Animal Collective – Live at Irving Plaza (2016)

Nyctaper

• Freak folk 
• New Weird America 
• Free folk 
• Post-psychedelic electronica 
• Live recording 
• Experimental pop 
• Art pop 
• Weird folk 

Comment: Animal Collective's gigs used to be energetic and burbly ones, which are available at Archive.org and the same words could as said about the recent, 15-track issue. The Baltimore, US-based quartet issued brand new album Painting With in the beginning of the year on Domino, which seems to sound polyrhythmically and being galvanised with vowel effects to conjure up psychedelic sensations as much as I was able to hear from this gig. Something very special could not be found from except FloriDada. Business as usual I would dear to say because AC seems to have reached its aesthetical limits. Of course, since Merriweather Post Pavilion AC changed its direction to be more electronic and dance appealed rather than New Weird-oriented as their previous albums used to be. So one could admit AC did not invent something new and I do not feel myself psyched at all to get the new one. Indeed, much has changed around them and us and it is hardly exciting to expect truly refreshing breezes from there, as it was actually reasonable 7-16 years ago. However, the recent gig consists of old and new compositions and fortunately the combo has found a proper balance between them. By the way, the live started off with Alvin Row, and Bees and the session involves the favourite track of mine by Animal Collective, Loch Raven. Insofar as AC is not planning to revisit Estonia I shall have to regret that I did not attend their live at Lillepaviljon 10 years ago.

Kria Brekkan – 2008-09-16 Lutheran Church (2008)

Nyctaper

• New Weird Iceland 
• Avant-pop 
• Abstract, 
• Dream pop 
• Live session 
• Post-pop
• Singer-songwriter 
• Experimental pop
• Art pop
• Folktronica

Comment: Kristín Anna Valtýsdóttir aka Kria Brekkan was previously known as a member of Icelandic combo Mùm of which first albums Yesterday Was Dramatic – Today Is OK (2000, Morr Music) and Finally We Are No One (2002, FatCat) are pure gold to listen for sure - it is a hypnotic blend of folk, electronic/glitch music and post-rock. These two ones are the issues showing no sign of aging even today. So get these albums for yourselves immediately if you do not have it yet. Roughly one year before this gig Kria Brekkan and her then-husband Dave Portner aka Avey Tare (Animal Collective) released an issue called Pullhair Rubeye on Paw Tracks for which they composed music to turn it upside down therefore. This time Kria does not get involved in such sort of capers. The result is a fairy-alike one in which one could hear her to chirp as if it were channelized through the mist being conjured up either by glass celesta or watery harmonium. At times one could track down more dynamic and cinematic bridges on the austere chords to create something astonishing and staggering. In a word, this session of a half hour is a truly interesting listening span.

Yo La Tengo – 2015-10-10 Kings Theatre (2015)

Nyctaper

• Indie pop/rock
• Alternative pop/rock
• Slowcore
• Covers
• Americana
• Sadcore
• Live session

Comment: by listening to this 24-track live gig by legendary Hoboken, US-based indie purveyors Yo La Tengo I would like to share some moments which emerge from their conception and music. Firstly, YLT is a thoroughly American combo which used to play principally country music though with a different, introverted posture. They are indie nerds who not dare to present their music loudly. However, it seems to be the protective pose of theirs which eventually contributes to their idiosyncratic image. Of course, these words could only be said about their live sessions which are absent with studio trickery and synthesised and psychedelic sound creation. Secondly, they prove again to be champions of the cover songs. There they convey their own versions of songs by the likes of The Cure, Minutemen, Lovin` Spoonful, Gene Clark, Special Pillow, The Scene Is Now, and Cat Stevens. In a word, their session is highly relaxing and enjoyable.

