Category: Quick Picks

Circle Inside, by Selvedge

Quick Picks

Circle Inside is a full-length textural ambient album from producer Selvedge, presented by Wormhole World Records!

First introduced to Selvedge’s material back in 2019 (thanks to Vivarium Recordings!) – I was excited to see this show up one day. Already anticipating a delicious drone experience, I was not left disappointed!

The album flutters back and forth between noise experiments and atmospheric ambience, doing a fine job of balancing light with darkness. Like a putty, darkness and melody are smooshed and folded in upon each-other, manifesting a very thought provoking experience.

Slight and subtle flavors of electro-acoustics drizzle the extremities of the tracks. Tones leaning towards plucks, chirps, distant bells and fuzzy ethereal choirs ~ however artificial they may be, finding firm and tangible footing in this lush landscape.

Perfect sounds for thoughtful mornings or rainy afternoons. Pick up the digital edition of the album now via Wormhole World’s Bandcamp, and let’s hope we get a second run of CD’s or perhaps a tape edition of this one!

Constant Repetitive Rhythm, by Moog Conspiracy

Quick Picks

Constant Repetitive Rhythm is the latest album by Moog Conspiracy – a collection of 10 tracks with a deep and dark techno flavor.

Very energetic sounds with just the right amount of sonic experimentation. Moog Conspiracy does a nice job weaving dark ambience and fuzzy textures into the club framework – resulting in a subtly cyberpunk experience.

There’s enough going on in this project to elevate it beyond a bundle of tracks for DJ placement despite its club sensibility. The close listener will be rewarded with lush synthesizers and dank atmospherics churning beneath a pulsing kick drum.

It will come as no surprise that the tracks sit in the realm of techno (which Constant Repetitive Rhythm is a pretty solid definition of!), and Moog Conspiracy uses this framework to propel the listener forward, feeding interesting sounds along the way. Tracks like Wizard and Tristesse highlight some very satisfying synths and sounds, where others like Dark Side of the Light are constructed as classic deep-techno bangers.

If you’re a fan of club sounds, deconstructed or otherwise, you will find something to enjoy in this release! You can pick up the digital version and stream now via the artists Bandcamp page.

Pessoa, by Distant Animals

Quick Picks

I use the word “satisfying” often when writing about music to help describe a fulfilling feeling without necessarily having a genre or emotion to assign. Yet again I return to that old well to tell you that Pessoa by Distant Animals is a truly satisfying listen.

Pessoa is a longform textural drone composition – a dense and hearty soundscape, populated with peculiar residents. Over the nearly 40 minute track, the listener traverses this alien world, gravitating towards and floating away from points of interest as they crest the horizon.

Hyperbole aside, it’s a carefully thought-out piece of atmospheric ambience. Sometimes dark, occasionally harsh, but overall presenting a mysterious atmosphere of agoraphobia and anticipation. Perfect for adding texture to your immediate atmosphere, or throw on the headphones and lose yourself in a vast expanse of sound.

You can grab the digital version of this one now from Fallen Moon Recordings!

Audible Life Stream, by Synkretic

Quick Picks

Audible Life Stream is a new full-length album from multidisciplinary musician and artist Synkretic, brought to us by Megatape Records.

ALS is a brave yet playful collection of tracks. Embracing experimental electronic exploration, the sounds swirl from distorted acid breaks into lofi ambience with acrobatic ease.

Tracks like Nach Jahreziet embrace this lush majestic side like a cozy hug. The rest of the album tends to settle into a nook somewhere between chiptune footwork and progressive trip-hop.

Hinting at braindance with a subtle energy that seems to be bubbling, waiting to explode – Synkretic does a magnificent job keeping things under control, like a surfer taming a rogue wave.

Even at its most chaotic – ALS manages to be incredibly listenable. Quite an impressive accomplishment when utilizing so many unique rhythms and progressions. Structure can easily break down into unmanageable and tangled walls of noise, but what we hear here is true controlled chaos.

Big recommendation on this one – if you agree, do a deep dive on Synkretic to enjoy other creations, both visual and musical. The record is out now both digitally and on Cassette.

Moist Jazz, by TEEN SMOKING

Quick Picks

Forward-thinking experimental electronics peppered with free-jazz – TEEN SMOKING goes all out in this mini album Moist Jazz.

Released in October 2020 – Moist Jazz is a 6 track project that is hard to pin down. Drawing from experimental corners of sound creation such as plunderphonics, harsh noise and freeform jazz. Synths flicker with lo-fi charm, poised against churning atmospherics and occasional flourishing rhythms and melodies.

