0 NW NOISE #13: Bands to Watch in 2011 (Part 1)

2011 is looking amazing for Seattle's rock and metal scenes, many of the best bands around are readying their first records and new and exciting bands seem to be popping up at a rapid pace. My new years resolution is to continue to blog about my favorite local bands, bands that I truly dig, but do it with more consistency-- the #1 thing I believe SRG could do better. Over the next few blog posts, I'll start it off by mentioning a number of bands that will no doubt be gracing SRG with frequency in 2011.

Grenades | Photo by Christen Shaw

Grenades:

Over the course of 2010, I had the privilege of being bludgeoned over the head by this ferocious new act, featuring three past members Kane Hodder, a number of times. Grenades not only personifies their explosive moniker with brutal yet mathy guitar work courtesy of Eric Christianson and Jerome Sauer, bone-crushing rhythms held down by bassist Aaron Yost and new drummer Trent McIntyre, but also a two-pronged sometimes three shouted vocal attack. Grenades’ sound is multifaceted, blistering, and above all rebellious. Look for their debut 12” split with Mercy Ties, out soon.

Smooth Sailing | Photo by Nik Christofferson

Smooth Sailing:

Last November Smooth Sailing spent time in the studio laying down tracks for their debut studio release, which just so happens to be the most anticipated local metal release I can think of. Over the course of last year this amazing band electrified audiences time and time again with a well honed live set that is second to none both sonically and visually. As I eagerly await the chance to spin an official Smooth Sailing recording, I can’t help but ponder all the good things that are coming this bands way.

My Goodness | Photo by Nik Christofferson

My Goodness:

Joel Schneider of the Absolute Monarchs’ other band My Goodness is another Seattle act set to release a record in 2011. Actually, Joel (guitars/vocals) and Ethan Jacobsen (drums) spent time cultivating their debut with amazing local producer Matt Bayles, who we all know constantly churns out gold. My Goodness encapsulates all that was grand about the down and dirty guitar and drum blues of early Black Keys records. That combined with Schneider’s naturally fiery punk rock vocal style, you have one of the best live rock bands in the city. See them this Saturday at the Comet as part of the SRG and Algerbay presents show.

Brickbats

Brickbats:

I admittedly do not know a ton about the Brickbats other than the band features Greenhouse booker Nathan Donnell on vocals. They have played very few shows thus far, but what I do know is the tracks currently available for streaming on the bands Facebook are some deliciously noisy slabs of ear splintering chaos. The Jesus Lizard force seems to be strong in these guys. Check'em out this Saturday at the Comet Tavern as part of the SRG and Algerbay presents show.

Consulate

Consulate:

The three members of Consulate have played music together for nearly a decade,  most recently as 3/4ths of My Bones and Organs. Jake, James and Tim renamed the band to Consulate, James tookover vocal duties, and the result is the strongest material the trio has produced to date. Consulate's music moves from calm post-rock-esque instrumentation to scorching racket and back again with elegance and ferocity. The 3 track demo they recorded last year also features an entire song dedicated to the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Genius.

Words by Nik Christofferson