Yaphet Kotto/This Machine Kills/Envy
Split
Sonzai (2004)
Whenever I listen to the type of record that Yaphet Kotto or Envy would make, I always play the TV at full volume to supplement the chaos. Sometimes I'll change it to something like an MTV awards show or a shitty sitcom to add my own sort of psuedo-ironic soundtrack. It works even better in this case, because the record itself is a major contrast between bands. That's not to say every part of this record is as solid as the rest, in fact, even if Envy wasn't one of my favorite "hardcore" bands (call them whatever the fuck you want, but for simplicity's sake, in this interview, Envy are a hardcore band), I would still consider their part of the split to easily be the best one on the record. I've always liked the way Yaphet Kotto kind of toned down the vocals so it would blend in with the instruments. Even though they have much better production than they normally do on their records, the vocals are still recorded with the same priority. With their kind of music, where the vocals and instruments weave together constantly, this sort of vocal blending works very well. That isn't to say … Read more
Atmosphere
Seven's Travels
Epitaph (2003)
"Atmosphere finally made a good record, yeah right, that shit almost sounds convincing...." Almost. Actually, not at all. Sometimes underground … Read more
Mates of State
Team Boo
Polyvinyl (2003)
Everyone needs something cute every once in a while... once in a while. Too much can make you vomit, but … Read more
