All right people, with only two weeks left until Fun Fun Fun Fest, we here at Austin Town Hall are feverishly finalizing our concert schedules. Running down the line up of the four stages I see many bands that get me truly excited. Gorilla Biscuits! The Jesus Lizard! Danzig!(?) But if I had to choose one band that gives me reason to subject myself to two days of loud music and sleepless nights I would have to choose Kansas City’s own Coalesce.
Coalesce has released some of the most innovative records that hardcore has seen. From the blistering speed and ferocity of their debut, Give Them Rope (1997) to the groove-laden, but no less heavy, Functioning on Impatience (1998) and 0:12 Revolution in Just Listening (1999), Coalesce have firmly planted themselves as stalwarts of the hardcore scene. After a lengthy hiatus, Coalesce has returned this year with OX, their first full length in ten years, as well as their most accomplished records to date. OX mixes the band’s intensity with their new found appreciation of the music of America.
I haven’t even touched on the band’s intense stage presence. I have driven thirteen hours on two separate occasions to witness the spectacle that is Coalesce live. You would be hard-pressed to witness a more energetic live band than Coalesce, so do yourself a favor and head over to the Black Stage on Sunday, November 8th at 4:50 p.m. and prepare yourself to see four guys giving their all for something that they love.
[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/03_Wild_Ox_Moan.mp3]
Download: Coalesce – Wild Ox Moan [MP3]
Every once in a long while you hit upon something that triggers your memory, and you open up the door to your past; you revisit old haunts, and most importantly, you revisit old bands. You see, I grew up listening to Nick Drake, as my dad always played it around the house, so I was always a huge fan. His intricate guitar playing and his spectacular voice. Sure, Pink Moon is the most well-known album for this artist, due largely to Volkswagen, but all those who appreciate his music will surely find gems in the rest of his tunes. So young, so tragic, and yet so beyond brilliant. Every one needs a Nick Drake album in their collection. I’d like to thank the superb Pink Moon book from the 33 and 1/3 series for reminding me of Drake and his sublime talents.
