2/11/2011
Aloo Klangbild (Astor Bell)
The first track (TreiToTrei) by the Leipzig-based artist and musical activist/disc jockey Aloo is built up on melodica-injected chords, dub-inflected shades and 4/4 beats, sounding like a electronic remix of Augustus Pablo`s oeuvre. And indeed, the Jamaican-influenced vibe will be presented in the coming tracks too. Though, on the other side, his further sonic outlook will be grown over into a more atmospheric and soothing shape, having apparent hints at ambient music on its own. For instance, at Ambient Vall can be detected for dystopian, digital-based experimental ambient. At Harmonium Pump can be heard beauteously progressing orchestrations, "occasional" sonic minutiae, all in all, suiting into downtempo moulds. The rest of 3 tracks have also drenched in masterful sensitivity. Something similar from the dub perspective is Duanel`s Noches de Repilo (2010, Camada) I am listening to now as well.
Listen to it here
9.1
Pamba Lost Tapes (Clinical Archives)
The brothers Lenhart from Serbia started off in 1999, having before it played in the line-ups of different groups (Random Group; Pessimist). The recent issue consisting of 10 anonymous tracks is a decent case about rigid, even filthy guitar-lead penetration and its whistling feedbacks and whimsically caustic sounds of analogue synths and occasional assistance of a rhythm machine fluttering in the area of spaced-out rock jams, dadaistic patterns and nihilistic noise blowouts (which sound will be progressed into the sort of alarm sirens at times). In fact, all of tracks are recorded in live. Imagine a kind of formula which bases upon the early Einstuerzende Neubauten meets Gong. Or CAN`s live sessions fronted by Damo Suzuki. Yet, those descriptions are only some of the many possibilities. However, the track Untitled 06 does carry the most genuine hallmark of their brand.
Listen to it from here
8.8
2/09/2011
AnalogNoiseMaster The Aural Enthusiast (Parafago)
AnalogNoiseMaster`s aesthetics and ideology seems overtly to hark back to those days when full-electronic scoped krautrockers kicked off proceedings on repetitive sonic patterns and developments of their inner spaces in the mid of 70`s, for instance, if to come over to the workouts by Conrad Schnitzler and Cluster. The 9-track set is relied mainly upon propulsive and abrasive sounds, sometimes lopsided by having subtle swayings from one channel to another or sheer proto-industrial/old school industrial music alchemical experiments or producing slightly dream-alike fabric layers above those hard cored lookouts. Beside krautrock it can be considered minimal music as well, more detailly, if to consider the austere supplements of analogue/modular synth-based whimsical chords and overthrows. At times it will be exploded into noise-infused rhythms and brown noise-backed examples (noise techno?!). For sure, the ANM`s recent brainchild is ebullient, playful, and fruitful, all in all, full of aural fun. Check it out the other issues under Parafago Records as well, however, this Italian label has developed into one of the most solid experimental music records nowadays already.
Listen to it here
9.5
AstroLogical Living Fossils (Jellyfish Recordings)
In true, firstly I discovered AstroLogical`s Living Fossils as 5-track EP under Bubblectro label. At the other, Jellyfish Recordings it has grown into a 11-track monster. AstroLogical is an emcee/producer from Vancouver, Canada conveying a kind of cinematic-inflected blend of hip-hop and nu-jazz and just laidback music. It is mightily sampledelic, filled in the concept with dynamic samples of exuberant brass sound, lone string chords, dusty sounds of old keyboards, and suggestive vocal samples, sometimes backed even by powerpop punches (Mother Nature) and dark-hued smog. No doubt, such kind of music has been very popular in recent days as I have earlier introduced the bands like Metawon, Bram Nelson, Kämmerer, The Dirty Samples, Cheese People, Pretty Lights, Mentz among others. And labels by the likes of Humanworkshop, Neferiu and Tokyo Dawn Records as well. My favorite notches on the recent issue are Mustard Evening, Headhunters Melody and Rush Of Colour. All in all, at the most times Living Fossils is a playful occurrence.
Listen to it here
8.8
2/08/2011
cerBlc :NoMean Yes (Bubblectro)
The German musician Christian Vogel suggested in the Wire magazine approximately 6 years ago that by his option he would close all the recent electronic musicians into a locked room with some recorders and tapes. Tommy Smurthwaite aka cerBlc has apparently no problems with the presumptions of perceiving of early electronic music and its complicated technic approach and historic specificity. Moreover, he has played in different rock groups, including being punk (indeed, genuine punks have always loved dance music).
Here are represented only two tracks (Hongu; Yusus) being inspired by 90`s electronic music, yet, having no strong appeal toward dance floor and more generally by the past of music. Hongu is a psychedelic, sample(delic)-based shuffle incorporating the elements of hip-hop scratches and cool jazz elements. Yusus is an example of brain-focused motorik alchemy, reminding of Autechre`s early workouts first of all. In a more concrete way, strongly stomping rhythms are blended with atmospheric IDM-esque under/uppercurrents, showcasing the close liaison between earth and heaven.
Listen to it here
8.7
2/07/2011
Nick Rivera Happy song is a happy song (La bèl)
In Cagliari born but now in London residing Michele Sarti aka Nick Rivera is being and has been participant in the line-up of many groups (Bron Y Aur; Franklin Delano; Sunny Day Sets Fire; Oh Atoms; Takoma). Yet, his recent project is definitely an act of intimate folk, or folk-based art which tends to search for diverse sonority fields, potent harmonic angles, making out impressive experiments with baroque pop, shuffling analogue electronics and cinematic undercurrents of epicness, all in all, finding out an equilibrium between the kind of astonishing inner harmony and outer form of beauty. Of course, Sarti is not alone, being assisted by many other musicians. For instance, at Renee Luise, the opening track, beautiful unisoned vocal lines are compiled by voices of him and Mary Dow. Indeed, an amazing track. Or in the other place the unisoned chords of fingerpicked strings (guitar, ukulele) and cello keys do play out a perfect chamber folk example (Horn Y Orgy). Or is it as if Air`s Moon Safari`s most epic moments were mastered in the vein of chamber pop attitude somehow? The title track enters into the indie folk area, more concretely, reminding of the Welsh whimsical folk wizards Gorky`s Zygotic Mynci`s playful shufflings on the ground of bucolic acoustic pop jams and acid-filled synthezised passages. Happy song is a happy song is one of the most excellent appearances (if not the best) in 2011 so far. Imagine you having a home in the countryside and you are sitting outside for looking at the sun`s going down. A truly great monumental set indeed.
Listen to it here
9.8
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