The internet is pretty lousy with noise projects. A discouraging number of them you could do without. There are standouts though. More than I could make the time to write about, but still, not as many as I'd like. So when I come across one that feels really special, I have to stop to shout it out. Clamor Tera's Demo is just such a project.
The Maryland artist describes themselves alternatively as "skramz-pop" and "industrial jass." These paired with the aluminum quality of their production and the very deep-fried meme visual aesthetics they've adopted, the band appears on the surface to be a vicious troll. But even if everything about this record is meant to raise your heckles, it all still works. It feels like a cohesive and compelling statement, and that is maybe the most trolly aspect about it.
The lofi sensibilities of this Demo allow these songs to discover some beautifully apocalyptic places, and crispy visuals match the crunchy quality of the mix deliciously. Most of these songs, especially openers "DONTBOTHERCHASINGMICE" and "JELLYJELLYSUNSET," are couched more in moody, shoegaze than screamo, but I'd be at a loss to describe the vocals and pensive shudder of the guitar work of "CURBS" and "June" without referring to groups like Saetia or pg.99., and "MYLONGESTYEAHBOIEVER1.0" definitely has a kind of sprawling, high-minded sense of progression and jabbering groove that I generally associate with free jazz.
There is more to unpack here, but this is definitely one of those albums that you will get more from listening to than reading about. Clamor Tera makes an impressive and challenging first impression. Let their Demo into your life, and let it demolish your senses.
