This week, WTSR Assistant Music Director Nelson Kelly highlights some of the best new albums that the College’s own radio station, 91.3 FM WTSR, puts into its weekly rotation.
Band: King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard
Album: “Nonagon Infinity”
Hailing From: Melbourne, Australia
Genre: Izard Core (Psychedelic Fuzz Jam)
Label: ATO Records
Put on your traditional Aboriginal garb and bust out your favorite kangaroo because fuzz-rock royalty from down under is back and better than ever. “Nonagon Infinity” pushes the limits of fuzzy garage rock as King Gizzard strives for originality and innovation within the admittedly stale genre. What makes “Nonagon Infinity” stand out from past Gizzard albums is its seamless flow. Each song transitions into the next perfectly to form an album that, as a whole, is cohesive and consistent, but still manages to catch your attention and satisfy fans listening to the individual tracks. Thus, “Nonagon Infinity” is a two-pronged audio assault of fuzz. The first prong hits you hard all at once, while the other hits you with pieces like the Zords from “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers.”
Must Hear: “Big Fat Wasp,” “Gamma Knife,” “People Vultures” and “Wah Wah”
Band: Nothing
Album: “Tired of Tomorrow”
Hailing From: Philadelphia
Genre: Dream Punk
Label: Relapse
When asked what one word would best describe Nothing’s sound, most people would respond with “LOUD,” though some wise guys might say “silent.” “Tired of Tomorrow” is the follow-up album to 2014’s “Guilty of Everything,” and it came just as everyone’s eardrums have finally recovered from the tremendous wall of sound that album delivered. The band picked up right where it left off with this album, from the hard-hitting chords of the lead-off track, “Fever Queen,” to the mourning arpeggios of “Eaten by Worms.” The sheer volume of these songs creates more than the shoegaze-y sound that these guys are going for. The absolutely brutal guitars over thunderous drums and bass convey the pain and struggle that singer Domenic Palermo’s soft, soothing voice cannot. “Tired of Tomorrow” shows Nothing moving more toward a very mature, heavy sound that will hit you hard and stay with you long after you listen.
Must Hear: “The Dead are Dumb,” “Vertigo Flowers,” “A.C.D.,” “Curse of the Sun” and “Eaten by Worms”
