Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Jacques de Villiers More Wind For Lonely Suburbs EP (2010, Jacques de Villiers)


The sophomore album of Jacques de Villiers, an ambient musician from Cape Town. More Wind For Lonely Suburbs is the fine follow-up to Sleepsongs, having embraced a drift between gorgeous harmonies and microtonal noise, reminiscent of Tim Hecker`s works 6-8 years ago. Compared it tightly to his previous work, the elements of drone and shoegaze are invisibly disappeared and the piano chords up to do carry over the room and the subtle undercurrents of borealic digital noise give a broad way to emotions to be opened and dilated. However, only 3 tracks are represented here: Oceanic Preamble, Written For You After You Left Us ning Wednesday, 18 July 1945 (A Perfect Winter's Day).

Download it from here

9.6

Friday, September 17, 2010

[Old but important] 8bit Betty Too Bleep To Blop (Hippocamp)


If to check out for the legendary Manchesterian label Hippocamp`s (being on hiatus at the moment) download rates at Archive.org you can see Bryan Teoh`s album Too Bleep To Blop sharing bravely the second place more than 40 000 times (not included the other download sites and servers). Vox populi vox dei. Although five years have passed since the release date Teoh`s sounds have been very refreshing up today yet. 7 tracks, based prinicipially on the numbers of chiptune/8-bit/chipbreak/tracker music, being part of this (those) genre (genres), within it recent computer music was started off approximately two and a half decades ago, and maintained (cult) popularity to date as well. Teoh is obviously one of those most ardent musicians I have had the privilege to listen to. No doubt. Ablaze breakcore rhythms, subtle pace changes, great harmonic sweetness coming forth through autotuned vocals and elements of lollipop and shibuya-kei - even more else, the echoes of indie/shoegaze music can be heard from therein. The American's ante is performed on the covering of 8bit`s very technical nature with a lot of emotions and life sense. If to mention all of those extraordinary tracks as And I Know That You're Happy (Ballad of the Lonesome Spaceboy), Reading Rainbow, Nikoma's Theme (Extended Mix) Spooky Loop, the Green Kangaroo, "Blast Off!, it may be viewed as a tautological array because Too Bleep To Blop consists actually of 7 tracks only. Teoh`s comeback with his new releases would be very recommended in any case. We miss you, Bryan!

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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Teacups - Songs about Yarn (Rack & Ruin)


Rack & Ruin Records is certainly one of the fewest labels which has the ability to astonish the melomans at times. The album of 16 tracks gets involved in interesting aspirations. The main feature is to "mess up" the sounds of chiptune/8-bit and orchestrated sound/chamber pop, this is actually the reason why you can hear naivistic and rough electronic music approaches alongside with lucid symphonic sounds. The last mentioned ones are based on violin loops and tehnique of modifying some octaves and the first named are conjured up from old game consoles such as SNES and N64. Although almost all tracks are instrumental and have short duration, nevertheless, the picture will not get fragmentized yet. There are 2 exceptions, though - Knitting for your Resume (SNES) is a beautiful indie pop bob with singing. Also, it would be unfair not to mention the main and longest track Songs About Yarn in B-flat which does come forward through blithesome soundtrack-alike milieu. Listening to Songs about Yarn is a really worth experience, mainly by 2 aspects - solidness and extraordinariness.

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9.4

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Nodding by The Fire Nodding by The Fire EP (Bandcamp)


Nodding by The Fire is a Spanish trio comprising of Javier Ordàs (guitar), Carlos Puente (bass, guitar, Casiotone, flute, harmonica), and Jacob Gonzalez (percussion) does offer a delicious set of 10 tracks. Their music is instrumental without exception, which presents itself as a blend of alt-folk and springing melancholic and sentimental mood music. The album starts as intro for Short Fanfare, which runs on as the gales of psychedelic folk of the 1960s. On the other hand, El Monte swirls around a fantastic assemblage consisting of brass, mandolin, and harmonica accompaniment (however, who is able to achieve such a pilotage, deserves much recognition in any case), and Summer in the Air which is a joyful example of happy-go-lucky whistling. Guitar arpeggios and mandolins around here are to keep continue weaving shroud of progression, where inbetween you can find some fragments of mariachi (guitar) tunes as well. Besides figuring out that the harmonica is a sexy instrument, you can perceive more clearly that the intentionality of this release is directed toward seductive moodiness. Very solid, consistent, and captivating indeed.

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9.7

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

The Goner Bitemarks EP (DFBM/Bandcamp)


The Goner, a five-piece collective from Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, has released 3 albums (Halartrallar; Hind Hand; Haven) in the recent years. Bitemarks is the first EP seen the sunlight by them. Psychedelia, improvisation, gothic/noir, drone and the approach of minimalism are here to be blended into a organic universe via folk music algorithms. Again, neofolk/dark folk, the output of traditionally sounding folk, and some psychedelic milieus are around here to come finishing it off in the joint area and to stand at each one`s side. The middle age, past and today will be wrapped in one restricted conception. The violin parts - which are played as a collaboration act by Emma Wahlgren, and much praised by the band itself -, organ passages getting more massive step by step, clearly articulated guitar chords, and the last two minutes at Oakmulgee Creek, the ending track, are filled in by the found sounds/natural sounds. To get a example of the relatives hereof, I cant`t go around without to mention Espers and Anahita (strong medieval music tendencies), Six Organs Of Admittance (epic progressive tendencies), Death In June (airy dark-sounding viscosity). Congratulations for the suggestively impressive coverprint as well.

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9.3

Friday, August 27, 2010

Felipe Casey Cardona Casio Nightlife (Noise Horror)


Having a speak about Felipe Casey Cardona`s 4-track cassette single Casio Nightlife it is not realistic to ignore Ariel Pink`s low-tech doings in the middle of the 00`s being attracted so many attention and hence giving a launch to one developing musical scene, named as chillwave/glo-fi/stargaze nowadays, which relies on a blend of the roughness of the do-it-yourself aesthetics and dreaminess of the bedroom music. However, the situation is changed and the greatest of them (Ariel Pink, Devendra Banhart, Wavves) are being signed up by well-known labels, moreover, the aforementioned artists have managed to move on more toward the centre of pop music, though.

