EXCEPTER
if you know me "irl" you've probably heard me blather about EXCEPTER already, but I just wanted to make sure anyone who might dig em knows about em - I've been a big fan for a long time, and their new one, Alternation, is so far my fave rec of the year. if you're into IDM, programmed beats, improv noise, the Residents, Black Dice, and I don't know, Cabaret Voltaire?...you might like this rec. They started as a noise/rock band with hints of drum machine, and have slowly peeled away the layers to the point where this record is actually kind of poppy, but still pretty weird. I think the one stumbling block w/them for most people are the vocals, which tend to be lethargic, rhythm-less, and moan-y, but I really like that part - it gives them such a loose, rough feel so that even as they get more structured they still sound pretty out there...
anyway, here is something I wrote on them a little bit ago, and I also have something about them in the new Wire, whose website has posted a free download of Alternation's catchiest track, "The Rock Stepper"...check it out and let me know what you think...(they also periodically post long live tracks on their podmatic site...)