Dissociative Identity Productions

03/05/2013 · 4:17 PM

Zorch – Sign to Sargent House/New Album in Works

Zorch, Austin, TX‘s hyper-kinetic duo, premiered a new song, “We All Die Young“, a release from their forthcoming full length. The track is available through SPIN Magazine with the full length album expected to be released this summer. Clearly the big change, however, is that Zorch has signed on with Sargent House for management and label. This, while a massive change, is not necessarily a massive surprise.

Zorch is composed of Zac Traeger (keyboards, omnichord, vocals) and Shmu (drums, omnichord, vocals), whom hail from Wisconsin and Canada respectively. The duo originally met around Boston and after moving to Austin in 2009, the foundation of what would become Zorch was laid. After years of building up a reputation within the city’s DIY scene, Zorch will again play their annual multi-performance marathon during SXSW in Austin this March (listed below), marking a welcomed combination of both their roots and their future.

Take a listen and go ahead, get excited. Frankly, I always assumed Zorch was already on Sargent House so the move is a welcomed decision in my mind. But who knows? Maybe you disagree with me to which I simply say: you’re wrong. Indulge yourself to some experimental beauty while at work, in your classroom, or simply walking down freezing streets. It won’t be long till March comes along, the beginning of a long overdue spring and summer (time is relative, get over it). Till then.

Austin, TX – SXSW:

3/10/13 – Yeast by Sweet Beast @ Chain Drive
3/11/13 – Weird Destiny Freakout @ The Museum of Human Achievement
3/12/13 – All Tamara’s Parties @ Cheer Up Charlies
3/12/13 – SXSW Showcase @ Metal & Lace w/Assacre
3/12/13 – Granada House Backyard Shredathon @ The Granada House (1184 Greenwood Ave) 3/13/13 – Slip n’ Slide Party III @ Second House (2906 E. 2nd.) w/Delicate Steve
3/13/13 – SXSW Showcase @ TenOak w/Sorne
3/14/13 – House Party @ Hobbies’ Odd (1118 Linden St)
3/14/13 – Escapes @ Club 1808
3/15/13 – The Vagabond Collective showcase @ Austin Kickboxing Academy
3/15/13 – Wuwufest @ Russian House w/Why?, T-Bird and the Breaks
3/15/13 – SXSWendy’s @ Wendy’s
3/16/13 – Hometapes/Spacebomb Friend Island @ The Museum of Human Achievement

Zorch Facebook
Sargent House Zorch Page
Zorch Bandcamp
Zorch Site

- Cliff

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02/26/2013 · 2:56 PM

Ian Fischer & The Present – S/T

Recorded in a better than biblical 5 days. 12 hours of recording per day, with pastime activities including everything from shooting beer cans with bb guns (a personal favorite activity of mine when I was still in NC) to eating the mythical ‘Oberle’ dogs. All taking place on a small red tin cabin owned and run by family. If this doesn’t at least get you intrigued, than I really do not see much hope in you anyways. However for those who see an appeal to this story of rural serenity and isolated contemplation, then the “globetrotting young folk/americana duo from the banks of the Mississippi” known as Ian Fischer & The Present (a Mr. Ryan Thomas Carpenter) should satisfy that thirst.

With a laundry list of former homes and memories in cities far and wide including St. Louis, Vienna, New York and Berlin, Ian Fischer has done more traveling in his short career than most individuals accomplish in their entire lifetime. Incorporating honest lyrics and an unabashed voice, in combination with The Present’s harmonies and soul, Ian Fischer & The Present have made some waves within the international community purely based upon their live performances. Now with their self titled release, which was engineered, mixed, mastered and produced by a Mr. Ben Majchrzak, Ian Fischer & The Present hope to take this raw emotional connection onto a produced format, a task which proves particularly dangerous and risky when approaching folk and folk revival.

