As a girl, it feels like this is something I'm supposed to enjoy, and if that's the case it's a great day to be a girl. Then again, it's not evident if that's what these boys want, because they say they are "men that make man music". Sorry guys! This release is confusing at first for a few reasons. The art looks completely immature and hacked. Is this released by a label? Is the title of it iii? Was it self-released? Who are they?!!! But it doesn't matter if it was self-released, or that the artwork is hideous, or what the title is. No, with a band this enjoyable these are things to work out in the future. Trying to research before writing this was a trip. The information on their Facebook page is unclear and dodges the question constantly, like when they say their sound is "bumper nuts for your ears". I like to think I'm pretty fluent in English, but I have no clue what that means.
Indian Handcrafts, in the release we'll just call Indian Handcrafts, are two guys, or men as they say. Only drums and guitar, and probably some other effects and samples, though their origin is unclear. Either way, to create this much music out of only two instruments is a feat. But they have managed to move past their chosen instruments to such a degree that it sounds like a four-piece or maybe even a six-piece. They're also clever and they know exactly what to write and where to put it. Proof is in the experience, because not a single second of this release can be skipped, it will impel you into completion. And the variety! The amount of variety you can find on Indian Handcrafts is dessert for the soul. They have beautiful melody, addictive lines, and even mix some unexpected sounds into it all. The first song, "Drop Out", sounds like a hipster chant when it starts to move, but then, as you delve further into their music, you find elements of sludge, doom, even the occasional blast beat. At the same time they can sing with swagger to swoon us like an idol, or they verge on creepy like "Smelly Tongues". Choosing descriptions like this is a mistake in the case of Indian Handcrafts, because on one hand you would want to give fans an understanding of what they sound like, but how can you do that if it fails in the end? It's as esoteric as some of their nonsensical statements online, such as they make "meatball music" or "wrestling entrance themes".
Indian Handcrafts have something that appeals to everyone, but it's not something that's easily placed or described. The good thing is, it's completely listenable, the entire way through, enough that over several times you won't tire of the riffs. It can be raw, it can be clean, it can be thoughtful, it can even create amorous moments where you can make a nostalgic memory out of anything. It's an all-inclusive, no-nonsense release. Blasts of metallic, almost industrial bass lines, haunting singing, and smooth energy, this is a band that's got a few eyes on them for a reason. Their next release is set to be on Sargent House backed by the producer who's worked with Melvins. That should tell you something, and if it doesn't you can correct your mistake by listening to the entire album below.
Bandcamp
Written by Alyssa Prague
