AFCGT: s/t

Label: Sub Pop

This confounding acronym means that the dark forces behind this imposing vinyl-only release are two of Seattle’s best rock-related acts, the crushing geometrists of A-Frames and the haunted sound-searchers Climax Golden Twins (who share at least one member). The latter band’s formal relation to rock is tenuous, though it’s worth noting that such fringe-dwellers often bring an unpredictably maniacal approach when they do turn their demonic gaze to the white man’s blues. And um, yeah, wow…this record is extremely high-wattage and no small amount — how you say? — effed up! Climax Golden Twins’ own recordings are woolly excursions that have featured old/new lost and found sounds, ghosts, alien transmissions and any sound-producing object under the demon sun. A-Frames are masters of detonation, weird and powerful. Their highly recommended collision here results in all of the above and more: “Nacht” is a clattering, spare tribal workout with a deep vocal invoking something dark and necessary; “Two Legged Dog” suggests Flipper covering Can; and “Reasonably Nautical” is just six minutes of sheer terror. Climax Golden Twins know from terror: They scored the flawed but creepy-as-hell 2001 film Session 9. This bizarre record will leave you bleeding and happy! (M.L. Thrope)