Giant Squid Cenotes Album Cover

Giant Squid – CENOTES- Translation Loss Records- Music Review by Phil Chevron (philchevron@gmail.com)

The band bio points out that his band is somewhat of a hidden nugget of joy that fans like to keep close to their cockles and not share with others. Hand it over, Goddamn it! This album was released in September 2011, and I’m sure this late review is not going to change how people already feel about the album, or make the hording fans of theirs share another spotlight on their band with others either. But, I get paid to listen to music and write reviews, so here goes. (ed.note- he doesn’t get paid)

Where this album really gets me, and it’s where I’m sure most people will find joy in it, is where the band picks up the moody tempo and begins banging it out a bit. Not to say that the slower tempo moody parts of the songs are not good set-ups. They are, it’s just nice that there is a pay off for the build up. I don’t mind the walk up to the place as long as I’m going to cum at the end.

Also, let’s be honest, without that awesome cello and some other nice tidbits (did I hear a sitar in there?), this would be just another standard progressive rock album. It’s really what sets it apart for me, the cello parts are mesmerizing and a bit haunting in their delivery. Never lose the cello. The cellist on this album, Jackie Perez Gratz, understands her instrument and it’s place on this album. Not only does it add atmosphere and mood to the album, but it drives it in places and I’m glad it took the wheel for a while.

Now, it’s only five songs, but it is 35 minutes and there was never a time when I thought, okay when does this song end? Soon? No, this band understands the messages they are trying to relay and although brevity may be the soul of wit, this story needs a few extra stanza’s. The stories never get stale even though the running times on some songs are over 5 minutes.

I’ve listened to this album more than ten times, I like to do that when I review a record, it’s probably why I only do about five or six a year. I think I’ve got a good feel for this one. I think anyone who likes metal and hard rock with some touches of the dramatic and maudlin will want to check this out. I think anyone who likes music would be good with this release as well, because it’s not a band that is going to bore you with long drawn out empty passages about being a dim wit fuck stick from the back woods of Indiana. Sit down with this one, let it soak in, and do some light reading or play a game on your iphone, it’s a nice companion piece. It gives a certain atmosphere and is never intrusive.

*Phil Chevron can be reached at philchevron@gmail.com. He is the producer for SLTM (The Podcast) and has been doing so for all 130 episodes. He likes Corndogs, Eric Powell’s Goon Series and Lawn Darts.

I recently bumped into French Stewart at the Shakey’s Pizza in Des Moines, Iowa. He was very apologetic. “Let me start by saying, I was sure you would never see my blog, and second, I never meant to hurt you”. We talked for over three hours, and in the end we patched things up. I mean how many times in life can you right a wrong and smooth things over with a person that was close to you? It’s tough, believe me. It’s even harder when those hurtful words become public. I forgive you French Stewart, but cross me again and I’ll break your break your french manicured fingers.

MUSIC ON EPISODE 129 of SLTM (the Podcast):
Maidens- Error Records 4 Song Cassette Release and Digital Download
Know Your Saints
State Faults
Sinner
Black Box Revelation

SLTM (the Podcast) Episode 129 [ 41:35 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is the first of the final three shows for 2011. We’ll post our best of year end show in a couple of weeks, and we’ve got some really good stuff to re-share with you on that episode. We have heard some really good stuff this year,so that show is going to be jam packed. Episode 129 will post next week sometime, so that will be the last show with all new music.

Thanks for tuning in every week. We’ve got some great prizes to give away during the best of show, so tune in December 19th for that. For now, enjoy this wonderful episode with lots of new music in it.

Music on Episode 128:
Nightlights
Dark Forest
Paper Diamond
Build Us Airplanes – Band Camp & Sell The Heart Records
Brainstorm
Dikembe
Break Science

Episode 128 of SLTM (the Podcast) Hosted by Brad Bugos and Produced by Phil Chevron. Recorded 12/5/2011.

SLTM (the Podcast) Episode 128 [ 47:33 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Parts & Labor- Constant Future – JagJaguwar- CD review by Brad Bugos

I know, I know. I take forever to write music reviews. That is one of the main reasons my zine (SLTM THE ZINE) only came out twice a year. It’s hard to sit down and write about music non-stop and come up with something fresh and interesting. Just look at my hero/mentor magazine The Big Takeover. Tons of music reviews, written by lots of different people. It’s a lot harder to do it when you do them all under fake names (more on that next time).

On to the review. Know what I like about this release? The rock elements to it. I mean this band fucking rocks out, they are not afraid to put some rock muscle behind these basic electronic and pop songs. I love that, it’s what really separates them from all the other indie pop/electronic pop acts out there.

Now there is some space in the songs, don’t get me wrong . Not all of the songs are going to punch you in the mouth, but there are more than enough rock beats there to keep it moving. Their press release calls them a “Noise-pop trio”, which I think is almost accurate. I think you need to mention the big drums and rock elements in the songs. It’s really their strength, yeah they write a nice pop tune with some keyboard and noise laid around it, but its those rockin guitars and heavy drums I love.

Here’s what else I like about this band and their release, they know that these songs have an expiration date. Meaning? Well, some bands decide that since they are going to add noise or spacey elements to their songs, it can go anywhere and for any length of time. This band gives you their best shot, keeps it interesting and tasty and then gets the hell out of their. It’s the mark of a good, intelligent band. Where you would want them to expand on these ideas is live, and some bands forget that mantra. Noodle and expand all you want when you are playing live but there is a certain genius in brevity and quick wit.

This album was released on March 8th 2011 in both CD and Vinyl form. You can buy the LP for $12 here and download a mp3 of their excellent single Constant Future too.

This album, which is 9 months old in a week, is one of my favorite of the year. It bounces about, gives you a hammer to the head and a quick dollop of drums in the sack, gets you home in time for supper and less angry than you’ve been in ten years. Enjoy this album, it’s why I do this the podcast and bother to write music reviews.
Brad Bugos – Host SLTM (THE PODCAST) brad@fatrobotradio.com