In terms of physical releases to shows played, Weird Era are currently working at a ratio of 3:1. Last year they had the opportunity to burst onto the scene following the release of their free album, Side A, and it’s companion piece Side A*, but instead ignored the draw of playing to half empty rooms for travel costs and a few free beers, taking the meat of 2011 to move themselves forward. Back then, they were rough, melodic and drenched in reverb, an angrier take on shoegaze. Having finally lost their performance virginity to a packed basement opposite a Wetherspoons in Chorlton, they now offer up another slice of harmonic drone in the shape of Side B.
The gig itself was sweaty, intimate and surprisingly heavy, the trio showing none of the anxiety that might’ve been associated with a band otherwise absent from the live scene. They have future dates coming up, too – notably supporting Abe Vigoda later in the year – and all the signs are of a band growing into the enormous potential they’ve already displayed, a theme followed up with this album. Over the space of it’s 26 minute running time, the 10 tracks hint at a maturity that wasn’t quite absent when the band unexpectedly came on the scene. The presence and influence of Deerhunter might have always been obvious given their name, but now it’s even more pronounced, with the band interlocking and weaving webs of noise that bewilder and overawe. But equally, there are shades of Goo-era Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine in the mix too – the psychedelic intertwining with the visceral, a jaded take on shock and awe. The fact this is all being given away for free is the most confusing thing – just imagine what they could do with a bit of money behind them.
Weird Era – Riches
[side a download] [side a+ download]
[myspace]
can you re-up the Side A+ link? the one here and the one on their myspace aren’t working
thanx!