2010. What a year. Captain Beefheart in the grave, The Beatles on Apple, Lady Gaga still getting publicity. It's been somewhat inexplicable. Luckily for you, Scene Point Blank is right on hand to summarise what's been going on. We cover the best EPs, splits, reissues, cassettes, anticipated records for 2011 and of course, the worst record cover art of the year.
Read on to see our lists and features!
- the SPB team
The mighty Integrity comes back. As a follow up to their long in the making LP they release this short beast. These two songs are short and no less dark than anything on "The Blackest Curse". showing a dramatic style with strong guitar work the band have truly returned. For all the drama shown on the full length there is a sense of the band including a focus on the japanese punk that Dwid seems to love while not missing out on an opportunity to let loose some hefty solos. This is a must buy if nothing else for the artwork. While keeping in tune with the somewhat collage art style of their more recent 7 inches and splits the record itself is where the shine comes. The two songs reside on the first side while an etching of the infamous Integ skull resides on the b side.
This was a surprise of sorts. Stealing their name from one of the better known Death In June albums they sound nothing like what DIJ would. This brutal 5 song LP moves with an unrelenting strength, Kevin Barnes of The Hope Conspiracy screams as though he is in need of an exorcism. The music is heavier than his other band as they play with a metallic style while still remaining a hardcore band. The guitars stay heavy and slightly sludgy while indulging themselves with solos at each opportunity. Nothing is done for the sake of it everything feels in its right place for maximum impact.
This is what would be referred to as a nearly perfect comeback. The band had lies dormant for years. even letting the great death metal comebacks of years past go by without a shudder. Instead they waited until they were ready and came back stronger than anyone could have expected. Each song moves at top speed never slowing down long enough to catch your breath. Everything about this is classically brutal. The artwork is something that would disgust your parents and the song titles sound like vintage death metal. This is the perfect teaser to an upcoming LP.
The Love Below crank out their first 7 inch with an effiency one would expect from an older band. The band rip through 5 songs at a fast clip with no regard for anything else involved. The songs themselves are filthy, taking parts of hardcore, metal, crust and just about anything else they wanted to throw in. Nothing lasts too long or overstays its welcome. All of this is capped off by some of the more offensive artwork in hardcore. Skulls naked girls and other generally unpleasant stuff all combines to make this a tough package to compete with.
Say what you will about Charles Manson's past endeavors in the United States legal system. This has nothing to do with that. What it does do is help to show off the folksy creepiness that Manson has been toying with for decades now. his side is comprised of new songs that linger with an emotional heft without being explicit about anything lyrically. On the other side we have Ancient VVisdom which is a new project from one of Integrity's current guitarists. Much like Manson's side it plays with a darkened almost unnerving version of folk. these are the first two songs from the Ancient VVisdom project and for what its worth a full length with this caliber of songs will be great.
(Jon E)
Still loving this even with it being an early entry from the beginning part of the year, Time Of Land is an excellent follow-up to a great debut album and completely addicting listening. How Have A Nice Life are not ruling the world yet is beyond me, but if this is any indication of where their next full length is going, people are going to be putting that on the year end lists as well. Oh, yeah, this is completely free (since the cassette version is looooooooong gone); though, someone should put this out on vinyl.
On top of The Blackest Curse, Integrity released a metric ton of music this year (combine the weight of all the vinyl and it is close), and VVe Are The End is at the top of the mountain. It is a one sided 7” (with the legendary Integrity skull icon laser etched into the b-side) with what are arguably two of the best Integrity songs in quite a while (an album of the new Integrity lineup, which is vastly different from what recorded The Blackest Curse will be awesome). This record got so many spins on my record player that I had to replace my record needle and buy several copies of the record because I wore it out (OK, not entirely true but I have to justify all the versions of this that I acquired this year somehow). Find this.
Death Drive is awesome; hands down this is my favorite record from this enigmatic outfit that I have heard to date and “Moonlight Ride” is a song that I play over and over again. Hell, I listen to the opening of the song at least once a day (yes, I am completely serious). Vicious and caustic sounding like something coming at you right from the gutter, this record will sit in my regular rotation for a while to come.
Easily my favorite release from Trap Them yet, and though I still cannot say why, it tops everything else they have released to date as far as my listening is concerned. Everything about this record is awesome, from the etching on the back to the Bartlett artwork. Maybe in a few years it will be considered a classic release.