The release then, I am glad to say, can confidently assert that this objective has been achieved. From the ever quickening, like running through the woods, of “Change of Heart” to the more remorseful “Fear“, the self titled release is able to maintain an authenticity to folk without reproducing or beating a dead horse. Rather, it takes a global experience and incorporates into a hyper-localized format, aka folk, a format which has identified particular populations for generations. Thus taking a cultural identifiable art form and attempting to apply an international history into the mix is a welcome step forward. This release just goes to show a couple of guys with an open mind to the world as well as a Mississippi sense of modesty and humility, a welcomed experience to those seeking a refuge. Beer cans, bb guns, and ‘Oberle‘ dogs: sounds delightful. Grab a download and enjoy.

- Cliff

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02/19/2013 · 12:15 PM

LVMRKS – Valentine

What do you get when you blend the likes of Broken Bells, …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, & Red Sparrows? Well, from the latest news, something along the lines of LVMRKS. Neil Busch, former vocalist/bassist/songwriter in …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead is back with LVMRKS as well as work nearly completed on their forthcoming debut album, Pale Fairytale. The all-star group includes, of course, bassist Jonathan Hischke (Broken Bells, Hella, Dot Hacker, et al.) and drummer Dave Clifford (Red Sparrows, The VSS), making a well rounded act with an extremely potent potential.

To appease your undying desire, LVMRKS has already shared the first song from their debut album, the cupid-themed song, “Valentine” which is available to stream above. As far as the album, Pale Fairytale, it will be available on LP and download on May 21st, 2013 and was recorded and mixed by Toshi Kasai (of Melvins, Tool, & Big Business notoriety). So I will not say much since I don’t want to look back in several months and feel like a jackass despite to say, I’ve got a smile on my face. And yes, that’s a good thing. Take a peak and get excited.

LVMRKS – Valentine

- Cliff

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02/18/2013 · 9:03 PM

Rounds – Falter EP

Hours by a computer screen: it kinda makes you go insane at times. The internal interconnectedness of contemporary society creates both empathy and ambivalence of individuals and society as a whole. Yet with this split personality comes an appreciation of both the calm and frantic, the stable and fragile, the known within the unknown. I’m probably getting way ahead of myself already with this description (perhaps because I’m a little rusty) despite to say that it is with a sincere enthusiasm that I recommend the likes of Rounds for all those sympathizing with my initial rant.

Rounds are a British trio consisting of Robert Cooper (Vocals and Synths), Andrew Chapman (Guitar and Synths), and Ashley Kemp (Drums and Sampler). With a live set-up incorporating drums, synths and vocals along side a large array of digital instrumentation, their debut EP Escapist, came out on Austrian label Moun10 in July 2012, receiving the Number 7 spot in XLR8R’s Top 20 Downloads of July. Now with their latest EP ‘Falter’ off of Blind Colour they are able to shine in their full authenticity as well as allow others to basque in the creative destruction with the EP including a remix of the track “Falter” from Nottingham‘s Atlas (Coja/Symbols Recordings). To give you, the reader, a better appreciation of Rounds, the video for their single ‘Falter’, directed by Kimberly Jarrett and Greg Davenport, is available to watch below.

Overall feelings? The EP bounces from bubble popping ecstasy which brings to mind Aphex Twin to creepy yet blissful romps the likes of newer Liars meets Phantagram. So the short answer is yes: I will gladly pop this on whether alone or with guests. However it is definitely clear that the act is still young. I will wait to pour excitement their way until they begin to differentiate themselves a little further. However, considering Falter represents the 2nd EP: damn, not bad. Not bad at all. Take a listen and enjoy, I know I did.

Blind Colour Website

- Cliff

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02/05/2013 · 12:28 PM

Nowhere Train – Station

It’s a sad scene when you have a native of the Appalachian region wondering what the hell happened to all the great folk/folk rock acts out there. Sure, we’ve got our Bowerbirds (which yes, are amazing) but they appear to be spinning in different directions now a days. And as I look around the area to see which acts will step up to fill in these shoes, there appears to be a very sorry lot available. Ink Music’s Nowhere Train has finally provided an answer to this surprising longing with their latest album, “Station“, a triumphant of not only the folk/folk rock scene but also an incredibly gifted reminder of the benefits of a truly independent, global music society.

