Shanies: Rookie of the Year

It's that time again... time for me to spread my unwanted and unnecessary opinion about the state of music in 2012 all over the internet. As usual, my annual awards, the Shanies, are based entirely on my own opinion, follow a loosely defined and often changing set of rules and should be taken with the tiniest of grains of salt. If you believe me (which I wouldn't) this is remarkably the 5th annual instalment of these awards. I say that not to impress you or make you think that this gives me some form of credence, but to help you realize that I'm not going anywhere, anytime soon, so get used to it.

The rookie of the year award is always a difficult one, since there is much ambiguity around the word 'rookie'. Last year, for example, the recipients were 3 old rockers who cumulatively, had probably won more awards than most of the rock community. However, they were doing a new project. This year, I chose to define the award by a group's first LP release.

And that is because it allows me to give the award to Brisbane's DZ Deathrays. While having 3 EPs dating back to 2009, this was their breakthrough year with the release of their incredible LP, Bloodstreams. This grungy, dance-beat rock-duo recorded a groundbreaking album, toured the world and just ended their year with a annual home-town tradition concert.

Honourable mention goes to Failure Epics (Jon Epworth), who really should have won for hitting all the criteria for rookie.



-Hangman's neckties and words that sting like black flies

Epic Fail

First, I need to thank today's artist for making my post title so easy.  Rarely does a band incorporate such a perfect pun into their own name.

So thank you, Failure Epics, or should I say Jon Epworth.  My first introduction to Epworth was on the drums with the Dean Malenkos, through my buddy Jesse.  The Malenkos were shit tons of fun and an incredibly tight punk band, however, while it was a great throwback to weird punk greats such as the Vandals, their work was by no means groundbreaking.  That said, Epworth has finally taken his place on the throne and composed, performed and produced nearly his entire album (with a smattering of help from friends).  His 6-track, self-titled EP is described on his label's page as exploring "maculate conception – a new species willed into existence by the earth’s consciousness; disease and waste incarnate, born solely for the evisceration of the human race: born sexless, born bloodless."

Beyond the descriptor being a little out there, Epworth's music is an epic blend of prog transitions, metal riffs, massive vocal and instrumental layering and dark, haunting themes.  You can get a free download of 'Soothsayer' which is streamed below, or if you navigate to Exclaim, you can also take a sneak peek at the whole album.
-I've taken all I can, now how do I give back more?