(Editor’s Note: Every once in a while we’re asked why there aren’t more Don Caballero puns around the site, and you know what? Maybe we haven’t lived math rock, maybe that’s on us. Either way, the Singles Broken Up column is meant to function as a speed date of sorts for readers short on time that still find themselves thirsting for the new and notable, so… ready to mingle? Excellent – this week we’ve got you covered with drops from Nø Man, Wrong Man, Mr. Phylzzz, Judiciary, Cowboyyy, Can You Not?, and Throes.)
cowboyy – “the chair mountain”
You know, it’s probably easier to picture a chair mountain in your mind than imagine what it sounds like, at least that was the case until we heard cowboyy’s latest single. It’s about as silly as you could imagine, almost landing somewhere between Cardiacs and black MIDI, but it’s got it’s own frenetic special sauce. We’re not sure what’s going on, but we know that we like it and look forward to more. – MW
_
Wrong Man – “Exit Strategy (feat. Jeremy Bolm)
This rough and ready post-punk soiree creates a uniquely atmospheric moment here with “Exit Strategy,” and Jeremy Bolt creates a perfect foil to its strangely syrupy swagger. You can hear vintage influences in the phaser application alone, but it also feels distinctly influences from 90’s post-hardcore, and if that’s not a sweet spot we don’t know what is. – MW
NØ MAN – “They Have Names”
Truly one of the most monolithic hardcore recordings we’ve heard in years. “They Have Names” isn’t just an urgent response to atrocities done to Palestine, it’s a laser focused inditement split into two distinct parts. The first part is faster and more mosh-adjacent, bringing to mind bands like Stress Positions or Soul Glo, and the second incorporates post-metal, sludge and spoken word to create a haunting outro that sticks to your soul like ash as it recounts the names of those lost. – MW
_
Mr. Phylzzz – “Over and Over Again”
Noisy as hell and hot on the heels of forming new supergroup Gatta Morta, this new single from Chicago’s Mr. Phylzzz swings like a door barely on its hinges. There’s nasty riffage, reckless vocal squeals, and then, somehow, it’s over before you know it. For a song about repetition, it strangely ends up driving that very point home in a supremely short stay, deftly leaving listeners grasping for more. Luckily we’ll be getting a full record this September, notably to see release via Amphetamine Reptile Records. We can hardly wait. – MW
Judiciary – “Wall of Skulls”
Very driven and cutting hardcore, with a thrashy ultimate punch delivered to unk’s and yunguns like Andy Samberg in Hot Rodd using most of his limbs at once. The song also recruits world instruments used similarly to Gojira on their excellent Fortitude album. – HL
_
Can You Not? – “The Person I Miss Most Lives in My Mirror”
Math rock imbued with early aughts emo with features popularized by the likes of Senses Fail and Matchbook Romance. Familiar vocal delivery and open stringed broken chords are here, but with added refinements born from the wisdom of decades since. The song is a very comfortable listen that still manages to surprise, which hits the spot in ways new music in such an established genre can have difficulty with. – HL
_
Throes – “Eat Glass”
Among the historical paucity found in Idaho has been a mainstay in hardcore with bands known outside the region. More recently there seems to be green shoots such as Ingrown and Throes, who perhaps seed some of their own unique heaviness by coexisting in the Gem state which is known for high profile true crime scandals and perennial busybodies working diligently to deny human rights in the name of freedom. Here’s hoping the growth continues and propagates as long as this century 20’s act as fertile ground for counterculture in a place once called home. – HL
(Thanks for reading! If you’re looking for more music, check out our Bandcamp compilations here. If you like us, or possibly even love us, donations are always appreciated at the Buy Me A Coffee page here as well. Don’t let the bastards get you down!)