Protenomaly, by Directives

Intriguing and satisfying lofi noise tapes by Directives, released by Colorado-based label Aubjects.

Protenomaly is a fascinating, psychedelic project – knit together from eclectic plunderphonics and harsh, washed-out guitars. The depth of audio exploration displayed here is breathtaking – with truly intense and complex compositions gracing both sides of the cassette.

As the sounds pass by – the listener is exposed to very unique and visceral samples, structured and presented in a way that guarantees a connection or reaction. There’s thick tape nostalgia in everything from the soaked tone of the mix to bouncing ribboning of guitar experimentation.

Passive percussion accompanies most of the pieces on Side A, though it’s role in the compositions is less about tempo and more about grounding the sound. Pitter-patters of miscellaneous hand drum elements are scattered here and there, offering a pleasant juxtaposition to the rest of the production.

Side B begins with some truly avant-garde plunderphonic arrangement – with aliens gathering together with distorted angels to deliver stuttered spoken word while taking the worlds longest celestial bong hit. The project continues to revel in its experimental and exploratory glory for the remainder of the playtime, indulging in fragmented guitar riffs + noodling as well as delving even deeper into the dark atmospheric ambience presented on Side A.

Protenomaly can be considered a multisensory aesthetic experience – being divided over 3 mediums. First being obviously the audio portion of the project, which can be purchased or streamed via Aubjects bandcamp page. Secondly there is a limited run of 66 handmade cassette tapes, each with a unique handmade presentation. Third and certainly not least is the visual portion which manifests as a full video interpretation of Side B.

Limnociclo, by Druida

New experimental sounds from the Vivarium Recordings camp!

Limnociclo by Druida is a marvelous experience of sonic exploration – successfully weaving together threads of lofi chiptunes, long lost casio loops and an atmosphere of thick smoke.

I am always a big fan of electroacoustic experimentation, so Limnociclo ended up being a deeply satisfying experience for me. Druida masterfully layers very intimate pluckings and tappings with urgent bass and frothing pads of dissonance. The result is a surreal and soundtrack-esque experience.

Tracks like Forma really caught my attention, fusing together reggaeton and post-vaporwave into a downtempo groove. Or Nowhere FM – where the true experimentality of the project is given space to breathe and flourish.

I could go on about how the rhythmic shredding massages my brain, how the project is mixed so masterfully that you can almost taste the local climate, or how flawlessly the album glides between genres and tones. To put it simply, you need to hear it to understand, and I highly recommend this one.

You can stream and download the project now from Vivarium Recordings bandcamp page.

At the End of the Rainbow There’s a Sunset Without Regrets, by Oh Woe

Quite a beautiful full-length project by Oh Woe, released by HoloJamz – drifting somewhere between alternative ambient and dream pop, At the End of the Rainbow There’s a Sunset Without Regrets is a masterpiece of melancholy beyond classification. I was hooked the moment I heard a washed out Debussy floating my direction over the airwaves – lots of plunderphonic goodness drenched in a thick haze of nostalgia. Feelings of soggy summer nights, you can almost smell it the atmosphere is so potent….

NEU A MENORCA 1999, by VYLTER

Blissful plunderphonics and vapor wanderings from VYLTER brought to us by Tapewurm.fm. I’ve really been enjoying this labels output and this release is no exception – a tight and satisfying 4-track EP with tasty riffs and thick atmospheres. Any Change is a true jam, making the whole project worthy of repeat listens – and the track lengths are beefy enough to leave an impression without overstaying their welcome. Nice sounds for reflection or slow travel…

forest, by gengVr

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Fresh from Tomorrow Entertainment Records is this quaint audio journey – forest by gengVr.

Hop on board the next train out of the city and deep into the countryside – take your Walkman or your Panasonic for a long walk through the forest. YOUR forest! You will wander for 24 hours, the soundtrack following faithfully along. As you microdose the atmosphere around you via the hourly tracks, you are presented with quite a diverse array of sounds and influences – lo-fi hip hop churned together with mysterious plunderphonics makes for quite the unique and experimental flavor of vapor. Quite a satisfying journey indeed…

Dark Bandwidth, by Diskette Park

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Diskette Park returns with a premium collection of late-night slushwave Dark Bandwidth. This tight 8-track project is packed with super lush long playing tracks with proper grooves that don’t let you go! In typical Diskette Park style, the chopping and riffs featured are absolutely hypnotic and addicting, easily making this one a double playthrough candidate.

Diskette Park has recently dealt with a natural disaster of sorts and has seem some equipment fried! This is a great time to support the artist and throw some coffee money into that bandcamp pay-what-you-want box…

[지오 프론트]//[Geo Front] v3.1

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The ever-lovely Cats Corp brings us another mix of mallsoft tunes as relaxing as any trip to your local shopping center. Usual culprits here of blissfully chambered sounds, tons of soulful solos and brilliant progressions. Enjoy this 6-track project now at the price you choose via the artists Bandcamp page.

Released November 29th, 2016

NET FORCE by, TANE IS LOVE

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Commercial Dreams Ltd brings us another project of lo-fi vapor sounds from procuder TANE IS LOVE. NET FORCE is a satisfying 10-track released in August, but tastes fresh as if it came right off the shelf! Lots of soft-vibes and emotions going in this one, with TANE more concerned about shaping the atmosphere than some other musical prowess. It’s a blast to sit through this one and let yourself drift away…

World Edit, by Nyetscape

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Nyetscape is one of my favorite producers and a long-time friend, this time he brings us this twisted little tape World Edit. Its a 2-track project (or 2 mini-mixes, standard tape format). Lots of depth and room to swim around in here, with enough melodies and textures to satisfy the most picky listener. Highly recommended listen, goes great with a morning coffee!!

ROBOEMPIRE, by RØBØTAISEN

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RØBØTAISEN has dropped the followup to one of my favorite albums of last year ROBOSAVIOR with ROBOEMPIRE! Building on the conceptual foundation laid in the previous ROBO-series entries, EMPIRE is an enlightening culmination of past efforts and future dreams. Full of awesome future-funk grooves, the project is full of interesting twists and turns laid on top of solid beats. I love this series and this entry is no exception, I will definitely be listening to this one countless times…

Favorite Track: 5. Endless Institute