NEARLY a year after they played their first gig at The Goats Toe in Bangor, Belfast's premier pro-CAPS vowel-free shout rockers THVS are readying their debut EP for release.
Featuring ex Comply or Die types Michael (guitars/shouting/Tusks) and Matt (drums) plus Dave on bass/fez, Everyday Hexes finds THVS carrying on the Die's proud tradition of sludgy, throat-stripping, fuzz-swathed, punk rock pummel.
Teaser tune Dyin' On The Line available immediately to all digital and CD format EP pre-orderers at THVS.bandcamp.com right now makes for an excellent attention-getter, its groovy low-end rumble tumble propelling the snakey sludge riffs and ticked-off gulderage right into your lugs with vigour.
Those who dug Comply's cathartic screams will surely be on-message immediately, while newcomers who prefer their punk rock served deep-fried in an angsty crust should find their curiosity suitably piqued.
The full four-song release will be officially unleashed on July 17, a momentous occasion to be belatedly celebrated with a 'release show' at The Bar With No Name on July 20.
Joining THVS on the night will be Smalltown America-aligned Scots post-hardcore pop peddlers Carnivores (Carnivores1.bandcamp.com) and new Belfast power prog trio Toska (Toskabelfast.bandcamp.com), who will be making their live debut at this already auspicious occasion.
THVS will have limited CD stock of Everyday Hexes with them on the night for purposes of pre and post-gig floggage, so be sure to bring extra shekels in addition to your beer money and 5 door tax.
In other local music news, word reaches me from the Captain A & the Commercial Monsters camp that the first physical run of their experimental debut LP Dreams (reviewed here a couple of weeks ago) has now completely sold-out good work, people.
However, Johnny and Jemima Come Latelys should not despair just yet: Eoghan and co are currently taking pre-orders for second run of the record on CD for just 8 at Captaina.bandcamp.com, with all funds going towards the making of their next album, which is set to feature some of the new songs played at their recent launch gigs in Letterkenny and Galway.
Finally, yet more slaps on the back are in order: following a last-minute surge of support from financial backers, last weekend saw divine Brighton-based ex-Belfast indie pop outfit Heliopause reaching 103 per cent of their (or rather, 'his') PledgeMusic campaign to fund a brand new record of hushed, melodic goodness to be titled How Can We Laugh After This?
"I just wanted to say a massive thank you for supporting my new album," writes Heliopause head honcho Rich Davis.
"I couldnt have done this without you. The target was reached on Saturday and it's still sinking in. I'm so happy and excited."
While most of the cool exclusive Pledge packages are now long-gone, you can still get onboard by pre-ordering the album on download or signed CD at Pledgemusic.com/projects/howcanwelaugh.
In the wise words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, "come on, do it now".
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