I knew that after briefly writing about this band a couple of weeks ago, I would be returning to them before too long. And here I am.
The Mae Shi are the latest in a steady trickle of great bands to emerge from LA. Well, it’s not like they’ve just emerged, but they are relatively new to me. I’m a bit behind though because the band have actually been around since 2002, and have released four records in that time, including a 59-minute EP and debut ‘proper’ album Terrorbird. They first came to my notice at the start of the year when they played a few dates in London before releasing the single Run to Your Grave on Moshi Moshi.
That single promised good things for the album HLLLYH (no, me neither), and I’m pleased to say that the promise has held true. Since I got it last week, it’s rarely been far away from my music-playing devices. If it’s a dose of pent-up energetic shouting, crazy synth action, fractured riffs, skittering beats and mad choral bursts that you're looking for, this is just the ticket. The track times vary wildly (from nearly 12 minutes to less than one and a half), but usually sit around the snappy two minute mark and the lyrical content is quite big on Old Testament imagery. There’s a lot here that reminds me of Danielson, in the yelped vocals, punchy instrumentation and massed-vocal intensity, but The Mae Shi are clearly more indebted to electronic music, most notably on the lengthy dance-off Kingdom Come which owes a lot to classic rave. Honestly, there’s never a dull moment on HLLLYH, so if you want a kick up your February, sign up here.
Download: The Mae Shi – Lamb & Lion
Download: The Mae Shi – HLLLYH
Buy HLLLYH from Rough Trade, and you’re vinyl inclined, throw in the Run to Your Grave seven inch as well.
The Mae Shi are the latest in a steady trickle of great bands to emerge from LA. Well, it’s not like they’ve just emerged, but they are relatively new to me. I’m a bit behind though because the band have actually been around since 2002, and have released four records in that time, including a 59-minute EP and debut ‘proper’ album Terrorbird. They first came to my notice at the start of the year when they played a few dates in London before releasing the single Run to Your Grave on Moshi Moshi.
That single promised good things for the album HLLLYH (no, me neither), and I’m pleased to say that the promise has held true. Since I got it last week, it’s rarely been far away from my music-playing devices. If it’s a dose of pent-up energetic shouting, crazy synth action, fractured riffs, skittering beats and mad choral bursts that you're looking for, this is just the ticket. The track times vary wildly (from nearly 12 minutes to less than one and a half), but usually sit around the snappy two minute mark and the lyrical content is quite big on Old Testament imagery. There’s a lot here that reminds me of Danielson, in the yelped vocals, punchy instrumentation and massed-vocal intensity, but The Mae Shi are clearly more indebted to electronic music, most notably on the lengthy dance-off Kingdom Come which owes a lot to classic rave. Honestly, there’s never a dull moment on HLLLYH, so if you want a kick up your February, sign up here.Download: The Mae Shi – Lamb & Lion
Download: The Mae Shi – HLLLYH
Buy HLLLYH from Rough Trade, and you’re vinyl inclined, throw in the Run to Your Grave seven inch as well.
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3 comments:
I nearly bought this straight from Moshi Moshi actually, but for once restrained myself. May have to reconsider actually - it's rather good.
You really should you know. Maybe you have already...
That picture is quite funny. I have never heard of them. but I will give a try because we need to support newer bands.
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