Capsize 7
Cudge 7''
Pig Zen Space
1993
Rating: 10 troubled towns out of 10
It's a shame this Capsize 7 record isn't on Discogs and is apparently not well known, because it was the best two songs this underrated band ever released, and one of my favorite seven inches I own. These guys could often be found opening for the Archers of Loaf or headlining local smaller clubs - they were a terrific live act. I've always been hard pressed to figure out who to compare them to - they definitely fit in to the local scene, but also had a heavier side occasionally...maybe imagine Jesus Lizard covering Slint paired with early nineties indie rock and you're getting close. Side a, "Pressed," has this great smouldering build through the verses and explodes during the chorus. The flip, "Scout," has a similar design in the quiet/loud/quiet dynamic, but it is my favorite of the two. Back when I DJ'ed occasionally I used to play this record all the time, and would often get asked about them. Not once did anyone ever know who they were...a shame really.
Blag'ard Blank Faced Clocks EP Pig Zen's Pace
2006
Rating: 7 pickled pigs feet out of 10 Once upon a time, when the internet was but a wee thing, there was an amazing band out of Chapel Hill known as Capsize 7. They played a slightly punker version of the typical Chapel Hill indie rock sound, and were one of my very favorite bands during my college years. The reason I bring Capsize 7 up (besides the fact that they never got their due and everyone should hunt out their records) is that their awesome front man, Joe Taylor, has a new two-piece out on the market by the name of Blag'ard. The first thing that stands out to you when you hear this duo are the vocals - Joe's voice lands somewhere between Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols (but less pissy) and Brian Molko of Placebo (but less eyeliner-y). It carries not only a very distincive sound but delivery as well - when I hear these Blag'ard songs it's tough not to compare them to Capsize 7...I suppose folks who didn't memorize their output may find this to be less of a hindrance when hearing Blag'ard. Nonetheless, Joe and Drummer Adam Brinson produce some quality angular indie rock here...I've been finding it tough to come up with many comparisons outside of Joe's original band, but I do hear hints of The Fall in there, and a whole lot of that classic Chapel Hill sound.
