Topic: A Silver Mt. Zion - 13 Blues For Thirteen Moons (Read 23395 times)

Jackie Blue · « **on:** 18 Jan 2008, 21:17 »

This ain't your daddy's post-rock. From the very first of four epic 13-16 minute songs you are catapulted into heavy riff-rock the likes of which are not even comparable to Mogwai's "Glasgow Mega-Snake"; it's more primal and blues-based than that. It harkens back to 70s stoner rock; one can hear shades of early Sabbath, Blue Cheer, Hawkwind, and more modernly, Dead Meadow, Bardo Pond, Boris and Acid Mothers Temple.

Make no mistake, despite a decent amount of quiet time, this is a rock album from start to finish. Even the subdued portions of the tracks are groove-laden and propelled by bass lines rather than piano. This is utterly different from any other album this band has done before, and maybe this is the beer talking but I perceive it as the closest thing I've heard to a real revolution and breath of life into a genre/scene since OK Computer - though it sounds nothing like said album, it flies in the face of pretty much everything which is currently held as standard in the indie rock world in much the same way that OK Computer did.

It is perfectly understandable that it took them nearly three years to make this album because it is clearly a statement of purpose; a battle cry, a rallying point, and an absolutely uncompromising dedication to quality. There is nothing sloppy here, lyrically or sonically. None of the lazy bedroom nihilism that so dominates the very bands that Efrim's old band, GY!BE, kickstarted, such as Explosions in the Sky or Mono. ASZM have always steadily been reaching in the direction of shaking you about the head and shoulders and yelling at you to, in the words of Carla Bozulich, "Do something, why don't you fucking DO SOMETHING?!" but this record takes that attitude to 11.

They named their third album, in part, "This is Our Punk Rock"... but only now are they really delivering on that declaration. This music is angry, defiant, demanding to be heard. Full of bombastic moments and sneering, spastic vocal delivery, it is a true battle cry. "No heroes on my radio!" Erim chants on the title track, a brilliant evolution from his second-album maudlin declaration "Musicians are cowards".

Looks like he finally grew a pair of balls and wants you all to do the same.

Spluff · « **Reply #1 on:** 18 Jan 2008, 21:27 »

Well, I'm sold.

Quote

but this record takes that attitude to 11.

Plus points for a spinal tap reference.

mberan42 · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 Jan 2008, 21:44 »

Grabbing it as we speak. Well, as I type before, during and after your post, 'cause I saw it posted in the mediafire thread and decided to grab it from my torrent site of choice. Will let you know what I think after a thorough listen.

Uber Ritter · « **Reply #3 on:** 18 Jan 2008, 22:12 »

Wait, one of Efrim's bands mentioned with Hawkwind and Sabbath? Or Dead Meadow?
I think I just deafened my internal monologue with a silent girlish squeal of pure glee.

I mean, that sounds like it rocks hard, man.

And its being released in March.
Well I guess I'll either have to find an internet connection that won't cut me out (off campus, namely) or wait, which I think I might be cool with.

KickThatBathProf · « **Reply #4 on:** 18 Jan 2008, 22:26 »

Yeah

I think it's due out sometime in March

Jackie Blue · « **Reply #5 on:** 18 Jan 2008, 22:31 »

Quote from: Uber Ritter on 18 Jan 2008, 22:12

Wait, one of Efrim's bands mentioned with Hawkwind and Sabbath? Or Dead Meadow?
I think I just deafened my internal monologue with a silent girlish squeal of pure glee.

I am not exagerrating or using poetic license, it really does sound like that.

Album of the year. Calling it now.

KickThatBathProf · « **Reply #6 on:** 18 Jan 2008, 22:41 »

I won't go that far. I'll allow a little bit of lenience in case there's another record this year that blows my mind as much as this one. Don't count on it happening, though.

Kai · « **Reply #7 on:** 18 Jan 2008, 22:42 »

Oh dear god I want it so much.

I used to be so incredibly into this band and then I exhausted all the albums.

!!!!

Joseph · « **Reply #8 on:** 18 Jan 2008, 23:09 »

I have been incredibly excited for their next album since I saw them perform in October, giving the best concert I have ever seen (with some other help). I'm going to wait until tomorrow to give this a listen though; I feel I want to absorb this in its entirety, and I'm expecting a phone call soon. I will let you all know how it goes.

Oh, and Zerodrone, if This Will Destroy You's new album was the best post-rock since You Are There, where does this fit in?

Jackie Blue · « **Reply #9 on:** 18 Jan 2008, 23:27 »

Quote from: Dark Flame on 18 Jan 2008, 23:09

Oh, and Zerodrone, if This Will Destroy You's new album was the best post-rock since You Are There, where does this fit in?

This album isn't post-rock, at all. Honestly I wouldn't call any of the last three ASMZ albums post-rock; they've always been more grounded in folk/rock roots than the legacy of GY!BE that was prevalent on their first two albums.

This album is just plain rock music. Very much so.

Ishotdanieljohnston · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 Jan 2008, 00:29 »

This is pretty fucking mind blowing. i think why its so good is because it is quite simply unlike ANYTHING else thats EVER been realeased. Fucking awesome.

