Coilguns/Kunz Split
Pelagic Records brings us this excellent split mini album featuring the Swiss members of the German based band The Ocean but split into two different projects and producing quite different results. Coilguns are up first with their heavy-duty metal riffs and mathy guitars backed by a fantastically nasty vocal delivery and a ton of raw energy in the vein of Dillinger and Converge; slight distortion and unfussy production combined with grooveable beats and dirty guitar sounds make tracks like 'Phersu' completely addictive . The trio (Jona on guitar, Luc on drums and Louis on bass/vocals) make a truly epic noise and three tracks just isn't enough.
Kunz (a duo this time featuring Louis and Luc from The Ocean) are up next and their sound is more experimental, no less nasty but less metal perhaps. Having them likened to seemingly disparate bands Shellac and Death From Above 1979 on the press release may seem confusing but as you listen you can see why; their minimal approach with just bass, drums and vocals is backed by a serious layer of distortion and a rock and roll edge. These are the kind of tunes that only work if you have the talent to back it up and this pair ooze it.
Like a split personality, the members of The Ocean have produced two vey distinct and equally great projects from the same fertile pool of talent making this record practically unputdownable. Luc Hess' drumming is a real highlight, he really pounds the crap out of those skins and can seemingly turn his hand to anything and Louis Jucker's varied and consistently impressive vocal delivery is brilliant. Recommended.