Sigur Ros - June 16, 2008 Grand Ballroom (2008)

Nyctaper

• Post-rock
• Ambient rock
• Art rock
• Epic
• Alternative rock
• Indie rock
• Dream pop
• Live recording

Comment: I switched on my magnetophone and USB device to play this previously highly acclaimed gig and to convey a presumably magnificient ambiance for the evening of today. In fact, the Icelandic juggernaut within indie and post-rock realm who were joined by their friends and compatriots Amiina and a section of horn from Iceland for this time would have made something absolutely otherwise - they occupied the room around me, altered my consciousness to enchanting one to feel myself more relaxed and calmed down. At their heydays I was not the biggest fan of the combo`s music by feeling they were a little bit overrated because of their (faux-)mystical yet quite boring aesthetic. I then rather preferred to listen to such combos as Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Stereolab, and Tortoise, for instance. By listening to their gig at Grand Ballroom by now all seems to be changing deeply inside me. It starts off with the combo`s classic Svefn-g-Englar which makes out very well  for me. The issue goes on with some other classic tracks thereafter. It might be their music rings out even greater while being performed live. Jònsi`s singing is enchanting in the middle of melting organ drones and pummeling drums cascades and guitar chords over the place. Somthing of this kind needs no words to impose upon you. Get it and enjoy it!

Shearwater 2016-02-06 Mercury Lounge NYC (2016)

Nyctaper

• Indie rock/pop
• Alternative pop/rock
• Art rock
• Live
• Experimental rock
• Americana
• Psychedelic rock
• Cover

Comment: Shearwater performed this gig on the sixth of February, 2016 at Mercury Lounge NYC which was virtually a promotion act of Jonathan Meiburg-led combo`s brand new one Jet Plane and Oxbow having embraced obvious hints at adverse side effects on nature by the human being`s activity. Indeed, I like the musicians who have been having both responsibility and courage to spit it out despite the so-called political correctness superimposed by some politicians and businessmen with purpose to cover up their own slippery decisions and activities. Musically it is an organic shift between alternative/indie pop/rock, Americana and art rock with some hints toward ambient/drone/electronic music. Of course, Jonathan Meiburg`s sorrowful singing style is a main component within the ensemble`s music and also throughout the gig. The most experimental new song is obviously Stray Light at Clouds Hill where the last mentioned elements are neatly represented for. Additionally, there are represented three compositions from the band`s previous albums and a cover of David Bowie`s Look Back In Anger. Very good. 

Of Montreal 2008-10-10 Roseland NYC (2008)

Nyctaper

• Indie pop
• Alternative dance
• Psychedelic rock
• Live session
• Alternative pop
• Funk
• Folk indie
• Soul
• Indie folk

Comment: Of Montreal is one of the most well-known artists coming out from the so-called The Elephant 6 Recording Company. The Denver, Colorado, US-established company involves such artists as Neutral Milk Hotel, Beulah, Olivia Tremor Control, The Ladybug Transistor, and M Coast, Apples In Stereo among many others. Musically these combos make difference against each other though sharing exquisite playfulness, aesthetical curiosity, artistic freedom and fondness for music of going beyond genres and styles. Furthermore, it was not unusual that the projects altogether used to share one and the same members (for instance, Jeff Mangum was or has been a member of such combos as Neutral Milk Hotel, Elf Power, Major Organ and The Adding Machine, Circulatory System, The Apples In Stereo, Synthetic Flying Machine). Of Montreal is the project of one of the collective`s founders, Jeff Mangum and this gargantuan set of 26 songs with a total length of 107 minutes is an example of the quintessence of the Elephant 6. There are up fine examples of energetic indie pop songs with strong hints at psychedelic and acid pop undertaking which might even remind of the New Weird America movement at the time, funk and dance-appealed frequencies, and more programmed synthetic and design pop. There was presented a cover version of Nirvana`s Smells Like Teen Spirit in the set. Moreover, one could perceive more or less humorous moments seeping out from those numerous sonic layers. By the way, one of the ditties was performed while Jeff Mangum was riding almost naked atop of a white horse. You could see the magnificent horse and a contemporary Dionysios riding on the picture above. In a nutshell, it could be said all the people who attended the gig got satisfied. 

