Los Angeles’ Expose were born in 2019, as the brainchild of vocalist and drummer Trent Rivas, but since its embryonic stages as Rivas’ solo outlet, the experimental noise rock collective has expanded, taking on guitarists Jeff Stephens and Duke Guisness, synthesizer James Novick, bassist Jake Getz, viola player Coleman Sawyer, and saxophonist Brian Bartus alongside contributions from Ray Monde of the experimental psych-pop duo Monde UFO. Expose’s debut album, E., was released in 2019, while their second full-length, ETC., was released in January this year via the magnificent Italian label Quindi Records, based in Florence. On this second release, the LA outfit double-down on a unique blend of bloated guitar fuzz and grimy analogue synths, and come out with a curiously cosmic kind of kick-ass.

Their Mixtape: “Thanks for the opportunity to do this. Here’s some tracks selected by myself (Trent), James, and Jeff.”

JAMES NOVICK:

Don Cherry – Orient, pts. 1 & 2

Totally transcendent. 

Wire – Ambitious

Very underrated Wire track I think. The rest of this album isn’t great but this song rips. A lot of really cool vocal choices. I love the way he says “hot.”

JEFF STEPHENS:

Severed Heads – Always Randy

A prime example of something outside the realm of guitar music that serves as inspiration for the sound of Expose. Feels ahead of its time for 1981; the tone of the kick drum and the bass, the use of samples for textural and rhythmic effects, and the overall crisp production…really great stuff

Royal Trux – Follow the Winner

Raw and dirty while holding it down for mad science. I love the texture of the vocals and the way they sit in the mix. Catch, bombastic drums with killer riffs and guitar fills. All hail Royal Trux.

TRENT RIVAS:

Elevator to Hell – Made For You

Punk, raw, soft, simple. Guitar tone and the vocals get me on this one. A collage done so beautifully

The Hospitals – Hairdryer Peace Full Album

Easily one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. Inspires me in more ways than just making music.

Pere Ubu – Wasteland

I’ve always been a huge fan of repetition and straight to the point. Less is more.

ETC is out now via Quindi Records. Look HERE for more information on Expose.