Weekly Release Spotlight: Holy Fuck
Posted on 5/17/2010
[XL]
As a bass player baptized in the gentle rhythmic ebb and flow that only living, breathing rhythm section players have thus far been able to produce, I always initially approach groups under the heading “electronic music” with caution. However, to their credit, this Ontario based quartet comprises live drums, bass, and a pair of sound manipulators that effectively generates swelling and subsiding sonic seas capable of washing away the transgressions of their more generic forebears.
Featuring the influence of producers previously working with Broken Social Scene and Wilco, Latin captures sprawling aural landscapes in nine succinct, accessible portraits. Effects specialists Brian Borcherdt and Graham Walsh use the opening tracks to warm up their devices, allowing listeners to acclimate themselves to the idea of swimming in their minds' oceans, as heard in the endless crescendo of the opening track “1MD.” Generating a twisting and overlapping rhythmic undercurrent that will keep even the biggest beatheads counting strokes, Matt Schulz provides the perpetual motion behind “Stay Lit.” As for the inspiration to tie such intricate metrical knots, Schulz and the band musically nod to the Afro-Cuban genre, lending its name to this their third full-length release.
While maintaining an overall exploratory energy, Latin is not without its moments of somewhat comical relief. Hosting a propulsive fury overlaid by a harmonically expansive and optimistic synthesizer chord progression, “Stilettos” emotionally tears the listener limb from limb. Percussive, grating bass textures keep “SHT MTN” grounded firmly beneath a syncopated cowbell so prominent, one cannot help but recall a certain Will Ferrell comedy sketch.
While most media outlets interested in broadcasting the brand of multidimensional electronic instrumental music Holy Fuck continues to develop fall decidedly outside the mainstream, the rules governing the dissemination of coarse language prevent many DJs, reviewers, and promoters from properly identifying the group by their collective handle. Though name alterations force the curious consumer to look a bit further into the band in order to find their product on the shelves of local record stores, the extra effort will likely be rewarded with music that will inevitably draw at least one exclamatory “Holy F***.”
Written by Alex Hamberger, Radio K volunteer
Check out Holy Fuck's exclusive instudio performance for Radio K at SXSW this year here. Includes video, photos, and streaming!
Stream: Holy Fuck - Latin America