(Cover art for California Noise by Miles Mcgrady)

Cursed Graves are a trio who cultivate a uniquely Californian blend of punk and noise, quite possibly a result of the members being spread out across the state from San Diego to San Francisco. They’ve partnered up with North Bay label Broke Hatre to release the band’s first LP, entitled California Noise, which features some very cool, cryptic cover art that reminds me of both Joy Division and the movie Tremors.

The single we’re premiering today is a creeping, sassy song with heavy riffs and vocals that alternate between deranged monotone and strained screams. The music is similar to label mates Creative Adult and Culture Abuse, and shows a lot of tasteful restraint. I especially like the floor tom groove in the beginning of the song, and the layered, sung vocals in the chorus. 

The entire vibe of the song is apathetic, with screamed, tongue-in-cheek lyrics like “validate me”. Unlike the slow, trudging pace of “Slow Thoughts”, the previous single, “Deliver Me” is much more upbeat, but both songs have a bluesy, rock n’ roll undercurrent that I’m hoping is explored more on the rest of California Noise, and that these three truly find their own territory in this brand of nasty California punk.

Listen to the single below, and check out a recently released music video as well. Preorders via Broke Hatre.