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WHATEVER BRAINS: Self-titled 12″ – Without a doubt the most sonically adventurous release thus far on Sorry State, North Carolina’s Whatever Brains use their previous 4 7″s as a launching pad into completely uncharted musical waters. While the foundation is still spazzy, weird garage punk, this time around Whatever Brains incorporate electronic beats, tons of synth, some quieter parts, and a few truly epic compositions. This album is so expansive that it probably has something for everyone, but fans of Total Control, early Pavement, prime-era Fall, and catchy garage punk in the Marked Men mold will probably be the ones in the front row banging their fists along. The packaging on this one is also particularly ambitious, including a full-color gatefold jacket, obi strip, 14-page newsprint booklet, and a download card with the LP and remastered versions of all four of the band’s previous EPs.

Watch the music video for the song “The Future of Porn” from this record here: [vimeo.com]

DOUBLE NEGATIVE: Hardcore Confusion Vol I 7″ – Double Negative return with the first volume of their follow-up to the epic Daydreamnation LP, and they haven’t slowed down one step. Continuing the progression displayed between their first and second LPs, the two songs on this 7″ are harder, faster, and weirder than anything they’ve done before. “Writhe,” in particular, is probably the best song they’ve written so far. Includes color vinyl, deluxe jackets with spot-gloss printing and digital download.

DOUBLE NEGATIVE: Hardcore Confusion Vol II 7″ – The second in Double Negative’s four-volume Hardcore Confusion 7″ series finds the band blasting out two more certified riff monsters. For those of you who who like their mid-paced stompers like “Endless Disappointment” and “Stop Growing,” these two songs might be your new favorites. Includes color vinyl, deluxe jackets with spot-gloss printing and digital download.

DARK AGES: Can America Survive? 12″ - After a couple of great but under the radar 7″s, Kansas City’s Dark Ages return with their first full-length and it is a hardcore monster. Eschewing the recent vogue for raw recordings, Dark Ages have nailed a crystal clear, precise sound in which all of the fascinating little nuances hit you with full force. While the pedal is always to the floor, it’s the weird little parts–quirky touches that remind one of Die Kreuzen’s first LP or Hüsker Dü circa Everything Falls Apart–that really separate this band from the pack. I can think of no other band that captures the angry, alienated, and isolated sound of the midwest better than Dark Ages. Deluxe packaging, including heavyweight, tip-on style sleeves, a 24″x26″ poster, and digital download. Mailorder version on red vinyl (ltd. to 150 copies).

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Makabert Fynd / Glöm Da!: Split 12″ – Here’s something a little different for Sorry State: a split 7″ pairing two of the heaviest, most raging current crusty hardcore bands from Sweden. Makabert Fynd (who have released earlier records on Yellow Dog and Flat Black) play raw, straightforward hardcore in the tradition of old Swedish bands like Asocial and Avskum, but with huge, modern production. Of course these guys also boast Poffen of Totalitär as one of their vocalists, and fans of that band won’t be disappointed. As for Glöm Da!, they go for the throat in a similar fashion, but are perhaps even wilder and more unhinged. Whether you like the fast and raw old Swedish stuff or more metal-influenced käng like Skitsystem and Disfear, this one will knock you on your ass. Includes gatefold jacket and digital download.

Sorry State Records