{"title":"Karate","description":"\u003cp\u003eAll \u003cstrong\u003eKarate\u003c\/strong\u003e albums available at Música Autónoma: vinyl records, new releases, and items shipped from Spain. Reissues, limited editions, and new rock releases; the catalog is updated daily.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"karate-pockets-lp","title":"Karate - Pockets - LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eHere is a review of \u003cem\u003ePockets\u003c\/em\u003e, following the same style:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKarate – \u003cem\u003ePockets\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReleased in 2004, \u003cem\u003ePockets\u003c\/em\u003e is one of Karate's most refined, personal, and mature albums. Coming almost a decade after their debut, the album showcases the Boston band at a moment of absolute creative confidence, developing their distinctive language with immense precision, in which post-hardcore, jazz, blues, and indie rock coexist without the need for labels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy this point, Karate had already come a long way from the more angular and minimalist tension of their early work. On \u003cem\u003ePockets\u003c\/em\u003e, the band formed by Geoff Farina, Jeff Goddard, and Gavin McCarthy opts for more open and sophisticated compositions, where intensity does not arise from distortion or speed, but from space, dynamics, and the extraordinary communication between its three musicians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeoff Farina's guitar is once again one of the album's great axes. His lines, influenced by jazz and blues, move with an apparently simple naturalness, avoiding excess and letting each note find its place. His voice, sober and restrained, reinforces the intimate character of songs that seem to be built from observation and emotional tension rather than from explosion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeff Goddard's bass and Gavin McCarthy's drums form one of the most unique rhythm sections in independent rock of the era. On \u003cem\u003ePockets\u003c\/em\u003e, their importance becomes even more evident: the rhythms are flexible, precise, and capable of transforming apparently quiet songs into pieces charged with internal movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe album includes some of the most outstanding compositions from Karate's final period. Songs like , \u003cstrong\u003e“Tow Truck” \u003c\/strong\u003eor \u003cstrong\u003e“Water” \u003c\/strong\u003eshow a band capable of developing complex ideas without losing clarity. The songs breathe, grow slowly, and find their strength in small changes of pace, silences, and accumulated tensions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePockets\u003c\/em\u003e is an album that demands attention. It does not seek to conquer from the first impact nor offer big immediate choruses. Its richness appears in the details: a bass line that changes slightly, an unexpected drum beat, a guitar phrase that opens a new space within the song. Karate work with economy of means, but manage to make each element have enormous weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lyrics continue exploring themes common in Geoff Farina's universe: human relationships, distance, lack of communication, and uncertainty. However, everything appears expressed from a restrained, almost everyday perspective, avoiding grand gestures and letting emotions filter through little by little between the songs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith \u003cem\u003ePockets\u003c\/em\u003e, Karate demonstrated that their evolution toward jazz and blues did not mean a break with their post-hardcore past, but rather a natural consequence of their way of understanding music. The tension was still there, it had simply changed form.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BCORE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55553250558279,"sku":"BCORE-62056","price":44.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0805\/0475\/0407\/files\/R-37093920-1776441647-1197.jpg?v=1792864224"},{"product_id":"karate-karate-lp-color","title":"Karate - Karate - LP - Color","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eKarate\u003c\/em\u003e is the debut album by one of the most distinctive bands to emerge from the American underground of the 1990s. Formed in Boston around Geoff Farina, Jeff Goddard, and Gavin McCarthy, Karate appeared at a time when post-hardcore was beginning to push its boundaries, but from the outset they made it clear that they were going to take a different path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFar from the explosive urgency of hardcore, Karate built a sound based on restraint, space, and tension. Their debut already features many of the characteristics that would define their career: clean, angular guitars, precise rhythms, understated melodies, and an approach to intensity that does not need to rely constantly on distortion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe album moves between post-hardcore, indie rock, and certain echoes of jazz, though still in a more intuitive way than in their later work. The songs unfold with a deceptive calm: riffs repeat, silences become significant, and every small change in dynamics seems carefully placed. Karate understand economy as a form of expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeoff Farina's vocals and guitar are the emotional center of the album. His almost restrained singing style, far from the usual excesses of rock, brings a sense of distance and vulnerability that fits perfectly with the music. Around him, Jeff Goddard's bass and Gavin McCarthy's drums build a flexible and precise rhythmic foundation, essential to the development of the songs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn \u003cem\u003eKarate\u003c\/em\u003e, you can still sense a band searching for and defining its identity, but that is precisely where much of its appeal lies. It is not a completely polished debut, nor does it pretend to be: it is the document of a group discovering a different way of making rock, moving away from both indie clichés and post-hardcore formulas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the years, Karate would evolve toward an even more personal sound, gradually incorporating elements of jazz, blues, and minimalist rock on albums such as \u003cem\u003eIn Place of Real Insight\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Bed Is in the Ocean\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eUnsolved\u003c\/em\u003e. But it all starts here: the seed of one of the most distinctive and cohesive discographies in American indie rock was already present on this first album.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeard today, \u003cem\u003eKarate\u003c\/em\u003e retains a special freshness. Understated, restless, and deeply atmospheric, it is a debut that finds its strength in restraint and demonstrates that rock can also be intense when it decides to turn down the volume. An essential work for discovering the first steps of a band that would end up building a completely original language.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BCORE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55553251344711,"sku":"BCORE-49140","price":44.