Giraffes? Giraffes! - More Skin With Milk-Mouth

This quizzically named duo offers up a healthy dose of mathematics with their instrumental rock. Giraffes channel the early work of math-rock pioneers Don Caballero, and layer on top of that a playful experimentation that morphs each song into a stylistic sketch all its own. The first track “When the Catholic Go Camping, Then the Nicotine Vampires Reign Supreme” repeats a thematic finger-tapped riff before exploding into a spacey, psychedelic freakout, complete with blistering guitar solo. Similarities to fellow instrumental rockers The Fucking Champs can be heard once the song is truly pushed over the edge. The second track “The Ghost of Eppeepee’s Ghost” is a free-jazz inspired number that would be completely at home on the last Fridge album. “Emily Sagee’s Secret” draws on the dissonance and rhythmic variation of the band Dysrhythmia in it’s first half, before breaking into a hauntingly simple groove punctuated by eerie-sounding bells. The EP is rounded out by Giraffe’s best and most unique track “A Quick One, While She’s Away.” A triumphant, lyrical guitar riff drives forward, only to morph seamlessly into a flowing theme driven by acoustic guitar. Then, Giraffes hit the distortion, and rock out to a disjointed, abrasive stretch, before returning back to more finger-tapped guitar wizardry with the agility of a jackrabbit. Bottom line: Giraffes? Giraffes! Combine some of the best elements of many instrumental bands and add their own flavor to create something that will please anyone with an ear for the unusual.

Bob Mould - District Line

The latest solo album from Bob Mould, formerly of ‘70s punk stalwarts Husker Du, is possibly his best yet. . Bob Mould’s solo work could be best described as an updated 90s rock sound, with a few electronics thrown in as accents. Honest lyrics are delivered in Mould’s classic powerful tone, on top of driving and creative rock backdrops. As opposed to some of his earlier solo work, District Line doesn’t feel dated, or repetitive. Opener “Stupid Now” channels the punk edge of Mould’s adolescence, while thoughtful tunes such as “The Silence Between Us” utilize a lyrical maturity that is a true rarity in music today. There are no groundbreaking musical developments here, resulting in un-cluttered songs that are easy to listen to. Mould does not attempt to re-create the wheel, and instead turns his attention to assembling tunes which are enjoyable from start to finish. Mould sounds truly vulnerable on District Lines, but without sounding depressed or sappy. Instead, the listener is offered a glimpse into the personality of a man, and insight into a few of his life experiences. This is personal quality, coupled with the top-notch songwriting, make this a must-hear.