Sounds Like Violence/Desert City Soundtrack split,
SettlefishIf you needed any further evidence to substantiate the claim that Deep Elm is perhaps one of the most eclectic and adventurous record labels around right now, this three-way split is probably it. Featuring three bands from three different countries, the trio of bands take the angular guitar driven theme and shake it up to make a cacophony of chaotic noise which scythes, hammers and, well I wish I could say chisels, its way through a sextet of songs that dazzle and delight. Settlefish, Sounds Like Violence and Desert City Soundtrack are three fantastic bands that will never tear up trees on their way to mainstream domination, but have the musical talent to intrigue the most hardened music fans.
This split is a great record, although it is let down by featuring just one SLV track, 'I Push You Up The Stairs'. The Swedes are passionate and razor-sharp, with guitars chopping and changing around a determined vocal. It's rock and roll music that both rocks and rolls - a rarity nowadays it would seem. Things get less accessible with Italy's Settlefish, who after wowing audiences on their recent UK tour continue to impress with three excellent tracks, the highlight being 'Who Placed The Dots On Dyslexia'. But for me it's the absorbing Desert City Soundtrack that really capture the imagination. Their recent Deep Elm-released full length was as difficult an album as I've heard in recent years, but once you've managed to crack it's difficult exterior, it's a complex record which really delights. There are piano keys, walls of guitars and a strained vocal line which torments, but all in such a way that it leaves you needing more.
This split will possibly confuse as many people as it delights, but for me it's further proof that Deep Elm is not scared to be bold and do something that bucks any kind of trend. The talent on offer here is scary - and despite being just six tracks and 22 minutes in length, is easily value for money.
www.deepelm.com
Paul
