Whirr - Distressor 12"

I've been hitting the shoegaze a bit lately, but it's a genre that has really come to grow on me over the last little while. After hearing the Whirr/Anne split (which I hope will arrive eventually!) I became interested in Whirr. Their bandcamp page provided me with enough cool songs to convince me to buy their latest record, Distressor.

Mine copy belongs to the second press which has somehow picked up new artwork. The first was a shot of a naked lady standing away from the camera, whereas now we have a picture of a dog in front of some audio equipment. I'm not sure which is best really.

This is probably the most visually impressive record that I own, and is definitely the only tri-colour. I don't think the photo quite does it justice, but it is flourescent pink, orange and yellow that looks awesome when it is spinning. The record also came with a nice black inner sleeve with a plastic sleeve inside that. Perhaps the label is a fan of sleeve-ception?

A lyrics sheet insert was also added inside the cover, but on the front are eyes, so many eyes!

This is also probably the record with the most extras I've ever received. Inside the package were some things not out of the ordinary; an advertisement for the label, a concert and a whirr poster. The other things however were a bit more obscure. First was a ripped out page from a book, which I am yet to find out where it belongs. Next was a Wonka's Pixie Stix thing, which I've never come across before. Below that are two small puzzle pieces from an unknown puzzle. Lastly is what appears to be a page pulled from a magazine, advertising Tiki mugs. I think this one may have been a rather clever reference to my worldly location.

The record is really quite good, but I'm not sure what to make of all the stuff that came along with it. It's a bit obscure, but it's also kinda cool. I wonder if I'll ever eat that Wonka thing, perhaps the curiosity will get the better of me one day.

Nothing - Downward Years To Come 12"

Along with Intoxications (and Coup de Grace which is yet to come), this is the latest of my new records from A389. Much like Anne, Nothing sees the label delve into wider music genres. Instead of the traditional metallic hardcore associated with A389, this is definitely more on the shoegaze side of the musical spectrum. Earlier last year was my first exposure to the band, with the magnificent 2012 sampler. Being so different from the other 50 odd tracks really made it stand out and I couldn't wait to hear more. Luckily it didn't take too long for this LP to be released. 

The artwork is quite simple, yet is very effective and certainly suits the title of the record. It is also somewhat mesmerising to look at, almost like an optical illusion. I'd also like to know what happens at the bottom of the staircase, it appears to just drift off into darkness.

As I was able to pre-order the record I managed to acquire a copy of the limited white version. I think this would have looked very impressive being pure white, but it seems a bit of black has seeped into this from the black pressing. This gives a somewhat dirty look to the record which I don't like. Sometimes this doesn't look so bad, but I think this would have looked so much better if it had been nice and clean.

A nice and simple insert was inside the cover as well. This has got the lyrics on the back and a cross on the front.

While I don't enjoy this as much as Anne, it is still a really great record. It is just about perfect to chill out from a hard day, especially the fourth track 'If Only'. Have a listen for yourself, there is no doubt you will feel calmer after a bit of a listen.