Volfoniq – Ernest (2011)

LibreCommeLair

Free Music Archive

• Dub
• Reggae
• Tango
• Raggamuffin
• Crossover
• World music
• Electronica

Comment: Volfoniq is the Frenchman Nicolas Sorbier who has issued a bunch of albums over Internet in recent years. Ernest consists of 11 tracks which used to rely on Jamaican styles of special kind – dub, reggae, raggamuffin. However, all these styles are sprinkled with some European sounds – accordion chords coming out from the streets of Paris, there are also represented the vibes of tango music with electronic frequencies which was widely popularized by Gotan Project. On the other side, the Jamaican styles are interlaced with ethnic drum sounds of Asian origin. In a word, musically it is an iridescent release providing enough delight and some overwhelming turns for your pleasure.

Steinregen Dubsystem – Recycled (2013)

LibreCommeLair

/Alternative dance, Raggamuffin, Remixes, Dancehall, World music, Electronica, Crossover, Dub, Urban music/ 

Comment: there are represented 17 tracks by various artists who tread the compositions of a 6-piece collective, Steinregen Dubsystem from Freiburg, Germany. In general, it could be said Jamaica is an island of fast-running people and shaggy reggae and dub inflected music. With regard to the compilation the listener can enjoy many crossovers and derivations coming out of the aforementioned styles. Emotionally it is a poignant issue because it used to insinuate lots of dodges and turns within the whole. There are represented pieces being made up of echoes which used to last very long thereby bringing forth a thoroughly spaced-out feeling. There are up some curiosities either where Balkan and other ethnic motives are interlaced with the Jamaican music. Despite putting slightly uncanny elements into the melting pot there is good effect about it. There are up remixes by the likes of Goyo Naranja & Damaa, Dava, Ras Amerlock, EQuBE, Bassinfected, Herbstauch, Lüra, Lata, Pellectronica, Hans Gruber, Ras Tilo, Juju, Akarola, and TRVE.

Sun Sunych – Hybris (2014)

LibreCommeLair

Sun Sunych

Free Music Archive

Archive.org

/Hip-hop, Rap, Pop/

Comment: Sun Sunych is a Russian hip-hop group whose 15-track issue is based on male chanting and mainstream/pop influenced rhythms. The songs are in Russian (with some phrases in English, though) concentrating on bringing forth attitudes and statements being at times straightforward at times more ironic. The favourite ditties are sublime Pegasus (with charming female intervention and more soul-soaked background), Intro (ft. Alex East Block) which contains intriguing interaction between two singers and ear-catching, pitched sonic effects. Life (ft. Marina Zakharchenko) is a simply beautiful pop song, I'd better (ft. Sunniq and Alex East Block) involves a catchy sample and more funky ambiance around the centre. 

Cldscp – Menso Freakfolk (2010)

LibreCommeLair

Free Music Archive

Archive.org

Bandcamp

Lastfm

/Lo-fi, Freak folk, New Weird Argentina, Cover, DIY, Primitronica, Toytronica, Weird folk, Trip-hop, Free folk/

Comment: as the title expressively suggests this 8-track issue is about freakiness and folk music, however, these nouns and adjectives are closely related to each other. Additionally, the Argentinian-based duo`s music used to incorporate yet many stylistic elements to create the crunchy outcome. Andy and Leopo used to exploit a wide array of more or less conventional instruments and concepts which extend from the utilisation of accordions, ukuleles, basses, Casio Tonebank-series synths to toys, beat-boxing, abraded electronica and few 8-bit music/video game snippets, and concrete music samples. Very likeable is Leopo`s singing filled with gentle flickers and vulnerable flutters. Beneath layers produced with the aforementioned instruments do throb skiddy trip-hop paces. Unchained Melody is a cover of Presley`s most famous song. By kindred souls the duo`s music can be compared with the sonic aesthetics of the sisters Cassady. The result is childish yet spiritedly conveyed.