Green And Gold/Drink The Hemlock
Wildhood, 2019
9/10
Listen to Green And Gold/Drink The Hemlock
This 4th LP from Anchorage artist Matthew Witthoeft, aka Parker Longbough, brings us back to the early days of college rock, where names like Malkmus and Barlow come to mind in the best ways.
“The Statement Is The Answer” gets the listen off to a fuzzy, ‘90s influenced start as Longbough’s vocals complement the lo-fi setting, and “Avalanche Beacon” continues the mood with a post-punk quality amid the pretty, yet gritty delivery.
In the middle, “Rising Black” offers a giant display of fuller, charged alt-rock, while “Governor’s (Butter) Cup” offers a chunky delivery that hints at post-hardcore influences amid the rawness.
Some of the best tunes reside near the end, including the dirty garage rock of “Bad Attitude” and the bristling “We Go Golfing”, which will have you seeking the nearest mosh pit to leap into. “Sleep Comfortably” exits the listen with acoustic guitars and a calmer execution of hazy, rhythmic, bare beauty.
An album about growing up with a sense of humor, Parker Longbough should be required listening for anyone who spent hours watching 120 Minutes in the ‘90s, or who identifies on any level with punk, alternative or indie-rock.
Travels well with: Dinosaur Jr.- Green Mind; Pavement- Slanted And Enchanted