Shadow in the Cracks “Shadow in the Cracks” 2015. Goner Records. Self-described as “Antarctic sheets of noise and melody celebrating the hopelessness of survival using a kick drum, Indian bells, guitars, vocals,” Shadow in the Cracks is the side-project of The Blind Shake’s Blaha brothers, Mike (vocals, baritone guitar) and Jim (guitar). The record is loud, dense and dark; it’s always amazing to me how just two musicians can engender this much musical force. Filled with wild guitar effects (“Timeless”) and heady exotic flavors (“800 Meters,” “Elephant Seal”), the Blaha brothers weave an ominous trance through the dark atmosphere. One YouTube commenter described their sound as Black Sabbath meets shoe gaze.

Joe went to see Shadow in the Cracks last week at Acme Records (I didn’t go: too tired and had to stay home with Vault-boy). At the in-store concert he picked up this record, got it autographed while chatting with the guys and took a few snapshots of the show. The Blind Shake will be playing at the Cactus Club later this month and that one I do plan to attend.