Disaesthetic

Here Comes The Wave

Happy Holidays! Welcome to December, the last month of the year. Life opens up for time with friends, family, and just some general leisure. I’m looking forward to kicking up my feet more than usual and sleeping in some more before another year dawns upon us.

As New Year’s Eves approaches we take stock of the last twelve months and what’s ahead next year. So many new faces launched incredible debut albums and promising starts to their young careers.

Below are my favorite new bands I found this years. Some have a few years under their belts while others formed and emerged simultaneously this year. Hopefully some of these artists grab hold and find their way into your library.

Fiends

From: Sarasota, FL | Album: Me Time

Dubbed a love child of Tool and Lamb of God, Fiends really impressed me with their first single “Keep Me in The Dark” at the beginning of the year. It’s rare for new bands to show technical and subtle song writing proficiency. Fiends display those traits from go. Much like Tool their songs don’t boast virtuoso playing but rather meticulous structuring and seamless knitting from one aura to another. Take the transformative turn in “700 Club” from cursing the gods type of metal to dark and mysterious. Very uncommon and as far as I know exclusive to them, and that’s what we want in new bands.

This Curse

From: Northern NJ | Album: From the Darkest of Places

I’m a sucker for New Jersey bands. Whether it’s Geoff Rickly’s basement or some dive in Asbury Park the state is fertile grounds for poetizing the every man struggle(s). This Curse continue that tradition with a bit of a twist. Lyrically they’re Jersey yet it’s hard to pin down one genre for them. “Waiting” blasts primarily post-hardcore parts and sneaks in a bouncy metalcore breakdown. They teeter on all these different styles picking the most satiating elements from each throwing in djenty progressions, emo choruses, and timely breakdowns. Their debut album also earns points with me for having only a few songs yet they’re all exceptional.

Muncie Girls

From: Exeter, UK | Album: Fixed Ideals

Muncie Girls almost made my top 10 list this year and get the honorable mention here. Women have established themselves in punk and underground music but in recent years they’ve really surged more than ever. Lande Hekt possesses nuanced understanding for clean and melodic with loud and grungy punk. Take the best of everything. “Locked Up” exemplifies the ideal mixture of unforgettable riffing and the verse/chorus/verse formula. Her singing and guitar playing maintain pop while ripping gigantic riffs. It’s great she’s a woman and bringing something new to me; however, she just fucking rocks. That’s really what matters most to me.

Jesus Piece

From: Philadelphia, PA | Album: Only Self

I didn’t discovered Jesus Piece but they stepped up to another level with their first full length. Classic hardcore band paying their duos playing any slummy concrete floor finally paid off with Only Self. They remind me of more straight ahead Code Orange trimming industrial and poppy elements. “Curse of the Serpent” wastes no time. Two minutes of ceaseless slaughter yet so digestible. A outsider can appreciate its energy. They can play “Punish” until the end of their careers and detonate every venue in its wake. The incredible album production allows a clear and coherent experience, very uncommon in this scene.

Frontside

From: Wilson, NC | Album: Essentially, Eventually

We Are Triumphant Records and I share similar tastes in bands. They’re known (and infamous) for signing diamonds in the rough like Neck Deep, Sworn In, and now Frontside. Walter Stanley sings like Patrick Stump and strums with an impressive repertoire of slick hooks and quietly intricate riffs. “Almost There” showcases palatable mathy guitar and insanely catchy sing along vocals. Infectious. This three piece got together almost ten years ago now and few are paying attention to them. I wouldn’t be shocked if that changes. Maybe Blue Swan records should snag them. I’d like to see them open for Dance Gavin Dance.

Puppy

From: London, UK | Album: The Goat

I don’t know if it’s just age or what but slower, throwback, metal really allures me now. Ghost were perhaps the first to draw me in. Puppy take that fascination to another level. Vocalist Jack Norton acknowledge his love for both metal and MTV’s 120 Minutes growing up. Someone else who also likes Hum! “World Stands Still” in its foundation has NWOBHM structure with a ton of modern day groove metal bridging between. Their best song to date “Black Hole” combines the majesty of Ghost and the stoner riffs of Kyuss. Undeniably bewitching. Mark the release of their debut album The Goat in your calendar.

Recounting 2018

The major chords from “September” by Earth Wind and Fire have roamed through my mind lately. Perhaps the impending close of the year reminds me how unpredictable the journey turned out. How fortunate I’ve been.

Couldn’t predict I’d have a new job nor the challenges it presented; however, I met the tasks and find myself in a positive place. Work empowers my ambition to succeed in more ways than just my personal career.

For the first time in years I’ve made my own friends. Taking better care of my body become a higher priority in my life. I’m extremely proud of the mile stones I’ve reached.