For one, the album has a momentum and flow which appears easy yet by no means is an easy achievement. From their opening track, “Ashes” with the obvious train like rhythm exemplified beautifully by the light snare gliding of the percussion to the melancholy bluegrass soaked with an almost drunken beauty to the vocals witnessed in “Are You There“, Station truly does take the listener on a metaphorical journey through such universal themes as mortality, love, and regret all with a flow which never leaves a listener bored. And while the album plays well as a complete whole, I do not meant to downplay the parts which make this amazing sum. A personal favorite would have to be “Outrageous”, with an unapologetic yet faded glory tone, “Outrageous” features your nonchalant yet seemingly sarcastic lyrics backed by a sound which is almost classic Roma meets Folk-Rock. “Annabelle” incorporates a haunting bluegrass melody while keeping a sincere and honest voice within each verse and chorus. Frankly, Nowhere Train’s “Station” is something along the lines of what I was hoping the Figurines could achieve to no avail, all of which makes me that much more excited to witness the series of music videos which, undoubtedly, will be released over the coming weeks (already a live session video for “Ashes” is available at the top of the article).

Thoughts, comments, and concerns? I am wildly impressed by Nowhere Trains ability to take a genre which is often misused and incorporate it with respectful nods to classics of wildly different genres (think the Velvet Underground when listening to “With A Lot Of Love” and tell me I’m wrong). Station is an album which elegantly molds contemporary tools provided by technological advances with an honesty played out in both playful yet reflective folk meets alternative society. Welcome, my friends, to globalism. It’s good to finally be here and yes, thank you Nowhere Train, for showing us what it might sound like.

- Cliff

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02/01/2013 · 10:57 AM

Adebisi Shank – Thunder

Adebisi Shank’s most recent album, This Is The Second Album of a Band Called Adebisi Shank, released in 2011 via Sargent House was an absolutely brilliant sophomore album which did not slow down this monumental three piece’s sense of brilliant noisy math rock. So when I woke up this morning to an email notifying me that Ireland’s Adebisi Shank will be entering a studio later this year to begin work on their next album, it frankly put a smile on my face.

To make things even better, Adebisi Shank was able to release an early live session recording for the track “Thunder“, which was mixed by Toshi Kasai (Melvins, Big Business) in L.A. during the band’s recent tour with Fang Island. What’s humorous to me is that the band openly admits that the track may not end up with the title of “Thunder“: rather, it is still so early in the process to really make any conclusive decisions on the album. So overall, maybe this article is premature however after viewing the video, you can probably see why I am so excited.

So yes: we’ve got awhile to wait before we know just about anything. But from I’m watching/listening, I’d say it’s so far, so good. Keep it up Adebisi Shank and I’m psyched for, I don’t know, maybe “This Is The Third Album of a Band Called Adebisi Shank“? You can choose your own name: I’m just spitting ideas. Watch the video and enjoy: I know I did.

- Cliff

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01/31/2013 · 12:24 PM

My Education – A Drink For All My Friends

There has been some incredible releases already with the New Year, whether it is through TTNG or Tyvek. Yet as I work through my long overdue articles, a particular one always strikes my attention. Back towards the end of November, an Austin, TX staple, My Education, released their sixth album, A Drink For All My Friends in North America on Headbump Records/Haute Magie and in Europe on Golden Antenna. Sonic explorer’s at heart, My Education’s A Drink For All My Friends is the band’s most streamlined and aggressive effort yet, while remaining an entrancing cinematic journey throughout.

Originally formed in 1999, the band’s membership has expanded and contracted between and after each release. Still, while the material buildup of the group has changed, the sonic landscapes have grown with each release. Think of it like Doug Martsch’s Built to Spill lineup, except within the vast domains of post-rock, post-prog, and post-hardocre. My Education has released 5 full-length albums, several singles, compilation appearances, and a 12″ vinyl collaboration with avant-hip hop duo Dalek. in the past, as well as having their singles remixed by members of bands such as Kinski, Pelican, Red Sparowes and Dalek.

