When I was seized last week by a mysterious compulsion to search madly for information on Kurt and Asa from Feathers’ metal side-project (which is called Embalmed by Vastness- more on them at a later date), I stumbled across an unlikely collaboration they had struck up: one with J. Mascis and Dave Sweetapple, in a heavy metal band named Witch; I was even more surprised to see that Kurt sings and writes the lyrics, Asa plays guitar, Mascis is on drums (!!), and Dave is on bass. Both songs I’ve heard are amazing.

‘Rip Van Winkle’ features Kurt’s version of the titular story, sung in his light, airy voice (cuts through the snariness of Asa’s riffs and Dave’s tarred bass), there’s a strong melody to the song, but hell- most of this is about Asa’s guitar, which is showcased at every turn, quick pit stops and flare-ups during the song, where Asa rolls out note upon shimmering note. The climax, at 3:52- with Kurt screaming "he had grown old" (Rip’s shock in the story providing the dramatic tension here), and the mirrored grief of the guitar and bass along with a flash of temper from Mascis’ drums- makes this song spectacular (I esp. love that little breakdown that ends the track).

Posted by Kevin