Black Bug - Reflecting the Light

Towards the end of the 2000's first decade, I stumbled across a Silk Flowers album in the used record bin at Zia Records in Arizona.  I remember being surprised to find the PPM Records release, especially used, and picked it up, simply intrigued by the rarity of this find; I had never heard of the band before.  The music had me at the first dissonant goth chord, loving the "Bela Lugosi's Dead" meets Switched-On Bach current approach.  This was my first encounter to what seemed to be a new wave of music that was pulling from some of my favorite past times.

Upon opening HoZac Records' mailer and witnessing Black Bug's cover art for Reflecting the Light, a band I was also unfamiliar with, I could smell the freshness of this new synthesized, yet punk approach, to darkness, simply from the artwork.  The opening track, "You Scream," delivered with perfection.  I was immediately transported back to The Milk Bar; a references that works on two levels. Anyone growing up in Jacksonville, FL, knows I am referring to Goth Nights at the underground downtown club, The Milk Bar.  For anyone else, the A Clockwork Orange reference generates the same aesthetic.

The digital collage begins with a healthy centerpiece that is our own moon, supported by a horizon of fog and evergreens with the watchful eye of mountains above, tangled in a web of computerized red angular outlines. The afternoon sky above, reflecting the light, is warm like the desert, in contrast to coolness of the morning below.  The cover art is the only image necessary for this album.

There was no text on the front telling me what I was in for, yet this artwork spoke so clearly.  It is the kind of album cover that I know would have compelled me to buy immediately while cratedigging, and would have withstood all process of elimination phases if funding had to drive such a decision.  Black Bug's Reflecting the Light wins on all levels, and that's before their future-like music evens fills the room.

I recently read a book about Joy Division, claiming they never intended to attract a gothic following, and certainly did not take a goth approach with their songwriting.  I believe this, and I believe it is the same for bands like Black Bug.  Hell, no one actually said to me that this was goth. I think in fact I am the one proudly using that term here; that is the impression I get, just like so many Joy Division fans did years before.

Call it what you want; it is good / bad ass / loaded with attitude / loaded with synths / overdriven to perfection / current / right / infectious / horrifying. It's Black Bug.

Heavy Times - I'm Single 7inch

I've always appreciated the raw, straight forward approach of HoZac Records.  Their releases could easily be mistaken for a first-time self-release by some junior high school punks, and maybe they are.  But then there is always an edge of professionalism and a sense of collection that makes you realize there is more than just the fearless attitude; HoZac is on top of their game.

This 2012 release by Heavy Times is nonetheless politic.  Featuring "I'm Single" as the lead on side-a, followed by "Unsolved Mysteries," then "Bath Salts" on side-b, Heavy Times delivery a quick 7inch worth heavy rotation.  It's the ol' 'get in, get out, leave them wanting more' approach that HoZac Records is so good at.

The packing is simple, yet fitting.  A v-fold cover with titles only, no credits, because it is all about the music.  Black vinyl with a large cut hole, because this isn't a fucking art project (people), its rock and roll.  Drink up.

"Unsolved Mysteries" bears great melody with some added production, and delivers that 'everybody gather together and sing along' feeling at the beginning of each verse that would make Kevin Seconds proud.  Continuing the trend of stellar b-side tracks, "Balt Salts," digs into Heavy Times' dour side.  With fetching guitar leads, and curious vocals, I can't help but reset the needle on this one again and again.

Friends of Cesar Romero - Red Headed Strangler 7inch

7inch records serve a purpose as a quick way for record labels and bands to get two songs out to their audience. In Jamaica, bands use this snappy (pun intended) method to get their music to DJs at the dancehalls and radio, while the wax is later recycled once the song has finished receiving airplay (so much for collecting). For these promptly produced petite platters, record labels often skip the step of custom artwork for the band and use standard issued sleeves that show off their company pride. Bands without this representation might choose to simply utilize a white paper sleeve, commonly used as the inner sleeve with a standard jacket.

I simply love it when record labels like Friends of Cesar Romero's label, Snappy Little Numbers, or Trouble In Mind, or the almighty Sub Pop Records use these company sleeves for their 7inch singles. It's almost as if they are saying, "Trust us, these songs are so freaking amazing, screw the artwork; all you need is the music!" What ends up happening is the label itself develops a style (a look), which becomes part of the visual charm for all of the bands they represent.

In the case of Snappy Little Numbers, there is an innocent throw back to their design that is reminiscent of Jukebox Diners, Greasers and Socs, and dance styles such as the stroll, the bunny hop, the boogie-woogie and the hully-gully. Somehow, this put me in the mood for some good ol' fashioned garage rock, which I was happy to hear when the needle hit the marbled grey wax. Friends of Cesar Romero could easily join the rosters of craggy combo craving cartels like Trouble In Mind, HoZac, or Burger Records. Snappy Little Numbers looks to be feeding the same frenzy of gritty adolescent pop, and Friends of Cesar Romero are welcomed to the party.

Both tracks, "Red Headed Strangler" and "Tammys of Tomorrow," are crammed with zing and zest; I can't tell the a-side from the b-side. The hooks keep you flipping the vinyl back and forth. Both tracks are exciting; they are electric. Records like this are what give b-side tracks their a-side reputation, and bands like Friends of Cesar Romero are what keep the party going all night long. Clearly focused without any compromise, Friends of Cesar Romero and Snappy Little Numbers deliver a solid, classic 7inch single worth seeking out.