Childhood, by NOAH KWID

Magnificently expressive artistic indie rock from the mind of Californian NOAH KWID.

Childhood is a little tape with big dreams and beautiful ideas housed in a quaint collection of 4 songs. Soaked in a soft and intimate essence – as if sitting in your friends garage with the door open during a light rainstorm, listening to a band practice in the corner as you roll your spliff.

The songs are tasteful construction of sparse yet clever vocals, hearty guitar and intriguing horns. The use of woodwinds and flutes is a welcome addition to the sonic palette, adding a unique depth to the tracks. The unique artistic expressiveness would make David Byrne proud – ultimately boiling down to a very wholesome and honest experience.

The tape is only 4 tracks long, however that becomes deceptive once you press play. Each track lives in it’s own world – bedroom microcosms of emotions and human energy, expressed in pure electro-acoustic waves. For all the pretentious flourishes I am using in this article it’s quite a down-to-earth listen.

The project is available on cassette as well as digital edition via the artists bandcamp page!

I D A , by El Valerie

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Had this one recommended recently – plucky little bedroom pop tunes from New York singer/songwriter/producer El Valerie. 9 tracks with lyrics that are both thoughtful and playful, all accompanied by pretty satisfying lofi instrumentals. Nice honest music that is pleasing to listen to, like a dish that is seasoned properly for well-balanced delicious flavor!

Happy this one came my way, I am going to be checking out Valerie’s previous releases, and looking forward to future tunes…

Whatever it is, Whenever you feel like it, by Heart Eyes

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Colorado label Community Radio Tapes presents us with this beautiful little oddity by Heart Eyes, Whatever it is, Whenever you feel like it is a 6 track tape of glazed bedroom ambience with plenty of emotion.

The tape is quite pleasant with some interesting ideas, though there is a lot of weirdness going on it always remains a comfortable weirdness. The kind that you know won’t harm you. However there is an anxiety to some of the tracks, a looming melancholy that sits really heavy! Do not panic however, it’s a very nice listen and ends on a high note.

You can download the album via bandcamp or purchase a cassette copy from the same page!

Good for

  • Study Sessions
  • Meditation
  • Late Night Chill

Favorite Track: I am crying, I can’t talk

Waiting for Mint Shower!!, by Shelling

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Blissful new offerings from Japanese label White Paddy Mountain, Waiting for Mint Shower!! is a beautiful 8-track project from Tokyo-based band Shelling. Mellow, emotional, and highly recommended.

shelling is a shoegaze/dreampop band formed in Tokyo. aya(vocal,guitar,compose) and shota(guitar)
“shelling” means to gather shells on the beach.
in February 2010 they released a split CD with IROTTO+
called “before time melts.” on High Fader records.
in February 2013 they released 1st full album on white paddy mountain.

アンビエントとシューゲイズの狭間をいくサウンドで衝撃を与えたShelling(シェリング)の待望の
サードアルバムが遂に完成!今作ではより本家のシューゲイザー、マイブラッディバレンタインを思わせる
美しくも破壊的なエレキギターのサウンドをフューチャー。女性ヴォーカルayaの澄み切った声が幻想の中を
彷徨います。ディストーションの海のような轟音の中に美しいメロディが重なる1曲目の『Unfading Scent』、
まるで90年代のUKロックやスマッシング・パンプキンズなどの美しい曲のような『Shining Pool』。
美しく、儚いサウンドが切なく胸に突き刺さります。
ミックス、マスタリングはChihei Hatakeyamaが担当。ノイズウォール・オブ・サウンドとも言うべき
破壊的かつ叙情的で繊細なミックスに仕上げた。

released April 30, 2017

mixed by Chihei Hatakeyama
mastered by Chihei Hatakeyama

s​/​t, by Painted Faces

Raw, cavernous sounds brought to us by Lava Church.

Favorite Track: 10. American Basement

Sloww Lyfe EP, by Sloww Lyfe

Some awesome blissful pop courtesy of Memory No36 Recordings; a fresh EP by NorCal artist Sloww Lyfe infuses 80’s nostalgia, vapor tones and bedroom beats. What a wonderful debut from this artist.

Impressions From A Ghost, by Ghost In A Sundress

Beautiful new album via Little L Records by Ghost In A Sundress. Recorded back in 2013, its a fantastic blend of floating ambience and pop.

Kind Forest EP, by Alexia Avina

Sipping some coffee this monday morning, having some wonderfully peaceful music swim around my head courtesy of Alexia Avina and her debut EP, Kind Forest.

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