Author: Abel

On September 6, Philadelphia-based band Webb Chapel will release their anticipated new album, World Cup via Strange Mono Records (pre-order).  

Formed in 2021 Strange Mono is a charity record label and distro based in Philadelphia, PA. Specializing in limited edition releases, all the proceeds from tapes, and 100% of downloads, go directly to the artists choice of benefit. Webb Chapel has picked the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) which is a rescue organization / no kill shelter in Philly.

Limited edition vinyl available in two color ways. Ruby (Jewel-toned ruby with inclusions of platinum and red) and Obsidian (Variegated obsidian with inclusions of granite and steel). Pressed at Studio 4 Vinyl using a blend of eco friendly recycled vinyl that has been processed and cleaned. The repurposed mixes have been carefully selected to create one of a kind color ways that are environmentally friendly while still providing crispy clean audio quality

Today, Webb Chapel is thrilled to release “Springtime,” the lead single from World Cup. The track explores themes of life, death, and rebirth. The song premiered on Post-Trash and is now streaming on all major platforms. Rachel Gordon, vocalist and bassist, reflects on the song’s creation: “When Zack [Claxton] sent over his home recorded demo, it was already called ‘Springtime,’ which sparked a theme of life and renewal in my mind. My experiences as a grave gardener at Woodlands cemetery further shaped the lyrics, imagining the life of Mary Brown through her garden. The lyrics are basically me trying to imagine this lady as a whole person with multiple roles in her life, while trying to tend to her garden and hoping she’s happy with it.”

World Cup marks Webb Chapel’s evolution from a solo project to a collaborative band effort. Recorded and mixed over six intense days with engineer Dan Angel, the album captures the band’s dynamic energy and creative instincts. Primary guitarist and songwriter Zack Claxton comments on the recording process: “The studio environment pushed us to rework and refine our songs, revealing new dimensions and creative possibilities.”

Featuring Rachel Gordon (Nine of Swords, Greg Electric) on vocals for standout tracks like “Black Car” and “Springtime,” Webb Chapel showcases a blend of urgency and introspection throughout World Cup. Joined by With Josh Lesser (Blue Smiley, TAGABOW) on guitar and Christian Mailloux (Sweepers) on drums, the album solidifies Webb Chapel’s lineup with some of Philadelphia’s top musical talents.

World Cup not only underscores Webb Chapel’s evolution from impulsive home recordings to deliberate studio sessions but also establishes them as a force in Philadelphia’s vibrant music scene. The intentions Webb Chapel set with World Cup lay the foundations for the city’s best new secret; an unpinnable project, faceless and shapeless, cemented in trust and intuition.

CHECK IT OUT!

Out Now: Diuretic – Zero Days Without Incident (SM053)

Strange Mono is proud to announce the release of Diuretic – Zero Days Without Incident. The bands first ever 7″ packs a real punch! Diuretic is taking Grindcore to a new level, with unapologetic grit and tongue-in-cheek gore. This Philly four-piece combines an aural attack with dark humor in a quick and dirty package.

Inspired by classic influences along the lines of Napalm Death and Terrorizer, Diuretic takes on the flavors of Grindcore that are driving and melodic, with fun riffs to headbang to that filter through the “noise”. Vocalist Alyssa ventures into her first heavy band with Diuretic, taking the creative freedom of lyrics and expressively heavy vocals. Guitarist Alex is rooted in the Grind sound, with origins in Punk, and a grasp on the accessible ethos of the genre, residing in the philosophy that if Punk is characterized by speed, Grind is its greatest exaggeration.

Drummer Pete and Bassist Rose had previously played together in Cavemen (formerly Insane Earth). Rose is an accomplished musician and music educator, known as the guitarist in Sir Babygirl, and always equipped with the energy (plus an extra-long cable) to jump into the pit while playing live. Pete is a lifelong musician, affectionately nicknamed “Twisted” Pete, as the mild-mannered metalhead who listens to the
unlistenable.

