Track Premiere: Ils – “Hail Mary”

Photo by James Rexroad

A lot of people keep saying noise rock is back and that’s thanks in part to The Ghost is Clear Records. The Kansas City label has been gaining attention in recent years for putting out some of the genre’s strongest material and they’re rapidly gaining momentum.

The newest one in the chamber is To End is to Begin, the sophomore LP by Portland’s Ils. The four-piece – featuring members of Black Elk, The Days The Nights, White Orange and Microtia – may write grimy pained noise, but it’s the rock parts that are endlessly catchy.

First single “Hail Mary” nails this while giving a taste of the risks the band took on the album. As drummer Tim Steiner said, “We weren’t afraid to experiment and push ourselves further than ever before. The title, To End is to Begin, reflects this exploration – dismantling expectations and forging its own path in noise rock.”

Bold words, but it’s pretty hard to argue. The album is set for release on August 8th, with preorders on clear or translucent orange available now. Listen to “Hail Mary” below.