Cardona takes his path in a direct and downright way. Low-end synths and noir-alike vocal sequences with some sense of violet-y colorings are ready to be instantly thrown forward from the start to the end. The opening and self-titled track seems to be a tribute to the erotic music, the finishing one Subjective Paradoxical Argument is a deep inner space noir. Two tracks in between do conjure up naivistic synth chords and merely discernible distorted backcloth, by having the singing in English and in Spanish. Prevalently he does drift in a lucid and high spirited mood, yet, in the ending phase his conception is used to seem a little bit monotonous and equable. But he is a talented guy anyway.

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7.7

Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Victory Park False Silence (Radio Hand)


The debut album from a trio coming from Moscow does reflect a quite similar effect to the likes of Franz Ferdinand and Interpol, however, their output imposes even more on its roughness. I have listened a lot to The Victory Park in the recent days, being still not tired of them. Their music is uncompromising, seemingly having no intention for somewhat calculation regarding objects of utility, also lacking the annoying hermetics proper often to the studio walls and the producers of kind of I-know-which-is-the right way-to-record. It is personal anxiety and pessimism, which encourages those musicians to struggle on with their fights. Obviously it is inspired by post-punk and proto-indie forerunners (Joy Division, The Cure, The Chameleons, Durutti Column) came about from the end of the 70s and early 80s. Infused with the verbal side sustained by the pessimistic philosophy of life, and obscure moods. Inspite of darksidedness the guitar chords are played up to the glare and dinstinct flash and overdriving riffs do conduct a trip sometimes even further, crossing the boundaries of post-punk, of coming to the territory of shoegaze music (a la Swervedriver); beyond of that there is given importance to the neurotic drums and some pinch of electronics with the purpose to get push up this desired and obligatory dark appealing. A worth album mentioned in by many bloggers from around the world.

Download it from here

9.3

Fourteen Twentysix Lighttown Closure (Mine, All Mine!/Wise Owl/Bandcamp)


Expanded from the Songs From To Forget EP, being released 2 years ago, Chris van der Linden`s conception has acquired more grandeur deliveries. Indeed, Fourteen Twentysix is a bombastic giant which size is really intanglible and unfound over the first listenings, which, in fact, might be a sign of good music. The diversity of guitar patterns wrapped up by dark-sided electronic timbres and rhythms, and cello orchestrations at times, will be culminating in the last track Lashes, having progressed into the epic chaos of the rolling and swirling stringent instruments. Some natural sounds here and there around and in early days recorded live drums somewhere in the shed by the countryside do add organic and vitalic feeling to the release. By Linden`s velvety timbre with it comes quite close to the music of such crafty pop luminaries like David Sylvian and Mark Hollis, which comparison, though, is the plaudit by all odds. Lighttown Closure is a fine example of the bombastic yet deep issue, without being leaned on by empty gestures.

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9.3

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Okinawa Lifestyle - Lazy Friend You Move So Fast EP (haaa00a00a0a/Bandcamp)


Having reviewed their previous release Naha I expressed strong hope of mine that the melomans all around the world would get a lot of issues from this crafty Tbilisian duo in the future again and again. Their sonic alchemistry is a good example of balancing between magical harmonies and edge-y strobo rhythms around.

However, a new EP does continue walking on in the steps of the previous album. All of those funky electro strokes and through the filters of club music roving electronic pop tunes are previously blended intensively with exhilarating chillwave/glo-fi aesthetics, for instance, being as close to The Neon Indians for instance, as they have never done it before. This music can seriously be described as contemporary indie dance, or even post-house sometimes.

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9.3

Monday, August 23, 2010

Kämmerer Rhodes to Wisdom (Jamendo)


Rhodes to Wisdom is the sophomore album of Kämmerer, a musician from Gothenburg, Sweden. In fact, he is earlier used to get involved in other acts as well (Cliffhanger; GroovydracuLinda; Alphadog). Sir Agent Chill was his debut release, which was issued approximately 3 months ago under Jamendo, was played on exhilarating atmospheric and caustic synth lines, having an assuasive effect, being describable as "chillout" or "lounge".

The recent album within 40 minutes and 10 tracks have entrenched deeper into the Black music tradition showing up the undercurrents of funk, rhythm and blues, and soul vibe as much as it is possible to talk of introducing of new directions. By a technical side, shimmering acid synth sequences are sit in for the velvet-alike sounds of the Rhodes (electric piano). However, Rhodes to Wisdom is a modern record, chatting up with club dance rhythms, eventually reminiscent of nu jazz/acid jazz, and downtempo tunes.

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8.4

Sunday, August 22, 2010

W Physalis EP (Elpa)


The choice of anonymity is an ethical statement, actually. Indeed, especially in the recent reality show era, when the purpose of the TV is to offer dull stripped-down plays and the chance to get some cheap fame to the manipulated ones and thereby humiliating a person`s humanness in a broader sense as well.

However, I was looking for the artist background called W, though, getting no word at his/her Myspace or on the Elpa label page. I even thought to get contact with the musician, but I found this idea unneccessary at the last moment, yet. Have there been any other musician, whose identity, being revealed, thus became better? This is the case of pseudo-problem actually. Let´s music to speak.

In fact, a four-track EP, issued under the Latvian label Elpa, says much more than some stilistically similar, though 2-3 times longer releases. This item does dwell on the examples of ambient, downtempo, IDM, broadening sometimes into the shadows of Kosmische Musik and New Age on here. Besides, there is also an example, which is densely dominated by digital sound processing - indeed, the ending track épiphyte seems sound like the perfection on behalf of glitch-y sonic ruins. In any case, the main emphasis is built up on the organic tonality of synthesizers, although those tend to move through various patterns and shades, reminding by its effects of such electronic artists like Lackluster, Myrakaru, Younnat, and Electricwest. More exactly, pulsating electronic keyboards, occasional vocal bits, and even some jitter of pop/rock shot (the title song), and sharp sonic tissue at times do make sense.

An intriguing, emotionally awakening whole, which synth-based music (of obviously influenced by the 70`s) meets intellectual techno ideology of the last two decade.

