Hawaiian Winter Music Reviews

Dth - I Hope I Can Feel Something Like That Someday

2010-03-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, if you had asked me what New Orleans music sounded like I would have probably said that it is almost exclusively some sort of groove oriented jazz or soul perhaps. This belief was viciously knocked on its proverbial ass when I listened to Dth's I Hope I can Feel Something Like That Someday. The five song album, which is available as a free download, plays out like the Books' Lemon of Pink on crack. Dth creates collage music that goes beyond an odd piecemeal construction of an otherwise straightforward song and brings out some of the structural and juxtapositional potential in collage music.

Overall, this album is a short piece of brilliance that deserves some engaging listeners. There are also two well-constructed music videos for tracks on the album, which I will link below.

8.9/10

Album Download:

http://www.mediafire.com/?mmjylmtuyzn

Music Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_Ap_ovYfrg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGLsLXnYB-k

Dth's Website:

http://dthsounds.bandcamp.com/

Systems Officer - Underslept

2010-03-24T04:05:00.000-07:00

Temporary Residence Limited has been aggressively expanding their sonic palette over the last few years and Systems Officer is no exception, sounding more like an inspired mix of Ben Folds and Weezer than another Rob Crow or Explosions in the Sky as one could have expected a few years back. Noting this mix of influences, the album plays out as one might imagine until the eighth track, Sand One, where a more raw style comes out that seems akin to recent Modest Mouse. This surprise adds some welcome depth to the album as a whole that could have just as easily ended the same way it started.

However, the album's biggest weakness is also in this surprise in that it sounds almost a bit too much like Modest Mouse and even shares similar imagery, most strikingly that of a sinking ship. Overall, though this album is a strong debut release for an artist that seems to show much promise for the future.

8.0/10

www.temporaryresidence.com

www.systemsofficer.com

Alejandra O'Leary - Nothing Out Loud

2010-03-24T03:49:00.000-07:00

Michigan singer-songwriter Alejandra O'Leary recently finished her debut album, Nothing Out Loud, a straightforward collection of songs that feels especially comfortable with the return of the warmth of spring. While nowadays I tend to listen to music with more of an experimental tinge, I would be lying if I said that this music did not remind me of much of the music I listened to when I was growing up. One of the strongest elements of this album, other than the compelling songwriting, is the pleasant density of the instrumentation throughout.

Overall this record seems to stand apart from other recent pop projects in that Alejandra writes in a way that is satisfyingly diverse both lyrically and musically. A comfortable listen from start to finish, Nothing out Loud could easily find its way into many days to come this season.

8.7/10

http://www.myspace.com/alejandraoleary

Dylan Ettinger - Cutters LP

2010-03-11T07:26:00.000-08:00

It seems like I have been reviewing a lot of Dylan Ettinger in the last few months and it is to his credit that this has not pissed me off. He seems to be in the throes of one of those overly prolific phases that can make or break a musician. Cutters is Ettinger's first release on vinyl as well as his first album to aim directly at his current home of Bloomington, Indiana and its many two-wheeled inhabitants.

This album is carried along by pulsating synths and vocals that propel Ettinger into a realm reminiscent at times of early Kraftwerk, which works to paint a good portrait of bike riding here in Bloomington. As with a lot of Ettinger's work there is a sense of wonder that captures the freedom of a bicycle in a college town, especially of that first ride after a winter of walking everywhere. This is one of the more developed of Dylan's albums and is good addition to all things Ettinger. If you even vaguely like anything that he has ever done, it would be well worth your time to snag one of the precious few of these available.

The artwork comes from Ruralfaune's Bruno and is a split release between Ruralfaune and Digitalis with a limited run of 150. Dennis Quaid may be able to out ride a semi-truck but Ettinger seems to have won the race.

9.7/10

www.eltule.org

www.digitalisindustries.com

www.myspace.com/ruralfaune

Dylan Ettinger - Super Ape, Communion

2010-02-02T02:10:00.000-08:00

Today is the second day of the second month of the second decade of the second century I have seen in my life and I have just heard the second of Dylan Ettinger's two-tape set, Super Ape and Communion. This is just some stupid coincidence that I noticed, but Ettinger's new opus has made it feel much more symbolic. This pair of humble audio cassettes plays like a meticulous history of an imagination and its inhabitants rather than a mere collection of themed songs.

The first tape of the two, Super Ape, is centered around the legendary Bigfoot. Side A features a single track entitled "Bigfoot Rising", which seems to be the score to countless dark nights of childhood spent exploring the places in the imagination that were avoided as long as the lights stayed on. This piece is perhaps the most astounding example thus far of Ettinger's talent for delivering on a suggestive title while avoiding predictability. His portrait of the rising of the beast gives its existence more credence than any photographic evidence will probably ever do.

Side B also features a single track, The Majesty of Sasquatch, which inverts the terrified wonderment of the first side into a state of reverent awe. The eerie voices of the previous side are transformed into anxious murmurs of flickering shadows awaiting their king at the side of a fire-lit forest clearing. The royal entrance is heralded by ritualistically patient percussion by Clarke Joyner that builds continually without overpowering the song. The organ work on this piece blends tribal sounding riffs with chant-like melodic motifs whose combination allows the melody to bring depth into the experience of the music and its subject with a wise use of familiar musical ideas.

The second tape of the set, Communion, is just as impressive in its vibrant imagery as the first but here Ettinger lifts his eyes to the heavens and their inhabitants. This tape seems to be equally divided between two perspectives, that of humanity and that of the aliens. Side A features two tracks, Abduction and Cosmos, which work together to flesh out a portrait of the terror and wonder that each surface in turn when we think of the arrival of visitors from beyond our humble rock. Musically, Ettinger effectively makes use of familiar synthesizer textures without erring on the side of cheese. Side B seems to follow an alien vessel on its return voyage to the mothership, and conjures images of the freedom of open space giving way to the awe one might feel when reaching the hub of your civilization. After a long journey, you forget how impressive your own species can be.

Overall, this is the strongest work Ettinger has released to date, it is sure to be a significant stepping stone to even more ambitious and enchanting musical ventures.

9.4/10

www.eltule.org

Cresting - An E.P.

2009-10-19T02:23:00.000-07:00

Cresting's latest offering, simply titled An E.P., is a brief foray into a world of synthesized simplicity. With pulsating melodies and rhythms, warm textures, and an aversion to unnecessary complexity, the album breathes deeply and relaxedly. The seven songs wrap around the listener like a musical bear-hug from a loved one upon reunion. Saying much more about this album will only take away from its direct musical language.

9.1/10

www.fixture-records.com

www.myspace.com/crestingcrestingcresting

Dirty Beaches - The Horror LP

2009-10-19T01:48:00.000-07:00

Listening to The Horror LP from Fixture Records' Dirty Beaches is feels like thumbing through a musical sketchbook of sorts. The fourteen pieces give deep impressions of a somberly beautiful world from various angles and perspectives. While maintaining a consistent sonic aura, The Horror LP, contains a variety of colors and textures that gives the album its depth and drive. Played mostly on guitar, this album is a great suite of pensive static-washed pieces that might light the imagination or lull one into deep sleep.

9.1/10

www.fixture-records.com

http://www.myspace.com/dirtybeaches

Brave Radar - A Building

2009-10-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

A feel-good collection of lo-fi pop songs, A Building is, at the very least, an enjoyable listen for a warm afternoon. At times throughout the album the music does seem to fall a bit flat if you really dig into listening, but for the most part Brave Radar glides above the typical pitfalls of similar aesthetics. As the album goes on, the songs get stronger with my personal favorite on the album being the beautiful Line Storm. Overall, a strong album for fans of earnest songwriting, and an admirable addition to Fixture Records' growing catalog.

8.7/10

http://www.fixture-records.com

www.myspace.com/braveradar

Omon Ra - Monolith 1

2009-10-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

Judging by the name, one might expect Omon Ra's Monolith 1 to be some sort of conceptually lofty free jazz manifesto, but, as wisdom would advise, it's not a good idea to judge a band by its name. The actual content of Monolith 1 is a pleasant collection of tunes touching many areas of folk, pop, and even a bit of doo-wop, though sans outright dooing and wapping. Most of this album breathes with the ambiance of a bedroom rather than the sterility of a studio, which brings an air of intimacy to the album that can be very different to convey. Omon Ra has something in their songwriting that brings out a uniqueness that allows them to simply write songs without worrying about standing out via some overt display of incongruity within their genre.

9.0/10

http://www.fixture-records.com

http://www.myspace.com/theyproject

BBBlood - Alien Nosejob

2009-10-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

London's BBBlood is to tranquility as a blender is to your left hand and Alien Nosejob is no exception. Digitally mangled sounds blend with sine wave harmonies and hauntingly ethereal textures to create a work that is destructively jagged and yet somehow imbued with an idiosyncratic mystique. This album has some real depth beneath the squealing surface that is beautiful in its own right. Definitely a worthwhile album for those who want to hear what its like to get possessed by a robot demon, which is pretty damn awesome if you're up for the trial.

9.1/10

http://www.colourride.co.uk

http://www.myspace.com/bbblood

Sarah's Carity - Logic of Collapse

2009-10-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

Logic of Collapse, the latest album by Danish artist Sarah's Charity, is an impressive collection of spatial soundscapes that summon a mood of pensive reflection. Warm swells of white noise laden harmonies create a bed of musical warmth that feels almost cozy at times. The image that comes to mind when listening to this album is a sunset offset by storm clouds in the distance. At a half-hour long, Logic of Collapse is timed perfectly and seems to grow in depth with each listen.

8.9/10

http://www.colourride.co.uk

Sparkling Wide Pressure - Meaning Plane

2009-09-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

Sparkling Wide Pressure's Meaning Plane might as well be a self-titled album, conceptually at least. The essence of the music is in the name, bringing an expansive spectrum of noisy textures that might feel familiar to some, but thankfully authentic to most, if not all. Through the five pieces on the album, SWP creates a series of sonic sculptures that manage to incorporate many sounds without feeling bogged down or diluted by sheer variety. The album is satisfyingly colorful and well focused.

8.9/10

www.colourride.co.uk

Defibrillators - Live at Colour Ride Club 16/10/08

2009-09-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

I recently became aware of the Colour Ride label when Edward, the man behind the mayhem, contacted me about doing a set of reviews. This first one comes from the Defibrillators, a London-based band that seems to thrive on chaotic musical creation. This live album consists of one twenty-four minute monster that paints a portrait of improvisatory freedom at its best. This group wears "free" music on its sleeve but seems to have an element of subtle cohesion that belies a highly developed language of interplay between these musicians. They seem to have a handle on improvisation as their medium of choice rather than just an excuse not to sit down and write music the long way.

