EndAnd - The Adventures of Fi in Space

Released: June 26, 2012

EndAnd are a punky noise rock trio from Brooklyn, growing up within the King Killer Studios community along with friends Generator Ohm.  This release compiles two of their previous EPs: The Adventures of Hi-Fi in Space, which has five sharply recorded studio tracks; and The Adventures of Low-Fi in Space, consisting of four fuzzy DIY style songs.

The Hi-Fi portion of the record kicks off with "Far In Between", trading off driving guitar lines reminiscent of Green Album-era Weezer and verses echoing The Cure.  After the upbeat opening track, EndAnd slow things down a bit with "Labor Force" which has an even stronger 80s vibe initially, which juxtaposes very well with the aggressive break and shouted bridge at the end.  While each song on Hi-Fi brings its own particular flair to it blending styles and eras, the standout track is definitely the first single "Commando", from the flashy guitar riffing to put Jack White to shame, to the gruffest vocal delivery on the album and the rock solid drumming keeping everything together.  It's just a shame that "Commando" wasn't released at the peak of the Guitar Hero craze because it would have been a perfect addition to the playlist.

Low-Fi sets itself apart right away with "Dawi", opening with slowly strummed discordant guitars and a repeating feedback loop that resolves into an off-kilter melody that wouldn't be out of place in Nirvana's discography.  "Legend" continues with the slower pacing and darker harmonies, and though "Sweet" is more melodic the wall of menacing distortion layered underneath keeps in from being particularly uplifting.  "When and There" closes out the album in almost shoegazy, sprawling style.

As a package, The Adventures of Fi in Space is a great introduction to a young band who clearly have a strong sense of place amid the current milieu of the rock canon.

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Generator Ohm - Upon the Me Om I

Released: September 2012

In the words of Neil Young: "Rock and Roll can never die".  Around the world there are communities growing and thriving and keeping Rock and Roll alive.  One such community has risen up in Brooklyn around King Killer Studios, who are rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with.  Generator Ohm is at the forefront of King Killer's roster, and with the release of Upon the Me Om I they are making their contribution to a musical tradition passed down since the 1950s.

The album starts strong kicking into "Lemming Shuffle" with upbeat bouncy bass lines and some snazzy high hat action laying the groundwork for very grunge inspired vocals which rush forward up to the half timed bridge.  The rest of Upon the Me Om I never quite matches the urgency and cohesion of the opening track, but this feels intentional following the ebb and flow of the album as a whole as the band push themselves in different directions.  There is a lot of experimentation going on while still retaining the general framework of a rock band: from the pseudo hip hop break in "Smoke Eater" to the psychobilly feel of the bridge / solo of "Youth in Arms", from the brooding and spacey "Lynarco's Men" to the early 90s Chili Peppers vibe on "Marginal Hop".

There's a lot of good here, but it could benefit from being more concise.  At close to fifty minutes, it is a tad too far out of my preferred sweet spot of a thirty minute record, especially since there are moments where certain parts feel like they drag on too long.  That said, this is a very strong first release from a band that is just getting started.  Keep an eye out for great things coming from them.

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