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9.0

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Chappaquiddick Chappaquiddick (Noise Horror)


An excellent blending of art-punk, fusion, avant-garde, progressive rock, improvised music, and a bit of hardcore. The more I listen to this trio from Florida the more it might be it reminds me of a mix of Soft Machine and one of the members, Taylor Ross`s parallel project Witchporn, and his label mates The Moon Runners. By the way, avant-prog/experimental rock master Gianluca Missero aka Hox Vox from Venice gave me the solid feedback, saying that during his living in the northern part of the USA he had not chanced upon such a organically wrapped up ensemble, though, he was being well aware of similar acts (he signified this genre as "clean psychedelia eclectic mix-up"). At last I want to ask is it a new sign of the rise of new American underground music through tape labels?

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10.0

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Moon Runners Full Enough (Rack & Ruin)


Duo Danny Natter-Jake Jones comes from Olympia, USA, the city with decent musical traditions, launching an inspiring art/avant-punk line. Music which is a mixture of motorik patterns, blues, garage, math-rock, post-hardcore, surf rock, and psychedelic seeds. 11 tracks within circa 45 minutes do show some affinity toward The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Times New Viking, The Fall, The White Stripes, the 80`s end Sonic Youth, Big Black, and The Stooges as well. The tracks have relatively short duration, averaging two and a half minutes out, which is sufficient enough, to deliver a spicy and noisy sonic depeche. The opening track All Cops Are Murderers does open up through exhilarating surf-y blues refrains while opposing to it primitivistic declamations to have created an intriguing contrast. My Name Is Not Mud strikes with Mark E Smith-ian cynism, and the clash coming out from guitars and drums. Indeed, all what regards Natter and Jones noise doings it is completely targeted and refined. In the track Wolf Shirt all is about to speak in the terms of very harshness, accompanied by a minimalist electronics (compare it to The Fall`s Perverted By Language). I Want to Say No is also driven by similar bass-synth outlines - still edge-y and psychedelic ones. The ending track Death Tunnel can be considered as exceptional - an nearly 17-minute long colossus, which provides the opportunity to have some experiments with form and content - after the intense hits of blues and noise rock you can hear atmospheric and reversed upper sonic sentiments, which is apparently the case of minimalism. One of the best.

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9.7

Foxes In Fiction Swung From The Branches (Orchid Tapes)


Warren Hildebrand, an youngster from Toronto has gradually beefed up his position in the powerful (post-rock/ experimental folk/experimental indie/ambient) music scene in the North America. His debut album Swung From The Branches - the talk of which will be coming about now - will be soon released under the label Moongadget which is better known by the artists of such as Hella, Casino Versus Japan, Benoit Pioulard, Praveen, Dykehouse (though, the last three names are related through some compilations). However, he bears the course, and the indie bible Pitchfork dedicated an relatively lengthy introduction to the forthcoming event.

Swung From The Branches was firstly published by the Canadian`s own tape label Orchid Tapes. What makes his sound special? Certainly one of the (technical) premises is a dense blending of analogue and digital technology. Indeed, the sounds are recorded onto tapes , on the other hand, the use of digital reverb machines gives it another dimension. Having integrated different sonic waves into an organic whole it can only hints at a musician`s cleverness. The album of 19 tracks can be divided into two parts. First section is introduced by hilarious ambient/atmospheric post-rock numbers, in which you can hear tape hisses in a positive way, sometimes even pastoral primitivism evoking from somethere. Above all, it reminds me of the Fort Collins scene`s doings, especially M. Pyres` ambient experiments in some albums. However, the middle tempo rhythms, spoken word/storytelling, but first and foremost giving to the soundscape faster move, and the new phase started. The musique concrete-embedded items are subtly added to open-felt electro-acoustic environments, there are also viewable some experiments with pitch-effects, and various volume intensities. New Panic Cure is the first indie number demonstrating instantly, why the great hopes are set upon him; Jimi Bleachball does recall My Bloody Valentine, in particular, through Hildebrand` s vocal manner and timbre, which is getting really close to Kevin Shields himself (compare it to Off Your Face, and Moon Song). The title song is opened window/door laptop folk, which contains a lot of tape manipulations, and psychedelic vowel textures. Though Shields was mentioned herein, the closest of Hildebrand`s contemporaries is obviously Bradford Cox. In the same context one of the highlights of the album is 15 Ativan (Song for Erika). Dynamic indietronica/poptronica simply pushes the serotonine to flow to higher levels. One of the masterpieces of the year!

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10.0

[Live Session] Live at WFMU on Brian Turner's show, 5/4/2010


The French duo/love pair Nafi aka Scott Serpent, and Armelle aka Bisoubisou remained me first time with the excellent single pair on label Beko DSL (though, it wasn`t their first release yet). The duo mixed avant-punk and no wave creating an astonishingly ecstatic milieu around the listeners.

9 tracks within 36 minutes provide a way out set of post-punk, no wave, dub, reggae, and the world music, in-between filled by monotonous shamanism (Intro / Reggae 1 / Rising Son), exploiting in the primitivistic way programmed synths and electronics, sheer psychedelic layers and noise walls. The most remarkabale it is their ability and ratio to realize their conceptual sketches to bring ideas into an end - into a real apotheosis (Reggae 2; Tropique du Cancer). All of those nihilistic shifts and vectors, though uncompromising ones, are mere instruments to fill this purpose. The band is ruled by democracy (or should I say rather anarchy?) - sometimes sings Nafi, sometimes Armelle, sometimes they sing in unison. By speaking about parallels and legends it reminds of the early PIL, The Clash, The Slits, The Screamers, Karen Cooper Complex, Sonic Youth, even Elastica, and from nowadays it is a bit reminiscent of Gang Gang Dance. However, it does not make sense to think The Dreams could somehow to be the bastard of one of them. Listen and enjoy, and if it is for purpose you could take a lesson for to be aware of how practicing punk music in the `adequate` way.

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[Old but important] Ashbrg Music for Cats (Hamsterloco)


Actually the first premise is very promising anyway - Aleix Pitarch `s music is without any doubts always liked by me, and secondly, the cats are always enough cute to be welcomed and dedicated something to them. However, can we expect the new turns regarding artistic freedom, i.e playing with various forms and genres?

