When our Best of Burque Music reader’s poll drops, I retreat to the comfort of mi chante to contemplate the latest recordings emanating from the independent principality of Bandcamp. It’s from such an austere cloister that realizations like the following are made. Local music magician Javier Romero deserves way more credit than he gets for his unassuming yet profoundly realized rocanrol emanations. Though we may differ on the significance of Weezer beyond the boundaries of the mythical blue, Romero understands what kick-ass rock music sounds like and can create it seamlessly at the touch of a button, That’s clearly evidenced on his latest effort, Retreater. Part GBV and all Javier—with a bit of Big Star and The Attractions thrown in for fun—this album is genuine, maximum rock-n-roll. Favorite track: “There’s a Ghost In The House.”
TAHNZZ We Fed Them Cactus (SickSickSick)
These are very likely soundscapes which when measured out precisely by a magical human being could well serve as descriptions of the planets in other solar systems where the crash and bang of creation is countenanced by the slow echo of dissipation and the vast emptiness that follows all heavenly bodies around. You will not be able to sleep through these astronomical encounters where the vibrations of infinity encounter their mirrors, gesticulating like the bright display of an over-busy oscilloscope. And that’s just the first track, yo. What follows on this three track EP is genuine and gigantic, confidently calling up the starry dynamo in the machinery night that all hipsters seek, but only a select few, including TAHNZZ actually witness. Favorite track: “Penitentes.”
Alien Space Kitchen The Golden Age of Climate Change (Self-Released)
You will rock like a fat goose digging the winter sun at Tingley Beach whilst jamming to this gritty and gone warning about our planet. The crunch of guitars and the insistent highhat and snare in command will remind you of why we are here, what’s been given and what’s to be taken away—to paraphrase lyrics that are as prescient as they are insistently plain spoken. Every track has a relentless vibe that nods to the danger zone from which it was performed, also demonstrating mastery of a form taken up by boogie-shoes wearing rockers from Edgar Winter to X. You may burn up listening to this eschatological collection. That means you’ll also be tunefully, blissfully unaware when the rest of the world catches fire. Favorite track: “Who Controls the Weather?”
