The Almond Butters‘ debut EP, From The Grave, is my new favorite thing in local music (they’re from Williamsburg, VA). I’m a really big fan of psych-rock, and roots music, and crazy psychedelic rootsy music. Captain Beefheart’s Safe As Milk. I’m trying to think of other good examples, but my mind is busy being blown by this new EP I finally got around to listening to. If you know how amazing Safe As Milk is, then you know why I’m so mesmerized by From The Grave. I’m so happy this exists. I’m so sad that this was released on July 8th and I only got around to it now. I’m truly sorry that I’m a month late sharing this, and that we haven’t all been enjoying it from the second it came out.
Every track is a different idea. There’s blues, and rock, and jazz but in a super psych-rock kinda way, and rap (yes, rap–Crackbilly, dude. Hell Yes). All kinds of fuzziness and echo and electricity and them changes coming at you from all directions. But it’s not messy. This is not some Trout Mask Replica bullshit. Every song is a tight and forceful statement. It’s a bit lo-fi, which is cool, but I’d love to hear what these guys put together in a serious analog studio. I can’t find any upcoming live dates and this makes me sad. For now we’ll have to settle for these 6 songs streaming below (and a bunch of other worthwhile stuff on their soundcloud). –Natan Press