Their first album was quite a shock, but this second release makes for one hell of an EP by further refining their exercise in controlled chaos. Another one sided record (interestingly there are three in my top 5 and by complete coincidence), that will have anyone putting the needle right back to the beginning on the one side of gorgeous noise that will lull you into submission. This is an import to the US but well worth tracking down as I highly recommend it.
(Bob)
Yes, yes I know 2010 is barely gone, but there are oodles of records that people are anticipating for 2011 already; and, while I can appreciate those waiting for the new Converge that is slated for this year, my list is probably different (or maybe not) than many people’s lists. Here is my top 5 records and a couple of honorable mentions for 2011 (if they come out, as I can be overly anxious in anticipating records… see Three Mile Pilot’s or Integrity’s latest LPs)
The mighty Neurosis rises from its slumber like the demigod Chthulu to lay waste to our mortal world. Has it really been four years since Given To The Rising? In any case, this new record should be some more quality crushing music with which to be obliterated. I don’t know if I can accurately convey how much I want to hear this record.
Not one, but rather two new albums from Earth are due in 2011. These albums should be interesting to hear where their music goes following the subtle transition of The Bees Made Honey In The Lion’s Skull from the sounds of Hex…; the precedent that Dylan Carlson and company have set for themselves is rather high, as is my anticipation for these albums.
Over the last 18 months since Hirror Ennifer fell into my lap (not literally of course, but you get the picture), I have listened to a great deal of Mamiffer; this obsession only increased as I purchased several tape splits over that period and culminated with the recent split with House Of Low Culture (an awesome record I might add). Well, 2011 tentatively looks to have two new records coming from Mamiffer; and the scope of them both is rather interesting. The five song Mare Decenendrii was recorded with Randall Dunn and many compatriots and took a year to make (the grand piano was recorded at Studio Litho to tape, definitely exciting) while Lilac was recorded mostly on a 4 track, which sounds like maybe it will be a bit more of a personal record.
I got hooked on House Of Low Culture when Neurot recordings released Edward’s Lament (I am still waiting for a vinyl release of that bad boy). Mr. Turner has been doing a bit more with the project of late (see the split with Mamiffer and a digital release of the compilation Housing Tracts) and rumor has it that a new full length is on the way from the outfit this year. I hope so, because it has been quite a while since Edward’s Lament.
FINALLY, Rival Schools is putting out a new album. I love Guided By Fate and the “Unreleased Album”, but it is time for new tunes from this band. Thankfully, the long wait is almost over and done. I know a bunch of other people are excited about this record too.
(Bob)
Hearing new music all the time can be both a blessing and a curse (thanks interwebz). New music can be good, and it can be bad; but being an obsessive (like myself) is dangerous when it comes to new bands and musicians depending on the number of releases and the rarity of those releases. These were the five new bands that I became obsessed with this year as a result of hearing their music (great, adding to my already large list of record collections)
I was completely blown away by The Crystal World when I heard it, and talked about them incessantly to any of my musical compatriots who would listen (much to their chagrine), so much so that I had to reshuffle my top records of the year to fit the album. Hold on though. Locrian puts out records, tapes, and CDs with almost the same frequency of Nadja and Jesu (circa 2007-2009); so, catching up with their releases was difficult to do and rather overwhelming at that. Who cares, this band is great, and I want more, like now.
Here is another one that I became obsessed with this year. Luckily for me though, Planning For Burial only had one release at the time of my obsession kicking in, so I was able to track down the other release when it came out with relative ease. I also was able to see a live performance by them at relatively the same time, which was also great. Now, it is time for Planning For Burial to give me more (I never said that I was not a demanding obsessive).
Similar to Jesu in some ways (not surprising considering that Iroha contains a member of Jesu and a former member of Final) but bringing different aesthetics to the table to create something their own, Iroha is sure to turn some heads this year when their new album drops, but hopefully it is sooner rather than later because the two and a half songs I have from them is not cutting it right now (though I know the new album is a doozy with a ton of remixes and such as well).
What can I say besides I was probably destined to like this band due to my obsessions with its related outfits (members of Pyramids and Nadja as well as others will do that), but their debut this year was more than a quality record; in fact you should go check it out right now if you have not yet. Hopefully, this is more than a one off project because the group could certainly take this to interesting places.
Their full length, Rainclouds Over The Remains Of Hope is such that it will subconsciously coerce you into putting the record on again and again (possibly they use subliminal messaging in their music hidden amongst the guitar washes). Songs from this record stick in my head for days and gnaw at me to put them on while in the middle of other records. A great way to get me obsessed for sure but seriously, this is a good record that people need to hear.