So as for the release itself? At times, My Educations pulls off tracks that faithfully push forward a movement similiar to that of Turing Machines with it’s electronic pedal heavy riffs and uncompromising percussion/bass. Yet at other tracks, it is a blissful acceptance of beauty in patience as displayed by such groups as Tortoise or Collection of Colonies of Bees. If I wanted to be simpler, I would simply say the album is all over the place except that it is not: rather, it is a very purposeful journey with moments of peace followed by the always present shadow of entropy, disorder, and chaos. A Drink For All My Friends is the album for those vinyl nerds, sitting alone with massive headphones in their room for hours. It is for the intellectually curious introverts in all of us. And, more importantly in my opinion, it’s an album for me.

So trust me on this recommendation or don’t. Frankly, it’s not my concern or job to care. Yet it is my job to cover such a beautifully crafted album, one which I nearly missed due to my own slothfulness. It is a mistake I hope to never make again, particularly with the reward that My Education provided me. Don’t make the same mistake: grab a download, catch them live, and let your inner introvert run wild. I know I did.

My Education – A Drink For All My Friends

- Cliff

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01/30/2013 · 4:24 PM

Hopscotch 2013 – Tickets On Sale Fri, 2/01

Hopscotch Early Bird Tickets

In case ya didn’t gather by now, I live in Philadelphia but I am originally from North Carolina. With that kind of knowledge, as well as experience reading the material I produce, you could probably guess then that I have attended the Independent‘s Hopscotch every year since its inception in 2010. An affordable music festival with an amazing lineup of both the major acts as well as those niche groups, Hopscotch has always been a pleasure to attend between the city plaza shows and the smaller, venue shows going rampant throughout Raleigh, NC.

It is with this thought that myself, as well as Dissociative Identity Productions as a whole, would like to invite, nay, encourage each and every one of you to buy your early bird tickets, available this Friday, February 1st. Clearly the early bird special will have a limited quantity so be sure to try and buy it earlier in the day rather than later in order to ensure an amazing deal.

Anyways, I know this article comes across as just a sales pitch. And frankly, I guess it kind of is. But let me assure you no: I am not being paid or reimbursed for shoving this sales pitch to you. Rather I have fallen in love with this music festival, and so should you. Get your ticket this Friday and see ya in NC for another amazing Hopscotch Music Festival!

Hopscotch ’13 Early Bird Tickets

- Cliff

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· 12:14 PM

This Town Needs Guns (TTNG) – 13.0.0.0.0/Name Change?

Well folks, this has been an album I have long been awaiting for (and so yes, I feel a little embarrassed that I am writing on the matter over a week late). While the album caught my attention with its references to the Mayan calendar’s Long Count, which indicates the beginning (August 11, 3114 BCE) and end (December 21, 2012) of the current civilization, the past several weeks have created an even eerier reputation to the group. Regardless of the odd timing and conspiracy like development, Dissociative Identity Productions is at least happy to report that yes, the album does live up beyond the controversy to an actually amazing album. This Town Needs Guns, or TTNG (due to obvious developments in the US) brings a force unknown in previous releases with a refinement that you have come to expect from the group.

13.0.0.0.0 is TTNG‘s first album featuring their new vocalist Henry Tremain after the former lead singer, Stuart Smith, left in 2011. While fans of “Animals” may feel nostalgia, this lineup seems to show considerable growth and cohesion already. The album opener, “Cat Fantastic“, kicks things off with an incredibly nimble plucking guitar melody combined with the warmth of Tremain‘s voice and the song’s hooky chord progression which all makes it easy to forget the depth of what you are hearing. Elsewhere, the ethereal vocal melodies weave together with a rapid-fire guitar and bass interplay as displayed on “Havoc In The Forum“. “I’ll Take The Minute Snake” is rich with a sliced-up sounding drum pattern while Tremain‘s vocal intricacies in “Left Aligned” prove his new found position while slithering bass chords, fugue-like guitar notes and rollicking drums form a sturdy base to explore from, like Battlestar Galactica to a Raptor (ok, I’ve been fairly addicted to the program recently). “13.0.0.0.1” perfectly closes the album with a chiming lullaby of interwoven piano and lightly plucked guitar notes, adding a seeming moment of silence to the album experience. Appropriate in my mind.

