Hex Map
Ruin Value [LP; Claw Solutions]

If you’re going mention Unwound in relation to your band you need to realize that if you’re anything less than the best, it’s a felony. Hex Map, while not quite elite, rise to the challenge, toting a new way of thinking about this phylum of muscular indie-rock while occasionally sinking into ignominy. The drummer’s not exactly robotic, either. Set a metronome to his ass and you’ll be listening to a mess within seconds. Yet none of these faults doom Ruin Value. As easy as it might be to give up on them when shit turns sour, believe in this record and it will meet you halfway, if not recompense you completely. You might say Hex Map do for Unwound (and others; obviously it’s not as simple as one band) what Fat History Month do for Modest Mouse, albeit with a bit less success. It makes sense to allot them credit for the fearless way they stare into the intimidating void of the ’90s and find worthy intrigues to expand upon. There also exist within the folds of these songs snippets of Enon, Ex Lion Tamer, Jesus Lizard; the works. “Rat King” even conjures Cobain. That Ruin Value is stamped into mellifluous opaque vinyl is neither here nor there. But you should know that, too.

Links: Hex Map

Cerberus

Cerberus seeks to document the spate of home recorders and backyard labels pressing limited-run LPs, 7-inches, cassettes, and objet d’art with unique packaging and unknown sound. We love everything about the overlooked or unappreciated. If you feel you fit such a category, email us here.

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