Throughout the disc, most of the melodic and harmonic chaos is nestled atop a steady rhythmic foundation that gives the listener a point of reference amidst the constant musical metamorphosis. There are elements of a plethora of musical influences throughout this set, from droning textures to harsh walls of noise as well as everything in between the two. In the transitions of the music, this group excels, seeming to wordlessly decide each change before the listener has a chance to guess their next move. For fans of unabashedly improvised music done well.

8.9/10
www.colourride.co.uk

Dante Augustus Scarlatti - Demises of the Dynamic Microophone (In Monodelity)

2009-09-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

One man's fervent (or stoned) reflections on existence come to life over seven compositions that make use of a plethora of sounds sources and methods of manipulation. Like a carpenter meticulously crafting an altar, DAS carves a somber piece of beauty relying primarily on minimalistic guitar and various raw sound recordings. This is perfect accompaniment to a thunderstorm, in fact, if you listen to this music on a nice day it becomes gradually harder to believe the sun would have the gall to shine while it is being played. Scarlatti doesn't have the blues, he can't even see color. He paints worlds of grey, with thousands of tiny shades covering the spectrum from white to black. Think Ansel Adams in sonic form; looking toward the most gripping images nature has to offer and stripping it of any color. Simply breathtaking at times. This album comes packaged in "sacrificed" reel to reel cases with beautiful inserts and a complimentary patch.

9.5.10

http://aurisapothecary.org

Hail Architeuthis! - s/t EP

2009-09-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

Architeuthis is the biological genus of the giant squid, a fact which I learned a few days before seeing this band play their first live show ever some months ago. That show will be burned in my memory for a very long while as the first, so far only, but hopefully not last, time I witnessed a band live up to a name that unabashedly conjures images of the epic and chaotic. This ship-sinking mayhem I witnessed at that first show and the ones that followed, however, is merely the face of the beast above the surface of the sea. Below, the creature fluidly roams the depths, silently vigilant of the surface for any ships unfortunate enough to cross into his waters.

This latter image is the subject of this debut EP, which serves as a sacred prelude to the ascent of their sacred beast. Twenty minutes of hallowed drones and aqueous soundscapes lead to a brief glimpse of chaos toward the close. This first release from HA! is damn near perfect in terms of the composition and execution of the music in relation to the image under which it was released. Beautifully haunting, this EP should be much more widely known, if only to let everyone in on how high the bar was set for a debut while they weren't paying attention.

9.5/10

http://aurisapothecary.org

Icuab Drain - You're Uncomfortably Sane

2009-09-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

Icuab Drain, another member of the Auris Apothecary family, has released an impressively compelling debut EP that, if nothing else, proves that video game inspired music can be more than a gimmicky show of musical masturbation. The four songs that comprise You're Uncomfortably Sane push the use of the 8-bit palette into new territory. Its like staring at the Mona Lisa everyday for five years before walking to the next room and seeing a sky by Turner for the first time.

The strongest song on this EP is the appropriately titled 8-bit Revelation. This track alone makes the tragically short fifteen minutes of the release worth its weight in gold, driving it to its end. Icuab Drain has set a high bar for anyone who even dreams 8-bit when making music. Gamers beware: you're sound has new masters.

9.3/10

www.aurisapothecary.org

Hou - Retriculating Inner Shade

2009-09-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

Ever since the internet began to reshape music and its distribution some years ago, leveling the playing field for a bast number of would be unheard artists, there has been a deluge of music far to big for anyone to manageably keep up with. This flood has brought to light some amazing music and some big disappointments. It seems that every ass-clown with a guitar and a bad day starts up a music myspace and lets his emotions out into the world to make his authentic personal depth known to this heartless, superficial world.

Luckily, Hou is one of those artists that makes this explosion of music bearable and even likable. His debut album, Retriculating Inner Shade, is anything but a musical myspace diary. Over the course of fifteen songs, clocking in at just over an hour, Hou creates a contemplative atmosphere from a plethora of synthesizers and sequencers. On the surface of the music not much reaches out and screams "Hey I'm innovative!", but this is one of the main strengths of this album. Hou avoids musical extremes in favor of a subtle passion buried throughout the album. He speaks softly and directly, but, like all wise men, does not care to use gimmicks to get your attention.

9.0/10

www.aurisapothecary.org

The Parasails - Skylife

2009-07-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

Matt Mondanile of Ducktails has just released a new tape on El Tule as The Parasails. Equal parts Steve Reich, laid back pop, and Pina Colada, this tape is thirty minutes of airy bliss that could give anyone a much needed taste of vacation, anywhere there is a tape deck. I don't have too much to say about this tape, the best word is 'lush'. The minimalist arpeggios on both sides serve to open up the miniature resort this tape builds on a beach in the mind of the listener and take them on a high-flying journey over sand and sea that reminded me, for whatever reason of the main flight scene from the classic, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Pick it up while its still there, this resort only has one hundred rooms available and they're booking faster than spaces at neverland ranch right now.

9.0/10 http://www.myspace.com/ducktailss

http://www.eltule.org

The Crux - Now, Ferment

2009-06-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

If there is a ruckus being caused in any of the bars within thirty miles of Santa Rosa, California, I would not be surprised to find The Crux at the heart of it. Straightforwardly moving through a wide breadth of song styles centered on a beautiful dark, folk feel, this band doesn't dick around. From the raucous opening track to the surprising final piece, Now, Ferment is a refreshing musical journey.

What stands out the most with this band as opposed to other folk/blues groups that I've encountered lately is the range of feels that they navigate through with apparent ease. Encompassing most of the sonic and stylistic spectrum of modern folk, even closing with an almost GY!BE-esque piece, the group manages to speak all of the dialects of their genre without losing a strong musical cohesion throughout the album. If you like folk or blues by any stretch of the imagination, you will almost certainly find something on this album that strikes a chord in your ears. This is a band to see if they come anywhere near you.

9.0/10 - www.myspace.com/thecruxandfriends www.bitethehand.org

The Brown Book - Thirty Nothing

2009-06-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

The Brown Book is a name I wasn't familiar with until the band recently contacted me about their album, Thirty Nothing. Based on the press release that they sent along with the album, it seems these guys have been getting a fair amount of press already. This is certainly not undeserved. Going instrumental with a typical band instrumentation is nothing new to music over the last few years, but The Brown Book has brought something unique to the table.

While most instrumental bands attempt to ascend great heights with their music (some with greater success than others), The Brown Book is content to play to their medium in a fairly straightforward way. Walls of fuzzed-out guitars meet drums in a way that might be more expected from band with a vocalist. That being said, this album is happily pretension free. This might be the closest to the punk rock equivalent of the instrumental scene right now in terms of the overall aesthetic of the album. Not overly technical or cinematic, this album is best heard LOUD.

There is something within these seven tracks for just about anyone, at times brutal, at times fairly catchy, great driving music if you like to speed. I'm looking forward to their future output, as the potential here is enticing.

Check these guys out at www.thebrownbook.org

8.7/10

Dylan Ettinger - Safari Zone, Bread of the Dead

2009-06-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

Dylan Ettinger is a man on a mission. From his face-melting blend of chaos and catchiness that goes into his live set with his band, The Rude Dudes, to his label El Tule, which is putting out a variety of music on cassette, Ettinger exudes passion for music and artistry that belies his age. If you are fortunate enough to have seen him or heard any of his music, it will come as no surprise that his two most recent releases, Safari Zone and Bread of the Dead are both beautiful in their own right.

Safari Zone, which was released on Dylan's own label, is a sterling juxtaposition of groove, chaos, and nostalgia. The opening track of side A, Gameboys begins with the construction of a sonic wall that eventually resolves into a melodic section whose simplicity reminds one of its namesake. The following song, Sub Sub grooves hard and makes use of a veritably infectious synth hook as well as driving percussion and effected vocals to produce a piece that lends itself well to getting lost in the music. The final track of the side begins with meandering percussion, distorted synth swells, distant vocals, and a laser-like drone. This track treads familiar territory for many listeners, and it is to Ettinger's credit that he can own the textures so convincingly. This track builds to a final disintegration resting on a single sustained not and a snippet of conversation, and throughout the build the drummer on the album shows great patience in his part, bringing a dynamic sense that is lost on many percussionists that seem to be merely a time-keeping formality when it comes to playing this sort of music.

Side B opens with the beautiful Love Song which centers around a bell-like melody fed back into itself to make an almost crystalline musical aura. Beneath this comes shimmering swelling textures and chant-like vocals that seem to float somewhere behind everything else. This is not your typical love song, but it might be one of the most honest, owning up to the inexpressibility of its subject and walking the razor's edge in terms of sound between ecstasy and agony, such as can be the case in life. Following this, Ocean Rain defies its new-age-sounding title and puts a different perspective on instrumental reflections on nature's work while still being honest about its inspiration. The final track, the title track of the album, builds off of samples from the game Pokemon, from which the name Safari zone comes. Eventually percussion comes in and propels the track to a sparkling finish that evolves into an almost tribal chant over a drone that sounds beautifully organic, especially given its digital source material.

The second tape that I have of Ettinger's is Bread of the Dead. The opening track is a complementary piece to the second track on Safari Zone, making use of similar instrumentation and some saxophone work by Clark Joyner, the percussionist on Safari Zone. This tape seems more aqueous than the other one and uses a sonic palette that is warm shimmering. On this tape Ettinger makes use of some of the material from the infamous Buddha Machine and bears witness to his ability to paint sonic landscapes with tangible depth.

Overall, Ettinger's maturity in his output is what stands out as his greatest quality. Both tapes are extremely well put together and all of the strengths of the first carry over to the second. It would be useless to say that either is better, except on the basis of textural preference. Furthermore, his choice to put these out on tape rather than on cdr or something similar is a wise artistic choice that really brings out the strengths of the medium itself. The warmth of cassette is done much justice in this music and complements the production style of these two releases. The work and reflection that has gone into these two releases transcends its ephemeral availability. The amount of thought in these two releases is rare in the tape world and is on par with much of the material coming out on much bugger experimental labels.

Ettinger mentioned that a new batch of the second tape will be available soon and that the first is still in print, pick both of them up soon as they will disappear quickly it Ettinger's reputation parallels the quality of his music.

Both tapes get a 9.3/10, to make room for future improvement.

Both releases will be found on the EL TULE page, http://www.myspece.com/tapeseltule

Good job kid.

Kill and Eat - Green Bushes

2008-10-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

Kill and Eat is a name with which I was completely unfamiliar until fairly recently. They recently released an album on Alright now Records entitled "Green Bushes". I have to say, these guys reminded me why I got into reviewing in the first place. The title track of the album is an amorphous piece of musical beauty. The opening section is reminiscent of elements of Silver Mount Zion and brilliantly displays the use of fragile sounding vocals and warm piano to create a sound that wears its humanity on its sleeve. Further into the track more influences seem to creep into the mix, calling to mind rainy day jazz and quirky pop to mind at times.

