WOODHOUSE FINDS

Critterland - Willi Carlisle

Critterland would’ve been my country album of the year for 2023, and might’ve been album of the year. Because it’s my favorite type of country: bleak. Willi Carlisle’s tales of drugs, abuse, ennui is emotionally bruising in all the right ways. On penultimate track “When the Pills Wear Off,” Carlisle’s dusty cough mummers “what I called a love affair/They say was a death of despair.” Running through talking blues, Cajun hoe-downs and honky tonk tears, Carlisle aims for something hard. Trying to be a better man than his forefathers and realizing the only way forward is to admit all the faults and failings that infest us.

Obsidian Wreath - Infant Island

The larger American hardcore and screamo scene is beyond alive and well. It’s maybe the most vital rock subgenre on the continent at the moment. And VA outfit Infant Island might have made the best album in the scene. Obsidian Wreath pulls from the anthemic metal of Deafheaven and Envy while never ignoring the crushing low end. There are sections of true beauty here, always perfectly balanced with an ceaseless hammering that ends up being just as cathartic as it is punishing.

Παραμαινομένη by Ὁπλίτης (Hoplites) 

Someone should check on the Hoplites guy and make sure he’s human/ok. After releasing three, count ‘em, three albums last year that all made our end of the year list, he’s back with another slab of crusty, disgusting metal. His fast sections are deliciously punky, his skronky interludes play with free jazz of the Imperial Triumphant sort. It is a brutal undertaking to dive into, but infinitely rewarding. For those about to thrash, we salute you.

There Is A Well by Shallowater

Recommended by one of our newsletter readers, and a welcome reminder I do listen to everything sent to me. This Houston Trio describes themselves as somewhere between shoegaze and twang (twangaze?). And the result is some dusty, unsettling rock that always seems on the edge of dissolving. Just lose yourself to the hurricane force rocker “Birdshot,” that opens with a tension soaked guitar and unfurls into gales of screeching feedback. Both a welcome addition to the current set of grunge and country worshiping bands (Ratboys, Good Looks, MJ Lenderman) and a throw back to some of the weirder nooks and crannies of ‘90s rock.

Snow as a Metaphor for Death - SENTRIES

Alberta mystery folks SENTRIES rattle between organ infused post-punk to a full, shuddering noise rock blowout all led by vocals that sound like pitched up, coked out Nick Cave. Oh and the album ends on a 13-minute long song that could be its own album.

Cacophony - Gumshoes

Well isn’t this motherfucking delightful. 

Gumshoes, some Brit with an immaculate taste in hooks and melodies has made a loopy pop record about a terrible punk band falling apart financially, musically and spiritually. But the crux of the record, outside of some wonderfully acidic lyrics, is the brilliant baroque compositions. Sudden interjections of harpsichord, piano flourishes and ghostly harmonies all pepper the album. It’s worryingly addictive and reminds me of Belle and Sebastian’s punkiest days.

미래의 고향 Hometown to Come - Minhwi Lee

For some less sardonic beauty, we travel to Korea. Though the beauty contained within is absurd-–if only for its stunning qualities. Minhwi Lee has made a radiant album of folk pop, taking deep influence from the most luxurious and plush moments of the 70s. It reminds me of the best arranged music of Brazil’s MPB movement. A bewitching album in every sense.

Right Back to it - Waxahatchee

I can’t overstate how many times I’ve listened to this song in the scant few days it’s out. For men of a certain age and Southern disposition, adding MJ Lenderman to a tune is like jangling keys in front of a baby. And his slowhand guitar solos and warm harmonies elevate “Right Back to It,” but the star, as always, is the overwhelming warmth of Katie Crutchfield. Over languid banjo, Crutchfield admits to being held down by her fears, unable to be present for her loved ones. But as MJ’s voice rises to meet her, she promises to, well, get “right back to it.” Few songs in recent memory have crafted a sense of simple sanctuary like this.

j'erre de mur - coffret de bijoux

Often as I say unhelpful things like “this isn’t for everyone!” I really mean it this time. Coffret de bijoux blares out some of the most interesting black metal I’ve heard recently–but the recording quality sounds like it was mastered on a speak and spell. Add a significant dream pop influence, and this is going to lose a lot of people–but transfix those who are interested.

The Journal - Apu Nanu

Been awhile since Iglooghost released a proper album, so I’ll happily jump on this classical inspired electronic jam bursting with beauty and sugary energy.

Soft Ax - Saintseneca

While probably a metaphor for a toxic relationship, I prefer to think of the new pastorally devastating tune from Saintseneca as the monologue of a Christmas tree being put up, then thrown away. Yeah, let’s stick with that so I don’t cry (as much).