Take a listen through the streamed link above but more importantly, be sure to catch them live/grab a vinyl for the full experience. I could understand some skepticism to buy the vinyl when its a lofi as hell group but believe me, the quality of the album will make you reconsider. So long time in anticipation and waiting: am I disappointed? Not in the slightest.

TTNG

- Cliff

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01/26/2013 · 3:06 PM

Native – New Album & Tour w/ Caspa

In case ya didn’t know, yeah: I am a massive Native fan. We Delete; Erase was simply a masterpiece which gorgeously combined a midwestern noodle rock sound with a grundgy, emo-rock flare that often lost the listeners in bursts of post-rock glory. While We Delete; Erase is still my favorite of Native’s, Wrestling Moves, the sophomore release, did not disappoint. All of this brings me to the more exciting news: Northwest Indiana’s Native is announcing a whole hell of North American live dates starting next month, most of which will be alongside post-rock instrumentalists Caspian. A full list of the schedule is available below.

In addition to this glorious news, however, it is also a delight to hear that Native has just recently finished recording their second full length album with Greg Norman (Russian Circles, Pelican) in Chicago, a release which will be provided by your friendly label folks over at Sargent House this summer. To start building up enthusiasm or if you are not familiar with Native, I would highly recommend checking out a video of the band playing one of their new songs,”Kissing Bridge” live in Paris (top of article). Furthermore, of course, I included a stream of Wrestling Moves for a quick preview.

As for now, well, be patient and stay tuned. Based just off the live video, I’d say we got a triumphant return in store for us. Till then.

Feb 25 – Oklahoma City, OK @ The Conservatory
Feb 26 – Albuquerque, NM @ The Gas Works
Feb 27 – Tempe, AZ @ Tempe Women’s Club

CASPIAN & NATIVE 2013

Mar 01 – Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex also w/ Junius
Mar 02 – San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar And Lounge
Mar 03 – San Francisco, CA @ The Bottom of the Hill
Mar 05 – Seattle, WA @ Barboza
Mar 06 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
Mar 07 – Boise, ID @ The Red Room
Mar 08 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
Mar 09 – Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
Mar 10 – Omaha, NE @ The West Wing (no Caspian)
Mar 11 – Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot Music Hall
Mar 12 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue 7th Street Entry
Mar 13 – Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon
Mar 14 – Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
Mar 15 – St Louis, MO @ The Firebird
Mar 16 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
Mar 18 – Toronto, ON @ The Garrison
Mar 19 – Lansing, MI @ Mac’s Bar
Mar 20 – Newport, KY @ Southgate House
Mar 21 – Cleveland Heights, OH @ Grog Shop
Mar 22 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Smiling Moose
Mar 23 – Buffalo, NY @ Big Orbit Soundlab
Mar 24 – Burlington, VT @ Signal Kitchen

NATIVE ONLY

Mar 25 – Montreal, QC @ L’escogriffe Cafe Bar
Mar 26 – Kitchener, ON @ Jesse’s Rehearsal
Mar 27 – Toledo, OH @ Mickey Finn’s

Native – Sargent House

- Cliff

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Dissociative Identity Productions

Zorch – Sign to Sargent House/New Album in Works

Ian Fischer & The Present – S/T

LVMRKS – Valentine

Rounds – Falter EP

Nowhere Train – Station

Adebisi Shank – Thunder

My Education – A Drink For All My Friends

Hopscotch 2013 – Tickets On Sale Fri, 2/01

This Town Needs Guns (TTNG) – 13.0.0.0.0/Name Change?

Native – New Album & Tour w/ Caspa

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