The Grasshopper Lies Heavy/God Townes: 'In Love' (Split 7”)

Record Store Day was made for releases like this: The Grasshopper Lies Heavy (the name is a reference to Philip K. Dick’s classic novel The Man In The High Castle, by way of the Bible) and God Townes (the new project from Sohn’s former guitarist Marcos Gossi) split 7-inch released in separate yellow, blue, and white editions. Sure, it looks good, but does it rock? Uh, fuck yeah. TGLH push their amps to the point of pain on “Sucker,” coaxing out squealing instrumental agony (broken up by a creepy chanting coda) that recalls the best of Torche back before they decided what the world needed was another mediocre alt-rock band. And God Townes on “Big Branch” has a post-punk industrial snap to their rhythm line that recalls some of Big Black’s nastier, more strangulational work. Best of all, buying the single gets you a download code for two more songs, and they’re worth snagging — God Townes’ bonus track, “W.H.A.N.S.,” is even better than the song on wax. If you’re of a mind to support your local record shop, or just want a little of your cigarette money to go to something satisfyingly and ferociously loud, pick this one up and commence to throwing your fists around.

★★★★ (out of 5 stars)