As you may or may not know, Lightning Bolt is one of my all time favorite bands. It’s the reason why they are affixed to the banner atop this blog (I took that picture the first time I saw them, in Buffalo, NY) I have spent many days listening to their entire output in one sitting, and I’ve been fortunate enough to see them live twice. If they ever came to Portland or Eugene, I would definitely drop everything and see them, and I would highly encourage you to do the same when they come to your town.

This track, appearing out of nowhere, doesn’t seem to be promoting any new releases or a tour. This is just a 20 minute free-wheeling jam that sounds similar to work from the band’s first album. Of course all of the typical Lightning Bolt characteristics are in place: frantic, non-stop drumming,  a bass line that explores one chromatic, melodic, minimalist riff for an extended period of time before moving on to the next idea and of course everything is played at full volume throughout.

If you listen through the track in its entirety you’ll hear a few magical moments when the Brians lock into an intense groove, even if it only lasts for a few seconds.  From the bandcamp page:

A 20 minute Jam recorded in the Hillarious Attic, Lair of the Lightning Bolt on 1.31.11. Straight to our trusty Tascam 420 cassette 4 track. No edits, No worries. The track might start a little discombobulated, but it congeals, soars. Swallows itself. Please download for free or send a little cash to help patch the leaks in the boat. thanks

The lyrics are beyond us now.

And then the tape just ran out.