(Bob)
As far as I am concerned, Reissues and Retrospectives get their own list since a lot of classic albums would just end up at the top of people’s lists every year. My list is a strange one this year, but I certainly enjoyed the new looks and listens that these reissues and retrospectives provided over their original records and releases.
Bar none, one of my favorite records of all time and an inarguable classic not just for its impact on music following its release (look at all the punk bands that it inspired) but also because Raw Power could not be a more fitting name for the songs on this album. This reissue offered a ton of extra material to listen to and watch (if you procured the uber deluxe version of the release) that completely makes the money worth grabbing. I could go on and on about this record (and did in my review for this site), but I will be short here; this is an essential piece of rock and roll history.
This release was simply massive. Ten LPs, one seven inch record, eight CDs, and a thirty-two page booklet housed in a cloth box gives people probably all the Floor that anyone could ever hope to consume. No review or description could do this justice (I know, I have tried). If you like Torche, this is where the band came from in all its down tuned pop metal glory; just Floor over the years was much more varied in its sound.
Finally, a decent sounding version of this album, which is almost the fourth Stooges album (following Raw Power of course) is available. This record is great, but there are no extra tracks for this reissue so it is only the original record (sounding way better) here. Still, like I said, a great rock and roll record to shake it to when no one is around to embarrass yourself.
I am going to speak sacrilege here (amongst Earth fans and aficionados) and say that I never owned Extra Capular Extraction (I know I know); but this fact allowed me to purchase A Bureaucratic Desire For Extra Capular Extraction guilt free (for once I was not buying just another version of a record that I already own). All I can say is this combines all the recorded material from Earth’s infamous “Smegma Sessions” into one place and given the best sound that I have ever heard from these tracks. The whole package looks awesome too, which is just a big bonus.
OK, this release is a bit difficult to classify as it is the first physical release of the songs here. Originally available as a fan compiled download (with the blessing of the band), Voids contains various demos and other unreleased recordings on the way to Deathconsciousness. Music Ruins Lives released this then on cassette (limited and sold out but you can still download this excellent document of music) with a track previously not available on the original fan created download. Well, this is worth tracking down if you enjoy Have A Nice Life because it contains some of my favorite songs from the band that did not get released elsewhere.
(Bob)
This year saw a large amount of splits and collaborations coming from a wide variety of artists that really were excellent. This list is what I thought were the best ones out there.
Honestly, one of the most relaxed but moving listening experiences that I have had in the second half of 2010; it does not hurt that I am completely obsessed with both groups. Mark this down as sounds to hunker down with a loved one while a massive whiteout winter storm is going on outside. This was the soundtrack to my year end SPB lists.
Besides being more great material from A Death Cinematic, this split introduced me to the spaced out sounds of Sons Of Alpha Centaurii. Both sets represent some of the more soundtrack like music that I have heard that are not set to moving pictures. Great music to get lost in and stare out into nothing at all, this record may bring oblivion to your mind, if only for a few moments.
Only knowing half of this split based on its members other projects, buying this split was a gamble that paid off in spades. Both groups turn in performances that made me search out previous material (in the case of Fragment.) or anxiously await their first full length (I’m looking at you Iroha). This release stands well on its own, almost a year after initially hearing it.
The band considers this a collaborative LP and not a pure album from Locrian, but the band teams up with a drummer to produce a caustic record that I think might be aimed to melt your face off while you are listening to it. Another excellent release from Locrian this year that might be overshadowed by its successor (The Crystal World), this record stands well enough on its own though thank you very much.
This is one of those splits where the artists sound completely different but seemingly connect on a completely different level as the pairing just feels right. Both solo projects will knock your socks off the way they did mine. The synergy here is uncanny and the tunes are all excellent.
Gehenna / Blind To Faith- split and Gehenna / California Love- split
(Bob)
Cassettes? Really? I said the same thing as cassettes began making a comeback because of their kvlt nature or something along those lines, but one great thing about cassettes is how easy it is to make them and do interesting packaging designs with the cassettes. Well, I was dragged kicking in screaming into picking up cassettes for certain releases by bands and their offshoots of which I have become obsessed with over the years. These are the most impressive cassette releases that I have seen this year.
OK, so Mamiffer and Oakeater have released several splits together now, but this one was particularly impressive. A double cassette split housed in a wooden box (hinges and all and tied shut with twine), this split is hyper limited (to 36 copies) and is completely gone; but you can look on these pictures in envy if you would like. Both groups put forth awesome efforts on this release, which only makes it a shame that this is not more widely available; but given the massive amount of work that went into the release, I can understand its limited nature.
