A Short Apnea – A Short Apnea (2011)

Neon Paralleli

Archive.org

/Noise, Experimental rock, Drone rock, Avant-rock. Leftfield, Spoken word, Experimental indie/

Comment: Neon Paralleli is an Italian label whose discography involves many avant-garde gems being relevant today and will obviously be relevant tomorrow either. A Short Apnea`s eponymous release is one of such albums (initially it was recorded in 1999 on Beware! and Wallace Records). More profoundly, the 10-track issue is built upon humming drones, different noises, pulsating electronics, some spoken word snippets in Italian and reverb drenched guitar chords which are there to conjure up different patterns from relatively clear-cut guitar progressions to more mysterious ambiances and neurotic studies ready to sustain thought-provoking feel and tickling suspense. In a word, it is a sophisticated one for your brain and soul.  

Vonsuck - Enne Und (1999)

Bandcamp

• Experimental electronica
• Ulmetronica
• Downtempo
• Mood music
• Sampledelic
• IDM
• Alternative dance
• Electro house
• World music

Comment: Vonsuck was Taavi Laatsit`s first project before he started his next (and the last hitherto) solo project Galaktlan (he is also known to be involved in such groups as Kismabande, Kulgurid, UNI, Galaktlan Group). However, Enne Und (before the sleep) is a wondrous issue of dreamy synth layers and crunchy rhythms (having hints at the vibes of IDM, downbeat/tempo electronica, electro house, deep/minimal techno, and even Hindustani`s nouveau dance music), however, predicting seamless collaboration with Henrik Luuk (UNI – the duo`s masterpiece Kosmikud would be released at the end of 1999). This 14-track issue is obviously inspired by motion pictures (for instance, taking samples from a children/cult movie, Arabella mereröövli tütar) dreams, sleeping, a bit hyper-realistic/vividly cloudless skies, and tenderness. In a word, it is a bit more than just an essential album regarding the contemporary Estonian electronic scene.            

Uni - Kosmikud II (2007)

Bandcamp

9.5

/Electronic pop, Glo-fi, Alternative, Cosmic electronica, Indietronica, Experimental electronica, Chilltronica, Easy listening/

Comment: Uni (or "Dream","Sleep" in translation) was an Estonian duo comprising such musicians and producers as Taavi Laatsit (Von Suck, Galaktlan, Galaktlan Group), and Henrik Luuk (Popidiot). I can remember for this issue firstly issued in tape format and packaged in foil in the end of 90s hanging somewhere in a shop in Tartu (and my friend bought it). This 11-track issue does include mostly laidback, outer space-related (or "ulme" in Estonian the word which is not translatable, though) and more or less ominous blissed-out electronic propulsions, however, having sometimes hints at robot pop (those vocal warped experiments), Soviet Sputnik electronica and sci-fi films and melodica-tinged endeavours. It might be thought the last track Kohvipaus reveals more the duo`s indie influences. It is a highly nostalgic and classic issue regarding the tendencies of the Estonian electronic scene. And even in the recent context it sound previously in a superb, affluent way.

Bardo Pond Live at Metro Cafe on 1999-12-09 (1999)

Archive.org

9.2

/Doom rock, Post-metal, Doomgaze, Shoegaze, Experimental rock, Post-rock, Stoner rock, Crossover, Psychedelic rock, Drone rock, Avant-rock, Live session, Improvised music/

Comment: Bardo Pond is a musical collective which obviously needs not to be introduced for the fans of experimental rock at all. Throughout the last 2 decades this Philly-based experimental juggernaut does have explored the realms of psychedelic and drone rock, doom and stoner rock through the eyes of demented shoegazers. Along with Jessamine, The Dylan Group, Labradford, and Tortoise the quintet redefined the term "rock" in the US-based underground scene in the 90s. More concretely, additionally to the abovementioned styles the listener can detect post-metal elements on this 8-piece gig, which are fringed below and on the lateral sides with thick psychedelic grooves and bold hooks and epic riffs. All these long (or very long) progressions can be reduced to the model of cyclic, psychedelic rock revs. Really hope they will sometime come to the Northern part of Europe either.