Tag: dream pop

happyscanner EP, by Online Tropics

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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!

Órfãs, by A/C Repair School

Reviews

Somewhere between lofi sound experiments and dreamy bedroom punk lies A/C Repair School – a collaborative project by vocalist Carolina Simionato (soft verges) and multi-instrumentalist Rafael de Toledo Pedroso. Teaming up for this debut album – Órfãs, presented by the amazing Grimalkin Records.

Continue reading “Órfãs, by A/C Repair School” →

My Mind As Your Amusement Park, by Phantom vs Fire

Reviews

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After much anticipation it has finally arrived! The latest full-length project from Brazilian composer and producer Phantoms vs Fire titled “My Mind As Your Amusement Park”, and sheesh is this some impressive work.

MMAYA is a fully realized alternate sonic reality – constructed from the molecular level of granular atmosphere all the way up to massive organisms traversing the landscape. The sounds trigger the imagination in such a potent way, manifesting entire new dimensions as I allow myself to be lost in the tracks.

Songs like “Arrival” have me feeling like I am actually soaring a thousand feet above an alien landscape on the back of some ancient god, approaching the surface with consideration for landing. It seems like at any moment during my listening, I could escape to such a world in my mind, the potency is incredible and magnificent.

This is also one of those albums I adore because of its flexibility! The type of piece you can listen to as closely as you’d like – have it as an atmospheric boost while you’re sorting your life, or throw on the headphones for deeper appreciation – I feel like both experiences are worthwhile and really speaks to the quality of the work.

At the time of this posting the digital album has just released – but you can head over to Qrates to help this project get pressed to vinyl! In case the project isn’t fully funded, word on the streets is there will be a CD/Tape release in the future, which I am super excited for! Highly recommended no matter how you want to listen to it…

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

Sea of Love, by Virtual Dream Plaza

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In True-Typical Virtual Dream Plaza fashion, we have a wonderful extended play right here in the form of Sea of Love. A washed out melodic dreamscape, as usual it is easy to get lost in the sounds after half an hour passes by! If you are digging this one, be sure to take advantage of Virtual Dream Plaza’s discography sale, right now you can download over 60 albums for under 7 DOLLARS!

Released June 3rd, 2016

Lumine, by bansheebeat

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Had this one recently recommended, Lumine by bansheebeat. Released by Galaxy Swim Team, Lumine is an ambitious melting pot, packed full of inspirations from all corners of the globe. It’s an impressive listen from start to finish, 9 tracks altogether, ranging from relaxed melodies to pulsing dance arrangements. There is a little something for everyone in here, as bansheebeat fuses future funk styles with j-pop emotions he creates something quite unique and satisfying!

I personally loved this album from start to finish. Maybe it is my own love of things like Japanese culture, vaporwave and good electronics, but for other fans of the same they will find this project to be a well-crafted and enlightened listen.

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You can download the album now via bandcamp, the CD’s are sold out but you can still pick up a tape for now!

Favorite Track: 3. Rainy Love

 released 07 July 2015

All tracks composed, arranged, produced, and mixed by bansheebeat
All tracks mastered by Noah Hafford, with consultation from bansheebeat, Mike Vallejo, and Calvin Hansen

Everything recorded and sequenced in my bedroom while watching endless episodes of The Eric Andre Show and Parks and Recreation, in and around Mike and Joy’s apartment, and from other various places around Tucson, AZ where working on an album is probably inappropriate.

All songs written by bansheebeat, except track 2, composed by bansheebeat and Ivy Hollivana, and track 5, composed by bansheebeat and Patrick Sovereign

Artwork by Grant Newbold
grantmichaelnewbold.tumblr.com

please listen kindly.

Diamond Series 006

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As I am sure many of you know by now, I am a big fan of Ghost Diamonds “Diamond Series”, a collection of mini-releases, each consisting of two tracks by different artists. This formula is quick, refreshing, and they always manage to bring some interesting sounds to the table. This round is no different! Diamond Series 006 is soaked in retro nostalgia, with the second track diving head first into a 50’s Righteous Brothers cover. This was a pleasure to listen to quite a few times, I encourage you to give it a run and check out the rest of the Diamond Series while you’re at it!

released 30 June 2015

Nourish, by Inner Travels

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One of my favorite ambient-producers Inner Travels brings us this beautiful 5-track project of soothing sonic atmosphere.

released 25 June 2015

Music & art by S. Targo

All music recorded in The Corner Room, Lake Geneva, WI:
– During the “Garden Music” sessions (1)
– Between October 2013-January 2014 (2 & 3)
– During the “First Light” sessions (4 & 5)

Cover photo taken 6/12/15 near the Roosen Dam, Lake Como, WI

Aviation Weather, by Boreal Network

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Illuminated Paths brings us this epically chilled piece of new electronic goodness, Aviation Weather, by Boreal Network.

Favorite Track: 3. Cloud Map

The Eternal Dream System (Various Artists)

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Incredible compilation commemorating Dream Catalogues 100th release. A truly amazing feat and an outstanding album to boot. The tapes are sold out for now, but they may re-print them, it is still available for download though!