The creepy sampled dialog that opens City of Industry‘s latest full-length, Spiritual West—”I am not completely like other people…”—could just as easily apply to this dissonant, punishing Seattle hardcore trio. City of Industry—John Caraveo (vocals/guitar/synth/percussion), Jack Thompson (bass/backing vocals), Pablo Lara (drums/percussion)—delve into all kinds of sounds and musical approaches on their third album. Integrated into its metallic rage are elements of noise rock, ambient/industrial, post-metal, melancholy goth. The band easily moves from savage blasts to melodic guitar skree through the 10 tracks, all while Caraveo screams his guts out.
Spiritual West is a follow-up to 2020’s False Flowers and on its latest the trio defiantly shows it doesn’t follow a well-worn path. The album was recorded by Nich Wilbur (Mt. Eerie, Sumac) and mixed and mastered by Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Gouge Away). It’s set for release on November 11 via No Funeral Records and Modern Grievance. You can preorder vinyl from No Funeral here. The CD, cassette and digital versions are available from Modern Grievance here. In conjunction with the record’s release, City of Industry will embark on a West Coast tour, kicking off tonight (Nov. 10) in their hometown. See below for the full list of dates and venues.
Here’s what vocalist/guitarist Caraveo had to say about the new album:
“Spiritual West is, musically and lyrically, the most honest, raw, and poignant piece of work I’ve ever done. In the past two years I’ve experienced the death of some people very close to me. I am facing the fact that every single relationship we have will undoubtedly come to an end, in one way or another. I am facing my own imminent death. I am realizing how small and insignificant I am, and every other person who has lived or will live.
“I don’t want to fit in or seek the ‘scene’s’ approval in any way. I want to be myself, all the time, one hundred percent. Unapologetic aggression. Knowing I can be myself and be honest and sleep well at night.”
