The Cold Jungle: What Seattle Sounds Like
December 2nd, 2010
There’s a small note at the end of the spacey, black and white photocopied insert that comes with the physical copy of Cairo‘s recent compilation album, The Cold Jungle, that reads “This is what Seattle sounds like to us.” As someone who is often listening to local music that no one around him is, I beamed a big smile upon reading this. Reading through the list of artists, and before I even heard the songs, I knew I was going to be nodding my head in agreement. Of course, all of us local music obsessives have some sort of personal interpretation of this particular statement, whether it be the hip hop scene, or the punk scene, or even the dreaded so-called “beard rock” scene. The songs Cairo pulled together, however, really do represent a unique little enclave of artists, in the here and now, making more adventurous and altogether more fascinating strains of sonic satisfaction.
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Cairo, you’ll recall, is a quaint, somewhat spartan gallery/thrift boutique/venue/silkscreen studio on the corner of Summit and Mercer on North Capitol Hill. I’ve not spent a great deal of time there (for shoppers, it’s not a necessity; you can view 90% of its contents from the front door), but they do have a wonderful habit of turning their space into raucously friendly elbow-to-elbow music venue. I took some photos of Stephanie and YellowFever last time I was there that you can view here. The independently curated Cold Jungle boasts 10 original tracks from more recognizable acts such as Flexions, U.S.F., Stephanie, LoVe TaN, and Big Spider’s Back, as well as local up-and-comers like Mongrel Blood, Witch Gardens, M. Women, Wet Paint DMM, and Secret Colors.
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While all the songs are rather choice, my immediate favorite was the nocturnal subway tunnel light chaser from Big Spider’s Back (aka Yair Rubenstein), “Pyramids at Night”. I can’t stop spinning it, it feels like one of those sped up film scenes with bars of light whizzing by and breakneck turns. The music itself breaks no necks, but instead induces an addictive calming effect. Oddly enough, this is one of four instrumental jams featured on the collection, alongside Flexions’ “Half Pint Shuffle”, U.S.F.’s “Lunar Halo”, and “Cruisers” from Secret Colors. “Half Pint Shuffle” sees Flexions perfecting their Clinic-esque jazz punk, now with the added benefit of a live drummer (Tyler Swan of Truckasauras, etc.), who does a fair non-guitar impression of Hendrix’s “Machine Gun” with his snare. I prefer their music with vocals, but this is a welcome substitute.
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“Fuzzy Grave” is another bonus highlight, courtesy of the Craig Chambers-led LoVe TaN. You might remember Chambers from his more popular outfit the Lights and being one of this city’s more under-appreciated rock guitarists. “Fuzzy Grave” is an exhilarating, punkish no-wave moaner that might just hit your devilish sweet spot. Mongrel Blood, Spencer Moody’s newish band, also has an interesting song here by the name of “Oh, Sister”. It sounds like a song the Lights might’ve written if they were calmer or one Flexions might’ve recorded if they weren’t so interested in Miles Davis or world music. Moody drunkenly wails (like you know he can) over sinister guitar and bass. Witch Gardens’ boisterous steam punk sing along “Baby Got A Haircut” is another must listen: a little juvenile, a little carny-rock, and a whole tub of monkey-barrel fun.
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So maybe this isn’t what Seattle sounds like to you, but it sure as hell does to a lot of us. Perhaps this should be your holiday gift to yourself? Hmm? Get the 12″ vinyl here, or at Cairo itself (duh).
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