Continuing the string of recommendations from Andy of Fensepost, let’s check out Grave Babies. Seattle’s Grave Babies put out a 7″ on Hardly Art and have an EP called Gothdammit coming out on April 17th. Like Orcas, Grave Babies have enjoyed a string of discerning press coverage, both local and further afield. Despite the goth trimmings of their EP title and moody band photos, I found their sound to be more mid-’90s lo fi drone than late-’80s goth rock. Somehow the recordings sound both tinny and reverb-laden, propped up by driving bass lines and solid arrangements. Grave Babies seems to be taking to some pretty well-worn music roads, staying within range of well-regarded bands from the Jesus and Mary Chain to Wavves. Unlike scores of neo-fuzz rock bands, Grave Babies actually have well-constructed songs underneath the hiss and rumble. Synth flourishes and shoegaze guitar gestures pop in and out of the songs without dominating, distracting, or spilling into an ill-advised feedback odyssey, making Gothdammit a pretty taut, economical batch of songs. Take a listen:
Now visit the Grave Babies on Facebook.