| The last few weeks have seen some interesting albums slip out under the radar. For those interested in a visit to rock camp, Centro-matic is Texas’s answer to Wilco, with a little bit of early-’90s era Thrush Hermit thrown in for good measure. Their album Flashes and Cables (Misra Records) is hit and miss, but almost worth picking up solely for the raw powerhouse of "Guillotines Hung Together."
Those undecided on the emo vs. screamo argument will want to check out The Spirit That Guides Us. The Sand The Barrier (Goodfellow records) will quickly remind listeners of MuchMusic regulars Alexisonfire. Sadly, while one of the vocalists can actually sing, they let the other guy who can’t take control of most of the record.
On the more ethereal side of things, knob-twirler Al Okada has reteamed with Tamara Williamson (who holds the distinction of being the only vocalist to appear on an album by Do Make Say Think) and King Kong Girio for an album 16 years in the making. Microbunny’s latest album, Dead Stars, is a beat-based, jazz-influenced pop record, which doesn’t come across as scattered as that might sound. Williamson’s vocals are, as usual, lovely and the crystal-clear production ensures that these songs are worth the wait.
For fans of aural deconstruction, Calgary noise artist Mike Pathos has released his debut album People (Tzadik) on legendary NYC artists John Zorn’s label. These 10 tracks are a combination of sonic squalour and musical collage that push the boundaries of music. Not for everyone, People offers some definitively challenging listening.
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