The following two tracks, or sketches as they are called, show some real compositional sensibilities and bring to light a few new elements to their sound. Overall this album is a solid step in the right direction for a group of musicians that seems to have a smattering of musical and aesthetic influences. This is one of the most universally appealing albums I've heard in a long time, having bits that almost any listener can take and run with. Beautifully compelling.

9.5/ 10 www.killandeat.com

Curia - s/t

2008-02-07T04:29:00.000-08:00

Late last year, I received a slew of releases from Fire Museum Records, a relatively young label from Philadelphia, for whom I've done a few reviews in the past. The first that I've finally gotten to is the self-titled debut from the group Curia. The album was also released overseas by the label Ruby Red. This group two guitarists an organist and a drummer, a very typical set-up that fails to reflect the sound the group produces. The album is divided into four tracks that comprise one long improvisation.

At times I am skeptical of improvised experimental projects, simply because they seem to be able to get away with calling anything they can capture on a microphone music. However, upon listening to this album, I was pleasantly surprised by how focused the group was in the execution of a unified musical vision. The improvisation relies heavily on spatial and atmospheric aspects of playing, creating a broad, sparse sound world that the musicians explore throughout the duration. This album has some unique sounds in it and is a great listen for fans of ambient and experimental improvisation. This group has found their sound and their niche, and has the ability to take their music as far as they want in the future, as long as the focus and unity stays intact.

9.0/10 more information and ordering at www.museumfire.com

Canterbury Effect - We Are All Dogs

2008-02-07T02:46:00.000-08:00

Terre Haute based band, Canterbury Effect came out with a new album on Crossroads of America Records last September, but through various delays and forgetful encounters with Mike Adams, the label's owner, it took quite some time before I acquired it and even longer for me to get around to listening to it. Canterbury Effect has been playing for ten years now and is known throughout Indiana, and wherever else they've played over the years, for their energetic music and genuine personalities as people. Their latest album,We Are All Dogs, had been in the works for some time before it was released, and I had almost forgotten them, having not seen a show in quite awhile, almost...

Having now finally had a chance to sit down and listen to this album, I remember why I enjoyed these guys as much as I did. The songs on this album are catchy and spirited, conveying the energy of the group well throughout its entirety. The sound of the album is more layered and developed than their previous efforts and provides a refreshing step forward for a band that has been around as long as this one has. The songwriting is vaguely reminiscent of some of the work of Tim Kinsella in his various projects, but still holds its own in terms of originality and freshness.

The vocals on this album are a mix of group work, punk-esque alliteration, with some predominating vocal melodies driving a few of the songs. Their sound stays consistent throughout the thirteen tracks, but does threaten to bore toward the end, until the last track which is stands out from the rest of the songs in terms of instrumentation and sound. Overall though, this album is an enjoyable foray into the overlooked regions of music after pop-punk and is a good listen for anyone who hasn't completely given up on music that suggests solid pop sensibilities.

8.9/10 more information and ordering at www.crossroadsofamericarecords.com

Ed Schrader - The Choir Inside

2008-02-07T01:53:00.000-08:00

The night after I saw Teeth Mountain, during the second night of the show I was introduced to the musical anti-virtuoso that is Ed Schrader. Ed approached me and called me out for being a composer immediately. He was a gracious, collected individual that completely reversed my normal role in meeting artists, having been the approchee as opposed to the approacher. Five minutes later I saw this person set up a microphone and prepare for the one-man chaos that was to ensue. Ed's set managed to be compelling and entertaining while he played a humble drum set of a single floor-tom and snare drum and sang lyrics that forced their way into your head as he perpetrated a cacophonous display of determined fervor and raw energy.

After the set, I got to talk to Ed again and he graciously offered me a copy of his album when I mentioned this site. The CD features a whopping twenty-six songs that keep the same raw feeling of his live work, but at the same time demonstrate Ed's approach to various instruments and song forms. Most of the songs on the album are short and out of all of them, only three exceed three minutes. This one-off philosophy and playful attitude that make up this album, as well as the various strange and unique recordings that flesh out the document, come together to create a unique, chaotic brand of music that is truly one of a kind. This collection of songs provides an honest and cynical portrait of the artist and his perception of his place in existence.

The recording quality of the album varies throughout, but is primarily lo-fi to an extent that can be initially frustrating to anyone who has not been introduced through a live show, where Ed flourishes. However the recording fits the music and Ed's vocals are clear in every piece, a feat that is lost on many recordings of much higher fidelity.

8.9/10 more information and ordering at www.myspace.com/edwardhenryschraderiii

Teeth Mountain - s/t

2008-02-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Teeth Mountain is a band from Baltimore that I had the opportunity to catch at a show here in Bloomington. Let it suffice to say that between three percussionists, noisy cello drones, organic synthesizer tones, and a creative musical saw player, this was a performance that blew the lid off of typical mid-west shows and ensnared the crowd in a hypnotic musical spell producing as much wonder as compelling everyone to dance like the apocalypse was imminent. The set was notably and successfully percussively driven and was laden with massive drones, and capped off with a jam on the Baltimore Beat and a fanatic chant of "Face down, ass up, that's the way we like to f**k", which was enthusiastically joined by the almost fanatic crowd. During the days preceding and following the show, I was lucky enough to meet the bold group that put on such a boisterous display and also get a copy of their self titled, limited edition debut album.

This band seems to have a multiple personality complex in terms of their recorded work as compared to their explosive live show, presenting themselves as an amorphous musical entity that defies easy descriptions. The album, which contains eight tracks of varying lengths, is a creative document of musical ideas and voices that shows a distinct musical palette through which this group of players successfully makes complex and downright catchy noise-based, percussive music. The CD is well recorded and successfully allows each song to speak in its own way, while forming a cohesive whole whose only drawback is the brief length. This band seems to be on a mission to bring as many people as possible into the world of noisy music without forcing their hand in any way. Upon seeing this band and subsequently listening to the album, it is clear that if they play their cards right we will be seeing and hopefully hearing a lot from this band in the near future.

A quick note on the packaging of the album: It is handmade and features a hand sewn plastic sleeve around a cardboard sleeve and small sheet of liner notes that feature creative collage work by one of the members of the band.

9.5/10 more information and ordering at www.myspace.com/teethmountain

(It is definitely worth the effort to track down one of these discs if you can't make it to a show, and if they do come your way be sure to catch them as their shows are downright mind-blowing fun and they need your support.)

The Drift - Memory Drawings

2008-02-07T00:37:00.000-08:00

The Drift could quite possibly open the world of jazz to a new generation of listeners and break open a can of worms in terms of the future and destiny of the music that many listeners today still associate with their parents or grandparents and stiffs in suits. Their debut 12", Streets/Nazomi, and their subsequent full-length, Nuomena, opened many sets of ears to a sound that was both laden with old-school sensibilities and the medium for a new sound that was, and still remains, completely their own. Their other, vinyl-only songs were just released in a collection entitled Ceiling Sky. This catalog, along with their release for the Travels in Constants series, which I have sadly not heard, has been enough to, in my mind at least, establish them as a unique voice in music that should be heeded.

Their latest effort, Memory Drawings, furthers their musical odyssey, helping to solidify their place in music and at the same time keep both curious first-time listeners and devoted fans guessing. With the eight songs on this album, the band's sound matures and develops into a profound aural world that pushes the boundaries of both their own sound and that of their peers in various jazz and experimental groups making waves right now. I have to say that this album is probably their best work yet, and surpasses both their initial 12" and full-length by a substantial margin. Dense, contemplative horn tones meet evocative guitar melodies that thrive in a musical world grounded by one of the most tasteful rhythm sections out now. Over all Memory Drawings expands The Drift's world to a perspective that is more focused yet beautifully ambiguous. Definitely something to check out whether a first-time listener or faithful lender-of-ear.

9.8/10 more information and ordering at www.temporaryresidence.com

Caroline - Murmurs Mixes (itunes exclusive)

2008-02-07T00:13:00.000-08:00

My first reaction upon receiving this particular release was that Temporary Residence had completely cut its budget for packaging. (The disc was a black image on a shiny-top cd in a plain, artless jewel case.) Thirty seconds later, as I read the press release, I was even more shocked to find out that this label that I have followed attentively for years was going digital, with an album that is only to be released on iTunes. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing, but it seemed out of character for a label that advised its fans to burn their copies of Explosions in the Sky's All of the Sudden I Miss Everyone when it made it to the top-seller charts. However, my initial reaction was completely turned to immediate relief as I pressed play for the first track.

Caroline has one of the most angelic voices to see the light of day that I have encountered in a long time, and her debut, Murmurs is one of the most intoxicating vocal albums of recent history, and has somehow still managed to go unnoticed by many. Luckily those "in the know" have been following and enjoying this album for awhile now and if, like me, they are eagerly awaiting a follow-up, this collection of innovative and intimate remixes will do wonderfully to tide them over while she works on more music in the future.

As usual with Temporary Residence, these remixes are not just gimmicky uses of a chorus and musical excerpt thrown over a dance beat. These are legitimate, beautiful re-workings of the songs that reflect talented, focused efforts and as much care as is possible while working to reflect an idea that is not originally that of the artists at hand. These remixes serve as beautifully composed musical cushions, on which the crystal tone of Caroline's voice rests. It really is a shame that this is a digital-only release, seeing as this would be an album that I would cherish on vinyl. Honestly though, for all the purists out there, this collection of heavenly music is worth braving iTunes, and if I was in a different position, might push me to actually download an album, which I have never considered seriously before now.

9.2/10 more information and ordering at www.temporaryresidence.com

Horseback - Impale Golden Horn

2008-02-06T23:41:00.000-08:00

Horseback is the solo project of one Jenks Miller from North Carolina. This is his debut recording on Burly Time records. Miller's timing is great in terms of the shift in the acceptance of new music that seems to be taking hold of more scrutinizing listeners across the board. Impale Golden Horn is reminiscent of the work of Eluvium up to his EP "When I live by the Garden and the Sea" while maintaining a musical dialect that is completely his own. Using tranquil shimmering in the opening piece of the album as a springboard, Miller successfully demonstrates a dynamic, thorough sense of compositional patience and developmental restraint.

From Finale, the opener, to the last notes of Blood Fountain, the closing track, Miller maintains a methodical development that is both aesthetically pleasing and very well captured, as the sound of this album maintains a lightness that is easy on the ears while not preventing the dense sound sculptures to flourish. This album was very rewarding to listen to as a whole, presenting the listener with gifts of subtle change at times that are both fulfilling and surprising. Being this his first effort, I am really excited for what this artist will pursue in the future. To use a metaphor, while he is not the first to start speaking this language, he has certainly begun with a vocabulary that is diverse and certainly not typical, even for much more experienced writers. I hope that he keeps up his efforts and look forward to see what Miller will have in store for us in the years to come.