This is really 1b or a straight tie for #1 and not just because of the sheer volume of noise that Wvndrkmmer contains within its five cassettes but also because of the sheer number of artists involved in this project; Mamiffer, Fear Falls Burning, Oakeater, Burial Hex, Great Falls, Across Tundras, Romance of the Young Tigers, This Will Destroy You, Tenhornedbeast and a ton more all contribute to this massive undertaking that is roughly six hours of unadulterated noisy and or ambient bliss. A great deal of effort and care was obviously put into this entire release, and it is a release that most people probably will never hear about, which is a damn shame.
Considering that these have a batch of my favorite songs from this dynamic duo, the Voids and Time Of Land cassettes are on this list because of being the only physical formats for these magnificent “records”. Yes both are extremely limited and long sold out, but one can still get the music on these beasts if you are industrious (and I highly suggest doing so). No, do not ask for my copies of these.
Now, I do not have the cassette in my hands yet, but this is the rerelease of the CDr of the same name by this sadly defunct or just on hiatus group and is here because the doomy material that is on the cassette is such a great batch of noise.
(Bob)
(Loren)
I guess it's somewhat appropriate that this cover is absolutely awful, because this record was equally abysmal. Too long have Weezer ridden the fine line between being tongue-in-cheek dumb, and downright idiotic, and this cover cements their presence in the latter camp. It's somewhat prophetic though: by the end, Lost totally sucked.
Labia-based imagery, a symmetrical skull-shaped vagina being fingered, strange, worm-like men vomiting at each other... actually, this might be the best cover art of 2010.
Fuck Kanye West. This cover is the artistic interpretation of his "Imma let you finish" douchebaggery. It's attempting to be bold and challenging and controversial; instead it comes off as try-hard, egotistical and childish.
All this needed was a weed leaf somewhere to really give off the vibes its target audience required.
I can't really criticise the imagery, not being much of an expert on boutique vintage clothing and ornaments, but let me tell you this, Joanna Newsom: no matter how pretty your music is, no matter how elegantly you strum that harp, and no matter how many photoshoots I see featuring your angelic face, none of these things will ever excuse this psuedo-Star Wars font that completely fails to express your sound and style. Fire your typographer.
(Matt)
Aaron (The Snorts-guitar/vocals) SPB: Other than the new live record, what is your favorite split record, ever? Aaron: My favorite split of all time is: Spark Lights Friction / Ruined in a Day from 2000. That version of “Hearts and Canons” from Spark Lights just rips. --- The Snorts has … Read more
Yanmark Berube (2AMature-drums) SPB: Do you collect physical media? Berube: Absolutely, we collect physical media. It’s the only REAL way to own it. When you buy media digitally, you’re usually just purchasing the rights to access it, which can be revoked at any time. With physical media, it’s yours forever. … Read more
Matthew Brammer (Six Below Zero) SPB: Six Below Zero is both a solo project and you live in Wyoming, so I imagine you have limited live opportunities -- that said, does the project ever play live and does that possibility affect how you approach songwriting? Brammer: Consistently playing live is, … Read more
It's a new year – hooray. And things are off to a fine start, too. If the thought of corrupt governments, AI domination, unmoderated social networks and endless war is causing you to retreat into the past, we don't blame you. In fact, we encourage it! Our writers have summed … Read more
It's 2025, somehow. When did this happen?! Okay, okay, four days ago. But honestly. It feels like 2012 was only a few months ago. Is it just SPB who's feeling a little, well, timestruck? But don't worry – we've got you. Did 2024 pass you by, too? Still not caught … Read more
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It's a new year – hooray. And things are off to a fine start, too. If the thought of corrupt governments, AI domination, unmoderated social networks and endless war is causing you to retreat into the past, we don't blame you. In fact, we encourage it! Our writers have summed … Read more
It's 2025, somehow. When did this happen?! Okay, okay, four days ago. But honestly. It feels like 2012 was only a few months ago. Is it just SPB who's feeling a little, well, timestruck? But don't worry – we've got you. Did 2024 pass you by, too? Still not caught … Read more
It's a SPB tradition to formally "pass the mic" to our artist and label friends to tell us about their year in music. What albums did they enjoy? What shows did they see? What are they looking forward to for the new year? We're joined this year by a host … Read more
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