With all the excitement of Kowloon Walled City‘s new LP Grievances (out October 9, 2015) I thought it would be appropriate to do a “Nine Circles ov” for them. So if you need an introductory course in the band look no further. This list will include tracks off of their three major releases (excluding their splits). So read on and enjoy one of the best bands currently rocking.

If you haven’t noticed, I love Kowloon Walled City. Terrific band full of hilarious, personable dudes making music that infects most-to-all of your vital organs. Hopefully this list of nine tracks will give you an idea about the progression of the band since their first true release, Turk Street back in 2008 (which we covered with more depth in a retrospective). Again, none of their splits are included here but their split with New Orlean’s sludge-doom heroes Thou (on which Kowloon Walled City covered “July” by Low and Thou covered “4th of July” by Soundgarden) is a must listen.

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“My Hands are Turning Into Bricks” (Turk Street, 2008)

Probably my single favorite Kowloon Walled City song. With instruments akin to machinations of a metal factory, “My Hands are Turning Into Bricks” is a groove-oriented, banger of a track.

“Inheritance” (Turk Street, 2008)

One of the more upbeat and “hard” songs Kowloon Walled City has ever produced, “Inheritance” is an inspiring track full of halting rhythms and guitar breaks.

“Clockwork” (Gambling on the Richter Scale, 2009)

Gambling on the Richter Scale was Kowloon Walled City’s first LP and their last album with Jason Pace on guitar. The album featured thicker guitar work but also sparse accompaniment to the vocals.

“Paper Houses” (Gambling on the Richter Scale, 2009)

A track that reveals Kowloon Walled City’s often under appreciated touch for melody and drama, “Paper Houses” flows like thick pudding.

“Gambling on the Richter Scale” (Gambling on the Richter Scale, 2009)

Hard not to include all title tracks on lists like this. “Gambling on the Richter” scale was a foray into the world of cleaner guitars for Kowloon Walled City while also a throwback to much heavier days of Post-Hardcore (think Neurosis).

“50’s Dad” (Container Ships, 2012)

In between Gambling on the Richter Scale and Container Ships Kowloon Walled City took a few years off, lost Jason Pace to daily life and gained Jon Howell as his replacement. The band took a decidedly sparser approach to songwriting while maintaining straight-forward, aggressive vocal and lyrical styles.

“Beef Cattle” (Container Ships, 2012)

Despite bassist Ian Miller being an outspoken vegan, “Beef Cattle” heavily features the signature down-tuned bass of Mr. Miller. The bass is the backbone of Kowloon Walled City so Mr. Miller’s basswork is key to their success.

“Container Ships” (Container Ships, 2012)

Once again, another title track thrown onto a Top 9 list. This one on the noisier side and slower side. “Container Ships” is a track that closely links Kowloon Walled City’s past to their future.

“You Don’t Have Cancer” (Container Ships, 2012)

I’m a sucker for hilariously named songs, so “You Don’t Have Cancer” clearly makes this list. Also, it’s a sparse, melodic song with a near mournful bend to it.

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Get excited because Kowloon Walled City’s third LP, Grievances will be released shortly via Neurot Records.

– Manny-O-War