30-year old Catalan has released a bunch of personal issues under his own Hamsterloco label, many of whom have been re-issued recently. Indeed, Music for Cats, consisting of 17 tracks and enduring merely 32 minutes, was initally brought to an end in 1998 having revealed his unconventional approach to 8-bit/tracker music. On the one hand, all of those acid synth lines, bewildering and quaint sonic layers and mutated samples, and on the other side, it is all blended into a weird mix with a lot of diverse references - drum and bass, big beat, downtempo, ambient, and chilltronica. Even indie tunes are represented here - actually red eyes does bid bass sequences which, indeed, are probably one of the best moments on it. Also, there are quite a lot primitivistic sound collage as well, which conceptually is immanently concomitant with 8-bit music anyway, though, it seems the Barcelonan is used to involve to trying to magnify even more differencies and gaps to bring forth interesting contrasts between its parts. In any cases, though, psychedelic undercurrents are the corpuscles of his bloodstream. There are some very eccentric tracks too - for instance, country phone, does it belong more to the Kenny Rodgers`universe, or the Bruce Haack/The Jackpine Savage`s weird one, though? Will it be playlisted in Country music radio shows? Another example, flinser, is a hauntingly rumbling one, or spy which is built up on a sample of a sufi song, or empty going on a fly and disappearing into endless desolation. However, if you are being aware of Pitarch`s favorite artists (David Bowie, Cocteau Twins, The Residents, Deerhof, Scott Walker, The Cure, Yellow Magic Orchestra) it does not surprise you, though.

No doubt, it is one of the top releases in the 8-bit/tracker music universe.

Download it from here

Friday, June 11, 2010

Hox Vox Mjöllnir (Jamendo)


45-year old Gianluca Missero have reached its sixth album yet. More exactly, `Mjöllnir` means Thor `s hammer, and all the songs, except one, bear the names of the gods of the Vikings. At the peak of the last year was released curious club beat-driven Hurry Up Harry - Part 1 which in spite of all promises have yet not found a sequel - instead of it the Venetian is generally back to his old habits, exploring and discovering new angles of avant-garde and progressive rock. As he himself has pointed it out his purpose is to melt together sacre and profane. Therefore, Missero as a great creator has much aspects to add to his diverse yet excellent discography. The Italian does open some burning doors being never opened before. On the other hand, it shouldn`t be surprising at all, because Mjöllnir is titled as `zeuhl`. Indeed, in the conceptual heart of the album there are brittle bass undercurrents, scratchy guitars, the drum cascades by rote, enough interesting entries into symphonies, theatrically obscure keyboards, and classically overwhelmed mannerisms. Chaos and order - on and off, and softness and roughness do change its places as well. Even the pomp elements are used to have influence on you to get your hands up. Crafty, decorous, enjoyable, and consistent. Unquestionably one of the best publications from the RIO/avant-prog field altogether I have had the honour to know.

Download it from here

9.4

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Least Carpet Least Carpet (Dying For Bad Music/Bandcamp)


Marko Martini aka Least Carpet `s debut album has epithets such as `psychedelic` and `experimental`. Indeed, it`s expressively psychedelic, and in this regard the magic of his music has already been attributed to some sort of mushrooms and weed. However, it is unlikely that the necessity arises at all, so far as this kind of music for the projection is not needed to show up by decisive pictures or fictions. Although being a conception of the folk, it is quite far from the well-known folk tradition. The German man`s concept is instrumental not being subordinated to any statements or visions. Just expandingly streaming sounds, the harmonies in movement, non-traditional instrumentation (a bouzuki, a melodica, flutes, guitars, cymbals, a Jew`s harp). Certainly, Least Carpet neither does deliver the extravagancy or ecstasy of freak folk, nor it is the part of the Eastern and Central European traditional music movements - as opposed to what is being mentioned in their home label website, except for Old Wedding Song, which treats the Hungarian folk music with some rhythmic influences from the Balkan Peninsula. The experimental side is primarily reflected through growings from harmonies into long droning keys, and skilful using of guitar and its effects within ethnic instrumentals. All of those who are being familiar with the Children Of The Drone (and its adjacent projects), and Six Organs Of Admittance, however, it will constantly be telling you of belonging intrinsically to the Indian music tradition. And the parallels can also be drawn with Charalambides` dragging psych lines. In most cases, very beautiful, it is like the opening of a lotus flower (A Narrow Path (Part II); Leaving) ). I am being remembered it is already the another great album in the vein of experimental folk from Germany in few months (after gillicuddy The yaouhl! Mashups).

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9.6

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

A Warmth Hearth (Rack & Ruin)


A Warmth is Robby Massey, formerly known as dessktop, whose previous project could be considered like CocoRosie`s little brother - his truly primitivistic approach to pop conceptions which was partly based on folk, on electronics, on lo-fi, and on found sound aesthetics. To evoke new sounds the pans and pots were involved in action as well.

However, the new project will run the same traces the more and less way - through those 5 instrumental tracks presented here having based on a minor-key synth play, sporadic glockenspiel riffles, feedback choppiness on the background, even some orchestrations are melded into a whole one. Bulky melodies will start sometime, having some development and finally getting a more impressive outfit. Actually it all is concentrated on small details to have defined the release goodness. Even if Hearth don`t pretend to be your favoritest issue it is exciting enough to be listened again and again.

Download it from here

8.3

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Okinawa Lifestyle Naha (haaa00a00a0a)


Georgia's duo Okinawa Lifestyle consisting of David Datunashvili and Gigi Jikia who is yet a little known to date, though undoubtedly one of the most shimmering pop acts nowadays originating from the borders of the former U.S.S.R. Their music can be classified as part of chillwave/glo-fi movement, being this way as an earmark in the running of the aforementioned style on popularity all around the world. In fact, the Tbilisians, however, pushed already off their debut Roswell Crash EP one year ago. Are they as one pair amongst the first pioneers of chillwave music actually? It might be right this way.

Speaking about the 12-track LP, it is built up on profuse chords exchanges and the evocation of the groove and velvet-alike harmonies. However, in accordance with duo`s previous release the new is more concerned about disgressions and mood swings. For example, the main harmony of the opening Rouge à Lèvres comes out from the middle of abrasive electro industrial chaos. Levan runs through the prism of beatific and glamorous sounds, enough to be regarded as one of the central pieces on it. Tbilisi Presents does offer a hybrid of the noir mood-ish Pulp (Seductive Barry, Weeds II, My Legendary Girlfriend), and Ariel Pink-ish tunes. Actually it is hard to imagine how the pop music could sound even the better way! But you should never say never. Little Place is a blend of funky electro, hip-hop, and rock riff hooks. Goblin Dance mixes sentimental atmospheric layers with a bit of "garbage" sound. Nightwalk and the Sunrise Club have entered into an area of electronic pop music influenced by club dance jitters,which, by the way, is reminiscent of some of the songs from the Estonian cult band Borax on the album Mikroraion (1999). Emotional Experience is used to be to find some balance in-between lounge music and deep house. Ninenda is just a fine track to be ended up with positive mood.