9/10 More information and ordering at www.burlytime.com and www.myspace.com/horsebacknoise

Fessenden - v1.1

2008-01-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

Fessenden has recently put out a full-length album, v1.1 on Other Electricities, a label that evidently has a fine ear for talent and originality. As soon as I was about a minute into the first track, it became immediately obvious that Fessenden is not just another group of jackasses who think that because they can make noise, they are experimental musicians. In fact, this trio has been making quality experimental improvisations and recordings for some time and this new effort is another welcome step forward.

Their Other Electricities debut is a well crafted, intricate collection of musical ideas that beautifully maintains a balance between sonic microsurgery and grand scope. The five compositions that make up this album form a cohesive musical whole while presenting unique, mature ideas that develop into musical microcosms, building intricate aural images that swirl and pool inside your head. This release is not to be missed.

9.5/10 more information at other-electricities.com

Lamar Murphy - In Heaven There's the Sound of Harps...(On Earth the Sound of Screams.)

2008-01-17T01:09:00.000-08:00

If Lamar Murphy was a guy that you might risk meeting on the street, he would probably be a sarcastic cynic who would make some unsuspecting passer-by weep at their own ignorance then, minutes later, would have them laughing at the same qualities in everyone else. Luckily, Lamar Murphy is the name of a band who recently sent me a surprising EP that contains some really unexpected music. Even more lucky is the fact that there will be no tears shed on its behalf.

The disc starts out with a couple of songs that are musically akin to recent Anathallo,if not even more light-hearted. The rest of the tracks are varied and well written, featuring some danceable electronics and some very impressive guitar tones. The singing is another thing entirely. The lyrics seem to mock the light-heartedness of the music, but bring such a unique feel to the songs that they cannot be dismissed as a mistake. The sound of the EP overall is very airy and contributes a lot to bringing one of the most pleasant surprises I've come across in awhile.

8/10 More information and ordering at www.lamarmurphy.com

Starving Weirdos - Harry Smith

2008-01-15T02:51:00.000-08:00

Starving Weirdos have gained a certain amount of notoriety as one of the most interesting groups coming from the west coast right now. Their one-sided LP, Harry Smith, served as my first exposure to their unique sound craft apart from some music found on the Rootstrata website. This music was recorded live and served as a live soundtrack for silent horror films by the record's namesake, Harry Smith. The artwork on this record is as unique as the music itself, with a pasted-on collage reminiscent of older punk LPs. In fact, one of the saddest parts of the experience was having to poke a hole in the art to be able to play the record.

It becomes apparent in the first few minutes of this music that it is being created by musicians attuned to their own vision of sound, and is an exercise in musical patience as much as suspense. The music is as creepy as the films that inspired drove its creation and reflects a solid perspective on the work of Smith, himself. This record is one of the best examples of the development of drone music in recent years. The use of these drones is simultaneously subtle and spectacular. These guys are sure to be among some of the best drone bands out right now and help to keep the music respectable and enjoyable.

Highly recommended, this album is limited to 300 and its a wonder that it hasn't already sold out.

8.6/10 More information and ordering at rootstrata.com

D. Charles Speer - Some Forgotten Country

2008-01-15T02:09:00.000-08:00

This LP from Soundatone records is my first exposure to Mr. Speer and his work. I always really enjoy encountering albums that come free of preconceived ideas about the music attached, as is normal when reviewing albums and artists that are more familiar to me. This is also the first album that I have reviewed that could fall into the country or bluegrass idioms. Upon first listen, I was immediately pleased with the varied, yet consistent material presented on this album. The vinyl I received does the music justice as the warmer sound of this medium is beautifully matched with the texture and warmth of the music it contains.

The album is a well balanced mix of instrumental and vocal songs that complement each other quite effectively. In fact, while listening to the first track, a joyful banjo driven romp, I was perfectly satisfied with the idea of the record as an instrumental record. Then when D. Charles Speer unleashes his dark, personal singing style, listening to the album becomes a doubly satisfying experience. This album gives the listener a taste of both well written and developed instrumental compositions as well as some talented, lyrical songwriting.

Speer's voice, as cliche as it sounds, is reminiscent of Johnny Cash in some ways, but remains uniquely his own. The singing in this album is starkly personal and the technical imperfections that sometimes permeate his singing lend themselves well to a sort of "homeyness" that is lost on the majority of music that is being put out these days in similar genres. Album as a whole varies from dreamy blues textures to straight-ahead picking. Speer hold his own as both an instrumentalist and a vocalist here, and blows almost anything that feigns to call itself "country" out of the water. This is a great direction for the expansion of a genre that many listeners and critics alike may have long since written-off as dead.

8.7/10 More information and ordering at http://www.soundatone.com

UPDATE!!!

2008-01-15T01:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys, I have been extremely busy with school and Christmas and haven't gotten a chance to write in awhile. I am back, though and hopefully even better than before. Thanks for all of your support and time in reading these reviews, I hope they are helpful and even insightful in places.

Also I will be starting a series of reviews of older records that you might have missed or that are rare pieces of recent musical history worthy of note.

Thanks for reading!

-Rob

The Deep Sea Goes - Épater Le Bourgeois

2007-11-13T01:17:00.000-08:00

Its good to see that there are still people that have not succumbed to the last ten years of music and that are still able to record a strain of pure emotion in the form of three minute blitzkrieg-style tracks that make up The Deep Sea Goes new EP. This record is packed with sounds that could have come from any number of groups that are hailed today as punk legends. The parts are simple, the vocals slightly out of tune a good portion of the time, and enough distortion to satiate any Ramones junky.

The overall sound of this album is deliciously lo-fi and the vocals are reminiscent of late nineties hardcore and punk standards. The musicianship on this album shows an authentic disregard for most dynamic levels, but in that disregard they convince the listener of their musical purpose, or lack thereof. This group could have been absolutely praised about ten or fifteen years ago, but today their sound might incline listeners to write off this band as a relic of a genre that has all but died. That would be a serious mistake, as these guys show a real talent for songwriting and a taste for progressiveness that doesn't over power their music. Check these guys out!

8.7/10 more information at www.thedeepseagoes.com

Helvitica is the Perfume of the City - Swallowing Stars

2007-11-13T00:30:00.000-08:00

Helvetica is the Perfume of the City is the new group featuring Phil Todd, Ben Reynolds, Andy Jarvis, and David Hayward. Their new full-length is a collection of live recordings from various performances around England. It is chock-full of beautifully dense drones and almost meditative percussion. The performances are recorded exceptionally well and stand as a powerful statement for the direction of drone music.

Ben Reynolds, who is the most widely recognized musician featured, plays with subtlety and restraint, demonstrating a distinct musical wisdom. However, it becomes apparent in the first track alone that this album is not a "Ben Reynolds Band" album of any sort and that he is playing among musical peers who share similar wisdom in their crafting of the dense textures and timbres in this recording. This album is very strong and is one to pick up if you want to hear the future of drone music.

9/10 more information and ordering at www.labelledamesansmerci.com

Lanterns - Lughnasadh

2007-10-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

Lanterns is a relatively new group that recently released an album on the Philadelphia label, Peasant Magik. The album is entitled Lughnasadh and features three tracks of moderate to long length. The group definitely has some unique vibes with a heavy influence of Indian Raga that seems to be permeating a good deal of experimental music these days.

The three tracks on this album are very well thought out and make good use of gradually developing elements. The drones elements are dark and organic with a nice sense of space. The music varies between very busy and very sparse movements and keeps the listener interested via many amorphous textures throughout the music. Overall, this album is quite well done.

7.5/10 more information and ordering at www.peasantmagik.net

By The End of Tonight/Tera Melos - Complex Full of Phantoms

2007-10-08T00:45:00.000-07:00

By the End of Tonight and Tera Melos have had a common date with destiny for some time now. Their seemingly dissimilar brands of music have attracted many common fans and it was only a matter of time before these angular, complex bands collided to put out something as good as "Complex Full of Phantoms". The contributions from both bands feature their best material yet, which is certainly an accomplishment.

The material from BTEOT is their darkest, most complex songwriting yet. The same could be said for Tera Melos as well. Both bands have really outdone their previous selves with this record. The only thing to do now is to pray for a tour!

9/10 more information and ordering at www.temporaryresidence.com

The Drift - Ceiling Sky

2007-10-08T00:29:00.000-07:00

The Drift have just taken the common courtesy of releasing all of their tracks previously available only on the archaic (albeit better sounding) vinyl format onto a convenient 5" CD. This means that the songs I only dreamed of driving to before are now a very real possibility. For those who don't know, The Drift is a jazz outfit that formed out of the California music monolith Tarentel. Their music is probably one of the best, most interesting things going on in jazz today.

The cyclical trumpet coupled with the fine-tuned use of drone and noise leads to a unique blend of influences within the jazz idiom. The album ends with the two tracks off of the RMXS 12" featuring remixes by Four Tet and Sybarite. This is a must have for any fans of the Drift as well as someone bored with the same stuff coming from the typical jazz sources these days.

8.9/10 more information and ordering at www.temporaryresidence.com

Sleeping People - Growing

2007-10-08T00:07:00.000-07:00

Sleeping People have woken up from a strange dream and recorded their excursion via mathy, instrumental madness that transcends any of their previous work. This album explodes from the very beginning and pretty much refuses to give the listener any option but to follow the band into their dream, which is a good thing. This album is strange without alienating the listener, angular without cutting your ears, and any other clever euphemism I could contrive for avoiding the pitfalls of typical instrumental music.

This album avoids the so-called "sophomore slump" and, in fact, completely obliterates it. The music is mature, driving and damn catchy. The album starts out pulling you along and doesn't let up until Rob Crow shows up randomly and seals the deal on your musical addiction. Check this out if you are ready to wake up.

8.9/10 more information and ordering at www.temporaryresidence.com

Lazarus - Hawk Medicine

2007-10-07T23:39:00.000-07:00

Lazarus started out as the solo project from ex-Tarentel member Trevor Montgomery, and has now exploded into a full band and a spectacular new album entitled "Hawk Medicine". After collaborations with The Papercuts and tours with Grizzly Bear, Lazarus has unleashed another album of either greater brilliance than any of his past solo efforts. His expansion to a full band could not have come at a better time, as its been a while since we've heard any new stuff from Trevor, who's been "hiding" on tours with EITS and the Castanets.

The new album is simply breathtaking in its scope and production. Montgomery's voice on this album is simply monumental, its just as likely that you hear these songs coming from mountains as from a person. The entire album is a trip into another man's soul, in fact you feel as if you're parting with a piece of yourself as the album ends. This album is a diamond in the rough, simply trouncing any preconceived notions of the singer-songwriter genre. GET THIS!

