http://teethhasteeth.bandcamp.com/album/the-strain
My friend John passed away last night after a long and storied battle with cancer. He was in remission for several years before finding out that the cancer had returned, spread, and was inoperable. Saying FUCK ALL to everything he decided to quit fucking around and make his music since there wasn't much time left. A few weeks later he called me, knowing how much I would share in his excitement, to tell me that Steve Albini had invited him to his studio to record an album FOR FREE. John had contacted Steve (being one of his musical heroes - I mean whether it's his bands or the bands he's recorded - Steve is AMAZING) to get rates for recording an ep, and after striking up a friendship through emails Steve learned of John's situation and subsequently made the offer. John recruited his brother to go along with and made a couple trips back and forth to record and master the album which was just released. It is sort of amazing how big is blew up and all the coverage he received.
John was one of the nicest people I have ever met and I feel honored to have grown up with him and be called his friend. Here's to you buddy, wherever you might be.
This isn't a shill post. Don't listen to the music because it's about cancer, or because John just passed - listen to it because IT FUCKING ROCKS.
"Super raw, honest, not being done for commercial gain etc. Very influenced by Melvins, Shellac, Bleach/pre-Dave-era Nirvana, maybe even a bit Jesus Lizard at times."- Gary Jarman (bassist, The Cribs)
"I don’t know about you. Much as I like the idea of an ‘abstract’, this music is MORE than enough for me. It stands alone, magnificent in its metal beauty. All 30 minutes, 30 seconds of it. I know that my old coffee-drinking partner Jack Endino would love this, and I know that I love this, and I know Steve Albini loves this, and I know Thurston Moore would love this, and I know Mudhoney would love this, and I know Gary Jarman loves this … and Bangs wept. How much more of a fucken recommendation do you need?" - Everett True