Johnny C · « **Reply #11 on:** 19 Jan 2008, 00:31 »

If your description is accurate you ought to listen to the new Black Mountain record, In The Future. It's fantastic and works along the same lines.

jeph · « **Reply #12 on:** 19 Jan 2008, 01:20 »

This slays pretty hard so far. Efrim's vocals remind me a lot of Alan Sparhawk.

Ishotdanieljohnston · « **Reply #13 on:** 19 Jan 2008, 01:24 »

Quote from: Johnny C on 19 Jan 2008, 00:31

If your description is accurate you ought to listen to the new Black Mountain record, In The Future. It's fantastic and works along the same lines.

I've been meaning to check them out for a while actually.

onewheelwizzard · « **Reply #14 on:** 19 Jan 2008, 13:26 »

Quote from: Uber Ritter on 18 Jan 2008, 22:12

Wait, one of Efrim's bands mentioned with Hawkwind and Sabbath? Or Dead Meadow?
I think I just deafened my internal monologue with a silent girlish squeal of pure glee.

This but with stronger language.

Caspian · « **Reply #15 on:** 19 Jan 2008, 22:18 »

After struggling through various GYBE and ASMZ albums (and finding it to be extremely pretentious and boring) I'm a pleasantly surprised, this album is not shit. The riffs are decent and overall its quite an enjoyable listen. Definitely not album of the year, though.

jimbunny · « **Reply #16 on:** 20 Jan 2008, 10:06 »

Quote

1,000,000 Died to Make This Sound

Ducks? Rabbits?

...Nah, but I like it. I think I could like it a lot.

KickThatBathProf · « **Reply #17 on:** 20 Jan 2008, 11:14 »

Kittens and puppies

TheFuriousWombat · « **Reply #18 on:** 20 Jan 2008, 15:02 »

I've been waiting ages for this. I haven't heard it yet but I'm unspeakably excited. I'm even more excited, however, to see them live in Philly (in a tiny church no less) come May. It's going to be a long wait but well worth it.

Joseph · « **Reply #19 on:** 20 Jan 2008, 19:02 »

So, this album is incredible. Best thing I've heard in ages. I'm fairly sure this tops out anything I heard last year, and it's set the bar incredibly high for the year to come. Efrim's vocals are perfect beside the music, which is in turns gorgeous, breathtaking, and shocking in how it approaches a pure rock method. It's certainly a rock album, though taken with post-rock ideas in mind, it turns into something very different from what I've heard before.

They've announced an east-coast tour on their website, and I've very excited.

Jackie Blue · « **Reply #20 on:** 20 Jan 2008, 20:10 »

PREDICTION OF WHAT PITCHFORK WILL GIVE THIS ALBUM:

7.8

Calling it now.

Cause you know, post-rock is just soooooo five years ago. It's all about Lil' Wayne now.

michaelicious · « **Reply #21 on:** 20 Jan 2008, 20:43 »

All they'd need was some Timbaland production or a guest spot by T-Pain to get that 8.0.

jeph · « **Reply #22 on:** 20 Jan 2008, 20:56 »

Quote from: zerodrone on 20 Jan 2008, 20:10

PREDICTION OF WHAT PITCHFORK WILL GIVE THIS ALBUM:

7.8

Calling it now.

Cause you know, post-rock is just soooooo five years ago. It's all about Lil' Wayne now.

I'm gonna say either 6.8 or 9.3. Depends whether it's cool to like Efrim now or not.

sean · « **Reply #23 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 12:50 »

I highly doubt it's cool to like Efrim anymore. Horses in the Sky got about a 7.3, I think.

And plus, this totally isn't artsy like Animal Collective.

Jackie Blue · « **Reply #24 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 13:50 »

Yeah, Horses in the Sky got robbed like a blind hooker.

Not as robbed as Maserati, though, who got like a 4.8 for one of the best albums of the last year. It is obvious that post-rock is no longer cool.

Kai · « **Reply #25 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 16:40 »

So I just went to the mediafire thread to download this and it just isn't letting me. I have not had a larger letdown for a while.

When does this officially come out, for the record? Specific dates? General months? "Sometime this year"?

Joseph · « **Reply #26 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 16:46 »

10 March 2008 (Europe), 25 March 2008 (rest of world)

Also, tour dates.

20 MAR 2008   Montreal, QC

   La Tulipe
16 MAY 2008   Burlington, VT   First Unitarian Univresalist
17 MAY 2008   Cambridge, MA   Middle East
18 MAY 2008   Northampton, MA   Pearl Street Nightclub
19 MAY 2008   Brooklyn, NY   Music Hall Of Williamsburg
20 MAY 2008   New York, NY   Bowery Ballroom

22 MAY 2008   Philadelphia, PA   First Unitarian Church
23 MAY 2008   Washington, DC   Black Cat
24 MAY 2008   Asheville, NC   Grey Eagle Tavern
25 MAY 2008   Atlanta, GA   Drunken Unicorn
26 MAY 2008   Nashville, TN   Mercy Lounge
27 MAY 2008   St Louis, MO   Bluebird
28 MAY 2008   Des Moines, IA   Vaudeville Mews
29 MAY 2008   Minneapolis, MN   Varsity Theater
30 MAY 2008   Milwaukee, WI   Turner Hall
31 MAY 2008   Chicago, IL   Logan Square Auditorium

