Brian Larsen, guitars: “The two albums getting the most play from me lately would have to be We’ve Been Talking by Irish band Enemies, and the new Primus album Green Naugahyde. I’m a little late to the game with Enemies. Math rock with noodling guitar work is right up my alley, and despite the genre becoming somewhat saturated over the last few years, Enemies have really grabbed my attention. Not because they’re breaking any new ground, but more that their sound is reminiscent of two of my favorite defunct bands of the genre, Chicago’s Ghosts and Vodka and Milwaukee’s Pele. Primus, on the other hand, just plain rocks. While their last full-length album, Antipop, may not have been the best note to end on before an eleven-year hiatus, Green Naugahyde is certainly worth the wait. You can really hear the progression in Les Claypool’s bass tone over the years, and he’s really locked into his sound on this one. Not to mention the re-addition of original drummer Jay Lane, who gives the album a much more organic and groove-centric feel.”
Alex Fedele, drums: “Lately, I’ve been hooked on Seu Jorge and Almaz. I can’t get enough Junip, and my anticipation for the new Mastodon record has had me listening to YouTube teasers on repeat for weeks. Out of everything I’ve been spinning lately, the top record that my needle hits would have to be the Mars Volta’s The Bedlam in Goliath. I know it isn’t their most recent release, but goddamn, is it good. I’ve been listening to these guys since they were in At the Drive-In, and I will never forget the feeling that I got from my first listen of De-loused in the Comatorium. Their music has continually progressed over the years, and each record continues to amaze me more and more. The Bedlam In Goliath is probably my favorite of their releases; it seems the most cohesive and it’s definitely the most experimental. The drums on “Wax Simulacra” contain some of the most complex rhythms that I’ve heard lately. [Drummer] Thomas Pridgen is a maniac.”
Adam Khan, bass: Dwight Yoakum’s Greatest Hits: “Adam’s car stereo broke three years ago with this CD stuck inside. It still plays, though, and he has no complaints.”
(Instrumental rockers Auto! Automatic!! celebrate the release of their new self-titled CD with guests Guiltmaker Friday, Sept. 23 at Will’s Pub. Admission is $5. They also play the Indie Fall Fest Saturday at Firestone Live.)