Guest Post: Needledrop’s Anthony Fantano
Today we have a very special guest that you might recognize from Youtube, it’s Anthony Fantano from Needledrop. I really respect Anthony’s consistency and dedication of quality reviews he does on his Youtube feed. He always helps new listeners with describing what he’s listening to with plenty of references and adjectives, kind of like we do it here on the ISO50 blog but he takes it to full on video with characters and all. Enjoy his playlist he put together, its the first time we’ve ever had Metal on here in our 5 year existence.
1. Xibalba – No Serenity
Despite how much it irks some of my loyal viewers, I like to keep a somewhat (ir)regular flow of metal reviews coming. This Xibalba album really stopped me in my tracks with some massive, chugging riffs and the kind of primal ferocity that you’d typically find on a metal-infused hardcore album. I usually prefer my metal to be a bit more, uh, heady, but this was just too good to be true: A teenage favorite mixed with the kind of dense, low-end sounds that my adult self currently enjoys on numerous Southern Lord records. Plus, this is my current favorite workout record.
2. Matthew Dear – Ahead Of Myself
I’ve known Matthew Dear to put together some eerie tracks, but this is the first time he really struck me as being a tender dude as well. He’s got a few moments like that on his new LP, Beams, and I love ’em–especially this one. The watery synth chords on this track are absolutely intoxicating. It’s like they’re just about to fall into a slumber or something. Meanwhile, Matthew’s seductive croon delivers some mantra-heavy vocals.
3. Meridian Brothers – Salsa Caliente (Versión Aumentada)
This is a bit of experimental salsa from Columbian sonic experimentalist Eblis Álvarez. He’s got a new LP on the way titled Deseperanza under the name Meridian Brothers. The dude really took the art form of the genre and mutated it into something odd and subtly psychedelic. The lazy instrumentation, oddball melodies, and lightly tortured vocals add up to something that would sound perfect in a David Lynch movie, for sure. Definitely a strange experience.
4. TNGHT– Bugg’n
The musically savvy are too hard on bangers. Not everything needs to be this big, flowery, moving, significant thing. Loosen up, have fun, go nuts. When it comes to that, TNGHT is my jam. This is about at anti-elitist as you can get while still keeping your listening habits underground. What I like about TNGHT is that they create such visceral music with such experimental sounds. If “Bugg’n” were a movie, it would feature some of the most unlikely casting in music history, featuring the sounds of babies, spaceships, bubbles, and more.
Anthony’s Youtube Channel
12 Comments Leave A Comment
Michael says:
August 29, 2012 at 5:11 pmFantastic! I’ve been following Anthony for a bit now. I enjoy his personal view and take on the reviews; he does it in way that doesn’t come off as pretentious and the videos are always entertaining.
Patrick says:
August 29, 2012 at 5:49 pmThe Needledrop is one of my very few sources for reviews. I’ve been following Anthony’s work for quite some time now, and It’s cool to see him featured in this blog. And also, what Michael said.
cheers.
Anonymous says:
August 29, 2012 at 6:19 pm0
Charles Mertens says:
August 30, 2012 at 12:52 amXibalba on ISO50 blog. This is amazing. Hardcore and design for me has always seem separated since for many people the two just don’t fuse well and very rarely do they come up in conversation together. It’s great to see my favorite blog mention one of my favorite bands, really made my day. Thank you Jakob and Anthony for this post!
Jarson says:
August 30, 2012 at 2:25 amLove this guest post. The third track was really great.
Amy Stoddard says:
August 30, 2012 at 8:03 amThat first track totally doesn’t fit the ISO50 vibe. Kinda painful actually.
Lewis says:
August 30, 2012 at 11:07 amCount Cheska strikes again.
Evan says:
August 30, 2012 at 5:04 pmISO50 and metal? Why not? Love it!
Anonymous says:
September 2, 2012 at 8:03 amAnthony’s criticism on “Burned Out” by The Field still makes me skeptical of his taste and reviews. Good choice with the MD track, but the rest… ew.
Anonymous says:
September 4, 2012 at 10:58 amI agree that Anthony should definitely be revered for his consistency, whether it’s favorable or not to my tastes- he provides a service that keeps me coming back! Awesome guest feature.
Francisco G. says:
September 24, 2012 at 12:34 amPromptly downloading all four of his suggestions. Great taste!
Tiago says:
October 1, 2012 at 6:41 pmHello FSRA! I am a Calgary-based professional phhrpgtaooer who is doing a shoot for Calgary Co-op in September. I am looking for a 40s/50s era pick-up truck to rent for the day. Know anybody with such a vintage piece that would be interested? Any advise as how to source an old truck would be much appreciated. Thanks, Robert Lemermeyer