Zorch

Shmu

Video: Shmu’s “House of Stares”

Shmu: Discipline / CommunicationShmu: Discipline / Communication (Grand Theft Zamboni, 6/5/12)

Multi-instrumentalist/singer Shmu — otherwise known as Sam Chown or the percussion half of Austin synth-prog duo Zorch — is about to make his solo debut in June with Discipline / Communication.

Compared to the manic sensibilities of Zorch, Shmu brings a more chilled-out vibe with elements of pop and shoegaze, opting for some serious grooves rather than spacey synths.

The video for the album’s first single, “House of Stares,” is highly infectious due to Chown’s vocal harmonies, catchy xylophone loops, and guitar accents — all while a grown man rocks some carnival-ready onesie pajamas.

Morrow vs. Hajduch

Morrow vs. Hajduch: Zorch’s Demo EP

Scott Morrow is ALARM’s music editor. Patrick Hajduch is a very important lawyer. Each week they debate the merits of a different album.

Zorch: DemoZorch: Demo (3/8/11)

Zorch: “Zut Alore!”

[audio:https://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Zorch_Zut_Alore.mp3|titles=Zorch: “Zut Alore!”]

Morrow: Zorch is a frantic instrumental-rock duo that used its debut EP to present swirling keyboard arpeggios, baritone synth grooves, and hyperactive beats that ever-so-slightly recall Zach Hill (after he comes down from speed).  Originally recorded and released on a small scale in 2009, Demo is seeing a re-release and new press push, thanks to a series of SXSW dates and some love from NPR.

Hajduch: “Zut Alore!” the opening track, actually fails the “instrumental” test with its four-bar chant that closes the track out.  There’s a nice riff backed with some big drums and a “bass line,” as it were, provided by a Fender Rhodes.  It’s simultaneously hooky and spastic; they find a way to nail that delicate balance that Lightning Bolt has made its wheelhouse.