"Black Ends’ self-described gunk-pop is about as sweet as that wad of asphalt-
crusted bubblegum you found stuck on the bottom of your favorite boots.
Much like the legendary grunge bands that influenced the Seattle trio, Black
Ends is artfully adept at smothering catchy pop and rock structures with toxic
levels of grime; but please don’t call them “post-grunge”, the term used to
describe the major label wave of flannel-clad bands trying to capitalize on
grunge’s aesthetic. If you must, “post-post-grunge” may be more apt at
capturing Black Ends’ reaction against this type of commercialization.
Further cementing this connection to the city’s rich musical history, the band’s
sophomore EP of surrealist grunge, Stay Evil, was mixed and mastered by
influential Seattle engineer Jack Endino (Nirvana’s Bleach, Mudhoney),
whose thoughtful treatments emphasize the dynamics and clarity of the
basement-recorded tracks without smoothing over their raw energy.
Bandleader Nicolle Swims takes charge with commanding guitar playing,
channeling catchy riffs and bluesy sensibilities through warped effects, scuzzy
tones, and math rock joltiness. Beloved radio station KEXP, who describes
the release as “a four-song foray into dark alternative rock, art-folk, and the
contours of our minds when we are faced with treachery,” exclaims that
“Swims’ instantly recognizable voice cuts through the din and grabs you,
holding you into place while they sing their words -- rubbed raw, cut deep,
sometimes willfully obfuscated -- in your face.” The recurring lyrical theme of
social alienation is enhanced by Swims’ unique and cryptic vocal delivery that
embraces their outsider status.
While both of their EP’s have garnered praise from multiple
publications and have sold out of physical copies, those who have
experienced Black Ends live know the band is most gripping in the context of
their electric and dynamic performances. Swims’ alien blues are backed by a
raucous rhythm section that seems to exponentially increase in telepathic
chemistry with each show, tour, and festival date they play. Bassist Ben
Swanson and drummer Jonny Modes are so tight they appear loose, like a
runaway train threatening to veer off the rails at any moment, yet somehow
managing to always be in the right place at the right time. Whether going off
into a noisy freakout or a jammy detour the trio is always in sync and able to
turn on a dime. If you haven’t had a chance to see Black Ends live, this is a
train you won’t want to miss."

- Jake Ingalls (@nofoodjustwax)

Sunshine and storm clouds converge at the core of Seattle’s harmony-heavy, Folky Rock and Roll band Small Paul.

Musically, Small Paul is a 4 headed collaborative effort that began fortuitously during the pandemic as a fusion of 4 musicians living in the same pod. 

While originally bonding over the shared love of Wings, NRBQ sounding records and singing harmony together late into the night, Small Paul became an outlet and excuse to reckon and engage with each individual's own past and present struggles and to use music as an outlet to create light out of dark days. Their debut album reflects themes of rebirth and renewal, and pulling oneself into the light. While songs like, “A Midnight Sun”, “Miner for a Dream”, “Live Along” reflect hope for better days today and ahead — “Some Love”, “I Don’t Wanna Die”, and “Sinkin’ like a Stone (acoustic)” are opportunities to reflect on the past and grow, and let go. Then there are lighter upbeat songs like “Laugh it Off” and “Amber Light”, which are reminders to not take yourself so seriously all the time. Furthermore, a reminder to try and have a healthy acceptance and perception of the unpredictability of life.

Come Alive & Live Again is the debut album from Small Paul. Produced by Erik Blood (Shabazz palaces, Tacocat, Moondoggies) in the fall of 2022. This is an album that sounds best on a long drive over the mountains or to the ocean.

Born in and raised Seattleite Kevin Murphy (leader of The Moondoggies) shares drumming and guitar duties with California’s born and raised Chris King (leader of the Chris King & The Gutterballs). Chris brings bandmate and collaborator Malcolm Roberts into the fold on bass guitar and harmony and Seth McDonald to fill it out on keyboard and harmony (member of hip-hop band All Star Opera). These different perspectives all pulled together create the vibe that is Small Paul.