DAILY RECORDS : Das Racist, Dear Astronaut, Nachtmystium

Posted by: Tony – Jul 19, 2010

Das Racist - Shut Up Dude (Greedhead/Mishka)
Hip-hop for stoner college dropouts who take jokes so far that they stop being funny, then even farther until they're funny again. If that's you, Das Racist is on your wavelength, but even if not, this record is worth hearing. Underneath the silliness, there's a lot of creative energy here.

Dear Astronaut - Escape From Rainbow Mountain (dearastronaut.bandcamp.com)
Beginning as an apocalyptic folk solo project, Dear Astronaut have steadily added electricity, instrumentation, and volume to their standard configuration, finally reaching an apex of powerful, crushing doom. Incorporation of unusual influences contributes to a fascinating, original sound, highlighted by passionate vocals and swamp-mosh breakdowns. Gorgeous, epic brutality.

Nachtmystium - Addicts: Black Meddle Part II (Century Media)
For one of the most popular currently active black metal bands, Nachtmystium sure are boring. Every song is midtempo and devoid of energy, filled with cliche guitar riffs that are often overpowered by cheesy keyboards. I like black metal, but this lackluster album is a poor representation of the genre.