Pega Monstro : Alfarroba

Satisfying rock experiments making one want to flip a cartwheel are captured on this new album by Pega Monstro.   ‘Alfarroba’ is comprised of ten dizzying songs displaying stellar reaches of what a core set up made up with drums, guitar and keyboard can truly achieve.  Sisters Julia Reis and Maria Reis are the pair behind Pega Monstro.   The name translates to ‘catch the monster’ but is also linked to a jelly shaped toy hand attached to a string that kids throw at each other in the band’s home of Lisbon, Portugal.  The sisters began playing music together when they were 15 and 17 respectively although they started out in other bands before making the move to write and perform together.  In 2010 Julia and Maria launched Cafetra Records, their own label with a focus on celebrating Portugal’s garage punk scene.  Pega Monstro’s momentum grew after self-releasing their first EP ‘O Juno-60 Nunca Teve Fita’, which was followed by their debut album in 2012 - and as if the band needed any further assurance things were going in the right direction B Fachada, a prominent figure in Portuguese music produced their work.   

And here we are, with the latest offering and second full length release from Pega Monstro ‘Alfarroba’ (Upset The Rhythm).  ‘Alfarroba’ references a sugary flavoured bean called ‘carob’ which can be found growing on wild trees that sprout up randomly along the Mediterranean coast.  The songs deal with love, growing up as well as reflecting on the process of writing songs and describing things from a woman’s viewpoint.   Maria’s guitar eddies and chugs through my song of the summer ‘Branca’, I don’t speak a word of Portuguese but now am singing “shoe, sha, shee” compulsively and some might argue incessantly – it’s so bloody catchy.  Bursting in fun with its dreamy melody and overdriven approach, ‘Branca’ aptly shows how unswerving and sensational this album is.  The interesting thing about Pega Monstro is it seems as though they draw from a frame of mind as opposed to sifting through their record collections for ideas.  What we’re given is something that purely represents them in the process, ‘Alfarroba’ isn’t trying to fit in anywhere rather it embraces sounds that come naturally, and for that reason it stands boldly amongst many bands using guitar, drums and keyboards.  ‘Estrada’ blasts bright hooks, angelic vocals, Julia's hyper drums and curiously plummets into metal groves which further unravel into psych inspired breakdowns; revealing the diverse elements incorporated into the album.  ‘Alfarroba’ has a softer side too ‘Fado d’A’gua Fria’ has a soothing sort of lullaby quality that envelops folk into a mesmeric moment on Side B.  Have you had enough of the gushing yet?  I really tried to rein it in here, but it all just came pouring out.  Pega Monstro does something vivid and exuberant in their song-writing and this just spills over to those who encounter it.  Truly an exciting new band worthy of your time – you have a chance to see them this Saturday too (15th August) at The Vicotria in Dalston BUY TICKETS HERE!

SAUNA YOUTH : Distractions

Sauna Youth have always been a great band.  Exerting pulse racing punk rock in every bar, basement and house party in and outside of London.  Sauna Youth’s insatiable energy for playing shows has only served to refine their sound, and once it took shape there were no limits to where their songs could go as this new album attests.  When it comes to DIY in this city Sauna Youth have been a pivotal fixture in the scene for some years now, recording and releasing their own material up until debut ‘Dreamlands’ (Faux Discs/Gringo, 2012).   ‘Distractions’ (Upset The Rhythm) is the follow up to that album and it’s not just a follow up, it’s a game changer.  In approaching things from a new angle Sauna Youth’s song-writing has been elevated by experimenting with composing the album together in one room.   If it sounds different that’s because this is their first time in a recording studio, utilising Homerton’s Sound Savers with Mark Jasper documenting the 3 days Sauna Youth spent there in July 2014.  Desire, repetition and distractions are central to Sauna Youth’s impetus on this new record.  No polite po-going happening here, these tracks fully spin out of control with a beer can or two flying over-head.  Once “Transmitters” sinks its teeth in ‘Distractions’ doesn’t let go for 14 songs incorporating spoken word, experimental noise and undeniable punk joy.  Jen Calleja and Richard Phoenix’s vocals bring a brilliant androgyny to record - especially on ‘Monotony’.  Lindsay Corstorphine’s crunchy blown out guitar and Christopher Murphy’s rubbery bass come in from all directions with thrilling melodies channelling all kinds of rock greatness… and those beats!  Richard's immense rhythms are the backbone to it all along side Jen's howling sampler work.   They haven't ended there either, Sauna Youth re-arranged themselves as Monotony in a new project - where they switch instruments and song-writing duties which you can listen to here.    It's a voracious momentum that Sauna Youth has which sets them apart and shows how they keep going from strength to strength.  Sauna Youth have never stopped writing incredible songs, they’ve never stopped playing incredible shows, They've never stopped supporting London’s local music scene – I hope Sauna Youth never stop.