Indeed, it appears it`s very happy time we are living in being sorrounded by so much beautiful music. Hopefully we hear about this Georgian band soon once again.

Download it from here

9.8

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

[Compilation] New Weird Australia, Volume Five (NWA005)


In a relatively short period of time the New Weird Australia compilations have already reached the fifth piece in a row, which probably does testify the fact that the Australian underground scene has enough power and vitality to subsequently set up the steps to permeate over the world.

Indeed, all around of it is ebulliently colourful. Speaking about any kind of so-called New Weird- movements, for instance about New Weird America or Finnish forest folk, you can find out the connection with folk music. In fact, to find out the link with folk music in Australian counterpart it is actually a bit harder task, though. For example, there is represented the music of Alex Yarbley aka Dot.AY, who have acquired enough notoriety in chiptune/tracker music circles in the last years. Another example and pleasant surprise is meet to Gail Priest, who is known by her confident sound art characteristics and methodology (in the recent case, the minimalist vocal drones are flavoured with spare electronics). However, the other projects are also far from (alt-) folk tunes - a primitive noise (Justice Yeldham, who is described by the Wire journalist Bruce Russell as one of the interesting artists after Iggy Pop to date), Ship Caught has a gothic blend of psych-punk and shoegaze to boom out, as if Joy Division had a very special wish to make acquiatence with the specifics of the Wall Of Sound; indie psychedelia (Crab Smasher), a sort of electronic primitivism (Ripple), a kind of Glass Bead Game with cut and paste formality (Kate Carr), a vanguardistic bunch of glitch-electronics, space rock, digital noise/ambient (Blake Freele, / / / ▲ ▲ ▲ \ \ \). Further, even in the recent context Mookoid`s structure seems to be innovative (Hex River Valley). My personal fancies are the Peace Out!`s psych-electro space noir mania (Running the Sand), so you can label it as `modern` without you could sound ridicolous somehow; and Burning Palms` noisy psych-rock with loudly ringing echo drums (Mockery). Third favorite of mine is The Atlas Room`s Iris , which is used to be similar to Burning Palms, though, having more emphasis on motorik sequences and rooting out the borders between different styles.

In short, Volume Five is a fabulous collection of ideas and sounds. If you want to get some excellent examples of contemporary avant-garde rock music, you should certainly listen to this compilation. Aboriginal spirits have got up to the machines to groove themselves out.

Download it from here

[Artists] Momoko Pins





Myspace
Lastfm

Monday, March 22, 2010

[Old but important] ART ABSCONs Spektral Magik (ParaLucid)


In my mind, `dark folk` (also, `neofolk`, `apocalypse folk`, `folk noir` as a genre has got to stay as one of the honest in its own. Ever since all of those acts, and some of them especially, which established the borders of the aforementioned styles approximately 20-30 years ago are intended to have stayed on the top level to date. Non/Boyd Rice, Death In June, Ataraxia, Current 93, Werkraum. Unlike black metal music, neofolkers have avoided to get devaluated, maintaining their severe, grim and often politically incorrect image. Indeed, for all of those people who have not had experiences with this sound yet should be get apprised that this music has nothing to do with ordinary folk music, except by the word`folk`.
Spectral Magik is the first and since the last release by a mystical German musician called Grandmaster Abscon ( by the way, who is supposed to use a mask). The album which consists of 7 tracks is probably one of the best - maybe even the most outstanding - I have found within this mysterious world since. Naturally, widely sprawling high arches as the obligatory element sketched by acoustic guitars and atmospheric synths are represented here. Besides that, the mysterious side as well. The first row of the lyrics will say much about it:

//Ich komm zürück aus fremden Welten/Seelen/von einsamen Hören/von verlassenen Tränen//

As confident and credible as by the side of its main elements it is also remarkable by its unusual digressions coming forth distinctly. For instance, Somnium III is fringed by the lightness of organic French estrada music. More specifically - there is no doubt anymore that the leitmotiv is loaned from the evergreenish Love is Blue which was popularized by Paul Mauriat and his orchestra. In true, the track does gradually evolve towards medieval music sentiments. Somnium IV is a stunningly synchronized one of relying on man-woman vocal lines sung in French. Obviously one of the most beautiful ones I have ever heard. Somnium V is getting approach to Einstuerzende Neubauten `s album Silence Is Sexy and its oeuvres recorded in German. Actually, a follow-up will move with Bargeld`s aesthetics arm-in-arm. The last track - as you even yourselves figured it out already - Somnium VII - descends to Gregorian-alike vowel experiments/ethereal sonic layers, neoclassical dark wave structures, impenetrable spoken word declarations.

A sort of mysterious universe. Comparable to the same degree, as the entire Spektral Magik is mystical in its vast goodness. The masterful act really worth for to be discovered by more music fans.

Download it from here

[Artists] The Red Crayon Aristocrat Club





The Red Crayon Aristocrat Club
Zorch Factory Records
Myspace
Lastfm

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Yoko Absorbing Museum Of Modern Chaos (Clinical Archives)


Mikhail Lezin and Evgenij Kharitonov are back in business with their dizzy sound experiments again. This time they are accompanied by two another musicians - Konstantin Guro on saxophones and drums and Alexey Karmanov on rhythm guitar. While their last album Vinyl was shaped through sharp cut-ups and sonic fragmentality ,though, Museum Of Modern Chaos directs its focus toward chaotic moments in lush way. It is constituted conterminously conjuring up vivid visual highlights, and indirectly blurring the boundaries between the styles and genres. Guitar improvisation/experimental rock seems to be as a lone house in the middle of an electronic whiteout, which is exciting enough to give it constant try and attention to follow for. At times the conception is fringed by piano music (Opening Museum), and jazz elements (Free Future) either. Duo`s soundscape has aptitude to expand into mechanic (King Of Surf 1) and electronic horror ambience (Museum Of Modern Chaos (Script Type). Another Hemisphere is metallic ambient music riding on gravelly guitar riffs.

