Prolix – starring Mastodon, Killer Be Killed, Antemasque, Wu-Tang Clan, and Manchester Orchestra

Welcome to Prolix - short news for short attention spans. In this semi-regular series I will be rounding up music news, reviews, opinions, rumours, and much more in bite-sized chunks of 100 words or less. Because, let's face it, sometimes you need information fast! 

American metal titans Mastodon now not only have a title for their new album (Once More Round the Sun) but they also have a general release date (June) and a new song to show for it. The track is called 'High Road' and it is everything we have come to love about Mastodon. It's loud, brash, and heavy but maintains the band's signature quirkiness. Check out those killer harmonies in the chorus – I guess that's the advantage of having three vocalists on the payroll. I look forward to going Once More Round the Sun myself.

Speaking of Mastodon, their bass player / singer Troy Sanders and his new band Killer Be Killed are also on the verge of an album release. Sanders stars alongside Greg Puciato (Dillinger Escape Plan), Max Cavalera (Soulfly, Sepultura), and Dave Elitch (Mars Volta). Needless to say, this band has metal cred to spare. If the leaked tracks are anything to go by this will be one hell of a ride and a possible contender for best metal record of 2014. Here's a wee preview of the album. You be the judge. Killer Be Killed is out May 13.

  

Speaking of Dave Elitch (how many times can I do this in one article?), his new band Antemasque (masterminded by Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez of Mars Volta / At the Drive-In fame) have a great offer on their self-titled debut record that is out on July 15th. Don't wanna wait that long? Head over to their Nadie Sounds website and pre-order it. All it costs is US$4 and that will net you four songs right now (including the bonus track 'Drown All Your Witches') and access to the album two whole weeks before its released.

Now for something completely different: the Wu-Tang Clan. By now everybody knows that their new album Once Upon a Time in Shaolin is limited to just one copy. That's it. Just the one. Ever. Whoever ends up owning it can do with it as they please. Last we heard the Wu had apparently received a bid in the vicinity of $5 million from a record label. Wu fans Russell Meyer and Calvin Okoth-Obbo have started a kickstarter campaign to purchase the record and distribute it to all the fans themselves instead. I cannot think of a more noble cause.

Last of all, here is a short review I wrote recently about the new Manchester Orchestra album, Cope: “Have you ever found yourself listening to someone like Muse or My Morning Jacket and found yourself thinking 'What this needs is less idiosyncratic elements that make it unique and a lot more of what everyone else is doing?'. Of course you haven't. Nobody has. Except for Manchester Orchestra that is. They are not an orchestra. They are not from Manchester. They are shite. Do not make the mistake of having to Cope with this dreck.”. You're welcome.

Thank you for tuning into Prolix – short music for short attention spans. Keep your eyes peeled for more editions in the coming months and plenty of album reviews (full length and probably less scathing than the one above) as well. Until next time, keep it eclectic true believers.

- Professor Ricardo