Upsilon Acrux
by Punk was at least partially a rebellion against prog rock, but now it’s drawing new inspiration from the sort of music it once derided. Upsilon Acrux is firmly rooted in aggressive, snarling post-punk, but their music owes its complexity to bands like Magma, King Crimson, and Henry Cow. Of course, the LA-based band isn’t merely a revival act — it also lists technical death metal band Necrophagist and musical cubists US Maple as influences. Despite the dizzying polyrhythms and intricate melodies, this isn’t self-congratulatory or wanky music — these guys unleash an instrumental onslaught that is at once disciplined and wryly humorous.
Tagged: LA bands, punk music
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I haven’t been even the least bit interested in punk-derived music in a long time, particularly bands taking their cues from 90s hardcore. Baltimore’s Witch Hat is changing that by being just weird enough (they used to lean more in the spazzy direction of Men’s Recovery Project), and just heavy enough (there’s a strong tinge of Cryptic Slaughter-style thrash) to keep me interested.
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Created by graphic t shirt label, the-affair, and printed on beautifully soft American Apparel. Limited edition of 200.
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