Museum Of Modern Chaos is a fascinating album for sure. Also, if you are intended to make up the contrast with this one you should listen to Yoko Absorbing`s another gem Roughly Gently & Special Lowbit Release (2008, Microbit-Records).

Download it from here

9.0

Monday, March 15, 2010

a27 z archiwum.G (pitu pitu recordz!)


A27`s sophomore album z archiwum.G consists of 6 tracks having the overall longitude up to 10 minutes. The main assumptions of mine? If you've ever had some experiences of experimenting with the sample unit you might probably assume in which way all of this rubbish happened to be recorded. There are stored different rhythms and natural sounds (floating water falling down from the tap, vowel experiments/groans), and some samples dragged out from brass and jazz music at that. Then all of this kaleidoscope is laid on the rhythm function and being mutated through the slice effect mode turning actively the effect control buttons besides it. The result reflects a random array of sounds. The scales being formed of the pairs of the opposites - sparse-dense, anonymous-suggestive, spastic-flowing, relaxing-psychotic, dilettante-skilful. But certainly the most important thing is that the listener will not be bored on this. However, the conceptual premise is a modern case after all, concerning the topics of the `error´ (and the choice of freedom), also representing chaos inside the heads of certain individuals (Golarz Filip and his genious son, Adolf, as it is said on the pitu pitu recordz!`s site). The human being loves to speak to the machine, the robot will mirror it to the others, though, in an inconsistent way. The revel of intellectual machines, which, though, obviously is not intended for dancing.

Download it from here

8.2

Monday, March 8, 2010

[Artists] Bark Bark Disco






Bark Bark Disco
Myspace
Lastfm

Juanitos Soul Africa (Jamendo)


Ever since the early days of the 1990s under the leadership of Juan Naveira, the man as a perpetuum mobile, Juanitos has experimented with almost all kinds of the Latin American rhythms, exotica pop, lounge, rockabilly, surf pop and psychedelia evoking a stylistic melange and dizziness in the heads of the listeners. Fabolous brass orchestrations, a rampant shooting through different harmonies and diverse chords. However, at this point I even did not take into account the frontman`s side projects (Limbo deluxe; Miss Emma), the focus of the first is being directed upon the creation of a colourful ska/lounge/ pop/punk/disco hybrid, and the second upon lollipop tunes.

The recent title - Soul Africa - refers to the people of African descent who have found their domicile elsewhere outside the Black continent, having invented new musical styles (dub, reggae, samba) therein, and on the other hand it is not impossible to see the tunes of afrofuturistic soul funk, paying tribute to Fela Kuti who is being the main legacy of the reverences in most times anyway, though. For those who are accustomed to Juanitos`s aforementioned mad wassail may be boxed through a delimited concept at the first sight. I would have to listen to it 5 times before it started to reveal in my soul and heart. Indeed, you need a little patience to get access to that solid album.

Download it from here

8.6

Saturday, March 6, 2010

[Artists] adamned.age






adamned.age

Myspace

Nameless Dancers Morning Touches (Bump Foot)


Behind Nameless Dancers has himself hidden Evgenij V. Kharitonov, one of the main figures from the depths of Moscow underground culture as because he is known as a writer, a poet, a curator, a cultural journalist, who has put himself into practise through such musical projects like Microbit Project, EugeneKha, Yoko Absorbing, and under his own name, either. If you are searching for someone who would be the embodiment of any kind of musical diversity, no doubt, he is a musician by God`s grace. Avant-garde rock, experimental electronics (glitchtronics, lobit/drone), ambient, noise, downtempo, chillout, sound-art, sound collage, spoken word/voice experiments. In a word, experimentalism in a generic sense.

Nameless Dancers `s first album Rain Coffee (2009, 45RPM-Records) was a delicious blend of the rhythms of (disco) house and drum and bass, the moods and colours of lounge music and easy listening as well. However, Kharitonov would not be Evgenij V. Kharitonov if there had no intention to drift the base core of the center outwards.

However, in comparison with the debut album Morning Touche has a lot of examples of having more strong accents on certain sounds. The Russian musician does not make a secret about the fact his project is presented in a way to move outside the present. The music is inspired by showy and glamorous graphical design of the end of the 80s in the Soviet era. Actually all of his music which is inclined somehow to watch back and get some advantage to foresee for future thereby being able to prevent a present nervousness. In recent album is a glamorous transformation over time realized into sound in solid way. Disco house beats are replaced by cinematic rhythms, generic sentiments have reached more timelessness, too. Sound collage schemes are boldly fixed up. You can hear the Soviet time organ grooves, atmospheric future pop, italo disco, by the big bands played light-blue sounds of the Mediterranean area, and latin rhythms as well. Sometimes his soundscape gets up to such a degree of naivity rolling further on easiness. While giving the listens of it the air was fulfilled with fresh breath of the spring being matched with it in an excellent way. Indeed, the the main issue of the rhythms of the spring is embodied in the array of constant change in unexpected directions.

Download it from here

9.5

Thursday, March 4, 2010

[Artists]starstarstar/***/ringostar










starstarstar
starstarstar
starstarstar

Blues for spacegirl Drifting into open (Jamendo/Bandcamp)


A project named Blues for spacegirl (probably named by Thurston Moore`s ambient drone track), headed by Thomas de Bauw, started in the midst of 2008.

His debut album Alice Springs was fringed by acid-filled bubbling walls. It was followed by impressive Theme for August, and Orchester dans le lac du Roi gelé Hiver as well.

The brand new one relies on looped tape recordings in the amount of 70 per cent, approximately. As the result, you can hear less or more loud sounding guitar drone in the background. De Bauw`s conceptual point is directed upon digital editing revolving around generation loss in the data, treating noise as signal.

