Bronson Arm
Casket Schwagg
Just one year ago, Bronson Arm - the duo of Blake Bickel and Garrett Yates - rattled the underground with the release of their self-titled debut album on Learning Curve. Using only baritone guitar, drums, and voice, the Kalamazoo, Michigan pair boldly introduced its singular style. The attack was as hard-hitting as hammers on anvils, with Yates' austere bludgeoning locked in unison with the thrumming of Bickel's dark, moody, baritone strings, yet the two understood that the spaces in between the notes can be as powerful as the assault. They honored emptiness as a haunting force all its own, resulting in minimalist anthems that swelled with tension before bursting open into cathartic hooks. Ominous like Sonic Youth, explosive like Fugazi, Bronson Arm's songs penetrated deep and ultimately sounded like no one else's. "Debauched sludge rock stompers chock-full of noise-rock quirks; fans of The Jesus Lizard, '68, and the like will fall in love instantly." Bandcamp "'Casket Schwagg' is a strong return which showcases Bronson Arm hitting their stride. The band finely fuses weight, rhythm, and tension into a compelling sound which grabs attention from the very first listen." Destroy//Exist "Blake Bickel's baritone guitar churns like a machine chewing gravel, Garrett Yates' drums slam down with cold precision, and Bickel's voice rises above, sharp and unyielding." Idioteq "Kalamazoo noise duo Bronson Arm are ready to serve up some surprisingly catchy noise rock on their upcoming sophomore album 'Casket Schwagg'... Consisting of baritone guitarist and vocalist Blake Bickel and drummer Garrett Yates, the group packs a huge punch with just two members." New Noise