Poltergeists is a biweekly feature in which Michael and Wes share tracks that they have had on repeat over the past two weeks.
Michael
The Opposer Divine - “Reverse”
The Opposer Divine is one of the members of Terminal State breaking out on a really great path. “Reverse” is a well balanced and diverse track that combines a lot of industrial stylings to make a comfortably familiar sound. I like that there are a lot of high strings and pads on top of a slow and distorted rhythm section. This project reminds me of the first few Necro Facility albums, especially The Black Paintings, with a little bit of GASR in the song structure.
(I have to note that this is a Vlad McNeally find and I stole it from him with no shame!)
Candle Nine - “I Sing The Body Electric”
Candle Nine is a project that I follow very closely. There is something about the atmosphere in his songs that appeals to me. Both Shadow & Substance is the newest release from Candle Nine and is described as “a living release: demos, outtakes, and more,” and if these are demos and outtakes, I am clearly not working hard enough on my own demos! “I Sing The Body Electric” is a dark track. It is slow and minimally glitchy. I love that the drum dynamics change very slightly throughout the song. In some moments they are soft and barely pushing the song along and in other moments they are rough and break the atmosphere into fluid new riff.
Wes
Public Memory - “Ringleader”
This is an interesting track. When it first hit, I felt like it had sort of a witchy sound to it; big distorted saws and heavy drums are the first things you hear. Then, it starts to turn away from that initial impression. You get this little mix of piano riffs, which sounds a little random while not sounding too discordant. The vocals also kind of pulled me away from my initial impression as well; the way they’re delivered almost feels a little bluesy, were it not for the huge reverb sitting on top of it. The tambourine, the piano riffs, the little guitar riffs, all these sounds pull away from that initial impression, but they never fully destroy it. The heavy saws are always there, and the weight of the drums keeps up front to back. It’s a great little mix of influences, and I heavily recommend it.
Essaie Pas - “Danse Sociale”
While Public Memory’s track felt great for its breadth of influence, Essaie Pas’ “Danse Sociale” is wonderful for its focus. You know what you’re in for right from the first bass line. This EBM inspired track pounds away with a constant bassline and heavy drums, interrupted for some dissonant, off-tuned synth attacks that, while not as heavy as the bulk of the song, keep the song’s aggression flowing forward. Hits of toms, cowbells and claps complement the pounding kick and bass combo, creating a very danceable track that is constantly evolving, never leaving you bored. If you’ve liked Schwefelgelb, definitely check this out