GET THE PLANNING FOR BURIAL/LONESUMMER SPLIT NOW!

by Andrew Wilhelm (TX)

Not too long ago, we copped you to Music Ruins Lives, the label run by Thom of the mysterious Planning for Burial. We also mentioned that they were soon to release a split with black noiseniks Lonesummer. Now, we're here to remind you that the split in question is indeed awesome, and you should get it soon. Only 100 were made, and they're running out.

Scarcity not convinced you yet? Read below.

On Planning for Burial's side, they retain many of the elements of their debut, but at the same time, it's a different beast. "Sleeping in Separate Rooms" begins with a ambient drawl, but the song slowly lays its foundation in cascading waves of distorted guitar. It's as if the drone from "Leaving" coming back into the atmosphere and starts burning towards Earth. "Rooms" could be Jesu played in Sunn O)))'s robes, given that Planning for Burial shrouds itself in intrigue. In fact, the work of Broadrick hovers over this recording quite a bit. The following track, "If I Knew What to Say," recalls some of Jesu's poppier leanings. "Boring Domesticated Life," the final and standout song, recalls Godflesh in guitar tone, but Final in drifting structure. Thom's vocals are always in the back, further lending to the mystique of the record and the band itself. Like Nadja's best works, it's the sound you want to hear if you really are on your way to "heaven," "paradise," or "nirvana," whatever it may be. Still "post-life" music, and I dig it.

Lonesummer have a more top-to-bottom sound - barely-black metal noise. The first three tracks are just a massive wall of noise. "I Wish I Could Delete Last Night" is what you might say to yourself after those embarrasing photos from last night's frat party show up on Facebook, but in the hands of Lonesummer, it's a feedback howl for help. Cackles and drops pollute and discolor the record - did Bone Awl send in a bum tape? The last track, "Your Eyes Always Shake Me," throws you in for a loop. It's humming that could be sonorous, but the recording is much too rough to soothe.

The only thing in common with both of theses groups is that they're not commercial. Planning For Burial is something you can listen to ease into (eternal) rest, while Lonesummer is if for you never want to sleep for the rest of your life. The split is highly recommended.

What are you waiting for? Don't let this sell out!