White Suns Totem

Totem is rock music realizing its obsolescence; the work of a band compelled to mutate. Exploring the intersection of punk and electronics, White Suns sculpt organic noise with detuned guitars, amplified drums and makeshift electronics, oscillating between crushingly dense assaults and articulate hushed passages. While retaining the signature onslaught of previous works, Totem is tempered by deadened stares and slow-burn instrumentals. The album was recorded by renowned engineer Martin Bisi (Sonic Youth, Swans, Foetus) at his labyrinthine BC Studio compound.

Comprised of members Kevin Barry, Dana Matthiessen and Rick Visser, the Brooklyn band has existed since 2006 and released two full-length albums, Waking in the Reservoir (ugEXPLODE, 2011) and Sinews (Load, 2012), along with a handful of small-run releases. Their output has garnered accolades from The New Yorker, SPIN, Pitchfork and Tiny Mix Tapes, among others. White Suns have toured the US extensively and built a reputation as a threatening and intense live act.