Woods - July 15, 2009 Bowery Ballroom (2009)

Nyctaper

/Psych-rock, Space rock, Alternative rock, Live session, Experimental rock, Indie rock/

Comment: Woods is the Brooklyn, New York, US-based trio of Jeremy Earl, Jarvis Taveniere, and Aaron Neveu. The trio`s half-hour gig at Bowery Ballroom was performed after four years and four issues from the starting point. The gig was followed by the issue of the album Songs of Shame only some months earlier on Jeremy Earl-led imprint Woodsist being shelter for many well-known experimentally oriented indie rock groups from recent generation (Vivian Girls, Crystal Stilts, Sic Alps, Pocahaunted, Wavves, Kurt Vile etc). The performance is an eminent proof as the slightly decent tradition oriented rock embodiment will grow remarkably due to extension through some intense key changes, guitar overdrives, sonic effects-delays and organ vamps. Although the combo is considered a part of the New Weird America movement these 32 minutes, however, set about to add some shimmery seeds to the rock and roll music tradition by playing music with immense energy and impetus originating mostly from the blues music legacy. In a word, grab it for yourself, your brother and sister and your cat and dog.

Vivian Girls - May 11, 2009 Bowery Ballroom (2009)

Nyctaper

/Live session, Garage rock, Punk rock, Noise pop, Alternative rock, Shoegaze, Dream pop, Indie rock, Lo-fi/

Comment: If to have some words about genuine modern female musicians one should explore women within the art pop/indie pop scene throughout the last three decades. Recently I read Morrissey`s autobiography where he spots upon an early Manchester indie/post-punk scene where only The Fall`s line-up involves female musician. In fact, women involved in the indie music scene were not a self-explanatory thing at a time actually. Later on the things started to improve remarkably. One could discover such great songwriters as Kate Bush, Kirsty MacColl, Björk, and PJ Harvey, for instance. Furthermore, there are up musical groups where women played an important part – for instance, in the 80s Siouxsie Sioux and her Banshees, Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth, Elisabeth Fraser from Cocteau Twins, Bilinda Butcher, and Debbie Googe from My Bloody Valentine, Emma Anderson and Miki Berenyi from Lush, Tara Vanflower from Lycia, Rachel Goswell from Slowdive, Toni Halliday from Curve, Lisa Germano, and Hope Sandoval if to name the most pre-eminent persons and musical groups. The 90s and 00s revealed innovative newcomers including Laetitia Sadier, Mary Hansen (most notably related to Stereolab), Megan White (The White Stripes), Brighton, Great Britain-based feminist art/experimental rock combo Electrelane, Pocahaunted and Best Coast. Vivian Girls was a Brooklyn-based trio who started off in 2007 and went on hiatus in 2014. In the meanwhile they issued three albums and had toured worldwide. Their music is a visceral blend of noise pop, feedback loaded punk, and dreamy female vocal driven enthralment. This 14-track gig was performed some months before issuing the combo`s sophomore album. Indeed, the performance used to fill in a good overview about their sound and dexterity to merge straightforward noise flows with hazy subtleties coming out of a vocal mannerism and catchy melodies. Although it could be said the trio`s permanent shift is somewhere between post-punk and shoegazing one can actually hear more artsy influences and drifts thereby reminding of Electrelane as a kindred soul sometimes. They bring forth lots of energy, charm, and verve for your pleasure. Amazing gig by any means.

Stereolab – October 2, 2008 Irving Plaza (2008)

Nyctaper

/Krautrock, French disco, Krautrock, Art pop, Live session, Electronic, Psychedelic pop, Easy listening, Indietronica/

Comment: Stereolab was undoubtedly one of the most important indie combos in the 90s along with My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, Lycia, Mercury Rev, Labradford and Tortoise. Their sound was a mix of shoegaze, Krautrock, art pop, indietronica, French disco, and psychedelic pop. Fortunately the Sadier-Gane led combo albums would not bear clear-cut elements from their Marxist principles whose representation would have been a simply ridiculous, populist bullshit just to show off for nobody. I guess that the die-hard anarchist would despise the genocidal tendencies so characteristic to communism throughout the history. This set involves 19 tracks and the result is a vivid kraut jamming saturated with bitty nylon bass strings, psychedelic Farfisa organ and Moog synthesiser sounds and Neu! inspired motorik beats. It is a great live session by the great group indeed.            

