Beast World

I think it was SPHC themselves that said something to the effect of; "if any band could bring world peace, it would be Sete Star Sept", and it's kind of hard to argue with such a wholesome claim. Whenever 7S7 comes into town there's a sort of kinetic excitement that fills the air. The unifying excitement that one of the grind worlds most beloved bands (and probably most popular noisecore band, period...ever) is about to unleash a whole new level of racket. And a chance to pick up numerous new splits and limited tapes from their merch table . I had the joy of seeing them for the second time this summer at the LA Onefest, and their performance was definitely worth the long, long wait (after numerous set-time changes and configurations). As usual, 7S7 have had an incredible amount of split releases come out this year (the split 12"s with Godstomper and 7 Minutes of Nausea are some highlights). However, SPHC has also released a new studio album! I'm pretty sure it's their first since "Visceral Taverns". "Beast World" was released in a first run of 500 copies, all black vinyl, 33 RPM.

The A-side of "Beast World" plays and sounds like the tried and true Sete Star Sept that I know and love. 23 songs in about half the minutes, recorded in Baltimore by an SPHC affiliate. Brutal, frantic free grindcore, and some of their best material to date. Kiyasu's and Kae are both on the top of their game here. Like "Visceral Tavern", they give us more of that we're familiar with, but everything here just sounds a bit stronger. There's quite a bit of spots on the A-side where you could swear that these individual song blasts were composed, which only makes their talents as improvisers really shine. The occasional "real riff" or build-up helps give this a more fluid motion instead of just being a cascade of impenetrable noise. It's an incredibly strong first half.
But man, oh man, does this shit really get taken to a new level on the B-side. This B-side may be my favorite thing that 7S7 has done ever. Kae and Kiyasu switch duties, and what explodes after an innocent little ring of chimes, is amazing. Shitcore, free drumming and shouted English profanity, it's just so incredibly fun and perfect. Some of my personal highlights on here, "Bitch Ass Motherfucker", "Fuck Face", "Shit Head", actually no, this whole side is a highlight. You really do have to buy this record to hear how incredible it is for yourself. When I got this, me and my band listened to the CD 3 times in a row when we were driving. I was lucky enough to see them perform with Kae on drums and Kiyasu on vocals at the LA Onefest too, and I felt incredibly fortunate to witness it.

Once again, Sete Star Sept do not disappoint with the album cover. They've always managed to have great artwork that perfectly represents their recordings. The cartoony, over the topness of "Beast World" is such a joy to look at. It has a weird "Adventure Time" look, which I also appreciate (I've been binging on it lately). SPHC packaged this record in an impressively strong jacket, with full-color, glossy artwork. They always give this band a great package. No lyric sheet, obviously, and no other information is given besides what's on the back. Edit: recently Dan/SPHC and I got in touch, and he sent me (among other things) the beautiful insert that was not ready at the time of SSS's 2016 West Coast USA tour. Here it is now!

I highly recommend picking this up, one of my favorite records of the year. Buy it HERE!

~VII

Adult Diseases

Sometimes in my self-appointed roll as a music critique, I am generously and randomly send wonderful packages from bands or labels in return for me to review their records or tapes on this blog. And given that I rarely buy grind albums anymore because of my severe lack of frivolous online spending, these instances really help keep things going. Even if I do feel undeserving of all the kindness sometimes (gifts are kinda sorta hard for me to accept). The next batch of posts will be regarding the longtime Rochester, NY band Hades Mining Co. and their Father label Continuum Records. Gotta give a big thanks to Continuum operator and HMC member Dave, for very generously supplying me with some of these pretty limited releases. So, thank you Dave.
I figured I'd start with a post about this record. Given it's been obvious how much I enjoy records by our favorite Japanese duo Sete Star Sept. Any new SSS record is welcome into my home, and this one is definitely one of their more interesting 7" splits. Black vinyl, limited to 149 copies on black wax (the rest were on color), 33 RPM.

I've always had my eye on the latest batch of Hades Mining Co. splits. Even though I wasn't that initially impressed with them in brief streams online, they've been working with some cool bands. They're definitely one of those noisecore bands. They're totally oldschool sounding, genre fucking, completely free slopcore noise. One that you could write off as absolute talentless shit for their obvious wankery and fuck-you to actually "writing a song". Or a band you can take in with that great, sort of B-movie experience. Enjoying it for all it's flaws and just having some fun. And you're both right. Because goddamn this is shit, but I definitely do dig it. Four tracks make up Hades Mining Co.'s half. Opening up with a slow as molasses, drumless, doomy bass riff driven opus. Industrial, hissing guitar feedback and occasional soloing are a constant too. Basically sounding like the worst Sunn O))) cover band you've ever heard. HMC have embraced going totally slow and sludgy, which I think helps set them apart. It works better sometimes (definitely in this case) then others. The rest of their side goes more into standard noisecore territory. The second song even features a saxophone (standing ovation), and the band just proceeds to clusterfuck the crap out of anything resembling music. The last track is so lo-fi it literally sounds like a recording, of a recording, recorded and played through a cassette Walkmen.

