Jesu
Why Are We Not Perfect
Hydrahead

Consisting of three full songs and two remixes, Why Are We Not Perfect sees Justin Broadrick going deeper into the darkwave/shoegaze realm he’s been invoking more with each Jesu release. The heavy guitars have slowly melted into a Cocteau Twins-like, dreamy haze. But there are still doom riffs to be found in the title track. The Red House Painters vibe present throughout most of Jesu’s catalog – both in terms of music and the raw emotions- is prominent. It should also be noted this EP is actually just a collection of Broadrick’s contributions to the Jesu/Eluvium split from last year, with remixes tacked on. Jesu play shoegaze with doom riffs. Doomgaze? Sure. That works. And I love it.

Trap Them
Seizures In Barren Praise
Deathwish Inc.

Holy shit. Although I loved their Séance Prime EP from last year, this totally blows that away. Trap Them have a brutal intensity like a beast unleashed from the pits of hell, and what blows my mind is that they’re a three piece! Think Converge, His Hero Is Gone and Integrity. Seizures In Barren Praise is dark, ire-fueled hardcore just like I love it. And, did I mention they’re brutal? Yeah. They are.

Black Ships
Omens
New Romance For Kids

I really thought this was Union Of Uranus when I first heard it (which in case you didn’t know – that’s a very good thing). Omens is blast of bitterness from Montreal that is equal parts Entombed sludge and Black Flag’s fuck-off attitude. These eight tracks pack enough piss and vinegar into 25 minutes that you will be hitting repeat. This is one for the crust punks that tire from waiting for Tragedy to play again. Or the metal kids who are tired of hearing the same boring breakdowns.

True Widow
s/t
End Sounds

True Widow’s concept seems to revolve around the idea of loss and sadness. With haunting vocals and emotive lyrics, they strike an impressive balance of delicate melodies and slowcore elements – like Low but with bigger amps. There’s even hints of Sebadoh speckled in here. It’s a rare delight to hear such a record – one that draws you in from start to finish – but this is just that. For a trio, they sound massive. I’m looking forward to catching these guys live.

The Bronx
The Bronx (III)
White Drugs

This record has an identity crisis. Should Matty sing? Should he shout? So much of the time I’m staring at the track time wondering if this really is the new Bronx LP. And are they saving all the songs I’ll love for the next record from (Bronx side project) The Drips? I’m in a bit of denial that this is the same band that released the last two self-titled records. III is a neutered version of the band I love, the ferocity and intensity I love stripped away and replaced with this overall blandness and boredom. Fist pumper “Past Lives” sounds like it was left off their last record. Not until “Enemy Mind” do we hear that Rocket From The Crypt-styled rock, showing a glimmer of life that they truly are The Bronx. All the best songs on III are on what would be the second side of the LP. As of yet there is no info on when this will be out on vinyl – but when it is, I’m going to treat it like a single sided LP. Maybe side A will grow on me, but for now I doubt it.