California quartet Screature keep good company. As the band waltzed into the release of their new record Old Hand New Wave, I too had plenty to dance about by the time I got through my first listen. Playing a sold out event in support of Ceremony, a collective of fellow California punk bands convened and rocked the house, and just days later in San Francisco, Screature played on their true release date.
Old Hand New Wave was officially out for the world to enjoy.
I discovered Screature while browsing new releases on the Internet. Later on, I saw an even more substantial referral from that of fellow Californian Chelsea Wolfe, who the band has played with in the past. In time, their sound made perfect sense that a scene ripe with post-punk goodness would boast Screature among a growing list of great artists along the West Coast.
I hear pieces of The Soft Moon’s unorthodox guitar licks in how they create head-bobbing melody. They have the abrasive energy of SILENT, all the while harnessing that dark mystique layering each track with hair raising power. The evidence is in vocalist Liz Mahoney’s piercing vocals. From the screaming urgency of “Metapsychosis” to her multi-octave range on “Another Mask”, her unique voice makes for several highlights on Old Hand New Wave.
I think that’s testament to their roots; a Northern California band jamming among punks, metalheads, and hipsters alike. If their appearance at Ceremony’s Home Sick Festival was any clue, these talented musicians are holding their own, and they’re on the rise.
There are layers to Screature’s music. It’s simultaneously terrifying, yet danceable as hell!
The Sacramento natives play to waves of gothic and deathrock influence in their harrowing melodies. What truly makes them stand out is the ability to channel impending doom and gloom into heavy guitars and punishing drums. Where Liz Mahoney takes command with a powerful voice, the rhythm section too makes listeners stop and marvel at each piece playing into the puzzle.
Old Hand New Wave uses both lead guitar and an organ to take the reins on songs.
Chris Orr and Sarah Scherer are pushing the creative limits respectively to complement the punching drums of Miranda Vera. It’s an innovative rendition on key traits of all the genres they pull from, but they execute it so well. Furthermore, these songs make you groove. Call it a 21st century monster mash, your Halloween playlist precursor, or whatever you want. There are layers to Screature’s music. It’s simultaneously terrifying, yet danceable as hell!
