Signal Chain: Weekly Noise Report (Dec 1 – Dec 7)

We’re deep in the end-of-year gear dump. The big brands are trying to empty your wallet before the holidays, and the underground boards are arguing about whether "transparent overdrive" is actually a thing (spoiler: it’s not).

If it doesn't survive a beer spill, we don't care. Here’s what’s making noise on the scene this week, brought to you by GEAREL—the only apparel built for the backstage.

The Gear Rack: Fresh Drops & Hot Trash

JHS x Third Man Hardware "Troika" Delay

Josh Scott and Jack White finally dropped their collaboration. It’s a "studio-grade" delay with a slider interface that looks like it was ripped off a Soviet mixing console. It’s built for vocalists and guitarists who like to mess with their signal chain mid-set. If you want to sound like No Name-era Jack, this is the ticket.

JHS Kilt V3 (10th Anniversary)

The cult classic dirt box is back. The "Kilt 10" refreshes the Expandora-style circuit with more headroom and a new enclosure. Perfect for pushing a tube amp until it begs for mercy.

Positive Grid Spark NEO Core

For the tour bus practicers. These are smart headphones with the amp built into them. Released around Nov 1, they’re getting hype for being a legit practice rig you can throw in a backpack.

OBNE Custom Shop

Old Blood Noise Endeavors just wrapped a "Custom Shop" run for the Dark Star, Black Fountain, Bathing and Sunlight pedals in 4,536 different combinations. The shoegaze kids are scrambling to grab these before the scalpers do.

The Subreddit Skim

Here’s what the boards are screaming about this week:

• r/guitarpedals: The feed is clogged with Troika Delay impressions. Half the sub thinks the sliders are genius; the other half is terrified of breaking them with a boot. Don't worry about your pedalboard aesthetic; we've got the threads for it.
• r/GuitarAmps: Are 4x12s and 100-Watt Heads Really Dead? With modelers like Kemper and Helix everywhere, it’s easy to feel like the old fire-breathing rigs have been pushed offstage in favor of USB sticks and FRFR wedges. The comments say otherwise.
• r/PostHardcore: Nostalgia trip incoming. The community voted Dance Gavin Dance’s self-titled album as the "Album of the Month" for December 2025.
• r/Indieheads: End-of-year lists are starting to roll out. The "Daily Music Discussion" is full of hot takes on 2025's best, with mentions of Nape Neck and Snooper for those who like their punk art-damaged and noisy.

The Noise Floor: Must-Watch Videos

Put these on while you restring your axe.

JHS Pedals - "Troika Delay Demo"

Josh Scott breaks down the slider workflow. Essential viewing if you're trying to figure out how to mount a pedal to a mic stand without looking like an idiot.
Watch Here →

Ola Englund - "Sunday With Ola"

A packed Sunday With Ola: Arch Enemy splits with Alissa White-Gluz, Cradle of Filth gets slapped with a lawsuit, Vitriol beef spills into the open, and Joe from Gojira wrecks his hand. 
Watch Here →

Gardiner Houlgate - "December 2025 Guitar Auction"

Want to see what you can't afford? They're auctioning off John Entwistle's Warwick Buzzard and some rare Gibsons. The preview video is pure gear porn.
Watch Here →