Walt McClements is an accordionist, multi-instrumentalist and composer based in Los Angeles. His solo
compositions focus on processed accordion, creating patient and emotional meditations that nod to drone
and ambient music. His debut record, “A Hole in the Fence” was released in 2021 on American Dreams, and
utilized a minimal palette of accordions processed through pedals to create glacial soundscapes and odes to
hidden worlds. On his latest record, and first for Western Vinyl, “On a Painted Ocean”, he expands his sonic
tools to include lush synths, droning pipe organs, and spirited horns, creating a vibrant journey from solitary
stillness to community exuberance. The record also follows last year’s “Rain on the Road”, a collaborative
album with harpist Mary Lattimore, released on Thrill Jockey.
Despite their brief year-long tenure, Durham, NC, metal 5-piece Cry of the Forgotten left a deep impression
on Triangle show-goers at the turn of the millennium. COTF’s sound incorporated elements of hardcore
and thrash, but formidable epic metal comprised the bulk of their musical DNA. The melodic and virtuosic
guitar riffs of lead guitarist Mike Lamb (Autarch, Stoned to Death); the brutal pounding of then-teenage
phenom Brandon Ferrell’s drumming (Municipal Waste, Direct Control); and vocalist T Clayton’s
penetrating scream created a sound that was as unmistakable as it was devastatingly brutal. Completing their
sound was the forceful chugging of rhythm guitarist Jonas West (Gun Metal Black), and the shared bass
duties of Geoff Register (i/o, Sleepsound) and Ryland Fishel (Tooth). Interesting rhythmic patterns,
satisfying breakdowns and a high standard of technical precision belied the musician’s young ages. Despite
being short-lived, they became an important fixture in the local music scene, packing local venues and
houses and playing alongside metal staples like Mastodon and Shai Hulud. Sadly, both drummer Brandon
and guitarist Mike Lamb tragically had their lives cut short, and as a memorial to their friend, two remaining
members T Clayton and Jonas West are bringing the songs of Cry of the Forgotten back to life for a special
show near the anniversary of Mike’s passing. They will be joined by Mikey Pogoloff on guitar (Gun Metal
Black, Feast Upon Thy Brother), bassist Franco Raye (Idea of Beauty, Classic Case), and drummer Evan
Lansberry (Gun Metal Black, Feast Upon Thy Brother). Alongside special guests, they will be playing the
entirety of their self-titled, self- recorded 2001 album.
https://mikelambdiscography.bandcamp.com/album/cry-of-the-forgotten-2