Sunburned Hand of the Man - Three Lobed/WXDU Day Show, Hopscotch Music Festival, King's, Raleigh, NC (2014)

Nyctaper

/New Weird America, Live session, Drone rock, Krautrock, Space rock, Avant-rock, Psychedelic rock, Experimental rock, Improvised music/

Comment: it is a great, 27-minute live session by the cult Massachusetts combo Sunburned Hand of the Man whose music reflects upon the interplay between noise and silence, between “natural” instrumentation and processed electronic sounds. It is a perfect sort of relaxation music due to outstretched droning, spaced-out guitar drenched trajectories, motorik rhythm engines and delayed crescendos and resigned incantations made up by Greta Svalberg. The result is a spellbinding trip through sonic magic. In addition to it I recommend listen to the likes of Vibracathedral Orchestra, Natural Snow Buildings, Ashtray Navigations, Kemialliset Ystävät, and Children Of The Drone.                

Ty Segall – September 17, 2014 Webster Hall (2014)

Nyctaper

/Garage rock, Fuzz pop, Alternative rock, Live session, Psychedelic rock/

Comment: this is an enormous, 28-track live session by Ty Segall, an American musician being active since the end of 00s. He started make music in various musical groups, however in 2008 he started his own solo career to take his own ideas into practice. As it befits to garage rocker attitude very well the most tracks used to be short-running ones to gravitate around 2 minutes in length. The result is enjoyable thanks to thick yet dynamic sonic backgrounds, tweaked and dizzy guitar riffs and psychedelic keyboard lines which are to spawn synergetic milieu throughout the session. The more you listen to it the more sexy it gets (not only that reason the drummer is a woman). Get it and enjoy this excellent session by four musicians.        

Björk - Live @ Great Hall Of Science, Queens, New York, USA, NY (02-12-2012)

Nyctaper

Björk

/Electronic pop, Art pop, Singer-songwriter, Avant-folk, Live session, Art folk/

Comment: Icelandic diva Björk`s gig includes 19 tracks, most of them are taken from the album Biophilia (2011) which was produced by exploiting more or less conventional instruments (tablet computer, using a system of applications, Tesla coil, harp, sharpsicord). Although there were performed some of her most known compositions (Hyperballad, You`ve Been Flirting Again) most ones were related to her late period issues. The stylistic range was wide – extending from grandiose electronic pop to more harp-driven, Borealis-sheeny folk progressions. As we already have figured out Björk is an event irrespective of how she is involved in. Listen to it and let it to overwhelm you.  

The Sugarcubes - 20th Anniversary Concert, Laugardalshöll (2006)

NYC Taper

• Alternative rock
• Indie pop
• Psychedelic rock
• Live recording

Comment: this monumental live gig includes 20 tracks within 84 minutes by the legendary Icelandic alternative group The Sugarcubes who was the first Icelandic group reached international acclaim from the island. The collective and Bjork`s solo career might indirectly open the way for other Icelandic groups either – Sigur Ros, mùm, Mugison, Amiina if to name just some combos among others. Although I am being Bjork`s fan for many years my experiences with The Sugarcubes have not been so pleasant and expected because of chiming a little bit monotonous and annoying in longer time spans. On the other side, Kukl was far more sympathetic thanks to their more avant-garde approach in music and concept. In true, in live they used to sound remarkably better mostly due to Bjork and Einar Örn Benediktsson`s erratic and tumultuous singing manner. The best moment is presented in midway – A Day Called Zero is a gravity-lost jazz-y wonder. 

