Radiation Pulse

As sprawling and active as the west coast scene is, I haven't come across many bands playing he kind of grindcore Syntax dish out. I believe this is their first physical release, the "Corridos Grind" EP. Released on Nice Dreams Records a while ago.

Steering away from straight blasting powerviolence or deathy grind as is the norm over there, Syntax dwell on the discordant side. i.e, blatant and unapologetic "Jouhou"-era Discordance Axis worship. A style that I am obviously all for, and these guys nail all the great characteristics. No bass player, obligatory, tons of mid-heavy, melodic, dissonant riffs, and the vocalist even keeps up the "nuts-in-a-vice" Chang scream through out the entire EP. All that said, this really is a solid tape. One that I find myself playing often these days. The guys lay down some ridiculous wanky riffage on here, and they're a nice bit of diversity from the WCGC crew.

Mr. Nice Dreams Records hooked me up with this copy last year, which was a very nice and thoughtful gesture. Nice looking, detailed 3x-fold cover sleeve, with an almost matte finish. Very fun to look at. Printed on both sides. The tape is a simple stamped white shell-cassette. Sounds wonderful! I'm unsure how many of these were made. Couldn't be more then 100.

Syntax also have another split tape with Murder out now. I think it's a compilation of some demo's, but it sounds great! I believe a split 7"is also in the works! Can't wait to hear the new material!

http://nicedreamsrecords.storenvy.com/

~VII

Black Blood

Water Torture just never stop delivering the goods. Gotdamn. This time around, we have a RIPPER of a split 7" with Six Brew Bantha, which couldn't be more perfect. Both bands really made a name for themselves in the underground last year, seems only natural that they would pair up. This is the pre-order variant, purple vinyl, 33 RPM. Brought to us by a great up and coming label called Nice Dreams Records.

Very unusual stuff from Water Torture on their side. They're always evolving and experimenting with recordings, and instrumentation, and this time they've added a guitar player to the fold, who totally dominates the mix. The bass is nearly inaudible. Kinda weirdo-powerviolence stuff, there's a lot of riffs that you don't really hear in the genre on here. I dig it, not sure if they'll every do something like this again.

Six Brew Bantha might win with their side though. Holy fucking shit, these songs are vicious. The bands goes absolutely fucking A-wall on here. Completely brutal, but still incredibly tight. The guitar work is excellent, and they still have the best loose/tight snare sound going. This stuff is dynamite.

Those who pre-ordered got the purple variant, of which there is 100 of. There's also 100 on clear and 100 on blue, which were intended for the bands to take on tour. I kind of want them both, cause I'm nerdy like that.

Snag this, listen to both bands, treat your ears to something tasty. 

~VII