Caustic Resin
Yeah Right 7''
Up
1995
Rating: 6.5 upstairs couches out of 10
I didn't even know this Caustic Resin seven inch existed until I stumbled across it at my local record store. The two songs are "Yeah Right" and "Yeah Right Pt. 2," and while neither are stand-out songs by the band, they're still worth hearing. It's fuzzy, spacey and sludgy in that way Brett Netson does so well. As a side note, anyone and everyone should track down their amazing record "The Medicine Is All Gone," it's a vastly underrated nineties masterpiece.
Future Islands
The Chase 7''
4AD
2015
Rating: 8 cement bells out of 10
As near as my brain can figure, this is the first release by Future Islands since they done blown the fuck up. And as much as it sucks that I no longer get to see them play in small venues multiple times a year, I'm glad for them - they deserve all the success they get. Certainly no complaints here with theese new songs - both tracks on this seven inch measure up to the high bar these guys set with their last few records, and fame doesn't seem to have messed with their creative process. Title track "The Chase" starts off with a very Kraftwerk-like keyboard line, but then quickly goes down the path already well worn by the band - I'm guessing this track is already a favorite at their live shows. The b-side "Haunted By You" is a little mellower but no less enjoyable - it's like you can see lead singer Sam Herring emoting with his hands through the music, grasping at the air like a high school drama teacher performing Hamlet. My only worry about these two songs is they'll get "lost," having not been put on a proper full-length - because both are certainly worthy.
The Make-Up / Lung-Leg
Split 7''
Southern
1998
Rating: 7 super shredders out of 10
I'll buy anything that has the Make-Up on it, even if I already have the song ("Pow! To The People") on their compilation "I Want Some." It's rad song and there is no such thing as owning too many Ian Svenonius recordings. The flip was totally new to me, a Scottish group called Lung-Leg - sort of a jangly, C86ish all female Fall or something, a good pairing. Someone else recommended this short-lived band to me as well, I guess I need to get digging.
