| | RIYL: Xiu Xiu, Nine Inch Nails, Le Shok, Ministry | Christopher Patrick Gregory of Belted Sweater is pissed. You can hear that on Belted Sweater’s self-titled sophomore album. It’s a one-man car crash between a metalcore band and a synth-pop band. Vitriol rarely sounds this exhilarating. For his latest, the LA-based artist looks inward and outward to deliver potent social commentary. Belted Sweater is out February 21st, and it is a joint release between Self Versed Records and Softseed Records, an imprint of Zegema Beach Records. The album will be preceded by the single, “Cherry Grove,” out January 17th. “This album is about what I see and what I want to see in the LGBT community,” reveals Christopher. “The first eight songs on this album are kind of about me lamenting what I see as the mainstream gay community’s move to the center. The last song is using my own experiences, full of joy and love, as the reason I want it to be more radical—to push for more social change against right wing headwinds.” | | | | Christopher produced Belted Sweater and played guitar, bass, synths, drums, and did all the harsh vocals. He got mountainous drum sounds recording at Steve Albini’s (RIP) iconic studio, Electrical Audio. J. Robbins of Jawbox mixed the album. Belted Sweater blasts open with, “Meat Pink,” a screamo dance anthem. Over a syncopated bass groove locked tightly in with a four-on-the-floor drum beat, Christopher creates a harrowing snapshot of a final moment in life. His lyrics here are jagged and poetic, one choice passage is: A sliver of flesh dissolves/in covetous earth/Of meaning, dearth. Christopher beats 12 years of Catholic school indoctrination out of his brain on “Intercessor” with stunning drumming that sounds like a reggaeton beat turned on its head. The album’s closer, “Bi-Hulud,” which sounds like a dream pop tune crashed by a screamo band, is a love letter to queer romance. Christopher’s words here are intimate and sensual. He opens the song with the lines: His hairy chest is heaven/More salt than pepper bliss/His smile, a fucking blessing/Fingers entwined, limp wrists. | | | | | | | | | | February 22nd // Los Angeles, CA // The Smell |
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