9/10 more information and ordering at www.temporaryresidence.com

Don't Mess With Texas - Los Dias De Junio

2007-10-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Don't Mess With Texas is NOT a George Bush tribute band, as the name may lead you to conclude. Don't Mess With Texas is a group of fine Croatian musicians with a unique sense of humor. Their latest album "Los Dias De Junio" is a spectacular collection of post-rock masterpieces successfully blending the breadth and scope of GY!BE with the straightforward writing of Don Caballero without sounding generic. The production and recording of the album are very successful as well, with a great bit of attention on the atmospheric sound that makes this band well worth listening to.

Overall this band is definitely worth checking out if you too are suffering from the recent slump in interesting post-rock. These guys are really impressive players and composers and their chemistry as players comes through the recording more than usual. This album is a welcome addition to the post-rock genre and music in general.

9/10 more information and ordering at www.moonleerecords.com

Prizzy Prizzy Please - s/t

2007-10-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

Prizzy Prizzy Please is a mainstay of the Bloomington scene, being one of the most entertaining live acts around the town. Their debut half-length is an album that exceeds most expectations for a local self-release, in fact its surprising that these guys are not signed already. They are well on their way to redefining the fate of punk in to a respectable genre of music again. This is not some poppy, watered-down bullshit, this is finally a legitimate direction for music that has either been repeating itself or whose performers have been listening to too much N*Sync to remember what good music is like.

This album is not just good, its great. There is a scary amount of potential in the music on this disc. I won't be surprised to see these guys doing some really big things in the near future. People have been feeding on all of this ridiculous, unfulfilling music for so long, its about time they have a real meal.

9.5/10 more information at myspace.com/prizzyprizzyplease

Ajilvsga - Thorazine to Infinity

2007-10-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

Ajilvsga has been very busy lately and is gaining momentum with upcoming releases on Type and Rite as well as a Digitalis Arts and Crafts release. This release just came out on Peasant Magik in a limited edition of seventy-five. For fans of their previous work, this release won't hold too many surprises, but to the new listener Ajilvsga is a surprisingly unique force in the noise scene today.

The two sides contain some harsh, amorphous pieces that owe an equal debt to distortion pedals and Indian Raga. These sludgy drones posses a haunting quality that is lost on much of the noise music going on today. Overall this would be a good addition to the collection of any fan of their previous work, or anyone interested in where the noise scene is going these days.

7/10 more information and ordering at http://peasantmagik.net

Fantastic Magic - Witch Choir

2007-10-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

Fantastic Magic is a group that features some newer names unheard of, but perfectly welcome in the movement that has recently been gaining momentum with the infamous cdr labels and the resurrection of the tape culture from the 90's. On this tape from Abandon Ship Records, Fantastic Magic offers a unique melding of genres that will catch just about any listener by surprise in a very good way. There is a barrage of diversity that is unmatched in recent memory.

The tape starts out with what sounds like children singing, and from there the music explodes with uncountable surprises and developments as both sides go by painfully fast. This is a new development in the type of music most of the contributors normally play. The closest I can get to aptly describing the catchiness and weirdness is that this music is as screwed up as "pop" music could get while still being desirable.

9/10 more information at www.abandonshiprecords.com

6Majik9 - Sinister Kindness

2007-09-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

6Majik9 is a musical project that comes from the owner of the Music Your Mind Will Love You imprint from Australia and one half of Brothers of the Occult Sisterhood, needless to say, but this record is pretty good and follows an impressive body of previous work. The first side of this tape is very haunting at times but also features the use of random wind instruments and a zither-sounding instrument to open the sound. The music is generally very free and meditative with a clear understanding of the concepts involved.

The creative use of feedback and delayed vocals add a chilling sensation to the music. Interestingly enough, about halfway into the first side, the group brings in some welcome variance with an almost Mars Volta-esque section, followed by more free drones and percussion that plays a big role through the end of the side. The second side is also very well done, but doesn't contain as much interest as the first. The side starts out pretty mellow and develops into a slightly chaotic montage with concentration on very harsh, high frequency sounds.

8.5/10 more information and ordering at abandonshiprecords.com

Capricorn Wings - Precenc

2007-09-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

Capricorn Wings is a duo that falls into the same musical vein as (VxPxC) and The North Sea. They could very easily be lumped into the psych-folk genre and said to be more of the same, but there is some really creative music being made by these two musicians. There is an obvious drone/raga influence that permeates most of side A and a knack for using alternate sources for sounds such as vinyl and microphone feedback. The development of this side of the tape is very well paced and demonstrates a musical patience that is pretty uncommon in western music.

The second side of this tape is much more mystical sounding, and gets to even be a little ominous. The organ textures are extremely effective and add an interesting element to the mechanical sounding drone that dominates the mix as the piece develops. Overall this tape is pretty well recorded and contains some really good material. Definitely worth checking these guys out.

7/10 more information and ordering at abandonshiprecords.com

Thousands - Skinless/Boneless

2007-09-24T14:11:00.000-07:00

Thousands is a self-proclaimed psych-folk supergroup centered around members of LA trio (VxPcC). This release lives up to their claim, building impressively to their already strong catalogue. This tape from Abandon Ship Records features two side-long pieces that demonstrate the versatility of this group in an improvised setting. This is one of the best things these guys have put out so far, its a little bit less free than some of their past work, but the focus is a welcome change.

Both of the pieces on the album are excellent, but "Boneless" is especially compelling with its creepy whistling and distant vocals that permeate the various sounds contained within the music. This album is definitely worth picking up if you've had any exposure to their earlier work or any of the related bands.

8.5/10 more information and ordering at http://abandonshiprecords.com

Stone Burner - ABYDOS

2007-09-22T05:12:00.000-07:00

Stone Burner is a collaboration between both members of Agilvsga and Grant Capes from (VxPxC). The result is a very focused collection of music that has been released on Abandon Ship Records. "ABYDOS" features some of the better work of all of those involved, possibly even raising the bar for the oodles of drone tapes out there. This music uses a lot of drone, but luckily the players involved have mastered the art of dynamics, often letting a softer drone highlight a different element in the music.

The tape is exceptionally well planned-out with the more percussion dominant tracks comprising side A and all of the guitar and noise pieces on the other. The recording quality, while not crystal clear the whole time, matches the music very well and complements the tape format as well. This tape is a solid release for any new musical venture, this trio certainly has a way of kicking things off.

8/10 more information and ordering at www.abandonshiprecords.com

Orangeyellowred - Make an Ugly Friend

2007-09-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

Orangeyellowred is a singer-songwriter from Marion, Indiana that started his recorded career late last year with the album "Make an Ugly Friend". Listening to this album for the first time, the opening track, "Vacation" will catch pretty much anyone who is used to the dime-a-dozen songwriter rather off-guard. His playing is solid, but his voice is what makes him stand out from most others. His singing style is unique and actually different, which is pretty rare these days. If you make it through the first track, which might be the weakest one on the album, the listening experience becomes very rewarding, the unique sound grows on you in a way only a few records have ever done.

Every song is well written and the album gets better the longer you listen, simply because you forget the weirdness of the voice, actually grow comfortable with it and by the end of the album, you begin to wonder if you always haven't listened to music this way. I cannot stress enough the truly rewarding nature of the listening experience attached to this album. Definitely a great album to pick up if you're not afraid of owning a singer-songwriter album that doesn't sound like another damn Jack Johnson album.

9/10 more information and ordering at www.crossroadsofamericarecords.com

Away With Vega/Husband & Wife - Split EP

2007-09-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Another release from the prolific Indiana indie rock scene features two bands from the southern half of the state, Husband & Wife from Bloomington, and Marion heroes Away With Vega. This one is a bit older, but definitely still worth picking up. The songs featured on this release are some of the best from each band and is either unreleased or a completely unique version to the EP. Away with Vega has two songs, "A Baby Boy Sleeps", originally from their album of the same name, and "Make your Muscles" a track that was originally for their full-length "Recovery". Husband & Wife offers two tracks originally from their album "Operation:Surgery", "Battlecab Dramatica" and "The Irons, New Lion" as well as a cover of Away With Vega's "Aurora and Tithonus".

This release is definitely a solid record and would serve as a great introduction to either band. The bands complement each other in a way that is rather uncommon these days, bearing the musical benefits that bands get from long associations and many nights sharing the stage. The vibe from this record is infectious and will have a spot in your head, replaying a maddening number of times, but really with this music playing in your head, going crazy doesn't sound so bad.

8/10 more information and ordering at husband-wife.net

Husband and Wife - Operation:Surgery/Tour EP

2007-09-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

Husband and Wife is a band from Bloomington, Indiana that has been playing emotive, driving rock for some years now throughout the Midwest and beyond. Their sincere sound and captivating live shows have earned them quite a name among the strange and sheltered scenes around Indiana. They have been very busy over the last year with two releases on the label Crossroads of America, run by the band's singer. They released their latest full-length, "Operation:Surgery" late last year and this year released a tour EP with some reworked versions of earlier material.

Both of these releases are dense in a way that there is just a huge amount of emotional force going into these songs without making the listener contemplate an early demise. Songs about life, love, sadness, and happiness are complemented by some very talented instrumental work from the entire band. Operation:Surgery not only offers great songs, but has some complex musical figures that give testimony to the fact that these guys can play their instruments quite well. For fans of rainy days and colored leaves in the fall.

9/10 more information and ordering at http://corssroadsofamericarecords.com

Igor - Solo View

2007-09-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

Igor Grigoriev is a Los Angeles-based composer who s a member of the free jazz ensemble, The OGOGO. He has been very active in the Avant-Garde scene there for quite a while and is also an avid soloist, blending elements of jazz and classical with a significant amount of atonal chaos. His latest effort, "Solo View" is a collection of compositions that range from chaotic noise pieces to a few more tame guitar works.

Listening to the album straight through, the first half seems to be significantly more chaotic and much harder to listen to than the second half, which is much more coherent in nature and more clearly shows Igor's talent for composition. The tonal side of his compositional style lends itself much better to his impressive chops while the atonal chaos sounds forced from the screaming amp. However, Igor does do a really good job of making his instrument emulate other instruments throughout the disc. Overall, this would be a good addition to any collection of guitar-based art-music. He certainly pushes the limits with what is sonically possible, albeit at times sacrificing some elements of musicality.

7/10 More information and ordering at www.myspace.com/ogogoigor

The Dirty Projectors - Rise Above

2007-09-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

The Dirty Projectors are a band that recently signed to Dead Oceans, a new label from Bloomington, Indiana. Their new album "Ride Above" drops tomorrow. After a couple of releases on some smaller labels and a ton of touring, this band is starting to make a name for themselves and this album will serve to grab some serious attention in the music world. Their unique blend of spastic guitars and hyped-up group vocals is a sound that is both fun and mind-bending.

