Rapid Fire Review: Squid., Monster Bad, The Glass Eyes, & Mooses
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Squid. – Watersports
With their nautical-themed, rip-roaring debut LP Watersports, Chicago’s Squid. are breaking ground and having a blast. Watersports was self-released back in September, but managed to fly under my radar for awhile. I’m incredibly happy that changed. The record is a combination of trudging shoegaze akin to My Bloody Valentine and Ride mixed with a pop sensibility that’s similar to Modest Mouse at times. The production on Watersports is fantastic and really lends itself to being played loud, which I recommend 100%. If you enjoy bands like Dinosaur Jr., My Bloody Valentine, or Modest Mouse, you should highly consider streaming my favorite track off of Watersports below!
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Monster Bad – Spark Thrush
Long Island’s Monster Bad wrote 1 of my favorite records of the past 5 years with 2016’s Last One Out, Get The Lights Please. On Spark Thrush the group delivers yet again, this time in the form of a 5-track EP. The new release is filled with dreamy electronic instrumentation and lush soundscapes, complemented wonderfully by Chris Graci’s distanced and echoed vocals. “I Luv Yr Aggression !!” and “Providence i (Cicada Year)” are two of my favorites from the EP, which can be purchased from Funeral Sounds here! If you are a fan of lo-fi noise pop you’re almost guaranteed to be a fan.
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The Glass Eyes – Black Bloc
Chicago songwriter Chris Jones has been self-recording and releasing music under the moniker The Glass Eyes since 2012, and with 7 other releases between now and then the project has grown and transformed into the full band it is today. Black Bloc marks the project’s first experience recording in traditional studio as opposed to recording themselves at home, and the production shows. The songs are as tight and cohesive as ever, offering a take on slacker rock with a twist of Neil Young and The Tragically Hip. You can listen to one of my personal favorites off of Black Bloc below. If you enjoy what you hear, the record can be purchased through Dark Circles Records!
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Mooses – Meeses
On their debut EP Meeses, Detroit’s Mooses are paving their way with a unique blend of psychedelic post-punk and experimental funk. The songs are spastic and often feature strong bass lines, with the band traversing from one phrase to the next in a seemingly effortless manner. Although the record doesn’t release until November 17th, the band has made “Shapeshifter” available to stream below! If you’re in the area, Mooses will be playing a release show for Meeses at the Pike Room in Pontiac, MI with Those Hounds, Saajtak, and Naysayin.
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– AJ Boundy