There’s still more to achieve but I look better and better in mirror, and I really like that feeling. I think I’ve defined this year, personally, by reaching for the things I want even if I don’t have the most confidence.

Seizing opportunity, and forgetting any doubts.

I can’t say the year was easy but the struggle(s) strengthened me. It’s rewarding to compare where I am today versus this past January.

My listening habits reflect, in a way define, the year for me. I had a difficult time selecting records and organizing my top ten albums, yet the final list turned out strong just like this year.

Some of my favorite artists and bands made their way back or their first trip to my list. You’ll see some repeaters and some who I’m glad can finally gain some praise.

The Pillows

One aspect that made assembling this year’s list difficult was the lack of time spent with music. I listened to less albums this year compared to the last two. 2017 also had monster releases which have only begun exiting their album cycles.

I’ll remember this year more for new up and comers emerging onto the scene. Establishing themselves so we will remember them and look forward to their next projects.

Perhaps we’re turning a corner in this over saturated climate with advancements in digital platforms and the artists themselves.

Yes, everyone has access to producing their own music now and pour money into promoting it. Bands can find me easily through Facebook ads while uploading their music independently.

This has also empowered brilliant artists of lesser means to reach us. Take This Curse, from New Jersey, a band with a few thousand Facebook followers.

I shouldn’t know about them, but through my digital channels I found a gem. Right out of the gate they show advance aptitude in crafting a diverse debut album of emo, progressive, and metalcore songs.

More on rising up and coming artists next month. In December, I’ll post several lists throughout the weeks to tease my annual top ten albums of the year.

Putting these top lists together has become a tradition for me. I start thinking about the best records I’ve heard some time after my birthday. In my private Facebook group I’ll start throwing out feelers to see what my friends think about certain records.

Facebook has also helped me gauge with my musician friends, of a certain genre, what’s registering, what I’m missing, and more importantly what gems I can keep stashed for myself.

Usually it’s the latter I enjoy gloating about the most. This year I’m feeling mighty about my finds and This Curse is just a little teaser.

Check back December 1st for the best new bands I discovered this year, and return each week for a new list until I start revealing my annual top 10 of the year.

See you next week!

Stories of Fall

Photo: Malachi

Staring at the blank screen after weeks of not writing reminds me of middle school algebra, unable to solve simple equations. The first sentence takes me 5 to 10 minutes until I feel like it’s good enough for me to move on.

The last few months feel like those agonizing minutes yet have breezed by like the rest of 2018. It’s almost my 1 year anniversary at work, I’m hoping to go on vacation early next year, and my ambitious career outlook still remains at the top of my priorities.

Sometimes it’s the only reason I wake up. My current job feels like a stepping stone, yet the days take their mental toll.

My support system always stresses patience, positive mental attitude, and a little amnesia: one work day at a time.

Being sick over the last few weeks certainly hasn’t helped. I’m looking forward to my first day at full health performing at a high level, for my own confidence.

Working in customer service drains the soul sometimes. If anything it’s perfect insight to how we truly treat each other in society.

Enough about work, overall I made great decisions in regards to my career this year. I’m in a better position now more than ever. Thankful for where I am.

Halloween 2018

I’ve had some fun adventures recently. The weekend before Halloween hung around the Wicked Village downtown. My roommate, our friends, and I fully enjoyed the costumes; we encountered a herd of Bob Rosses, played BP with deluxe trash bins, and danced to whatever EDM was played.

One of the perks of living in the city, despite its impossible parking and inflated prices, endures through unlimited freedom of lifestyle.

When life feels stagnated I can use my surroundings to remind myself what my hours at work have bought me. I can eat whatever strikes my mood of the moment. If I want to meet family and friends for dinner and/or drinks they all want to come down to my neighborhood. I’m fortunate to afford such luxuries.

Each year I feel more appreciative than ever. This year has risen my level of gratitude. I’m not just lucky but I’ve also earned what I have through determination and drudgery. As I start to realize this fact my confidence will grow.

Confidence, that’s the missing word lately. It’s the catalyst to improve all aspects of life.

After feeling super congested, lethargic, and weak over the past two weeks I’m hopeful I’ll be close to 100% tomorrow. I’ll have a strong work day and head into the weekend on a high note.

The next few weeks could help me get on a groove. It’s the holiday season. I’ll get a few days off here and there, but even more importantly see friends and family. Some important people are coming home from across the country and sea.

My friend Japan is coming home. The last time he was home we arrived at Gossip just in time for the new year. He and I have too many past due adventures on our list.

There’s one more friend coming home after new years hopefully. I (sometimes) purposely don’t name individuals. Leave you a little vague. You don’t need to know everything but listen to this song.

I don’t need to tell you anything else.