From writing and recording, to the style of their releases, Diuretic has always kept it DIY. On their latest EP, once the riffs began to flow, the idea of a workplace incident-themed album came up, and the band ran with it and never turned back. The result is Zero Days Without Incident, an absurd theme that rips hard. The band speaks to Grindcore’s dedicated fanbase, while also grasping those who are not fans of the genre, with intent to show them something they’ve missed in this niche, drawing them in to enjoy the music and the dark humor. Said humor comes about in the making of Diuretic as a fun, collaborative effort, where the band feels they can lose the “tough guy” attitude even while playing “tough guy” music.

High-speed tracks, the unique energy of Alyssa’s vocals standing out in a maledominated genre, and the ripping Grindcore sound of Diuretic all give a punch-to-theface impact you won’t soon forget.

CHECK IT OUT

Out Now: Jonathan Patrick – Cascade Moon (SM057)

Jonathan, an experimental guitarist from Eugene, Oregon, describes his style as “founded in the navigation of impermanence”. Comparisons can be made to the 60’s and 70’s American Primitive movement out of California, yet Jon’s work is a singular and unique take on the genre. Embracing the freedom of play pioneered by American roots music, Jon embraces life’s transitional nature in his compositions, displaying an emotional urgency that adds something fresh to a genre primarily dominated by technicality.

Inheriting an Alvarez classical guitar at the age of 12 from his mom, Jon always sought to convey the same feeling with one guitar that one gets from listening to early Sonic Youth. In 2005 living in San Francisco, Jon saw the original Akron/Family lineup perform their own material as well as back up Michael Gira as Angels of Light. “It was the first time I saw anyone convey the same power and freedom as Sonic Youth with acoustic and hollow body guitars”, Jon recalls. That performance set the course for Jon to spend years woodshedding behind the scenes while playing in numerous bands eventually culminating in the ultra jammy United Waves. After a couple of limited releases on acetate, everyone moved on and Jon became obsessed with minimalist art and solo guitar music.

“These songs were recorded live and at home between January of 2023 through January of 2024. I would like to thank Dan Timlin and Strange Mono Records, Sims Hardin, Jet Johnson, Matt Janney, Fern, His His, Westhead, my kids, and last but not least Nicole Stefanek.” – Jon

All proceeds benefit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988lifeline.org/donate/

CHECK IT OUT!

Out Now: Bungler – Glen Providence (SM056)

We are so excited to announce the release of the newest album from Bungler! Check out these gorgeous marbled cassettes!

“I made Glen Providence over the course of roughly one year. Some songs are over a decade old and I took some time to retweak them and make them into something new. The record deals a lot with loss but also perseverance through depression and trying to see the absurdity in everything.

This is getting harder to do as I get older but it is necessary to do in order to stay sane. If I didn’t make music I would probably end up being a vagrant or a normal person (which is worse in my opinion)

Music is the only healthy tool of communication I have because I hadn’t developed any other coping mechanism besides reading (which just takes my mind off the sad thoughts) or art.

Everything else seems to be overwhelming for me sometimes but I know have to strap myself to the mast and attempt to achieve something.

I think I will keep making these silly records until my mortal coil is brushed off the earth, and it’s the only way I can make some sort of mark or connection that I was here and I did something.

Anywho, I hope that if you’re reading this that you are doing ok, that you’re happy and healthy, and trying to pass that along to everyone else. I may never earn a dime doing this nonsense but at least | will be happy.” – Paul

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT PCRF
www.pcrf.net

CHECK IT OUT

Truculent – Caviling The Facts! And Other Mechanisms Of Oppression (SM055)

Strange Mono is announcing the release of Truculent “Caviling The Facts! And other mechanisms of oppression”.  Blending melodic rhythmic guitar compositions with field recordings and found sounds, Truculent creates atmospheric soundscapes that Intertwine personal reflection with a universal message of resilience and introspection.

Central to Truculent’s ethos is the exploration of duality – the interplay between creation and destruction, light and darkness, fear and courage. Through tracks like “More Than Anything Or Anyone Else” and “Something The Death-Makers Need You To Embrace,” Truculent delves into the complexities of human nature, encouraging listeners to ruminate on their own inner contradictions and embrace the full spectrum of human experience.

“We are receivers of the past and transmitters to the future. Transmission is a choice, but it is also built into our subconscious. In the search for a deeper understanding of yourself, you will find a deeper understanding of others. Seek out the mysteries in yourself to illuminate the mysteries in others.