Concerning more precisely on tracks my first opinion is Needless in Seattle which through its overgrowing layers and the aesthetics of minimalized digital chaos is getting close to such a concept which is tightly related to some borealic wonder. Warm inside yet being in the midst of a whiteout. Also Lost in I Ching, Violet currents, and saffron winds are those tracks which arise above an average niveau. Lathe of Heaven, on the hand, crawls in the vein of the first album, which caustic pattern and some amount of quavering sphericness don`t convince me at all. On the contrary, it is a quite annoying try. The rest tracks of being unnamed is getting have better shapes, though, a thorough moving milky sonic array ushers in tautological mediocrity being so habitual for the most ambient musicians nowadays. Comparing it to Jacques de Villiers`s and slept.`s debut albums, slept, Fennesz`s and Tim Hecker`s works, Eluder`s Drift or Thomas de Bauw`s own Theme for August this acedia will come forth more distinctly. On the other hand, inspite of it the current music has a lot of sonic references regarding grandeur shadows of the aforementioned albums. However, unfortunately the last gig is only there not to be done.

Download it from here

7.7

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

[Old but important] Mu. Arecibo Psycodelic Classics 17: Abortos Musicales (Headphonica)


Before starting to review the first curiosity of the recent year - Ergo Phizmiz`s colossal, more than 14 hour long (sic!) album The Faust Cycle , it is time for a little stop to give credit to another album released under Headphonica, too.

Although the Puerto Rican drummer Nomar Díaz`s aka Mu.`s album Arecibo Psycodelic Classics 17: Abortos Musicales (2009) have the longitude of 35 minutes (within 14 tracks), it is informatively a fair-sized work. An amusant fact is that the album consists of the sounds which mainly are recorded with the microphone built up on the details of cell phones, and a ball of aluminium foil as well.

Because of having no precise visual review about this process details, I just will have to focus on song structures of it. Generally, I am being quite dubious about those artists who like to bling-bling with curious elements in their creating process as if it would be a new source for extraordinary sound, for instance, browsing Heidegger`s books - as one famous nu-jazz musician described his methodology in the interview for Wire 3-4 years ago. However, does it in fact add any kind of audible meaning to the sound? It is believable and meaningful some kind of metaphysics coming forth from accomplished song structures rather than by wrapping it around something to get some sophisticated or mystical output.

Given that there are some elements of free jazz, it is not just likely jazz, it is more avant-garde, though. Díaz, - there are some helpers too - plays drums and is mainly in a process of crossing samples over natural sounds - the snaps of the Native American shaman dirges and piano chords meet with metallic electro-acoustic beat cascades, thrill and bass, freeformfreakout and electronic layers. There is even one place where he prefers to wring his hands over ethnic drums. Moreso, there is also a true-blue hardcore rock (Demi Moore) presented - though its psychedelic incline. Indeed, the first part of the title, too, seems to suggest to psychedelic hangover, and the other concerns on interrupted song structures. However, I can`t agree with the second part, though. Notwithstanding the array of diverse sounds, the song structures will be clearly articulated and finished off. There are no moments I could think of them in another way. My favorite example is Loubriel's Psycodelic Odyssey, which is based on the array of abrasive synthetic sounds, lone and stubborn bass sequence, slight drumming, and synth passages in the ending part.

In conclusion, after the title it could be supposed that the main corollary of Arecibo Psycodelic Classics 17: Abortos Musicales was to come forth its concomitant feeling of freedom. After the end of the album, it is clear that the sounds were merely a means to achieve it.

Download it from here

[Artists] Cldscp









Cldscp
Myspace
Lastfm

Monday, March 1, 2010

edPorth Saying vamos and thinking let's go (Inglorious Ocean)


All experimental rock music roads lead to Rome, paraphrasing that byword of which adequately describes the recent case. Indeed, Patrizio Piastra aka edPorth has a lot to offer on his debut album Saying vamos and thinking let's go. In which way could the borders of his sound be dumbed down? If you have listened to Seefeel`s dystopic sound cocoons, you have got the ideas to be already along the half-way of truth (or even a little bit more). Even better results it is possible to reach if to arrive back in time to mùm`s first two albums, though, the man from Rome is intended to have, as it seems to me, a little broader aesthetical ambitions on his pavement. For instance, the title song, which is fringed by delicious harmonic layers in the vein of IDM/indietronica/post-rock/ambient glitch. In the place of Meeting at the utility he is ready to continue on the runways of the British legends - a certain kind of somber tonality will acquire abstract shapes over time, in turn, a lot darker shades swivel around them, though, it is mainly relies on inside higher chords while synth paces will unbashedly getting close to the past of new wave/new romantic bands. Indeed, this is carried out by electronic music of 101 percent yet subjected to the methodology of post-rock music. Though, however, there are a couple of exceptions (with guitars). Eighteen degrees below the horizon is built up on guitars, booming bass lines and massive violins, and Kreuzberg and the sun does crossover glitch beats and guitar chord transitions - the latest ones are just fabulous, working out as a kind of mood trigger let out. Similarly, angelic voices has an important role to play, which more clearly will be cropped out at Kadievka. Your sand does usher in as a kind of crossover of nu-jazz and Balkan rhythms, which getting develop and landing in the networks of glitch and vague scratch effects . Despite of variability all around seems to be congealing. Terminating Long Exposure offers wide-sounding orchestrations, being also one of the highlights on Saying vamos and thinking let's go.

Epic, soothing, masterful, dreamy, timeless are being the first adjectives come up to mind. However, besides our main figure, mùm and Seefeel I recommend listen to Echelon Effect, Monokle, orange crush, and Patrizio Piastra`s compatriots port-royal and The Japanese Gum, and also the brothers-sisters of him on the Inglorious Ocean label as well.

Download it from here

9.6

[Artists] Cagey House/Dave Keifer



Cagey House
Myspace

Chad Golda Dance Session (Rack & Ruin)


Chad Golda, a golden boy is back. His stunning debut album (Golda CHAD'S ALBUM) was one of the albums in the year 2009. Abrasive electronics/psychotic dance monster met with (freak) folk music. It was the case as if Mika Vainio had produced starstarstar (formerly known as ***, and ringostar), the band he is involved in. All of those hollow bass sequences opened up new dimensions for the listeners. Now I listened to it after a long period of time again and I discovered even some similarities with electronic tracks (Lions; Unfinished Monkey Business; Deep Pile Dreams) on Ian Brown `s unforgettable debut album Unfinished Monkey Business, and within Golda`s hazy long accords at times it reminds a bit of Angus Maclise`s bewitching drones under the roofs of Nepali pagodas during the 1970s. The phenomenal release, which by its infectiveness, effectiveness, and cutting edge sharpness as well achieved more than Animal Collective have ever reached.

