Dazzling Distant Lights Sensational City Kids

Aggros and Suncharms are the two artists this overdue review entails.

Two diametrically opposed artists in sound. Aggros being steeped in thrash and New York Hardcore roots. The Suncharms coming from 90s UK non commercial indie pop. Alas these are labels and like Lou Koller of Sick Of It All once said, “No labels, No lies” . There is definitely no bullshit here and both of these artists get right to it. You’ll most likely agree.

Hopefully there will be more time after the actual printed zine drops. The blog has suffered due to forthcoming Meat Sheet Issue #7 which I have been laboring over. Lookit some info on it here https://meatsheetfanzine.com/printed-zine/

First, Aggro’s drops a new song and video. City Kids is Parris Mayhew’s most recent audio and video work. Last year you may remember the song Chaos Magic. Meatsheet covered this in 2020 and you may sense it here https://meatsheetfanzine.com/new-aggro-october-music/ This feels like an extension of that song. But on the surface City Kids is longer and has a skateboarding theme.

There is definitely some spruced up instrumentation but Aggros City Kids is heavy New York hardcore all the way.

Many will know his work in the Cro-Mags. Therefore you have a similar guitar tonality. It is a long song but it doesn’t stop me from wanting to hear it. There are enough changes and very tight arrangements bordering on thrash.  Think of your favorite metal songs with several parts that change, sans vocals. For example around 3:36 you get an chiming interludethat gives way to an aggressive part that fits well with an energetic skate session. The bass and guitar seem especially thick in this part.

Before we go more into the song the video is just as engaging as Chaos Magic if not more. Here are some of the key focal points that make it visually interesting. There’s some very well-planned skateboarding shots. By well-planned, I mean they are artistic and visually appealing. Light up skate wheels going through water at a slower speed give you a hypnotic feel which just adds to the intensity of the music.
Another focal point is the artist, Parris himself playing various bass and six strings in New York locations. Several of his images at once. The New York City imagery is abundant, some digitally enhanced. I don’t want to give it away in my paltry review. If you watch you will see these locations that you may know, or have seen photos of.

Still another point that keeps my attention are the slower speed close-ups of the instruments strings vibrating. This is something we don’t usually see as our eyes can’t catch something going that fast so that looks pretty cool.

Finally, there are added video elements like Chaos Magic. These images are less subliminal than Chaos Magic but are added into the real shot. Black helicopters as seen in previous video were lurking in the back ground sky take a more obvious seat in City Kids. Fire, lightning, dancing figures that have been added behind Parris up on the ledge of the bridge.

You can probably watch it five or so times and still notice new things each time.

One last point on visuals. The City Kids reflect the diversity of skateboarders. Interestingly enough, it is the same in hardcore / thrash. You get a quick glimpse at some skaters that represent New York City, each having their own unique persona. Sample the visuals here

Circling back to the song, it’s a knockout that stands alone, but the questions that plague me. What would some more of Aggros sound like? Would vocals add to it ? Instrumentally there is mystique and a spotlight on the music. It is simply my curiousity, I’d jam to this as is. The music box like, higher ,tinny notes provide a dramatic contrast to all the other traditional “rock” instruments. The way the open chord rings and growls leading into a piano outro? Classic New York vibe. I reckon it was intentional. It feels like a day of skating has come to an end and you’re taking the subway home. I can only imagine the hours that went into this effort. Hard work pays, as this video and song is clearly a labor of love.

Suncharms – Distant Lights – Sunday Records

Distant Lights by the Suncharms is an LP that is one of the warmest jangle pop indie albums I have heard in a long time. I have given out many positive reviews and I tried to find some faults with this but honestly I couldn’t find any.

Let me qualify that with saying the more one is into classic 90s Indie pop the more  this will  resonate. I guess the average person could get into it as it’s very well done but it seems like the Suncharms are fans of this genre and really go for the indie pop jugular on this one. 
As a bonus I really fancy the name Suncharms and the cover artwork is the painting of a sunset. Your editor is a sucker for that.

Let’s dig into the tracks. Listen here https://sundayrecords.bandcamp.com/album/distant-lights

The title track whirs into existence and sets the mood of record. Striking, strategically-placed reverb on this and other tracks gives you some airy and dreamy soundscapes you may imagine as if you’re gazing at the horizon. The distant lights twinkle like the guitars and other instrumentation. Although the guitars may twinkle a bit, there is a strong backbeat to add contrast. The overdriven 6 string tones balance out the softer edges. Hints of keyboard fill out this track and it whirs to a close.

Next is Dream of a Time Machine. The reverb intensifies and doubles the vocals. If not for the groove and the subtle wails and bends ( think of Teenage Fanclub 13 and Bandwagonesque) this would be a full on daydream. You also have a lovely organ adding another sonic layer. Cast a Spell homes in on the Jesus and Mary Chain sentiment minus all the squealing guitars.

For me, sometimes I want the squeals and sometimes in this case it’s nice to hear the notes ring out in melody sans dissonance.

There is some distortion on the guitars which gives it a little punch. 

Moving along Precious Hour is a soother that also rocks. It’s a perfect tune to start one off on a fun evening. The dueling lead and backing vocals reminds of Air Miami an old Teenbeat and 4AD records band from mid 90’s

Seas of Titan is the most catchy pop song on this LP.  A direct yet melodic verse / chorus arrangement. Additionally more organ that hums along warmly ( Farfisa ?) The vocals, in melody and arrangement remind of one of favorites. John Sebastian (Lovin Spoonful and Welcome Back Kotter Theme) Definitely earworm worthy chorus that sticks to your coqula like a slow cooked meal stick to one’s ribs (so to speak) At four and a half minutes this one sprints by for me. It’s over before I know what happened.

Jewels is more of the same catchy pop, with a staccato picked guitar notes, but less earworm which to me is cool because too many songs get stuck in my head and I may go crazy. Not my usual crazy, batshit certifiable crazy. Jewels will keep you sane and the beat is a satisfying toe tapper.

Casting Shadows and Lucifer are no slouches as they close out the LP. Precision picking on Casting Shadows gives a gentle flowing feeling of guitar and pop tunefulness. This track is a good way to wind down an evening.

Finally, Lucifer is the fuzzier, more angular guitar cousin of Casting Shadows. Excellent way to end Distant Lights.This song has 1990s echoes throughout. Edgy slightly fuzzed out guitar tones and a near breakdown that is on the edge of mosh. Literally on the edge but it doesn’t go there. Instead the pace quickens and the band starts to really and come to crescendo. If played live , though, I encourage to go fuzzier and heavier. Lucifer is still my pick for most dy

Distant Lights started out good, but it is definitely grows on me. That is to say over the time I was trying to finish this review ( more days than i like to spend, i am usually faster) I grow fonder of it.

In conclusion, I am pressed for time so hopefully you can glean something from Aggros and/ or The Suncharms. Both put in work and master their craft. If you have the means please support and share them.