Melbourne band HTRK’s output has undergone significant stylistic changes in the fifteen years since the 2007 major-label release of their debut Nostalgia with its self-descriptive opener “Hate Rock Trio” (much of which occurred in the wake of moving forward without bassist and drum programmer Sean Stewart, who died in 2010). By the band’s own description more than a decade on, the music they’re making now is “not as sad anymore because we’re not as sad.” But the minimal, nocturnal, smothering rock music of their first few records still stands as a great achievement in the long-running tradition. This mix collects material by other artists who dive to the depths of convention to create (conjure? summon?) apocalyptic heaviness. More doom and gloom than so-called “doom” itself. Rock ’n roll left out in the cold. It doesn’t want to be here. It’s angry that it has to be here. It hates you. Until it doesn’t.
00:00. Ukiah Drags – “Intro” from In the Reaper’s Quarters (Wharf Cat, 2014)
02:19. The Dreebs – “I” / “Reese” from Forest of a Crew (Ramp Local, 2018)
06:24. HTRK – “Look at Her” from Nostalgia (Fire, 2007)
10:54. Raime – “Your Cast Will Tire” from Quarter Turns Over a Living Line (Blackest Ever Black, 2016)
16:01. Snowman – “She Is Turning Into You” from The Horse, the Rat and the Swan (Dot Dash, 2008)
21:34. IT IT – “The Garage Pt 2” from Living Doll (self-released, 2018)
24:17. YC-CY – “Stalker” from Every Time I Close My Eyes (X-Mist, 2021)
27:24. Moin – “Elsie” from split with Pete Swanson (Confessions, 2012)
31:14. Dive and Dissolve – “Assimilation” from Abomination (Dero Arcade, 2018)
34:55. HEALTH – “Perfect Skin” from HEALTH (Lovepump United, 2007)
Noise Not Music 