In fact, my moving toward his sophomore album didn`t start well, actually, listening to it 3 months before the official release day. All of what I can remember about it I wasn`t able to listen to Dance Session over two times. Despite of the fact the album's length was shortened to 30 minutes, it seemed to be something by which I really felt myself disturbed. On the other side, no doubt, partly the impact of the first album overwhelmed it.

Indeed, listening to it again is my purpose to get the results for my unanswered questions. Writing does usher in the gig, which in fact continues through the lines of the previous album - motorik electronica/(neo)krautrock finds immediately the recipient, brain chemistry will brim over. The follow-up Two helps me to figure out why I had some complicatons during first listens. It just seemed to be a bit light-minded. Just to take a well-known and well working melody, and lift it up over caustic electro-beats. The sense of humor finally reached me yielding an enjoyable experience ultimately. It was time approximately 40 years ago when Perrey & Kingsley, the space age/lounge pop luminaries, played on analogue synths timeless upbeat melodies. This track is a home for both oddity and familiarity. The end of this one would be a wet dream for any kind of space rockers/krautrockers. 9-minute long Guitars is based upon a monotonous guitar melodic sequence which will is fringed and will be undermined by a sort of destroying electronic music. Sound walls are getting wave and collapse - everything around is going mad! Aging begins with loudly thirling electro tingles - electro-motorik tunes so habitual by the side of Kraftwerk is turned into wickedly sounding nightmare. Not unreasonable, evil is not inherently evil on its own, as behind that you can see Golda`s spooky smile. In the other way - the essence is sustained by an epic drone ghost which enlarges the inner space and add the credibility. A bit more smirk on the American`s pale again can be seen in the ending track Boom That which relies on 2-3 naive notes delivering some kind of primitive electro quarterstaff sometimes changing this course a bit, just as much as to arrive back to repeat button again.

My first assumptions about Dance Session were wrong. The album drifts between a weird sense of mind and enchanting levels of alternative pop music. He did it again!

Download it from here

9.5

Saturday, February 27, 2010

[Artists] Totally Nebular




Totally Nebular
Myspace
Lastfm

Stereo Moon Like The Morning Sun Does (Kill Mommy)


Behind Stereo Moon is Emm Smith, a self-taught musician from Ontario, Canada. A singer-songwriter from God`s grace. The album Like The Morning Sun Does was already recorded at the end of the 90`s, except the opening track I Would For You Dream. The first time Like The Morning Sun Does was published 5 years ago, while at the moment it is issued under the Sicily-based label Kill Mommy which main focus has set up on a mix of blues, lo-fi garage, rockabilly, and alt-folk.

All of those 24 tracks aligned here are recorded with help of loaned 4 and 8-tape trackers. As so usual to the singer-songwriters the lines of acoustic guitar and vocals are the main instruments upon which the excitement is established in suggestive and diverse song manner. Although guitar sound is paramount, it does not sound in the anemic way just not being a decorating and forgery one - a drowning into tape hisses does add some kind of confidence and charm; moreso, there are also presented some electronic-experimental angles and weird out-of-context samples. A rough yet warm soundscape. As you even know the North Americans have been insurmountable in their credibility within this area. Smith does use natural room reverbs, though, there are 2 tracks (Everybody Love Someone; Read Between The Lines) for which Emm Smith locked himself into the bathroom to put guitar strings against the edge of a sink, and letting float out the sounds of pure gold. By the way, he even regretted more songs would have recorded in there.

By checking out Emm Smith `s blog you can see the successive keywords of his concept in the title: love, be loved and trip out. Anyway, the lyrical side will fix upon it. This lyrics seem to be about longing, escapism, love and lovelorn varying with weed topics. Moreover, this subject was going for something that would heighten his blissful experience. Because of this he tried to fill up those tracks with as many ideas he could. The lyrics are undoubtedly on the ball - beautiful, inside-watching, sometimes mysterious and downtrodden (Grow Up is going up to illustrate the collision between the memories of past and recent situation).

However, my purpose is instead of any kind of intoxicants to promote music, especially good one, only. Like The Morning Sun Does is undoubtedly a DIY/home recording masterpiece. There are a lot of excellent examples - some of them will especially scratch your soul and bear upon your consciousness, replacing some truths and clichès, on the other hand, I am not intended to shout them out - everyone ought to find out for him/herself the gems of the talented hippie musician. In fact, it is true, Emm Smith has more stunning moments to yield in comparison with (early) Devendra Banhart, for instance.

Download it from here

9.3

Thursday, February 25, 2010

[Artists] Hox Vox








Hox Vox

Hox Vox
Myspace
Lastfm

Clinker Open See EP (Opera Dog Productions)



Europe faces against immigration problems nowadays. Refugees from the Third World, mainly from Africa, are searching for new living places by different reasons. For the Europeans have not been left anything but to choose between the two sides - to be for it or against it. Having been in to express empathy or showing up their dislike. On the other hand, we must take into account the fact it has mainly been the side effect of the White World expansive foreign policy and the weight of colonial history alongside with all kind of related rewards - the ruination of economic situation, the mutilation of natural environment, severe local wars during the Cold War in purpose of encompassing a larger part or reshaping the spheres of interest. The basic needs of the native people have been suppressed by the secondary needs/wishes of the Western peoples. Indeed, the recent situation can be seen as if a karma wheel is inevitably getting upon us - the cause-effect relationship is still being relevant.

Peter Jordan & Co. have made their firm decision in favor of empathy. Open See EP is inspired by Jim Goldberg`s photo exhibition of the same name, which main purpose was to reflect the experiences and sentiments of asylum seekers. Clinker uses even the phrases of the refugees in their lyrics. In comparison with their previous oeuvres Londoners have increased part of the wind instruments and backing vocals, though, while diminishing the role of synthesizers and electronics. The 4-track issue is wrapped with heartsore undertones of indie soul/soft rock and epic chamber pop numbers while nothing lose about their angular songwriting. Clinker has always shined with such albums containing of grandeur numbers - One Hell to Another and Will This Never End (Ood Song) will for sure complete this list.

Download it from here

9.2