STACK #232 February 2024

FEATURE MUSIC

NO MOSS ON MAESTRO MASCIS R emember the ’90s? That from the electronic ’80s? It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to wrap our ears around as distinctive a sound, but What We Do Now is delivering. Massachusetts maestro J Mascis has melded a sonic concoction that bears some undertones of Stone Temple Pilots, early Foos, and Jane’s Addiction, with the vocal feel of Evan Dando. It’s the blast from the past you unique rock sound, creating a fairly deliberate severing

can’t remember, and the nostalgia is real. Mascis’s chilled voice and understated, shaggy look would lead you

clever guitar work, but who’s surprised? The Dinosaur Jr founder is listed in Rolling Stone ’s Top 100 Greatest Guitarists. Closing End Is Getting Shaky is a little ripper, with omnipotent guitar and lyrics which live up to Mascis’s aloof, hippy persona: ”The end is getting shaky/ Let it all play out”. Oh, we will. Again and again. Meanwhile, Featuring guest musicians Ken Mauri of The B-52’s and Matthew ’Doc’ Dunn, What We Do Now has a full band feel to it, separating it from past solo Mascis albums. Brave move, J – right on, my man! What We Do Now is ten cleverly crafted songs, with nary an anticlimactic tune. Is it too early to call best album of the year? Trista McConville the cover artwork – comprising a couple of greedy otters – is simply endearing.

to believe he’s a laid back kind of guy – the sort

who spends his days looking out at ocean breaks, and not a current member of five-plus bands. This guy doesn’t shy away from hard yakka, but you won’t hear his hefty schedule in the vocals.

What We Do Now by J Mascis is out now via Sub Pop.

Opening track Can’t Believe We’re Here was released to fans in November, and seconds into the ditty you can understand why this was the initial taster: it’s a total hook. Right Behind You has some

THE BAROQUE BANQUET IS SERVED

KIRIN J CALLINAN RETURNS TO THE RING K irin J Callinan inspires a range of emotions, something he acknowledges in Eternally Hateful , the first single from his new album. ”I hate you, I love you,” he repeats as the throbbing slice of electropop reaches its thrilling climax.

Though he promises to ”take you where you want me to”, the Sydney singer is very much in the driver’s seat, and you’ve got no idea where you’ll end up. ”And you might crucify me for my honesty,” he sings in Young Drunk Driver. ”My heart is open, the truth revealed.” Later, he confides: ”It’s the truth that turns me on.” And though he claims to still be ”chasing the

O ur Lady forbid we ever suggest there’s no place for gal-next-door music. We love our Alanis, our Billie, our T-Swift. But sometimes you just want to throw on a velvet cape and lace bloomers and waltz around with a candlestick. The soundtrack for such

costumery. From Wet Leg they get their in-on-it humour and modern feminism. They’re balancing on a tightrope of high drama and that distinctive Gen-Z ability to check the deepest bouts of self seriousness at the door, and it’s all coming up roses (dripped with wax) for the Rising Star Brit Award winning act. Prelude to Ecstasy

same sadness, sadness and pain”, the album has some exuberant highs – check out Crazier Idea . Yep, Callinan might confuse, confront and challenge the listener. But he’s never short of compelling. Jeff Jenkins

midnight marauding is undoubtedly the debut album from The Last Dinner Party. The London five-piece are a bit like the lovechild of Florence Welch and Wet Leg. From Florence they get their theatrics, wild femininity, poetical storytelling, and penchant for Victorian

displays a staggering scope of talent, from

sweeping orchestral wails pivoting to ’60s jangle, and aerial harmonies crunching down into Dresden Dolls esque rock. Pile up your plate, because this meal has only just begun. ZKR

If I Could Sing by Kirin J Callinan is out now via Worse Records.

Prelude to Ecstasy by The Last Dinner Party is out now via Island.

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