About ten seconds into the first track on this album, it becomes apparent that you are listening to something significantly different from the current indie-pop mantra. With a healthy dose of dual guitar interplay and creative percussion, The Dirty Projectors have created a diverse collection of musically engaging songs. It takes quite a songwriter to get polyrhythms and musical lunacy stuck in your head for any extended period of time, but this is exactly what they have accomplished with "Rise Above". this album is bound to be loved by previous fans, and fans of Hella and Animal Collective as well.

8.5/10 More information and ordering at www.deadoceans.com and www.myspace.com/dirtyprojectors

ARTIST FEATURE: Rodeo Ruby Love

2007-09-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

Rodeo Ruby Love is a prolific group from Bloomington, Indiana. Driven by the songwriting ability of guitarist/vocalist Zachary Melton, and complemented by a varying ensemble of musicians that both flesh out the musical arrangements, and bring the ideas to life, this group has put out a trio of discs over the course of late last year and early this year that demonstrates the progress of the musical Midwest. The songs are as endearing as they are catchy, and as honest as they are fun. There is an unmistakable tone of the genuineness in the words on each of the albums, leading to a refreshingly simple listening experience.

Rodeo Ruby Love has a lot of potential going for them, both musically and geographically, with the scene in Bloomington really thriving these days. This group is bound to go as far as they really want. Its really only a matter of time.

Select Discography and quick ratings:
"Your Love Has Made Everything Beautiful" XRA 002 8/10
"What Loneliness can do to You" XRA 007 8.5/10
"Honest to God" XRA 008 8/10
more information and ordering at http://crossroadsofamericarecords.com

Prints - s/t

2007-08-29T21:28:00.000-07:00

Hailing from LA, Prints is a pop duo that has sprung up seemingly from nowhere and released a brilliantly fun and even a little but absurd album on Temporary Residence, one of my personal favorite labels. At its core the music on this album, while structurally creative and sophisticated, is born from the beauty of simplicity. As a result, the songs on this album are not only dangerously catchy, but just plain fun without the day-care, sing-songy bullshit.

The feel of the album is lighthearted enough to crack even the most obstinate anti-pop music lovers out there. In all likelihood, if your idea of fun involves something other than violence then you will probably enjoy this album to at least a moderate degree. The vocals are fun, the lyrics are quirky, and the interplay between the musicians both instrumentally and vocally is superb.

Temporary Residence seems to have it out to rebuild the long lost establishment of when there was real music that could play on a radio. Prints and label-mate Rob Crow could serve to reclaim a genre that has been long lost to out generation.

9.5/10 More information and ordering at www.temporaryresidence.com

Fridge - The Sun

2007-08-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Its been quite a long time since the sounds of Fridge have been sneaking into my head at unexpected times, but now those subtle moments if musical sublimity are slowly starting to creep back with the release of The Sun. The sound on this album peels back the layers of a group centered around the fun of music and offers us something deeper. The music is focused, relaxed, and transparent. Listening to this album for the first time was similar to finding shoes that were just the right size the first time.

The production on this album was just as amazing as the music, which is to be expected when you have the likes of Four-Tet and Adem as part of your band. The sound of the album does a great job of maintaining a huge sense of space. This album is just plain comfortable. Overall, let's just hope it doesn't take this long to make the next one.

8.5/10 More information and ordering at www.temporaryresidence.com

Grails - Burning off Impurities

2007-08-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

If you take a look at the TRL website, you'll see that Jeremy DeVine says that this album brings the first real change to their genre in ten years. Seeing as Jeremy has been one of the biggest supporters of instrumental music, that is one huge claim to back up. After listening to this album a few times and being absolutely astounded, I'm starting to agree with him. Grails' latest, Burning off Impurities, is a downright masterpiece.

The textures utilized and the feelings that the music evokes are deep, subtle, and gargantuan in scope. This band may have finally succeeded GY!BE as a legitimate face and leader for the future of the "post-rock" genre. This album goes way beyond the music that has been coming out lately though, bringing subtle changes, dense drones, and ethnic complexity in the mix Grails has formed something truly phenomenal. Bringing sounds that have been hidden deep in dusty basements for years to the public view at last.
9.7/10 More information and ordering at www.temporaryresidence.com

Mono - Gone

2007-08-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

Gone is a collection of rare EP's released over recent years by the formidable Japanese group, Mono. These include several split releases, a previously Japan-only release, and the band;s contribution to the elusive Travels in Constants series. This release is truly a preset for anyone familiar with Mono in the past few years. Hearing their sound progress from the music through the years brings the work of this group into great perspective.

The music on this collection is diverse and well-produced throughout. From the opening, "Finlandia" to the closing "Little Boy" the impact of this band is beautiful, cinematic, and heartfelt. The one downfall is that we had to wait so long to hear it, but now that its here, who's complaining?
9/10 More information and ordering at www.temporaryresidence.com

Rob Crow - Up

2007-08-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

Rob Crow has just released the second single from the album I Hate You Rob Crow, Up. This new song and the three others (not on the album) are further reinforcing the already huge critical acclaim he has been getting from across the country and beyond. I, for one, am not going to stop them. The new single was one of my favorite off of the album and the unreleased ones are just as ridiculously catchy.

The sensibility of the musicianship and sensitivity to fun are nearly unmatched. Rob Crow has truly outdone himself on both this single and the full-length. It sounds nice, it looks fun, and it might even taste good if you take a nice bite out of it.
My advice, go get it if you like to enjoy what you're listening to.
9/10 More information and ordering at www.temporaryresidence.com

Maserati - Inventions for the New Season

2007-08-27T16:24:00.000-07:00

Maserati is a band from Atlanta, Georgia that not only omits the usual presence of a vocalist but goes so far as to condemn it on their website. Their latest, Inventions for the new Season, is an impressive mix of typical post-rock material with nice sense of groove to back it up. The CD is enjoyable from beginning to end from the most part but a few places, including the introduction, seemed to get a bit repetitive.

The album does sound really good though. The production amply captures each voice of the band while giving the music a lot of space to breathe. it is also hard to deny the skill this group has in blending a genre that has become all-too-serious with some serious fun. Overall this album is especially good for anyone hating vocalists and tired of the same old cinematic post-rock.
8/10 more information and ordering at www.temporaryresidence.com

Dan Marriner - Below the Seas

2007-08-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

Dan Marriner is a new name to me, as a listener, and I am clueless as to what he has done in the past. Presently though he has been putting his efforts into a collection of evocative, creative songs that goes beyond the largely contrived nature of the all-but-dead singer-songwriter genre. The deep smoky voice is accompanied by creative guitar and sparse use of other instruments and sounds that usually reserved for for ambient music. The tone of the guitar itself on this album is earthy, organic, and serves to give the music a dense sense of purpose and repose.

The songs contained within Below the Seas are varied and serve well to represent a musician that goes beyond saying what he wants to say and moving on. There seems to be attention to details outside of the voice and guitar that make this album particularly enjoyable. Overall, it is apparent that there is at least one person making up for the tired bullshit that singer-songwriters have been throwing at us for years, and his recompense is more than welcome.

You can find more information on Dan Marriner and his work at http://www.myspace.com/unofficialcharacter

8/10

Nathamuni Brothers - Madras 1974

2007-08-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Nathanumi Brothers were a pair of performers in the classical Indian music tradition that switched from the original clarinets of the country to the E flat Albert, or western standard clarinet. This document is a truly unique collection of music that demonstrates the magic that can occur when different musical cultures draw on each other. The band consists of the clarinetists, a brass section and a superb percussion section. The drum work on this album is simply breathtaking at times, providing a wealth of musical momentum upon which the group surely drew.

Musically, the most rewarding part of the album is the interplay between all of the instruments. The virtuoso performances from the players do not overshadow the value this ensemble had as a collective unit. The only problem with this document is that the songs chosen may sound repetitive to the first-time listener of Indian Music.
9/10 more information and ordering at museumfire.com

Phoenix Bodies - Too Much Information

2007-08-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Phoenix Bodies is an Indianapolis based band that has been serving up an intense brew of noisy grind-core for some time now. The music is harsh and fast but still maintains a pervading sense of the fun that is being had while these performers command the stage. The drummer on this collection drives the band with a keen sense of focused intensity. The result being an amazingly consistent sound and vibe through the plethora of live and studio tracks that make up this album.

With thirty-seven track on the CD and an accompanying DVD, Too Much Information is a truly massive collection of material. It remains entertaining throughout and although it can seem a bit repetitive (with thirty-seven tracks who wouldn't?) this album is really a solid body of work.
8/10 more information and ordering at phoenixbodies.com

Daitro - Laisser Vivre Les Squelettes

2007-08-23T23:57:00.000-07:00

Daitro is a French hardcore band that has been touring the U.S. extensively this summer. Their latest full-length offering, "Laisser Vivre Les Squelettes" is an impressive album offering more than many other bands in the same vein. The opening of the album is excellent with a sense of urgency that permeates their heavy sound, and the overall song writing is impressive.

Their approach to the music is mature in a performance respect, and it is clear they have spent ample time with their respective instruments. The weak spot for this album was that some parts were simply unoriginal. The band does show a potential to take their music to a new level of creativity if they continue their work. Overall, the album is definitely worth checking out if you're maybe a little tired of the material we've been pumping out here in the States.

7/10 More information and ordering at http://daitro.com

Genghis Tron - Triple Black Diamond Tour EP

2007-08-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

Genghis Tron is certainly a horse of a different color. With the inclusion of a sequencer in lieu of a human (which is sadly being done more commonly these days), and a musical precision that is matched by very few in their genre. It becomes very clear from the outset of the record that this band is a musical force to be reckoned with. The live tracks that being the album are so flawless that you being to question whether or not the liner notes are lying.

Following the live tracks are a few compositions and remixes that manifest the band's talent that goes beyond normal rock-band standards. They have produced a set of songs that show a real compositional thought process.

Now, as for the sequencer, normally I would condemn a band for using a sequencer and omitting a drummer but the programming on this album is complex, diverse, and work to achieve a sound that a real drum set cannot always deliver. Their taste for sounds on this ep is impeccable and makes up for their lack of sticks in the back.

9/10 more information and ordering at GenghisTron.com

Graf Orlock - Destination Time Tomorrow

2007-08-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

After a solid performance at this year's Dudefest in Indianapolis, I was excited to hear what Graf Orlock put together for their latest album. This album opens with the first of many (perhaps too many) movie samples. The following music, though, is focused, propulsive and features excellent musical control. They are especially effective in the use of dual vocalists, with their respective parts meshing well.

Over all, the music has some thrash and grind tendencies with out getting so out of control as to lose the musical integrity. The production is lacking in parts and sounds generic for much of the album. This band certainly has a lot going on, and is likely to do well in the future. My personal favorite part is the final track featuring a cover of the Jurassic Park theme.
8/10 More information and ordering at www.graforlock.com

Antique Brothers - Vol 3 Hospital Daze

2007-08-14T00:52:00.000-07:00

One of my personal favorite psych-folk duos has done it again. With this volume, the brothers take their sound to more even organic realms. The sound for this album is focused, spacious, and sprawling all at the same time. The drum work on this album is probably the best and most tasteful for any of their music so far. The varied instrumentation helps create a dense cohesive whole.