The homonyms raised and razed are especially interesting to me. They reflect, in no uncertain terms, the duality of human society. Are we meant to be building or destroying? The idea of the martyred saints is so intriguing because; they were subjected to such acts of cruelty that it should reasonably prove that there is no merciful god, but turns instead into supreme evidence of his existence. Accuse your enemy of that which you, yourself are guilty.

Often the more impressive someone appears the more fearful they are inside.

It’s easier to bleed than sweat.”

CHECK IT OUT

Terror Revolucionário – Mr. Crack (SM053)

Terror Revolucionário formed in February 1999, in the city of Taguatinga, Federal District, Brazil.

“In the first half of 2011, we entered Estúdio Órbis, in Taguatinga/DF – Brazil, to record the next album with the title Mr. Crack. The album was only released in 2014.

It had been 5 years since the last recording. We invited Capaça (Violator guitarist) to help with the tones and production of the album. Recorded in two days, the album has 18 songs, being the band’s most crustcore/punk material.

Influences from Abuse Sonoro, Ratos de Porão, Disrupt, Extreme Noise Terror, Doom and Discharge are latent. Pay attention to the reference to Morbid Angel.

Now, in 2024, ten years after its release on CD, the album has a new version through the Strange Mono label.

Libertarian hugs,
Terror Revolucionário
(Fellipe CDC, Drikaos, Jeffer and Barbosa Osvaldo)”

CHECK IT OUT

Out Now: Straight On View – Gotta Step Up (Demo ’24) SM056

Straight On View’s journey began with a shared passion for hardcore punk. Guitarist Jim reminisces, “Sometimes I get into certain moods with music and always go back to stuff I’ve loved over the years. I was listening to a lot of NYHC and youth crew at the time and then Chris and I started talking about it one day and he was showing me stuff I
hadn’t heard yet and then I just got in songwriting mode”. Band’s formation was a natural process. With each of the members sharing their unique energy and influences. “Chris and I were playing guitar with each other one day and listening to music and I mentioned I had a few hardcore songs I wrote. He had some riffs and it just kind of happened organically.” – recalls Jim. “Then we asked Matt to play bass shortly after and Colin suggested Eliot as a singer. I heard him and thought it’d be perfect and it just fell into place”.

Driven by a desire to spread positivity and constructive ideals, Straight On View aims to leave a lasting impression on the punk landscape. messages of unity and understanding through their music. “The most important things I took from youth crew were having a positive outlook and being constructive with your thoughts and actions.” reflects Eliot. “If we want to change things, we have to bring people together and break down the divisions between us.”

Collaboration and camaraderie defined the writing and recording process of “Gotta Step Up”. Jim highlights, “The coolest thing was just having everyone bring stuff to the table. It all came together nicely without much challenge and sounds super cohesive”.

Straight On View’s decision to release their debut EP through Strange Mono Records, a benefit label, underscores their commitment to community support and radical positivity. Dan Timlin, co-founder of Strange Mono, expresses his excitement, stating, “We share the same values, radical positivity, and practicing community support. Straight On View is relentless and tight, filled with frenetic energy, and they are one of the few bands that play this kind of music that aren’t afraid to rip a solo or two!”

All proceeds are being donated to Philly PAWS

CHECK IT OUT

Sandcastle – Heaven Creator The Flower On A Woman (SM050)

Strange Mono is thrilled to announce the long-awaited release of Sandcastle’s ethereal 2019 album, “Heaven Creator The Flower On A Woman,” now available for the first time in physical format. This captivating album unveils the enigmatic bond between songwriter Sam Kassel and his trusted collaborator and engineer, Dan Angel.

Recorded in Germantown on vintage ¼ inch tape, this album is a testament to the mystical allure of Sandcastle’s music. Evoking a sense of ritualistic mystique, Kassel delves into themes of identity and introspection, pondering the enigmatic personas of the Guillotine Princess, the Midnight Flame, and the Nightingale Rider.

Sandcastle, the moniker for the enigmatic songwriter Sam Kassel, has been an elusive, captivating figure within the underground music scene for over a decade. Known for his clever lyricism, distinctive vocal style, and irresistibly catchy melodies, Sandcastle’s music transcends conventional boundaries, captivating listeners with its otherworldly charm.

