Cincinnati-based indie label Phratry Records has a roster of artists that capture that raw, underground vibe of late ’80s/early ’90s Punk and Post Punk (Knife the Symphony, Mad Anthony, Covington, etc.). The label also has a soft spot for the formats popular then, namely vinyl. Having already released vinyl versions of a few of their releases, the folks at Phratry recently announced a series of 7-inch singles featuring some of the area’s best bands. —-
The first two 45s come out June 23. One, carrying on another classic old-school tradition — the “split,” wherein two artists share a release — features Caterpillar Tracks on one side and Arms Exploding on the other. Local fans will be able to pick up a copy early, when the bands perform a release show at the Southgate House on June 12.
The other initial 45 release is from fiery Funk/Punk trio The Read. The band didn’t have to share either — they’ll have both sides of their 7-inch, with “Party Lines” on Side A and “YR Garbage” on Side B. The Read release is the band’s first official one, following a raw demo the band had been giving out for free at its shows for the past couple of years. The release party for The Read 7-inch is slated for June 13 at the Bike Haus (the old Publico). (The band also plays tonight at the BunkSpot.)
Purchasers of the singles also receive a code that allows you to download the tracks for free (for those sans turntable).
Phratry’s Jerry Dirr says there are several other singles in the works, including ones by artists from Chicago and Portland.
This article appears in May 13-19, 2009.