Image via Dischord Records.

“Khmer Avatar,” the first single from newly minted trio Alarms & Controls, kicks off with a frenetic, but controlled melody that makes no secret of the layered musical talent of the bands three members, guitarist/vocalist Chris Hamley, drummer Vin Novara, and bassist Arthur Noll (original bassist Michael Honch left the group shortly after recording). Their controlled brand of spastic rock in “Khmer Avatar,” kind of plays out like a history lesson in D.C. hardcore, with overt melodic nods to the frantic stylings of kindred spirits Shudder to Think, New Wet Kojak, and The Dismemberment Plan. The trio’s rhythm section, unbound by simple time signatures, gives the track a sort of anxious energy that, rather than slow-building, explodes right from the first note. Their debut LP, Clovis Points, is set to be released November 19th from Dischord Records. You can pre-order it now.