Band Of The Week: China Girl

I’m always intrigued when I hear that members from other bands that I dig get together to create a new band or project. Recently, it was announced that a new band called China Girl was going to release their debut album. This band is made up of John Jarvis (Pig Destroyer/Scour) on vocals, Derek Engemann (Cattle Decapitation/Scour) on bass, and, Dennis Sanders (Spirit In The Room) on guitar/vocals/programming. What makes this band interesting and stand out is that it’s a mix of different genres and each member brings their own influence and inspiration to the songs. Some songs are straight up metal or punk with tinges of black metal, while others show an element of sludge in some as well. There is also a bit of ambience (or space) to some songs which really helps to differentiate the songs a bit. All of these genres really help to deliver an experience when listening. Songs that really stood out to me are “China Boy,” “Cold Forever,” “No More Fun,” “Horrid,” “2 Wrongs,” and “The Hound.”

Granted though, this might not be for everyone but, that’s what makes being a music fan great. Having the opportunity these days to make the music you want and put it out there is great. It’s even better when the end result is something with substance and is inspired like China Girl. I really hope that they announce some live shows with this project/band. I’d love to see the ferociousness and power of this live.

 

China Girl- China Girl:

Against The Grain: Scour

There are certain genres of heavy music that most people just don’t get. In fact most people would give you “the look” if they heard what you were listening to. One of the best things about being into heavy music is the matter of not caring what people think about what you listen to. Which brings me to Scour. This band is a “supergroup” consisting of Philip H. Anselmo (Pantera, Down, Superjoint, etc) – vocals, Derek Engemann (CATTLE DECAPITATION) -Guitar, Chase Fraser (ANIMOSITY) – Guitar, John Jarvis (PIG DESTROYER) – Bass, and Jesse Schobel (STRONG INTENTION) – Drums. Their debut E.P. sounds nothing like their main projects. Their sound can be derived from influences of the  ’90s Scandinavian black metal movement. The six songs that appear on the E.P. are nothing short of heavy, dark, and pummeling. The songs “Dispatched,” “Clot,” “Codes,” and “Tear Gas,” all exemplify what modern day black metal with a bit of thrash should sound like.

For all his faults and tendencies to put his foot in his mouth, Philip Anselmo, has delivered one of his best vocal performances on an album in some time. His ferocious growls and screams are right in line with how black metal vocals should sound. Musically this band is top notch. I for one would love to see them have time to really work together and create a full length album.

So if you are looking for something different and heavy, then Scour is what you need.

 

Scour- The Grey EP: