Seattle-based musician Jesse Damm, known as It Sound, expands his visceral sonic world with It’s Called Blood, a new LP that embraces DIY urgency and post-punk devotion — particularly inspired by “London’s post-punk heyday.” He crafts a vivid, shape-shifting atmosphere that draws from influences like Velvets, A Certain Ratio, and Pink Industry. Amplified by striking artwork from Parisian illustrator Pascal Le Gras and select collaborators, the album is a consuming overall experience.
“Clean Feet and a Steady Beat” opens the album with a grooving intrigue, melding hazy pit-pattering percussion and swelling guitar prominence — from subdued murmuring into a twanging vibrancy. Ensuing track “About You” embraces a more electric allure, fondly reminiscent of Wire in its concise vocal unveilings and droning guitar elements. “The Calendar Bit-Bit” then struts a sludgy charm, its traversing lyrical sense and repeating vocal hypnotics stirring within the contrasts of debonair bass, guitar twangs, and a squeal-y synth effect.
Another standout track comes via “Likely Just 8,” featuring Caithlin De Marrais. Dual-vocal dreaminess coexists with wandering guitars and thumping rhythmic appeal. Caressing synths ease in with warm impact, overall forming an aesthetic that reminds of Momus. Elsewhere, “Let’s Run Far From Here” captivates in its layered precision — infusing a post-punk guitar sturdiness with serene jangles and shaking percussive playfulness. Ethereal vocals — repeating “there’s no room…” — bolster the replay-inducing soundscape, showcasing the project’s lusher capabilities. It Sound’s It’s Called Blood is a fantastic showcase of Jesse Damm’s artistic vision, merging post-punk grit, restless experimentation, and vivid soundscapes with strongly memorable results.
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