We’re partial to any band that basically uses feedback as an instrument. Not necessarily in lieu of all the other necessary instruments—guitar, bass, drums, etc.—mind you, but just an another tasty layer in the noise rock sandwich. Yeah, Oakland trio, Facet, have plenty of that sweet, sweet skree on their self-titled debut. Guitars, whine, squeal, slash and generally raise a ruckus, while the thick, ropey bass rumbles along and the drums are frantic, precise and terse. All this from three dudes bent on keeping the noise rock dream of the ’90s—think Unwound, Unsane, Drive Like Jehu—alive in the 21st century.
This bracing new self-titled album—the trio’s first full-length—was recorded by Scott Evans at Sharkbite and Antisleep in Oakland, CA and mastered by Amar Lal of Big Ups. It’s set for release on vinyl, CD and digitally via Portland’s Hex Records on August 11. Preorder it here. Facet will embark on a short West Coast tour in support of the LP the week after it is released and follow up with further touring throughout the US later in the year.
Here’s a totally serious quote from the band regarding the new album:
“We wanted to write a record that had wider mass appeal. After the commercial flop of our first release, Duck, we spent three years studying popular culture and discovered what we were missing. Facet is 35 minutes of full-fledged pop hits and hooks for the casual music listener who needs a break from the commotion of everyday life. We reached out to many major labels but they were all too busy or something as they didn’t respond but Ryan at Hex Records offered us a deal we couldn’t turn down. ”
Facet tour dates:
8/11- Oakland, CA @ Eli’s Mile High Club
8/18- Portland, OR @ The Fixin To
8/19- Tacoma, WA @ 11th St DIY
8/20- Vancouver, BC @ Black Lab