“This was recorded in a basement on ¼ inch tape. The tape was somewhat of a band member during this time. I don’t know how to record with any of the beautiful machinery used–that is all Dan Angel–they are his curious beasts and respond to his Angelic touch with sentience and grace. Lots of wine, lots of grass. To name and order it, we worked a ritual. A candle, a book, a golden dish.
Who is the Guillotine Princess?
What is the Midnight Flame?
Who is the Nightingale Rider?
Who is the Nightingale?
Me? You?
What did it mean then? It all means more to me now.
(ps ufos are real.)” – SK

CHECK IT OUT

False Tracks – Hymn For Terror (sm041)

Jayme Guokas, Mike Hammel, Greg Pavlovcak, and Jamie Wilson formed False Tracks in 2016 and have released a handful of EP’s since their start. Seasoned veterans of the Philly and DC indie pop/punk scenes, they’ve each been members of The Ropers, Lilys, The Snow Fairies, Pink Skull, Royal Shoals, Last Wave, and The Vexers respectively. With as much collective experience as this band has it’s no surprise that False Tracks delivers such addictive, perfectly executed, post-punk ear worms.

Throughout the last seven years the band has refined their sound into tight, punchy, post-punk burners. Hymn For Terror showcases a slightly darker False Tracks than what we’ve heard from them before. Moodier songs like Suspended Animation and Wet Market are balanced by the psyche-tinged Dandelion, and the new wave jangle-rock of Who Will Reveal Their Secrets First?. While their style is comparable to bands like Wire, The Feelies, Wipers and early Flying nun releases False Tracks offers more than just the sum of their influences.

Staunch believers that the first thought is the best thought they apply this approach to their songwriting. “The concept was to marry atmospheric guitar, kinetic rhythms, and primal beats with supernatural narratives where aliens, lost souls, and monsters are made to wander in uncanny landscapes. Between projects there was an opportunity to gather some old friends to have fun and make music. There was one rule established from the outset: no songs over two minutes. Shortly after the first demo we broke that rule.”

Recorded in Philadelphia with the legendary Jeff Zeigler at his studio Uniform Recording. ”We’ve all worked with Jeff on various projects over the last 20+ years. He tolerates our unpleasant manners. Luckily, our tastes have evolved somewhat in parallel with his, so he easily recognizes our references and touchstones. The experience is like hanging out with an old friend, comfortable and instinctive”

Proceeds from the sales of this album through Strange Mono are being donated to Homies Helping Homies. A mutual Aid organization provided food and necessities to the underserved community of the Point Breeze neighborhood in Philadelphia. 

CHECK IT OUT

Out Now: MARKING & PLATING – Zéro Vague (SM048)

MARKING & PLATING is a Lo-Fi French No Wave project created by two library workers trapped in Texas. The band consists of Austin scene veteran Harold Whit Williams (Cotton Mather, Daily Worker) and poet/translator Michael Perret. On this debut Marking & Plating showcase a variety of styles taking inspo from bands like Sparks, DNA, House music, and classic French pop songs.

Created within the drab confines of cubicle land (and named after an old-fashioned end-processing cataloging unit), MARKING & PLATING started as a joke between library workers Harold Whit Williams and Michael Perret. The recording project took shape quickly under the lo-fi production of Daily Worker at his Austin, TX home studio The Kibosh. Taping their tirades and tilting at tech bro windmills, MARKING & PLATING presents Zéro Vague, snarky punk/no wave ethos informing some seriously catchy electro-pop.

“What started as offbeat offhanded convo at the office about us becoming a Texas/French No Wave band quickly became a pretty fucking cool-sounding thing. There are certainly elements of pop/rock here (and hooks!), but the true spirit is indeed experimental. All tracking music was performed or filtered thru an old Boss drum machine straight onto 4-track cassette tape. French spoken word vocals were cut and pasted. No animals were harmed during production (unless you include us and our damaged eardrums).”
– Harold Whit Williams

All proceeds from the sale of this album through Strange Mono is being donated to The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF). A non-profit legal and educational organization affiliated with the American Library Association. FTRF protects and defends the First Amendment to the Constitution and supports the right of libraries to collect – and individuals to access – information.

CHECK IT OUT