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Smoke Bellow is a funky, trippy, philosophically minded post-punk trio conceived in Australia but lately operating out of Baltimore. Its founders, Meredith McHugh and Christian Best, have made three albums together; their new drummer Emmanuel Nicolaidus used to play in the much-loved Baltimore noise-punk-experimental trio, Thank you. Their latest album, made during the throes of the Pandemic, is called Open for Business, and it is considerably spikier and more rhythmic than past endeavors. In her review, Jennifer Kelly wrote, “Smoke Bellow proceeds irregularly on this third full-length, letting bass lines wander in loose conjunction with artful splatters and clashes of percussion. Post-punk, but in a muted, trippy way, the band bounces dreamily from one surrealist landscape to the next.” Here, McHugh and Best list some of the music that inspired them.
It is so nice to be asked to do these sorts of things. Generally, when we start thinking about writing a new record, we will compile a playlist of songs and art to guide our thoughts. This list is but a few that helped steer us through this writing process.
Thanks heaps for asking us! — Christian & Meredith.
The Honeymoon Killers — “Decollage”
This song was introduced to us by our wonderful friend, Jason Willett who runs a local Baltimore record store called the True Vine. This must be the best bassline of all time? It’s so dry and elastic. The production is ideal as well. The video features a spy plot, berets, sabotage, a Cessna!
Mope Grooves — Desire
This record took us by surprise. All gems, right through. The production is lovely and gritty. The sounds and textures are so well thought out. A masterpiece.
Wume — “We Go Further”
Hands down our favorite Baltimore band. They manage to make heady, joyous and danceable electronic music. Al Schatz is such an inspiration for creating interesting synth sounds and April Camlin is as close as I’ve seen to a meld between Jaki Liebezeit and Klaus Dinger. The video is a special bonus as it is made by another lovely Baltimore fellow — Matmos’ M.C. Schmidt. An inspiring band!
The Gist — “Assured Energy”
One of our favorite bands of all time is the Young Marble Giants. The first time we heard this song by the Gist was on the radio in the car, on the way home from swimming in a river. Later, we found out that The Gist are a super group started by Stuart Moxham from Young Marble Giants, and included members of Swell Maps, Essential Logic and Vivien Goldman too! There is still the suggestion of YMG, but this song feels like a perfectly fleshed out version of their skeletal sound.
Norman Salant — “Golden Arm”
Live version (beaming face at 1:41!):
Out of all the songs on this list, we have listened to this one the most. The pared back and repetitive bass, drums and guitar allow the dual saxophones to breathe and play off each other in conversation. There is a live version that features the beaming enthusiastic face of the guitarist, pure joy!
Victoria Hannan — Kokomo
Our lovely friend Victoria wrote this incredible book. It really speaks to the complex relationship we have with Australia/Australian culture, with living away from our families, the beauty of our close friendships and chosen families. Victoria has provided the cover images for every record we have released so far. We even named a song after her on this record. We just couldn’t be prouder of her achievements!
Furniture — “Why are we in love”
This band was introduced to us by a friend (thanks Phil!). The clarinet line is magical. The driving percussion is perfect. The jagged guitar jumping in is jarring in the best way. The lyrics are very, very earnest which at first made us feel uncomfortable, but now we like them. There is something about the overall tone of this recording that takes you into the room with them. It’s the best kind of documentation that sounds exactly like a time and place.
Anna Domino — “Every day I don’t”
There is just something so natural and effortless about this song. It sounds like it was written instantly. The meandering guitar acts as the guide through the song, and the vocals are perfectly reserved and simple. We first heard this song on a very hot day, the kind of day that makes your mind slow down and your muscles feel floppy. This song matches that feeling.
Suburban Lawns — “Flavor Crystals”
We are obsessed with this song. It never fails to motivate silly dance. The lyrics are hilarious. Su Tissue rules.
D’Metrius Rice
Demi is the most prolific artist we know. His work is kinetic, psychedelic and incredibly direct. He keeps evolving at an unmatchable pace, with each new iteration retaining the essence of what made his work so enthralling all along. Follow his Instagram feed here.
