Switchblade EP is definitely danceable. It’s the kind of record that you would catch “Misses Toughie Cool Hottie” brushing her teeth and flexing to in the morning. I was hypnotized by hypersensual vocals filtered only by the techy grit of the input device repeating phrases like, “foxes and bunnies, fire and snow”. I must also add that the rhythm and beats are precise and unique to each track, while keeping a cohesive handclap throughout the EP. Way to go team! - Ryan Stephens, Mannerist Zine