Panther Attack! @ ChopSuey 4/18/07

Panther Attack! have, to my mind, set a new standard for post-indie/punk/instrumentals. They have a unique ability to create a profound soul unmatched in their genre. Their dual-drum kits, bass, and guitar (often multiple) meld together to create free-flowing instrumental bliss — almost jazzy, definitely groovy.

They are from Seattle and have been preforming together since 2002. Panther Attack! has a self-released full-length album, Martyr Bonus, released in 2007, and in 2008, they released Sharp Moments EP on vinyl. Panther Attack! is not on tour, but they are currently booking new shows. The latest information about when and where they are playing can be found on their MySpace profile at myspace.com/pantherattack, and detailed bio, release info, and more here at the site for Triple Down Records, their record label, tripledownrecords.com.

Continue reading for a video of Panther Attack! performing in Glendale, Calif.

Music for Lubbock, 1980, the first full release from Asthmatic Kitty artist James McAlister, known primarily for remix and soundtrack work, is a refreshingly bold work of electronic music that still slots nicely into a regular listening slot for those interested in more “traditional” methods of music creation. Of course, it’s closer to a Stereolab than, say, most things you’d hear at a club with flashing lights and pounding music, and some would say it fits well into the growing folktronica movement — regardless, it’s engaging enough for me.

900x – “101805″ (remix) | download
Download audio file (library_catalog_-_music_for_lubbock_-_101805.mp3)

While this album as a whole may lack a bit in coherency — the tracks don’t always mesh with the greatest of ease — they’re individually solid, and the diversity makes for fun active listening. Don’t go into this expecting the latest and greatest in experimental exploration, because it’s not, and I don’t think it claims to be. Don’t get me wrong: Music for Lubbock, 1980 is great from start to finish, and I wouldn’t hesitate to drop into my regular rotation.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor – “Dead Flag Blues (Intro)” | download (via official site)
Download audio file (godspeed_you_black_emperor-dead_flag_blues_intro.mp3)

I suppose I recognize that people are generally interested in music that’s catchy, especially lyrically and vocally. It’s rather hard to sing along with Godspeed You! Black Emperor, let alone Tortoise — this, I admit. And, if I’ve learned anything from people, it’s that they really, really like to sing along to things, for better or worse.

Okay, I don’t expect everybody to find joy in the things I find joy in, but come on, people! Have a little heart for the instrumental song. The last number-one hit instrumental was, of all things, Jan Hammer’s “Miami Vice Theme.” Lovely. All respect to the talented, quality songwriter Jan Hammer is, but the last hit instrumental? It’s been 23 years since it peaked, and still, there have been no further instrumental tracks to hit number one. I suppose that’s par for the course.

Looking through the charts is depressing, no two ways about it — the 1990s were not a good time for music, I guess. I can’t complain about what came out of the decade, actually: post-rock didn’t even come around until the 1990s, when instrumental music, popularly, had hit its lowest. You probably won’t see a post-rock track ever charting at No. 1, unless we end up in some infinitely cool dystopian (or utopian, for that matter) future. Still, it’s gained massively in popularity since its sort-of inception, latched on to by indie kids and college students alike.

So, while not everything I love will be loved by everyone, I can at least take solace in the fact that at least some love it enough to keep creating it, supplying my musical addiction daily.

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