Sete Star Sept's side was a very interesting and fulfilling listen to me. I love it when SSS record stuff that's a little stranger, more adventurous and creative then the standard noisecore fare. Unfortunately these are usually kept for their VERY limited cassette splits and don't see much vinyl treatment. This batch of songs is definitely in the spirit of this side of the band. The massive opener (taking up more then half the side) consisting of almost riffless bass feedback, with sporadic drum hits from Kiyasu. Sort of reminds me of the last track from their split with Lung Cancer, the feedback almost works as a power electronics instrumental. The next 4 tracks, entitled "Square Root A"-through-"D" are quick instrumental noise bursts, ending with a track that consists solely of Kiyasu's drums and some cartoonish grunts. I've never heard the band be this bizarre and different on any of their 7"s. So that right there says something It's a wild ride, and is one of the more unusual vinyl splits from them that I own.

I always saw the black and white, fold-over cover packaging that Continuum gave their releases and was not impressed. But only because it just looked like photocopied covers on printer paper with low pixel count artwork. But actually no, these are professionally done, sturdy and glossy sleeves. I was very pleasantly surprised! Hades Mining Co. certainly keeps a consistent aesthetic, and I like that a lot.

There were two 7"x7" inserts included for each band. Each one displaying an eye-bleedingly high amount of color in contrast to all this black and white. I kinda honestly wish these were the images for the sleeve, but it's a cool bonus. The test pressings were all adorned with these covers I believe.

This split is still available from the LABEL, and I've started to see it pop up on Discogs. If you feel up to it, dive into this slop. For true noise freaks only.

~VII

Imitation Which Looks Real

I've had this record around for a few months now, and for some reason, I never decided to spin it until very recently. No real reason why it's been left on the bench for so long. Just lost in the shuffle I guess. Goddamn it was so good to finally give this piece of wax a play though. I picked this up when I saw SSS in Syracuse a little while back. I had heard they were selling test press's of their split 7" with God's America on this tour so of course I had to grip it. I'm not sure exactly how many of these were made, but the numbers have to be well below 100. Here is the excellent live split between Sete Star Sept and God's America, 33 RPM.

On paper this isn't a 7" I would immediately go and purchase, even though I do like both bands quite a lot. Live recordings have never really been a huge turn-on for me, and both sides on this record were done on the radio sometime in 2014, when they were touring together. SPHC being the awesome weirdo's that they are teamed up with Subruckus Collective (a label I've never heard of) and put both sets onto a 7". Both sides really are great though, and sound superbly raw thanks to the great mix. SSS are of course a complete masterful live band, really one to check out if you ever get the chance. As usual their set is vicious and non-stop, both members expertly synched up with one another. 17 "songs" make up their side.

God's America's side is just ridiculous. 15 songs done in about 6 minutes. It's completely unrelenting, but still very tight. Songs start and stop in the blink of in eye, only short snare or cymbal hits offering any break. I honestly didn't know G'sA had this many microsongs, but goddamn this is one of their most chaotic recordings to date.

Given the overflow of vinyl records needing to be pressed, of course the band didn't have legit copies of this record in time for the tour. Honestly it's a miracle they even got the test presses! The cover's just a simple photocopied sleeve, with the tour dates printed on the inside. I caught them on the Syracuse date.

This record is actually out now on SPHC, which can be picked up HERE

~VII

The Awkward Moment When You Realize Grindcore Has Become Fashion

Y'all know I am always hungry to add to my Sete Star Sept vinyl collection. One of the best and coolest bands going right now in my opinion. A total inspiration and joy to witness grow musically, and watch their expansive discography continue to get larger. So huge thanks to Pompeo from xKATExMOSHx for graciously sending me a copy of their new split with SSS, all the way from Italy. This is the gorgeous and brutal split 7" between Japanese noisegrind and Italian fastcore. Red vinyl, 33 RPM.

Sete Star Sept bring their long standing and perfected style of spastic improvised noise with brutal results yet again. Fantastic riffage from Kae on this one. Not a whole lot of fretboard traveling here, but a lot of weird chords. Both her and Kiyasu really go in on the brutal grind assault, as always. While letting some passages breath a little bit more though, it's not a total blast fest through out. The centerpiece if you will, is the final track, "Life of Mr. B". A longer, jamming song that almost reaches the three and a half minute mark. It's curiously way more lo-fi and compressed then the rest of the 30 second rippers on their side, but I dig the contrast.
xKATExMOSHx seems like a pretty unusual pairing for SSS. Their incredibly tight and very well recorded 8 song offering is definitely a night and day difference from Sete's chaotic bursts. This being my first proper introduction to KxM, I'm definitely in favor of their style. Sticking very closely to the traditional sounds of Crossed Out and Spazz, with a more modern upgrade. It's super solid stuff, with a ton of excellent and varied vocals and powerful drumming. I'm not a huge fan of the breakdowns they write, honestly. They're just to average and pretty ordinary sounding. Like something I could hear from any powerviolence band going today. They pop up a lot, which is a shame, but the when they go fast, it definitely makes up for it.

