Wreck & Reference : "Absolute Still Life"

Saying I have been a big fan or these guys might be an exaggeration of admiration. I began following them when they released "No Youth" back in 2012. Since I have typically made it a point to check out and review their releases since. Am I enough of a fan that I would leave the comfort of my house to see them if they came into town ? It would really depend on who they are playing w ith and unless money was flowing like wine at country club, not likely I would spring the 20 bucks on a shirt. If you have read this blog on a some what regular basis you might predict which bands that would happen for. The new album does interest me as it seems to be a darker turn. Imagine if Andy Dick was  making a goth album it might sound like the opening track. I know I brought up the King Missile comparison on the last time I reviewed these guys, but it is back. There is more going on and it's more experimental and dynamic.Things begin to take an even darker tune with the somber musing of " Eris Came to Me at Night' . I had to give this one a second listen,as it is very subdued and works of a murmured narrative.

 I really like the cold robotic groove to the surprisingly melodic 'stubborn lake"   The go back to the more King Missle sound on "What Goes In and Comes out". It works but not the best song on the album as I prefer the previous song. Heavy is not a currency they are really dealing in on a regular basis , but comes closer with the anguished vocals of  'what IS A Gift. "."in uniform" is almost more atmospheric than a song, since these guys stock and trade is all manner of weirdness I will let it count as a song.  "Dumb Forest" is an interesting commentary on sexuality. It's back in the King Missile mode , but the lyrics make up for a great deal.  I am big on lyrics and a song that might not win me over in and of itself, can tip the balance with good lyrics. "Amends" is another timid song that sound like Bright Eyes on harsher drugs and what ever Conner does. He comes closer to singing singing here. The beat is minimal and jagged. These lyrics are more self depreciating and not as appealing to me. 

The album ends with a denser heavier sound, but heavy in the same way Xiu Xie, can be. Only marginally darker than previous songs. It goes progress into atmosphere. I will give this album an 8 there are a couple songs I really like, but it is not likely I would listen to it on a regular basis if it was in my iPod, if you are a fan of the more avant garde, post industrial scene,tho would be a since addition for shuffle mode in following up an album like new Pinkish Black.Being relased on the Flenser.

Wreck & Reference : "Alien Pains"

I was never into Guided By Voices, but apparently these guys are as they have made a tribute album to the band. The title is a weird wink at the 90s indie rock band's 1995 album "Alien Lanes". Album is a loose term as with only 4 songs it's more of an ep. This is obviously darker and more electronic based considering the source. "Always Crush Me" sticking closer to a more conventional take on the arrangement. The sung vocal are well done and the groove is easier to follow than that of "Closer You Are" which deviates into much more experimental realms. "Game of Pricks" reminds me more of King Missile than Guided By Voices. The beat is more glitch ridden. The vocals stay in a low droning monotone.

"Striped White Jets" finds them eventually tapping into their heavier side. The harsher screamed vocals are sparse on this EP, only peaking out for two songs. So if you only like their more aggressive side this is not going to be your favorite contribution of the band. I appreciate how it is employed on this song. Really when you are covering Guided By Voices how heavy can you expect it to be. Notice earlier, I did not say if you are a fan of the band who only likes their more aggressive side, since you really couldn't be a fan of them if you do not embrace the totality of who they are.

Is this as good as "Want" ?  No, but it shows a different side. The more organic nature of Guided By Voices, brought out a more nuanced vocal in places. I think they were already growing out of their more metal minded temper tantrums and this ep displays another step in that direction. I'll give it an 8, even though I don't see myself returning to it much, but as it's good and dark. It's experimental , but still listenable.

Wreck & Reference :" Indifferent Rivers Romance End"

Things have changed yet the core of what this projects does  remains intact , but it can not be ignored that they have taken a  turn not unlike that Muscle & Marrow made on their last album Wreck & Reference continues to evolve on their newest album. This evolution takes them away from the more metallic intensity of their previous albums. Some emotive screamed vocals do appear on the first track to break up the narrative that is more introspective. Vocally this album shows growth, with many more vocal colors being dipped into. They have always been a duo that pits synths against a drum kit, this has been expanding into varied forms of electronic experimentation. The floating synths of "Flight, but Not Metaphor" have more of a kraut-rock throb to them. The first hint of the so-called "trap" 808 sound thumps in toward the end of the song. These guys might be too cool for the own good. The screaming transitions you into the harder sonics of "Ascend" which on my first listen sounded like an extension of the previous song.

The plaintive vocal reminds me of King Missile. It is joined by a coarser holler as the song winds into a deep space groove into a narcotic drenched mind. The mood goes gray with the ambiance of "Liver". They return to their darker   take on the kind of reflective pose you might remember King Missile for back in the 90s. Their is a similar tone shared between "Manifestos" and "Modern Asylum" , though "Manifestos" captures a wider sonic spectrum as it builds into a heavy section. The tortured vocals continue on into the looser atmosphere of "Bullwhips". "Languish" has the throat wrench yells opening the door for a barrage of drums and Phillip Glass like string synth pieces. The is more of a post-punk croon to "Unwant" that ends the album. This finds them somewhere between a more spaced out dark wave and atmospheric prog rock. Some of the songs have a similar drone to them and the songs are often what you hear is what you get working off the one synth pattern. Overall it's an enjoyable listen but not an album I really see myself getting a lot of air time with. I'll give it an 8.5