Something I Wrote Today: January 2020

Ubik - Next Phase 12" (Iron Lung)

Before this 12” Melbourne’s Ubik released one Ep and a split 7” with the unsung Cold Meat, both releases I heard, but neither hit me. This 12” is a different story, which has your humble reviewer questioning his judgement of the earlier material. Next Phase combines a post-punk sound with a punk rock attitude. Describing Ubik’s sound won’t do the music justice, but here’s an attempt, just to give an impression: the bass sounds full, the guitar static and the drumming is tight. Nice snare sound too. After a couple of hears I felt like the guy hitting the skins here is really good at what he does, but what do I know? It turns out Max has been in a shitload of other groups so perhaps I’m right. Who’s to say? Musically Ubik brings to mind Synthetic ID, who also played post-punk, but clearly came from a (hardcore) punk background. Early material by the Estranged is not a bad reference either although Ubik has more attitude and teeth.
That attitude and those teeth are to be contributed to Ash, the vocalist of the group, who reminds me of the singer of Plastic Heap. How’s that for an obscure reference? Ash is angry and has things to say. The seven songs on this 12” cover a broad range of topics. A couple of tracks are about depression, feeling left out in and alienated from the shitty society we live in. They’re well written and although this subject might be the main thing that got me into punk, no new ground is covered in these songs nor does it have to. The lines ‘Sometimes I can’t stand my own fucking face/ but no matter how much I hate myself/ You’ll always be first place’ are perfect in my book and never will I be bored by a band that can convey such a message in a heartfelt way. Noteworthy for its lyrical content is ‘John Wayne (is a cowboy) and is on Twitter))’, which raises questions about free speech in the digital age. ‘Peter Dutton is a Terrorist’ is also a political song about Australia’s contemporary Minister of Home Affairs and Australia’s policy in regard to the continent’s original inhabitants, the Aboriginals. The insert mentions that ‘Ubik recognise that sovereignty was never ceded. Alway was, always will be aboriginal land’. I don’t feel comfortable commenting much on this subject for my knowledge of it is far too limited, but Ubik seem to be on the right side of history. Plus I am always pleased to see a punk band involved with politics in a way that invites one to do research instead of dictating what to think. This is the case here.
Next Phase is a solid effort that should appeal to punks who like their music intense and energetic, their lyrical content outspoken and challenging to the status quo. Iron Lung has done an excellent job on the packaging of this record. How could it be any other way? A great record allround. The only gripe I can come up with is that it only contains 7 songs, but it’s better to leave the listener craving more once the needle leaves the vinyl than checking his mobile for Whatsapp messages halfway through. At that Ubik have succeeded.

Hear it here: https://ironlungpv.bandcamp.com/album/next-phase-mlp-lungs-148

Exek - Some Beautiful Species Left LP (SDZ, Anti-Fade, Digital Regress)

This Australian outfit has been quite productive over the last couple of years. I first heard them on their split with Spray Paint on Homeless Records. To be honest, I never gave their side of the split that much of a chance. A quick glance at Discogs shows that Exek hasn’t sat still since the release of said split 7”. Apart from a good number of cassettes, the band has put out 3 12”s of which Some Beautiful Species Left is the most recent and the first I hear.

Exek plays a style I’m not entirely comfortable with labeling. They combine dub and post-punk, which makes me think of compatriots Cured Pink. This band exists on an artistic plane, is almost conceptual and brings to mind late night philosophical discussions about aesthetics in art school dormitories. The group takes its time to set up a song. As songs progress layers are added to the bare bones beginning of each track, consisting of stripped down drums and minimal synth and/or guitar chords. The guitar sounds as if the listener is perceiving it underwater. Occasionally a trumpet is heard. The vocals seem to be coming from far far away and are delivered without either emotion or vigour. Lyrics are included on the back of the sleeve. What are the songs about? Hard to tell. The lyrics come across as deliberately vague. I don’t know whether they are supposed to be idiosyncratic or whether I’m just missing what’s going on. Overall the tone seems rather negative although I’d be hard pressed to explain why. The chorus to ‘How the Curve Helps’: ‘Bout an hour ago/About an hour ago/ I should have left’ is identical to thoughts I’ve had had on many occasions.
Some Beautiful Species Left has a dreamlike quality. It’s experienced as if in a haze, as if half asleep, as if only partly conscious. The songs meander and go nowhere, which annoyed me the first couple of times I played this record. However, after several listens I got more into Exek’s songwriting skills. There’s a lot happening in the 8 tracks delivered, but one needs to listen closely to grasp it. At no point does Exek demand the listener’s attention. It’s almost as if the band does not care whether you actively listen to their music. They’re fine with being in the background, creating a soundtrack to whatever it is you’re doing, whatever is happening in your life. Those paying attention however, will be captivated or at the very least fascinated by what this band is doing. Your call whether you feel inclined to do so.

Hear it here: https://exek.bandcamp.com/album/some-beautiful-species-left