You can pre-order the album here

Way Through - Deep Map Project of Bethnal Green

London's Way Through have made a zine coinciding with their debut album release 'Arrow Shower' on Upset the Rhythm.
















'Deep Map Project' delves into Bethnal Green's history alongside exploring Chris and Claire's personal experiences of things that lay right on their doorstep. The painstaking research that went into writing this offers a richer understanding of the area, and the duo's individual input expounding on what they treasure in this part of Tower Hamlets gives a unique spin on telling Bethnal Green's story.













Lovingly made with a hand drawn map, photographs and a mix CD to accompany the piece, this zine celebrates a much loved area of East London - a truly inspiring zine.

More on where to find a copy on Way Through's Blog

John Maus 'We Must Become The Pitiless Censors Of Ourselves'

In 2006 John Maus started to fly solo after working alongside Ariel Pink and Gary War. Maus composes music in his hometown of Austin, Minnesota while studying towards a PhD in Political Science. Last summer I was introduced to John Maus's music at an unforgettable show at the Serpentine Pavillion space designed by Jean Nouvel. He'd been invited to play by Wolfgang Tillmans to coincide with the photographer's exhibition which featured shots of Maus. The backdrop of a vibrant red space was an apt setting for the show where Maus's charged performance instantly made a believer out of me.

'We Must Become The Pitiless Censors Of Ourselves' is John Maus' third full length album released on Upset the Rhythm in the UK and Domino in the US. John Maus thrives when working within self imposed limitations, utilizing simply drum machines and samples as tools to channel his voice during his explosive performances and recordings. The minimal set up anchors the work as its acts as taste of reality balancing out the world of fantasy he creates. Themes in Maus's work are instantly identifiable, songs about; TV Shows, weather and the solar system, sees John plucking ideas from our everyday life, flipping them on their head and finding harmony between life and magic.

Illuminating opener "Streetlight" sets the tone for the album with ethereal echo laden vocals and soaring angelic synths. The melody has an 80s quality to it like an old school video game -- reminds me of wondering what it'd be like to climb inside the TV screen and start shooting lazer beams (is it just me that wanted to do that as a kid?). Stand out track "Cop Killer" has an anthem feel to it much like 2006's "Rights For Gays" on LP 'Songs'. Elevating closer "Believer" rounds off the album on a high note as Maus adds some humor singing, "/Baby, you and me all across the world/Jackie Chan flashing all across the world/Hulk Hogan flashing all across the world/Baby lets go fly all across the world!". This song best displays how Maus works best with pushing boundaries through restrictions he sets himself. Using speakers, gadgets and microphones the synth pop troubadour falls into the rabbit hole whilst making the listener feel free to dive right in after him. It's strongly encouraged for anyone who gets the opportunity to, go and see him play. This is John Maus's finest album to date and is truly a joy to behold.

JOHN MAUS - Believer (free mp3) by Upset the Rhythm

Currently playing in the US DATES
The entire album is streaming for free here
Copies of the album can be found here

Please/Spin Spin the Dogs split 12"

Here we have a new edition to Upset the Rhythms 12" series celebrating UK's underground music. Spin Spin The Dogs team up with cartwheeling melodicists Please, demonstrating the bands' shared love of flipping the mundane on its head whilst running with the pulse of punk today.

Opener "Jumbo" sets the tone for the record with its quotidian focus and attention-tossing interplay, sounding as natural and quintessentially English as it gets. A song dealing with childhood promise and the realities of growing up, it lets the guitars freely roam. Forthright drums cement a core that singer Vincent Larkin uses to tumble his words across. "Every single word I say, could make you laugh, could make you cry", confesses Vincent, with his commanding yet oft-deadpan holler. Flipping over and weighing in on the Please corner is frenzied, feverish guitars and crashing rhythms dominating first track "Clothes", giving a taste of the band's impish demeanor. Hot off the blocks "The Germ" discusses themes of turning seasons amongst swirling space echo and cyclical clattering. Heavily instrumental and high-spirited Please tease with false endings and secret passageways, which exhibit well the extraordinary chemistry the three have forged.

Art work are paintings of Randy Newman lovingly made by the bands. Please and Spin Spin The Dogs combined on one LP make the UK underground a more fun place to lose your mind.

*co-written with Chris Tipton

You can find copies here
Spin Spin the Dogs-Jumbo by Upset the Rhythm
Please-Pass The Apple by Upset the Rhythm