New Music Report: Pig Destroyer, Disclosure, The Pineapple Thief

It was a weird weekend for me, I wasn't focused on music as much as I was focused on the state of misery I've found myself in. Lots of little things coming to a head and really wearing me down. As it stands this week wasn't too too big for music releases. But I do have a few gems to talk about.

Pig Destroyer - The Octagonal Stairway

One of the big names in Grindcore over the last few years, and a band that never disappoints. This EP is a collection of previously released singles and b-sides put on one collection. 6 songs total, but still the average length of their full albums. Which makes sense; grindcore is so "to the point" that songs are usually short almost to a fault (hopefully not because it's a stupid idea, but maybe one day other genres will take note and make even shorter songs to game streaming numbers) In this case most of the songs are about average length and are great, but the true outlier for me was the slow, long final track "Sound Walker". Featuring Iggor Cavallera. Bit of a slow start, but this Industrial-tinged noisy soundscape is magnificent if off base from what you'd normally expect from Grindcore. Fans have likely heard all the singles before, but it's a must for completionists. As for newcomers, listen to 2001's Prowler in The Yard first and if it's something you like, go from there.

Disclosure - Energy

One thing I love about Disclosure is their consistency. When you put on one of their albums I promise you'll get a lot of enjoyment out of it. Perfect as both a background mood booster, and up front on the dancefloor. You can always tell when a disclosure song is on, even if its a song you're hearing for the first time, and to do it without sounding exactly the same on each track is a difficult balance to achieve. While this album doesn't sound as good as "Settle", this is by no means an album to pass up on. There's a diverse set of sounds and special guests spicing up the tracklist and is a great album for fans of Disclosure, and for newcomers. My favorite tracks are "My High", and "Birthday".

The Pineapple Thief - Versions Of The Truth

This is another modern prog-rock band I've found thanks to listening to Porcupine Tree. Also signed to Kscope (home to releases from Steven Wilson and his many bands) they are laid back without going into Soft Rock territory. Very atmospheric and cozy, and if you're looking for some new rock music that isn't all in your face and obnoxious and still virtuosic then this is a band to check out. This album doesn't stick out too much to me from the rest of their albums, but I still like it. It's one of those "perfect fall listening" kind of albums.

Hope you'll check out these albums, and tell me what you think of them. Have a great extra day off and remember; all music is real music.