The packaging on this is awesome. A full color, thick, fold over sleeve with a high gloss finish. Very similar to the Get Destroyed 7" released a couple years ago. Every copy it on red vinyl I'm pretty sure. Also, do not be fooled by the 45 RPM on the center label. This baby definitely is supposed to be played at 33.

~VII

Filled With Purple

Sete Star Sept have had a long and very wonderful relationship with SPHC records. A label out of Baltimore that you should certainly trust if you want to hear some of the best in weirdo hardcore and noisy grindcore. This is another split I was very happy to finally snatch because of it's concept. Reportedly birthed into creation after both bands saw a Gag show. SSS attempt to try their hands at making noisy hardcore, and Lotus Fucker do noisecore. To make it even better, this record is only available at shows and will have no distribution. Limited to 500 copies, 33 RPM.

Sete Star Sept's interpretation of hardcore is definitely not far from what we are comfortable and familiar with from the band. This recording is loud and mean as fuck. Crushing drums, crunchy bass and throaty vocals. SSS do get into more D-beat charges and even more traditional grindcore structures, and jam on them for longer periods of time. But it's definitely not something I would call "traditional" noisy hardcore, it's undeniably Sete Star Sept. Imagine if Insect Warfare, Godstomper and Eel for together and played an improvised show, it's a little like that. The traditional blasting freak-outs are still very present, but a focus to a sound is as well.

Lotus Fucker, oh Lotus Fucker. I have a little bit of beef with Lotus Fucker. Never really dug their music all that much, a little too slopfest for me. And their guitar player Zach left one of my favorite fastcore bands, xBrainiax, simultaneously breaking them up, to join LF. I'm bitter, so what, shit happens. While I have not dug any of their output, I gotta admit that they do make some pretty on point, entertaining noisecore. Keeping in the genre's tradition, we get a healthy dose with 70 tracks. In total making a six and a half minute blast of spastic lo-fi grind, noise, slop, collage and guitar wankery. I like this side for a couple reasons. 1: they actually broke up this recording into individual tracks, instead of going for the Anal Cunt/Deche-Charge blast mess and calling it 1,006,345 songs. 2: there is a healthy amount of different sounds throughout this whole piece. Micro song grindcore, harsh noise, junk abuse, hardcore riffs, vocal effects, these all show up. It's a very Sissy Spacek kind of collage piece. I dug the hell out of it.

Pick your favorite song title. 

As usual SPCH did a fantastic packaging job for SSS. We once again have a glued, matte sleeve made from thick cardstock. With a double sided insert and some very tidy and clean printing. Just lovely.

Despite the snobbish distribution catch, I have seen this pop up in some distro's online. But you should still buy this from SPHC, SSS and Lotus Fucker is you ever catch the last two live. 

~VII

Piss Smell

I recently filled a vacant gap in my "bucket list of bands to see", when I bared witness to the noisegrind lordship of Sete Star Sept in Syracuse last Wednesday. No introduction needed regarding this duo, I'm sure you all know the drill by now. And have probably confirmed your opinion of either "loving" or "hating" their particular brand of musical mayhem. Me personally, I think they're one of the coolest bands going right now. An exceptionally influential group, one I give credit for rejuvenating noisier grindcore and noisecore to what it is today. Completely passionate and loyal to recording and touring whenever possible, embracing low to no-fi recordings and DIY. Besides all that, for a slimy, vinyl addicted dweeb like myself, Sete Star Sept are a godsend band. I've only very recently been able to acquire a handful of their 7" splits (mostly due to online sale finances). And grabbed a chunk at the recent show too of course. One very fresh split I was happy to land was the split 7" with Cock E.S.P. Released on Underground Pollution Records, limited to 200. SSS plays at 33, CckESP plays at 45.

For this split, the name of the game is very largely the same. Brutal, unhinged grind and harsh noise, done the same tried and true ways from both bands. They've performed it countless times and every time is a joy. Their talent and skills for playing with as much intensity as possible shines through, especially on SSS's side. This is an early 2014 recording, really crunchy and metallic bass riffs and tones. A lot like "Visceral Tavern" or "Sacrifice". Kiyasu's drums are recorded particularly well, the bass drum and snare are thunderous! It's some seriously tough and angry sounding stuff, urgent and unrelenting. The last track "Masturbator Lover" is a highlight, Kae and Kiyasu's improvisational skills have them expertly stop and start with each other, breaking for some pretty gross, throaty vocals.

Cock E.S.P, the harsh noise freakshow from Minneapolis, offer up a very, very brief live recording from 2013. I don't doubt for a second that this whole 2 odd minute mess was the whole show. Their side is a 9 part collage of spastic, harsh bursts of static distortion and vocals. All-out, visceral, and dangerous. The polite clapping after every tracks are a hilarious addition. Sometimes it sounds like their's 40 people in the crowd, sometimes 3. Probably depending on what fucked up mess they saw on stage. Totally brilliant.

We have a very crude, printer parer cover that's juuuuuust a little too big for the plastic sleeve. A very limited run of 200 records that will probably not get repressed, all on black vinyl with a large center hole.

Listen to Sete Star Sept. Worship noise.

~VII