The High Confessions

The High Confessions, based in Chicago, quietly introduced themselves to the world in February, when metal label Relapse announced it would release the group's debut. The minimal fanfare was surprising considering the band's membership: Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth, Chris Connelly (solo artist and ex-member of Revolting Cocks and Ministry), Sanford Parker (Minsk, Nachtmystium), and recording engineer Jeremy Lemos. That pedigree unsurprisingly produced a solid album, a five-song collection of epic, improvisational post-rock that has teeth. Vocalist Connelly stepped away a bit from the croon he's favored over his solo career to re-embrace fiery exclamations of his RevCo days. It bodes well for the band's second album, which is already completed.

Updated 07/16/2010