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0805\/0475\/0407\/files\/R-653396-1156330475.jpg?v=1792864234"},{"product_id":"karate-unsolved-2xlp","title":"Karate - Unsolved - 2xLP","description":"\u003cp\u003eSome bands evolve gradually, but then there’s Karate, which with “Unsolved” decided to push the boundaries of their own sound for good. While previous albums still blended Dischord-rooted post-hardcore, indie rock, and certain dynamics inherited from Fugazi, here the Boston trio fearlessly ventures into much more open territory, where jazz, slowcore, and post-rock take center stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat’s remarkable is that they do so without losing their identity. Geoff Farina’s guitars still possess that unmistakable elegance, but now they breathe more, leaving room for silence and improvisation. Songs like “Sever,” “Small Fires,” and “One Less Blues” unfold with an almost hypnotic naturalness, as if the band were more interested in building atmospheres than in seeking immediate choruses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Unsolved” is one of those albums that demands time. It isn’t made to impress on the first listen, but to accompany you for years. A sophisticated, warm, and deeply personal work that many fans still consider one of the pinnacles of their career. For those who enjoy the intersection of Slint, Talk Talk, Codeine, and Karate’s more adventurous side, here is this little masterpiece waiting to be rediscovered.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BCORE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55553251508551,"sku":"BCORE-50953","price":58.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0805\/0475\/0407\/files\/R-26965664-1683143187-9990.jpg?v=1792864242"},{"product_id":"karate-the-bed-is-in-the-ocean-lp-color","title":"Karate - The Bed Is In The Ocean - LP - Color","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Bed Is in the Ocean\u003c\/em\u003e is one of Karate's key albums and, for many, the exact point where the band found its most personal sound. Released in 1998, it blends post-hardcore, slowcore, and an almost jazzy sensibility in a completely natural way, moving away from any restrictive label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interesting thing about this album is that balance between tension and calm: songs that seem restrained, but gradually build up until they explode. Tracks like \u003cem\u003eThe Same Stars\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eNot to Call the Police\u003c\/em\u003e perfectly summarize their unique way of sounding intense without needing to rush. Many fans consider it the best entry point to their discography because it connects the energy of their early records with the sophistication of their final era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn essential reference for those who enjoy bands like Slint, Codeine, or the less obvious side of Dischord Records. One of those albums that might not click at first, but when it does, it ends up staying on the shelf... and on the turntable for a long time.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BCORE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55553251606855,"sku":"BCORE-45010","price":48.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0805\/0475\/0407\/files\/R-21939148-1643598179-1101.jpg?v=1792864248"},{"product_id":"karate-make-it-fit-lp-color","title":"Karate - Make It Fit - LP - Color","description":"","brand":"BCORE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55553251705159,"sku":"BCORE-54757","price":49.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0805\/0475\/0407\/files\/R-31849535-1727494118-9100.jpg?v=1792864259"},{"product_id":"karate-if-you-can-hold-your-breath-5xlp","title":"Karate - If You Can Hold Your Breath - 5xLP","description":"\u003cp\u003eLP1 S\/T\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA1 Gasoline\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA2 If You Can Hold Your Breath\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA3 Trophy\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA4 What Is Sleep?\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nA5 – – –\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nB1 Bad Tattoo\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nB2 Every Sister\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nB3 Bodies\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nB4 Caffeine Or Me?\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nLP2 In Place Of Real Insight\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nC1 This, Plus Slow Song\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nC2 New Martini\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nC3 Wake Up, Decide\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nC4 It’s 98 Stop\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nD1 New New\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nD2 The New Hangout Condition\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nD3 On Cutting\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nD4 Die Die\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nD5 Today Or Tomorrow\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nLP3 The Bed Is In The Ocean\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nE1 There Are Ghosts\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nE2 The Same Stars\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nE3 Diazapam\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nE4 The Last Wars\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nE5 Bass Sounds\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nF1 Up Nights\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nF2 Fatal Strategies\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nF3 Outside Is The Drama\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nF4 Not To Call The Police\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLP4 Demo\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nG1 Cherry Coke\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nG2 Remembering To Forget\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nG3 Hard Song\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nG4 First Time\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nH1 Dating Is Stupid\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nH2 Starfish\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nH3 Schwinn\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nH4 Remembering Reprise\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nLP5 7” and EPs\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nI1 Death Kit\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nI2 Nerve\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nI3 Cherry Coke (7inch version)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nJ4 The Schwinn (7inch version)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nJ5 Operation: Sand\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nJ6 Empty There\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VINYLORA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55561323577671,"sku":"VINYLORA-125964","price":132.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0805\/0475\/0407\/files\/125964.jpg?v=1792938876"},{"product_id":"karate-the-bed-is-in-the-ocean-lp-color-1","title":"Karate - The Bed Is In The Ocean - LP - Color","description":"\u003cp\u003eSplattered Vinyl\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ALTA FIDELIDAD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55562001842503,"sku":"ALTAFIDELIDAD-63218","price":45.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0805\/0475\/0407\/files\/Karate-The-Bed-Is-In-The-Ocean.jpg?v=1792947483"},{"product_id":"karate-unsolved-2xlp-1","title":"Karate - Unsolved - 2xLP","description":"\u003cp\u003e25th Anniversary Edition\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ALTA FIDELIDAD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55562001940807,"sku":"ALTAFIDELIDAD-58591","price":55.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0805\/0475\/0407\/files\/karate-Unsolved-vinilo.jpg?v=1792947486"}],"url":"https:\/\/hcpunk.com\/en\/collections\/karate.oembed","provider":"MÚSICA AUTÓNOMA","version":"1.0","type":"link"}