Over all, this album is extremely strong and demonstrates the musical talent of these two six-string explorers. From chant-like vocals to the deep sound of "Swamps of Glory", this album has something for just about everyone. A sublime listening experience.
9/10 More information and ordering at www.digitalisindustries.com

Kheta Hotem - Winter Solstice (Foxglove 160)

2007-08-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

My first encounter with Kheta Hotem, Winter Solstice, has left me torn between my usually open outlook on music and my annoyance at the number of ideas flying around at random throughout this particular recording. The opening track alone is enough to drive all but the most veteran listener up the wall. With a noise-jazz cacophony rivaling the most crazed modern jazz, this recording still seems to lack any musical direction, leaving most listeners unsatisfied.

The album does improve moderately after the first track but is mostly similar material with varying instrumentation and feels. The last track is the strongest by far sounding like some sort of Native American chant, although it seems to drag on a bit in the end. This release is certainly unique, but it may take a few more tries to get it quite right.
5/10 More information and ordering at www.digitalisindustries.com

Barn Owl - s/t (Foxglove 158)

2007-08-13T00:48:00.000-07:00

Barn Owl is a group with which I'm not too familiar. This is the first recording I've heard from them and I now hope it is not the last. The sound on this album is dense, organic and, at times, strewn with elements of darkness and mystery. Although instrumental psych-folk can often be repetitive, Barn Own do a remarkable job of pulling the listener into their world if six-string mystique.

This CDR is full of compelling guitar work, and it is apparent from the opening track and beyond that the musicians involved have a keen ear for instrumentation and arranging. The work is at time reminiscent of recent work by guitar gurus Mike Tamburo and Matt McDowell, bringing to the table a shared attraction to the power of drones. Cinematic, intimate at times, a must have for the disciples of the new drone mantra.
9/10 More information and ordering at www.digitalisindustries.com

Apologies...

2007-08-11T00:02:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, I apologize for all of the delays in some of the reviews. I have at least nine going up later today, I promise, so hold tight. Also if you sent me vinyl, I just got a new needle for my turntable, so I will be focusing on that in the next few days. Thanks fr your patience.
-Rob

Vuneny - V2

2007-08-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

The second full length from Bosnian band Vuneny is an electronic opus that is engaging from the beginning to the end. With complex rhythms and driving synth work, V2 is full of compelling material that demands the listener's attention throughout the entire work. The sound is dense, multi-layered, and just plain good.

The impeccable production and recording work on this album helps to amply represent the compositional complexity and talent that drives Vuneny. This music could definitely be used for a soundtrack of some sort. With the diversity of music on this album and the real talent this band has exhibited on this release, this band could definitely go places with their music. For fans of electronic music and good music in general.

8/10 More information and ordering at www.moonleerecords.com and www.vuneny.org

COG - Course Over Ground

2007-08-04T01:03:00.000-07:00

COG is a Croatian trio that boldly blends rock, noise, and electronic music. This music is very well composed with intricate instrumentation driving the songs on the album. This music has an edginess that is lacking from most math-rock today. The electronic textures and sounds on this album are very well placed and serve to demonstrate the musical maturity of this band.

With vocals similar to American band Mewithoutyou and structure similar to Damiera, this release is aurally exciting and diverse, with each song displaying different sides to the writing of this group. The production and recording of this album reflect the strength of the band and helps to capture the plethora of sounds used in the music. Over all it is very apparent that the folks over at Moonlee Records knew what they were doing when they signed this band. I'm sure we'll be hearing more from these guys stateside soon.
9/10 More information and ordering at www.moonleerecords.com

Belly Boat - Dear Robert Hanoy

2007-08-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

Belly Boat is a inde-pop duo who recently put out a full-length album on California's Not Not Fun records. Their main instrumentation consists of piano and accordion, which dominates a good portion of the album. The rest of the album is mostly driven by the unique vocals and found sounds recorded from varying sources. Over all the album's production is lo-fi, most likely for aesthetic reasons as the musical ideas have no major problems coming through the mix.

As for the music within this disc, this would be an excellent choice for any fans of Joanna Newsom, as the vocals sound very similar and the songwriting is very conducive to the type of nasally vocals this duo produces. As for fans of more "normal" music this album can be almost annoying after a few songs, with the vocal sound being anything but conventional. As for the songs in general, it is very apparent that these two have a real ear for song structure and flow. This album represents the unique talents of this band really well. This is definitely worth checking out if you want to get a break from the typical indie-pop mantra and expand your aural palette.

7/10 More information and ordering at www.notnotfun.com

Bilk - This Bilk is Radioactive

2007-08-01T22:41:00.000-07:00

Bilk is a Croatian band that recently released their debut full-length on the impressive Moonlee Records. This album is nothing short of phenomenal. The production is impeccable, the cd having been recorded at the renown Kozmo Studio. The drums on this release bear a great resemblance to the sound from The Jazz Mandolin Project's "Jungle Tango", and the overall velocity of the music is similar as well. From the opening synth line to the closing drum hit, this album is alive with electro-rock vigor.

With moments as diverse as any album in the last few years, this trio goes through genres ranging from electronica, to jazz, even some dub reggae moments, then they turn those genres on their heads blazing through them with driving beats and assertive synthesizer and guitar work. For a debut, Bilk will surely be turning some heads in the near future as this album features a musical maturity that is not easily ignored. This could be the new standard for European bands to look to.
9.8/10 More information and ordering at www.moonleerecords.com and www.bilkspace.com

Pelican - City of Echoes

2007-07-31T14:18:00.000-07:00

Pelican has been one of the main authorities in the instrumental rock genre for some years now and their new release "City of Echoes" only serves to reassert the commanding sontrol of instruments and songwriting that have helped gather their loyal fan-base. "City of Echoes" is driven by the familiar distorted guitar that drenches most of their other recordings, having become their signature sound. The tone is dense and organic, ebbing between triumphant melodies and warnings of impending doom.

With this album, Pelican has established themselves as masters of their craft. This album contains melodies as memorable as Explosions in the Sky, but the comparisons rightly stop there. This album is an engaging, dense work of mature songcraft. The tempo for most of this album is relatively fast compared to other recent instumental releases by bands such as Mono. They abandon drawn-out cinematic build and stick to songs that are immediately catchy and work to draw the listener into the cycles of guitar-driven melody. This is their strongest work yet showing that this genre still has a lot more to offer and to teach the rest of the rock music scene.
9.2/10 More information on Pelican can be found at www.pelicansong.com and www.hydrahead.com

From The Headline - s/t EP

2007-07-30T23:50:00.000-07:00

From The Headine is a hard working band from Wisconsin that has been playing shows throughout the Midwest and beyond for some time now. Their debut recording has been a long time in coming, but thankfully it has been well worth the wait. From the Headline is a band that has immense pop appeal while still playing well enough to impress even the most pop-wary music fans.

The songs on this six-track EP are both catchy and refined. Showing influences rangeing from pop to latin, From the Headline have a real talent for writing great songs. With time they could even redeem the often boring pop genre. The album was impeccably recorded and features great production. The packaging of this release is also especially stunning. It features a digipack with an outer sleeve. This unusual configuration works brilliantly to render this release as nice visually as it is aurally. This music is for anyone wishing the radio would play real music.
9/10 Check these guys out at www.myspace.com/fromtheheadline
Also a side note to any label who happens to read this, SIGN THESE GUYS, you won't regret it.

TheAnti - Tour EP

2007-07-30T23:22:00.000-07:00

TheAnti is a duo from Indiana who have been touring and stirring up quite a ruckus with their brand of tight, aggressive rock. Their most recent recorded output is a Tour Ep, which has eleven tracks, technically qualifying it as a full-length but who really cares anyway? Their songwriting is straight forward with an experimental flair that includes the use of the infamous Korg Kaoss Pad. This cd is a collection of diverse material rangeing from noisy jams to acoustic songs sans drums and noise.

Most of these songs are well written with influences from many sources, most notably The Mars Volta. In fact, track 5 could almost be seen as a Mars Volta rip-off, with processed guitars and vocals reminiscient of their sound. Apart from that, however, this album is a solid work of skilled songcraft. This is one band definitely worth checking out.

7/10 You can contact this band at http://www.myspace.com/theantiesspace Please do, they could use your support.

Pulga - Pulga Loves You

2007-07-27T01:22:00.000-07:00

Pulga is the duo formed by Italian Saxophonist Valerio Cosi and Texan musician Niwi (The Mighty Acts of God). This release has been highly anticipated by fans of both of these musicians and has been put out by the impresive Fire Museum Records. The cd starts out with a track that shifts between gentle drone and chaotic jam. The chemistry between these two musicians is made very clear from the outset of the album.
As the cd continues on, their sound begins to take shape and develop into a cyclic pattern between chaos and sublimity. this contiues through until the eighteen minute closer, "Raga Pulga". by far the strongest track on the album bringing together the talent of both musicians as adept muli-instrumentalists and an almost cinematesque build of tension. This track makes the cd worth buying alone, not to mention the other tacks which are also superb. Over all this release would be a more than welcome addition to any collection of instrumental, experimental music. Certain to be an underground legend in the near future.
9/10 More information and purchasing can be done at www.museumfire.com

Burnt Hills - Cloud Nine

2007-07-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

This is the first I've heard from Burnt Hills, and is another release from the lovely Tape Drift imprint. I had no real idea what to expect from this release but I should say that I enjoyed what I heard. This band has a lot of members, nearly ten, and most play multiple instruments on this recording. The first few tracks contained what sounded like controlled cacaphony. The sound at the beginning had guitars, lots of them. I couldn't quite tell exactly how many were going at once, but it was certainly more than just rhythm and lead. The walls of distorted guitar and driving rhythms of multiple drummers kept the music more focused than it might have been otherwise. The percussionists stayed together remarkably well and steered the band in a direction that recalled many noisy Mars Volta bootlegs as well as Tarentel, albeit much more chaotic.

This band stays pretty consistent throughout this cd and they seems to communicate well musically even with so many musicians contributing to the chaos. There are times in the cd that sound unfocused, but these are mere fleeting moments in comparison to the rest of the whole. This release would be a great addition to any fan of "Ghetto Beats on the Surface of the Sun" by Tarentel or to jam music in general.

8/10 This release may be purchased at www.tapedrift.com

(VxPxC) - Lizard in the Spring

2007-07-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

For anyone that has ever heard anything by (VxPxC), the word 'focused' doesn't usually come into play with a lot of their music. With new material being recorded by this band weekly, this California trio put out a lot of music at a rate that would make most artists' head spin. All of the music is completely improvised and most often falls within the borders of the ever-growing psych-folk genre. Lizard in the Spring however is rich, dense, and even catchy at times. This release could very well change the way this band is viewed by listeners of their other work.