Tom Carter - Three Lobed / WXDU Day Show (2013)

Nyctaper

• Experimental rock
• Live session
• Psych-rock
• Improvised music
• Space rock

Outstanding tracks:

Beauty Draws the Seed

August Is All 

Real Estate - December 11, 2012 Maxwell’s (2012)

Nyctaper

9.7

/Indie rock, Dream pop, Art rock, Alternative pop, Jangle pop, Live session/

Comment: this set of 8 tracks performed live provides an emotionally overwhelming touch of softness, and easiness. These are simplistic songs at the first sight, however knocking at the listener`s heart. Conversely, on the strength of the aforementioned words these songs might not be simplistic at all - Martin Courtney`s heartfelt, wistful crooning, and Matt Mondaline`s discursive guitar chords chime and elegantly drift along (of course, reminding a little bit his solo project Ducktails´ soundscapes). There are represented the elements of jangle pop, dream pop, maybe even ambient pop, though, not being the orthodox representative of the abovementioned styles. Maybe their cliff-hanging shift from these styles can be embraced under the term "art rock". Of course, there can be drawn parallels upon the C86 scene, Pavement, Yo La Tengo, Lotus Plaza. Because of its effortless, heavily easy (even bucolic) nature this miscellany makes difference. Superb. Thanks to Nyctaper for delivering so many excellent live shows (it is not the one and only issue by Real Estate over there).             

Lotus Plaza - April 19, 2012 Glasslands (2012)

Nyctaper

• Indie rock
• Alternative pop
• Psychedelic
• Dream pop
• Live session

The Antlers Live at Cake Shop on 2009-01-22 (2009)

Nyctaper

9.8

/Indie rock, Dream pop, Psychedelia, Epic, Live session, Post-rock, Space rock, Covers, Alternative rock, Experimental rock/

Comment: this batch of 6 tracks spreaded out over 42 minutes is a wondrous experience provided by this Brooklyn combo headed by The Antlers` principial songwriter Peter Silberman. It veers away cathedral organ-driven space rock and acidic Americana propulsions and majestic spaced-outs full of lofty noises, string-based shimmering and soulful fountains. The set involves a crushing cover version of Neil Young`s Harvest Moon. This gig was conveyed to be the Naked Hearts CD release party at Cake Shop. I wish I would have been there.

Akron/Family - February 17, 2011 Knitting Factory (2011)

Nyctaper

8.8

/Psych-folk, New Weird America, Psychedelic rock, Free folk, Avant-folk, Free folk, Experimentalism, Live recording/

Comment: the gigs by Akron/Family (Dana Janssen, Seth Olinsky, Miles Seaton) seem to be highly joyous by nature. At least this one used to be. In addition to the band`s frenetic experiments/improvisations with folk, blues, electronic undercurrents, dance rhythms, musique concrète-drenched sounds, sharp psychedelia there are some funny dodges (interpreting old standards; let the crowd singing). Enjoy the gig by a musical combo at Knitting Factory, a legendary venue for innovative artists, which was one of the most eminent chapters in the appearing process of the New Weird America movement alongside with Animal Collective, and Devendra Banhart.

Atlas Sound - December 18, 2011 Bowery Ballroom (2011)

Nyctaper

9.2

/Alternative, Dream pop, Singer-songwriter, Ambient rock, Space pop, Experimental indie, Art pop/

Comment: Bradford Cox is a master-monster amongst the galaxy of nowadays indie/alternative pop musicians, though, he is not an elderly man at all. Cox is known due to his innovative explorations, at first, with the ambient/space rock/experimental indie group Deerhunter, and later regarding his solo project Atlas Sound. He issued a brand new album, called Parallax, under his solo moniker in 2011. This 15-piece gig should be seen related to the issue in the first place which, however, providing enthralling and fascinating dream-soaked notches within the acoustic guitar-driven strums and lofty sphere-filled ambiance. Though the music is created in a relatively simple way, built on repetitive patterns and loops and echoic effects, however, the touch coming out of it is potently striking and captivating. By listening to the gig, Bradford Cox already seems to be rather a representative of a new generation of singer-songwriters.