Suicide Squeeze US Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Blackwater Holylight sacrifice their latest EP 'If You Only Knew' to the Suicide Squeeze gods, providing an intermezzo of cosmos and sludge. A chthonic dark psych explosion if we've ever heard one, we hear metal, shoegaze, and psychedelia culminate to an iconoclastic crunch point, as strange auraic statues of Cthulhu shatter before our eyes, evoking the god beast in actuality, not just representation. Lead track 'Wandering Lost' hears the band tear up constellate skies, as producer Sonni DiPerri shapes the track's many shifting structural tides, evoking the many emotional turmoils and stretching-thins of life; Sunny Faris (vocals, guitar, bass) further emphasises its point, that is, to embrace the inequitable unknown.

Review: L.A. Witch is back with a marked evolution in their sound that pulls in aspects of garage rock and post-punk while exploring existential themes of love, devotion and subservience. Recorded in Paris, the trio of Sade Sanchez, Irita Pai and Ellie English push their craft to new realms with icy instrumentation and introspective lyrics. Tracks like 'Icicle' channel early goth vibes while '777' delves into fatalistic passion. The album also, we're told, explores the symbolic connection between women and dogs with themes of sacrifice and loyalty. All this makes it rather menacing yet oddly romantic, so DOGGOD revitalises the band's trademark sound while taking them into darker territories with haunting overtones.

Review: The upcoming repress of Elliott Smith's 'Pretty (Ugly Before)' b/w 'A Distorted Reality Is Now A Necessity To Be Free' offers a poignant listen back into the final chapter of his career. Originally released as a single in August 2003, these tracks were part of the recording sessions for From A Basement On The Hill, Smith's acclaimed posthumous album. This 7" release holds a special place in his discography as it was the last to be released during his lifetime. Suicide Squeeze Records has announced a limited repress of 500 copies on tri-color vinylimustard, baby blue, and coke bottle greenimaking it a nice looking collectors item. Both songs capture the brilliance of Smith's deeply resonant voice, which spoke to a generation grappling with disillusionment and heartache. 'Pretty (Ugly Before)' and 'A Distorted Reality Is Now A Necessity To Be Free' stand as a powerful statement by Smith's to articulate the complexities of the human experience with raw, emotional clarity. This release not only preserves the legacy of Elliott Smith but also reintroduces his timeless music to a new audience.