Lizard in the Spring is an unusually throrough album for improvised music. This release also incorporates a heavier amount of vocals than much of their recent work, adding a new aspect to the music that, at times, ties the music together very well. The harmonic and melodic drones that saturate much of the album have a way of fleshing out the the sound of the band that unifies the release and creates a cinematesque sense of space and depth. Other than a few vocal parts that clash with the music occasionally, improvisation has not really sounded this rehearsed in a while. This is an essential addition to any collection of improvised music, and would be a great starting point for listeners not yet prepared to completely abandon the foundations of "normal music".

9.5/10 This release can be ordered from www.tapedrift.com

Century Plants - Sound System Sound

2007-07-18T22:17:00.000-07:00

Century Plants is the duo comprised of Eric Hardiman and Ray Hare, the former being the mind behind the new label Tape Drift on which this cd was released. This release comprises of two half-hour long improvisations from April. This new label has done a really nice job with the packaging and presentation of this and the other releases from the catalogue. All of the releases so far are encased in black clamshells with wraparound covers and interesting artowork on each one.

Sound System Sound is an hour long onslaught of distorted guitar that starts with a bluesy tinge and continues on with a plethora of musical ideas that seem to appear and disappear through a thick haze of distortion and fuzz that pays as much tribute to the elemental as to the industrial. The music contained herein cantains both fuzz-drenched melodic improvisation and blistering atonal squall, blending themselves to create a musical behemoth that is both intimidating and accessable. The only problem with the release was a certain amount of inconsistency in some of the musical ideas, sometimes it sounded as if the pair could not resolutely decide what direction the music was meant to take, but then again that is sometimes the beauty of improvisational music.

8/10 This release can be ordered from www.tapedrift.com

Bjerga/Iversen - Electric Tranquilizer

2007-07-17T00:39:00.000-07:00

This being my first aural exposure to the prolific Norwegian duo of Bjerga/Iversen, I had no real idea of what to expect apart from reviews and other articles that have popped up recently highlighting them. I must say that I was, on the whole, pretty impressed by their most recent release on Peasant Magik. These two operate within the drone medium utilizing guitars for the bulk of their sounds and creating soundscapes that remain interesting and varied throughout most of both sides.

This cassette has two side-long pieces that vary significantly from each other, possibly due in part to the two year span between the recording dates of each piece. Side A was the more ethereal and enjoyable of the two pieces and aptly demonstrated a clear musical idea which tended to drift along at an indeterminable pace, ebbing and flowing throughout the fifteen minute side it occupies.

Side B however was more mechanical in both tone and tambre choices as well as musical communication and seemed to get a bit monotonous a few minutes into the track. Nevertheless the piece does pick up a little direction and momentum in the second half before coming to a nice, almost glacial halt. Over all I would say that this tape is a nice starting point for anyone not yet exposed to the experimental culture that seems to be growing in Norway right now, and is an interesting portrait of the duo and their progresion over the last few years that would be interesting for fans if their other work.

7/10 This tape may be purchased from www.peasantmagik.net

Weather Exposed Skeleton Music - An Axe Through All This

2007-07-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that upon recieving this tape from Peasant Magik the name seemed to hint at something much darker and noisier than what was actually contained on the two sides of the cassette in question. I was pleasantly surprised to find an album of songs that were not only well crafted but managed to fill the void between the current trend in improvisational experimental music (which can sometimes be very frustrating to litsten to on a regular basis) and more conventionally thought out music. The guitar melodies and hazy atmospheres that dominate most of this tape are both pleasant to hear and intricate enough to keep the attention of the more demanding listener.

Whether you are looking for a good album to which to space out or music to aurally dissect during a spare half an hour, this tape would be a nice addition to any collection.
8/10 This tape can be ordered from PeasantMagik.net

48 Minutes of aural bliss from Tarentel's Jefre Cantu-Ledesma

2007-07-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

Jefre Cantu-Ledesma - The Garden of Forking Paths

Jefre Cantu-Ledesma is apparently very busy. He runs the fantastic Rootsrata imprint, maintains numerous musical projects including The Alps, The Holy See, and most notably Tarentel. he has been making solo music as well for quite some time, originally under the moniker Colophon. He has most recently released a cd on Japan's Spekk records, a label I was not really aware of before listening to this release.

After hearing all of his other projects and their diversity, I had no real idea of what to expect from a solo outing. I was simply stunned. The attention to detail of sound and structure on this cd is nothing short of fantastic. Moving away from the longer pieces that his projects like Holy See and Tarentel at times are known for, Ledesma crafts a collection of short zen-like pieces for guitar, harmonium and other soothing instruments. Flowing without being repetitive, he maturely crafts each song to carry a consistent aura and mood throughout the duration of the album.

Buy this if you enjoy music that can take you on a journey without raising your heartbeat to an unhealthy level. For fans of his other work, instrumental compositions, and lazy river rides.
9/10 available from www.spekk.net

also check out Jefre's label Rootstrata at rootstrata.com

"Music Your Mind Will Love You" blesses us with a new cdr from The Holy See

2007-07-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

The Holy See is comprised of Jefre Cantu-Ladesma and Jim Redd of San Fransisco legends Tarentel. My only other exposure to this particular project was on the release "f***ing physics" earlier this year on Foxglove.

In listening to this release, and this band in general, one must enter into it with a certain openness to the harsh soundscape that often surrounds the otherwise accessible musical ideas within. Having to find this state of mind, however, sometimes detracts from the overall musical listening experience.

This release is one track, about thirty-three minutes long and is quite possibly even harsher than the foxglove cdr mentioned earlier. "untitled" is quite possibly the most musically mature material this band has released, though. The sounds chosen and timbres utilized varied and diversified the piece while still operating within the walls of feedback that largely govern their original, albeit brutal, sound. (Brutal is not always bad, especially in this case.)

One of the most pleasing aspects of this album is the inclusion of sounds that recall more contemplative music, with guitars sounding like chimes, and washes of fuzz ridden feedback imitating breezes. The Holy See create a sense of space that seems a contradiction upon first listen, but begins to grow on the listener after a few times. At times it becomes similar to meditating in a sandstorm. In fact if you're not careful you might find yourself almost being soothed by the near-hellish sounds within.

Overall, this release was both interesting and engaging and deserves some more widespread attention. This project is certainly headed in a good direction musically and promises to hold an exciting place in music later down the road.

7/10 this may be purchased from the good people at Music Your Mind Will Love You http://mymwly.blogspot.com

Peasant Magik cont. (The Latest from Pillars of Heaven)

2007-07-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

I'm currently waiting for some new material from several labels that I have been in contact with in regards to this site and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those that have agreed to send material so far.

Right now I have the latest Pillars of Heaven, label owner Salvatore Giorgi's solo project, tape, "Silver Tusks Vol. 1," so I am going to review it.

Just as before, the packaging for this tape shows a lot of effort, and is as asthetically pleasing to the eye as to the ear. The tape begins with a subtle pulsing section that, like any post minimalist music, reminded me of Steve Reich. He executes this well though and the timbres and sound sources chosen for the tape not only flow together but tend to create a bed of sound soft enough to rest many a drone-tired ear. Don't get me wrong, this is drone music, but it is pleasant enough to the ear to nearly attain the soothingness of a lullaby of sorts (albeit a bit strange for most children).

POH sticks to sounds pleasant enough for just about anyone remotely interested in drone music, but threatens to alienate inexperienced listeners at times. Throughout the tape POH demonstrates a sound that is both unique and mature and, if approached similarly in the future, will only get better. His use of shimmering tones coming from what sounds like an organ and guitar make this release an exellent buy for fans of drone, ambient and just people who enjoy spacing out every once in a while.
8/10 This title may be purchased from http://peasantmagik.net

Address

2007-07-05T23:01:00.000-07:00

If you would like to send material please send to this address

Hawaiian Winter Music Reviews
c/o Rob Funkhouser
1611 Sherri Way
Richmond, IN 47374

Two Stunning Releases from Peasant Magik

2007-07-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

These two releases are some of the first I've heard from the Philadelphia label Peasant Magik. The first thing that one willl notice with these two cassettes are packaged very nicely. Salvatore Giorgi, the brain behind the whole operation, has put a lot of effort into presenting his label's music in a professional, sharp-looking way. Okay, onto the music;

The first tape with which I started was Gallows "The White Lodge". This is the first music I've heard from this band and I must say that I'm pretty impressed. The tape opens with a piece that incorporates elements of 50's sci-fi soundtracks into an otherwise average drone/noise piece. Luckily, Gallows sticks to noise that is largely musical in nature. The intrigue of the first track and the gentle swells of harmonic feedback and other unknown sounds played in reverse on the second track are more than enough to keep me interested to the end of the tape. The third track is not a let down either, it serves as a kind of capstone to the rest of the release. The ominous sounding drones on this piece are complemented with more beautiful swells of harmonic bliss and a repeating rhythmic loop that at times serves to give the listener a more grouned feeling of movement and direction. Overall, i would encourage anyone even remotely interested in experimental music to give this tape, and band a try.
8/10 This release is in an edition of fifty and my be ordered from http://peasantmagik.net

The second tape I delved into was a self titled tape by Blown Doors. This release is a bit darker than the Gallows cassette but falls into roughly the same noise/drone genre, although genres never seem to do music justice. The vein of noise this group chosses for the first side is mostly static, even organic drones and noises. The band creatively uses reverb and other effects to create a nice sense of space within a relatively dense soundscape. Toward the end of the first side, there are sounds that can be vaguely recognized as guitar and maybe even a bass as well, run through a cornicopia of noisy pedals and placed against other harsher noise. At the very end of the track, the noise reaches its harshest and ends in a cacophony of sorts. The second side begins with a handclap and mysterious, almost industrial type drone that contrast nicely with the static bombast of side A. This side of the tape definitely conveys a sense of urgency not present in the other piece, or in many noise recordings in general. The haunting harmonies of the feedback are very effective and even catchy, especially if you've been listening to noise recordings for a period of time. This piece seems to be riddled with organ and most certainly guitar, which could be the main culprit behind this entire tape. The swells in Phobos, the title of side B, are nearly stunning in their music breadth and depth.
8/10 This release is in a sadly small edition of twenty-five and may also be ordered from http://peasantmagik.net

We're Ready!

2007-07-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

Alright everyone, I've been meaning to start this for a really long time, so here it is. To some the idea of another review site might just seem ridiculous, but lets face it, there is a ton of music out there that is not getting heard and could use some extra exposure.
I'll be starting with some new ones from the good man Salvatore over at Peasant Magik. i will have these reviews up later tonight.

Peace,
Rob F.