COALTAR OF THE DEEPERS / BORIS

Hello There

Dog Knights Productions US

Japanese fuzzed out psych-tinged post-rock monoliths Boris never seem to rest on their laurels for long. Just last year, they repressed the first instalment of their three Heavy Rocks albums (originally released in 2002), and unveiled the grinding Bright New Disease collab LP with industrial hardcore outfit Uniform. That's before even mentioning the surprise Fade LP that landed at the tail end of 2022. Starting 2024 as they mean to go on, their latest endeavour is a years-in-the-making split album with Tokyo alternative space-rockers Coaltar Of The Deepers, featuring both re-recorded versions of older cuts as well as both acts covering one another's material. Boris member Takeshi has often cited COTD as a major influence, with the band even covering 'To The Beach' in 2019, which was, in turn, produced by COTD leader Narasaki. Now, finally arriving at Hello There, we have Boris providing an oppressive rendition of COTD's 2007 track 'Serial Tear', while the band return the favour with a more ethereal, aquatic re-imagining of Boris' 2014 single 'Melody'. That's before even touching COTD's cover of The Cure's 'Killing Another', which needs to be absorbed with as little outsider input as possible, so we'll shhh now and leave this long-gestating gem in your very capable hands and ears.