The album sits at a nice, relaxed pace. Tracks like Atlantean Fight Song and Machine Wash provide a mellow, downtempo experience – breaking up the manic acid-jams. It never gets too hectic, but it is a few active steps away from ambient, despite the very atmospheric nature of the songs.

For fans of plunderphonic vaporwave and experimental ambience – you’ll find this one a unique and rewarding listen. Maybe if we’re lucky it will get a tape release! In the meantime, you can stream and download via Bandcamp.

happyscanner EP, by Online Tropics

Quick Picks

Surreal post-pop presented by PEDICURE RECORDS – we have the happyscanner EP by Online Tropics – a collection of 3 crunchy and glossy experimental tracks.

The sounds conjure unique images – luminescent vacant plazas, sterile and glistening under an alien sun.

You could call these sounds deconstructed, as we find Online Tropics using an interesting stripped-down and segmented writing style. Leaning towards minimalism even at its most complex….

Almost robotic vocals pepper the tracks, lending to the interesting flavor. First oddly satisfying, eventually addicting. A very nice listen!

Tunnel Speeches – Self Titled

Quick Picks

Intriguing electro-acoustic experiments from avant-garde outfit Tunnel Speeches.

This debut collaboration is a very interesting listen – weaving it’s way between lofi beats, plunderphonic ambience and post-rock.

The interaction between Drums and Guitar are molded together with the help of strangely satisfying samples and atmospherics. Dissonant at times, in the best way possible.

Gritty choppy percussion sits as the foundation for these tracks – stretched over 11 improvisational jams – Tunnel Speeches are not shy with mixing styles together with quite a pleasing outcome. Avant jazz collides with dark ambient and lo-fi hip hop.

Overall it’s a great listen that’s had me coming back again and again – lucky for us it’s available on Cassette tape for now! Snag it or the digital version from the official Bandcamp page today.

smellophone, by laundry

Quick Picks

Such yummy and thoughtful beats from experimental duo laundry – smellophone is a unique and fun collection of tracks. Dark and fuzzy like a juicy plum, it is waiting to be bitten into!

Sometimes the sounds get quite avant-garde, but they are all grounded in delicious lo-fi beats drenched in dank atmospherics. The realm is hazy and shredded, as if viewed through CRT goggles – ripping and morphing the content as it passes through.

It’s dark yet playful – dwelling mostly in mellow and melancholy vibes while maintaining a lighthearted spirit! Even when approaching it’s most experimental (which it does get quite interesting~!), there is always a subtle thread of innocence tying things together.

The 10 tracks wander between harsh noise walls and lofi beat experimentations quite seamlessly. Impressively bridging the gaps between different genres and sounds, it’s a lovely listen and highly encouraged for a nice sonic expedition.

laundry were kind enough to grace us with some download-codes for the album! Grab a code below and head to the download page to get yourself a copy and support the artists!

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Ingress Egress, by THE GAYE DEVICE

Quick Picks

Soothing and wholesome ambient from THE GAYE DEVICE – ingress egress is a powerful cinematic synth journey.

Stretched over 8 luscious tracks, the album wanders through retro cyberpunk vibes, floating through a glowing synthetic haze.

Sometimes hopeful, sometimes brooding – yet always satisfying on a deep level. There is a mystical and ethereal flavor to the soundscapes while remaining quite synthetic – like a holodeck of lush wonder.

The tracks are long and thoughtful. Blissful even. Perfect to listen with a cup of coffee or light rain-showers outside.

Pick up the digital album via Bandcamp and explore the rest of the discography while you’re there!

Guo Voices, by Morteza Jahangiri

Quick Picks

Ethereal, calm and collected sounds from ambient producer Morteza Jahangiri.

Guo Voices is a 4 track project of sublime melancholy atmospherics. Perfect for a meditation session or morning relaxation to start your day a mellow way.

With a varied electro-acoustic palette – Morteza crafts unique soundscapes with a soft, delicate touch. There’s a cinematic feeling to the music, with chord progressions being slightly more bold than other contemporary ambient. Subtle melodies float atop plush synthetic pillows.

It’s a refreshing and hearty journey – feeling a lot longer than the 4 tracks lead to believe. You will likely find yourself coming back to this one, it’s cozy and thoughtful like an old friend. Stream and Download available directly from the artists bandcamp page.