Black Midi: Schlagenheim (180g) Vinyl LP
$25.95
<p><i><a href="https://www.turntablelab.com/search?&q=black%20midi&filter=Brand/Manufacturer/Artist_fq:%22Black%20Midi%22" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Black Midi</strong></a>, contrary to their name, are a pretty analog band.</i> The London Quartet have little internet or media presence and built their reputation from fierce, often improvisational live performances (including one with <a href="https://www.turntablelab.com/search?type=product&q=damo+suzuki" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Damo Suzuki</strong></a> of <a href="https://www.turntablelab.com/search?&q=can&filter=Brand/Manufacturer/Artist_fq:%22Can%22" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Can</strong></a>), a few of which were recoreded and posted on Youtube by various thoughtful randos. Singer <strong>Geordie Greep</strong>’s singing voice will inevitably be compared to that of <strong>Mark E. Smith</strong>, but the group itself has far more chops than <a href="https://www.turntablelab.com/search?type=product&q=the+fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Fall</strong></a>’s thunderous, yet often shambolic post-punk. The group has definitely ingested the depths of the Factory Records and Rough Trade Distribution rosters, but has much more in common sonically with American groups such as <a href="https://www.turntablelab.com/search?type=product&q=slint" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Slint</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.turntablelab.com/search?type=product&q=shellac" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Shellac</strong></a>, and <a href="https://www.turntablelab.com/search?type=product&q=unwound" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Unwound</strong></a>. "953" starts with a mere harried guitar riff that explodes into fierce hard rock riffage, the track ending with a protracted prog rock breakdown. “Speedway” is a more restrained tune, softly spoken vocals over chiming guitars, “Near DT, MI” is massively dissonant, guitars with necks wrung. Overall, this is a refreshing, headbanging return to the more aggressive and experimental indie sonics of yore. This LP is pressed on black vinyl and is packaged in a gatefold sleeve and printed insert.</p> <ul> <li>180g vinyl pressing</li> <li>gatefold sleeve and printed inner</li> <li>digital download included</li> <li>music label: Rough Trade 2019</li> </ul> <h6>reviewed by ONE FIVE FOUR 07/2019</h6>