Images from Kylesa's Visit to J.C.'s Monty Hall

A few weeks back I had the chance to catch personal favorites Kylesa in an intimate setting at Jersey City's Monty Hall. To see the show review you can go to Document Fanzine 

James Damion

Kylesa's Laura Pleasants

Phillip Cope of Kylesa

Savannah GA.'s Kylesa

Inter Arma's Mike Paparo

Richmond VA's Inter Arma

Ontario Canada's Indian Handcrafts

Sautrus - Reed: Chapter One

When I was first received an email from the Sautrus camp about reviewing their album 'Reed'. I was immediately transported to the late 80's when I was heading up a fanzine called Unite. 
At the time, Unite was beginning to get some attention outside of the U.S.
One particular correspondence stuck out for one reason or another. It was a kid by the name Pawel. (Paul for all you stateside types) Though we only exchanged a handful of letters and photographs. It was my first exposure to lesser known HXC bands outside of the states and the knowledge that the Hardcore scene and music I had become very intimate with was effecting kids like me worldwide.

So when someone from the band Sautrus contacted me about reviewing their music on United By Rocket Science. I was particularly happy they were willing to trust the
U.S. Postal Service to securely deliver their labour of love.

On 'Reed: Chapter One' Northern Poland's Sautrus give fans of heavy music more than they bargained for and much more than they could ever hope to get. Taking a sound that as crafted in the late 1960's and giving it somewhat of a facelift. Heavy Doom Rock/Metal with a strong foothold in the Stoner Rock. An overall sound that immediately brings to mind the early days of Black Sabbath with it's Murky and flat out evil approach. Inspiring leads, dark and dirty bass lines and convincingly evil vocals that feel as if they're calling out from the seventh layer of hell.

One of the most surprising and rewarding offerings of the early year. A must for fans of Sabbath, Kyuss and even Kylesa. Very impressive, to say the least. James Damion

Sautrus  Bandcamp

Recreant - S/T LP

When asking Tampa's
Andy Stern of the Feral Babies if he would refer me to any of the up and coming Florida acts worth checking out, he almost immediately put me on to the Sunshine State's swampy Recreant.

Upon listening to the sludgy brilliance of the LP's opener 'Rick Scott is an Evil Robot'
I felt as if I was being introduced to a south of Savannah version of Kylesa. That may have been true but with the overall diversity and excellence of the seven songs that followed, I heard influences and reminders of acts such as Portraits of the Past, Reversal of Man and Dillinger Escape Plan. All of these while really getting the feel for a band that is just as comfortable and at home in it's own sound.
Songs such as the epic  'For all the Grief You've Caused us, You should Slit our Throats',
the punishing 'After the Apple' and the chaotic 'Modern Day F Word' help to make this an inspiring release. Thanks to Andy for putting me on to this. Your good taste in music should be noted. James Damion

.Recreant  Bandcamp

Recreant  Facebook

Purple Suns - Yours

On their second release and follow up to January's 'Mines' EP, South Jersey's
Purple Suns show they are definitely a band on the rise with their impressive take on Metal and to be more precise, Stoner Rock. 'Yours', like its predecessor features four tracks that left a deep and sludgy footprint on this listener. Purple Suns deliver early Sabbath influenced vocals with fuzzed out dirty riffs and downright depressing rhythms.  Elements that reach vicious heights on tracks like 'Villains' and 'Concussion'.
Though somewhat different in style and approach,
'Mines' and 'Yours' compliment one another when played as an album. 'Yours' showcases a progression in the bands evolving sound and style. Impressive considering these guys are still a band in their infancy. Purple Suns seem to be brewing a sound comparable to current heavy hitters Kylesa and High on Fire. Knowing that these guys are cooking things up in our own backyard of Jersey is a comforting thought.
James Damion

Get it Here  Bandcamp