02 JUN 2008   Detroit, MI   Magic Stick
03 JUN 2008   Columbus, OH   Skully’s Music Diner
04 JUN 2008   Cleveland, OH   Grog Shop
05 JUN 2008   Milvale, PA   Mr Small’s Theatre

07 JUN 2008   Toronto, ON   Lee's Palace
08 JUN 2008   Toronto, ON   Lee's Palace

I'm definitely going to catch them in Montreal. Means I have to miss Ladyhawk and Immaculate Machine, who're playing together that night, but my last Silver Mt. Zion experience was the most amazing concert I've ever witnessed, so I don't believe I can miss this.

Kai · « **Reply #27 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 17:07 »

the only way I could catch them on tour is skip the last two days of school and drive up to St. Louis, or as soon as School gets out drive to Minnesota.

Shit.

sean · « **Reply #28 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 17:10 »

Dude, thanks for those!

I'm so happy their playing on the 23rd in DC! It's the day right after my exams end. This is excellent!

KickThatBathProf · « **Reply #29 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 17:35 »

Yesssssssss, I am so happy they are coming to the midwest

I cannot wait for May 30 now

Jackie Blue · « **Reply #30 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 17:44 »

25 MAY 2008 Atlanta, GA Drunken Unicorn

jeph · « **Reply #31 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 17:56 »

Holy fucking shit they're actually playing Northampton.

I think I have to go, even though I hate the people who run Pearl St.

Liz · « **Reply #32 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 18:24 »

To those that have seen them live before, would it be worth a four hour drive to get to a show?

Kai · « **Reply #33 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 18:30 »

I am already making plans to skip a few days of school and drive a good 8 hours. So yes.

KickThatBathProf · « **Reply #34 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 19:31 »

I'm lucky that the show I'm going is on the weekend then

Although, I would've skipped classes anyways...

Jackie Blue · « **Reply #35 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 19:33 »

A 4 hour drive for a show is nothing. That's not even a "road trip"!

ViolentDove · « **Reply #36 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 21:24 »

Yeah! Back in my day we had to walk barefoot in the snow for three days to see a post-rock gig.

Those arduous mountain treks kept all the "hipsters posers" away, let me tell ya!

KickThatBathProf · « **Reply #37 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 21:37 »

Sorry, you forgot to place the phrase uphill both ways into that old fart rant. You lose.

Jackie Blue · « **Reply #38 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 21:39 »

One time I walked 10 miles to see a concert.

True story.

michaelicious · « **Reply #39 on:** 21 Jan 2008, 22:41 »

Two dates in Toronto. Looks like I am sleeping in a gutter near Lee's Palace on June 7th.

valley_parade · « **Reply #40 on:** 22 Jan 2008, 07:04 »

Quote from: jeph on 21 Jan 2008, 17:56

Holy fucking shit they're actually playing Northampton.

I think I have to go, even though I hate the people who run Pearl St.

Oh shit, oh shit. I may have to start walking.

meticulous · « **Reply #41 on:** 22 Jan 2008, 07:18 »

i once got chased from a train station after breaking in before being forced to huddle all night in a phone booth with 2 other people, this was after walking 5 (possibly only 2) miles from a gig i had attended. all because i wanted to see it through to the end- which was 3 in the morning. also im not actually a hobo.

true story.

also, i will most definately be acquiring this album by some means on my return home.

ifk · « **Reply #42 on:** 25 Jan 2008, 09:59 »

This album is amazing. And I get to see them in March. So happy

Mobius_Logic · « **Reply #43 on:** 28 Jan 2008, 21:40 »

mannn theyre not coming anywhere near seattle!
what kind of shitty tour skips seattle!

Trillian · « **Reply #44 on:** 30 Jan 2008, 04:21 »

I agree with everything positive said about this album. It blows my mind. AND they are coming to Cambridge which is just fucking fantastic. That deserves a happy dance right there.

Zerodrone, I agree with you that pitchfork robbed Maserati with that 4.3. I love that album.

Yakob · « **Reply #45 on:** 30 Jan 2008, 07:04 »

That a cappella bit at the end of Blindblindblind gives me chills every time.

mberan42 · « **Reply #46 on:** 30 Jan 2008, 07:04 »

so damn good huaglbulagual

Kai · « **Reply #47 on:** 31 Jan 2008, 14:25 »

I would be incredibly happy if someone reuploaded this--the link never worked for me and still doesn't.

psyne · « **Reply #48 on:** 31 Jan 2008, 14:33 »

Will do, it's on it's way.

Ishotdanieljohnston · « **Reply #49 on:** 31 Jan 2008, 20:42 »

Efrim looks like Charley Manson. Thought I'd throw that out there.

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Author Topic: A Silver Mt. Zion - 13 Blues For Thirteen Moons (Read 23395 times)

ifk