Tag: review

20XXビート, by WTCHDCTR

Reviews

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Tonight I am listening to some haunting and beautiful beats by WTCHDCTR, his latest EP titled “20XXビート” is 4 tracks of luscious and spaced out beats, soaked in reverb, dripping with style.

This project has a relaxed warmth to it that is quite pleasing to the ears. Swelling synthesizers rest behind the action in each song perfectly, creating quite the cosmic-soundscape to paint beats and melodies on top of. WTCHDCTR does this by means of intriguing vocal samples, tracks being motivated by trap style drums. There is minimal urgency in these tunes, and thats exactly what you want from something like this, perfect beats for a warm summer night. Slightly melancholy, whether by nostalgia or situation, only enhances the beauty.

The tracks maintain a fairly chill vibe, On My Mind being the obvious acception. However, even so the relaxed and spacey attitude is still there, in whispering synths paired with eerie vocal cuts. The deep bass lulls you inward, while the haunting melodies keep you hypnotized.

For what it is, “20XXビート” is a great little release. I feel like theres nothing I havent heard going on here, but in this instance it’s done so well! Though its only 4 tracks, you can pick this one up on Cassette via the bandcamp page. Also available for digital download, or stream it above! Whatever you do, enjoy!

SKY念仏, by Sanmi

Reviews

Time for a brief recommendation! This is Sanmi. I discovered this producer some years ago on soundcloud, maybe late 2009, through his electronic noodling and waveshaping. The music he creates runs the spectrum from ambient noodling to deep house and electro. His latest EP from HZ Recordings titled “Diaspora” was a wonderful little piece of fantastic electronic tracks, and also a highly recommended listen!

His personal page coins himself as “Japan based experimentalist Kyo Yanagi describes his alter ego as an experimental unit since 1998. He uses algorithmic and process based electronic composition techniques, creating textures which fluctuate from warm and delicate to visceral and abrasive.” Which is the perfect description for his sonic creations. So his latest project SKY念仏 showed up in my feed, I was excited what I would be hearing! 

Only 2 tracks, this EP is apparently an experiment in “Vocal work with bottles and rice”, which is abundantly clear upon the beginning of the first track! Pulsing full tones accompany steady shakers (I can only guess that this is where the bottles and rice comes into play!), layered with interesting vocal chanting. This is a great window into the mind of this producer, using such sparse and acoustic instrumentation, we see the style stripped down to the very base level. Within the instrumentation and natural rhythms of this release I can hear the direct connection to his sine-wave experiments and other electronic projects, feeling ties between the improvised melodies and slow growth formula.

All in all, its a strange and enjoyable little release for someone like me, and it can serve as a fantastic introduction to this producers material. If you are looking for something off the beatin’ path, look no further than Sanmi’s extensive catalog, you’ll be sure to find something you can enjoy!

 

 

Yacht Fire! by Marcus Eads

Reviews

What a wonderful little project! This EP is 5 tracks recorded live to tape in April/May 2014. Marcus Eads is a musician and a songwriter, or more elegantly stated on his page, he is as “instrumental improvisationalist • bioacoustic field recordist • magnetic tape enthusiast • church youth director” , combining his interests and passions into fantastic works of sonic art.

“Yacht Fire!” is another in the series of brief EP’s put out by Marcus, several of these with a couple full-lengths have hit the web since late 2012, and the catalog continues to grow, both in size and style. This newest EP features a distinct new flavor throw into the usual crockpot of lo-fi americana noodling, a special spice perhaps! The instrumentation is more diverse than previous projects, including percussion tracks, sparse keys and vibes, as well as what I might guess is some sample sounds! Flavors of vapor and mallsoft inspiration drip from the tape on this one, slow and washed out grooves looping endlessly into a blissful oblivion….

As always, Marcus’s guitar improvisations prove to be a subtle highlight of the whole experience. It is simply easy to get lost in this playing, the nostalgic vibe in the tone and rhythms applied create a very delicious and addicting listening experience. I often find myself playing through these EP’s and albums two or three times, simply because it is so pleasing to the ears!

I must say, I am a fan of the traditional style usually applied to his releases, but Marcus managed to mix in the perfect amount of new ideas with tried and true foundation. It was great to hear things mixed up a bit, yet it seems like Marcus hasn’t missed a step. I look forward to more sonic exploration from this artist, as it is always a pleasure when it finds itself my way. Marcus Eads, Yacht Fire! A highly recommended listen!

First Light, by Inner Travels

Reviews

Sitting back this evening and I am relaxing with this  latest release from Inner Travels titled First Light, released late March 2014.

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What Is It You Would Have Me Do?, by James Breeze

Reviews

Enjoying some lovely music this morning, sipping my fresh cup of coffee, exploring the sonic goodies which have been presented to me! This is the latest single from UK artist James Breeze titled “What Is It You Would Have Me Do?”

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\\\ , by ///

Reviews

Tonight I am kicking back, listening to some interesting new sounds, this time brought to you by drone project /// out of Camarillo, CA.

Abstract unpronounceable names aside, this is a quaint and strange little release of ambient music. Stumbled across this one accidentally, artwork caught my eye as a serene and interesting scape of feelings. I plunged inward on this strange trip through “\\\” by /// 

Supremely short, it is but a taste of a surreal landscape. 3 “untitled” tracks comprise the release, each delicately composed with lush synthesizers. Nothing to jolt you from your seat, you are guided upward into a glowing cloud of warmth. Wonderful and simple, the feelings are of joy and interest.

The first track is also the longest, being just under 3 and a half minutes, this is an insanely short release. Further investigation reveals another release from earlier this month by the same artist by the same exact name! Moderate confusion may occur, but its all zoned out so its kosher.

All in all, surprised to find little goodies like this all the time, hope to hear more from this developing and mysterious artist. Go take a listen and explore the sonic things.

VIIV, by Hendiadys

Reviews

Good morning music lovers of all shapes and sizes, today I have some noisy drone for you to enjoy! It’s the new short album from the duo Hendiadys titled VIIV.

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Gorilla Vista, by Onyx Kers Spel

Reviews

This morning I am relaxing with my usual cup of coffee, and I just pressed play on this interesting new release from Onyx Kers Spel titled GORILLA VISTA, released March 27th 2014, it’s available physically/digitally via Not Working Musicassettes bandcamp.

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SPREADING ROOTS EPISODE THREE

Mixes

Head on over to the soundcloud to enjoy a new mix of awesome music! ≈SPREADING ROOTS EPISODE THREE≈ is now streaming via soundcloud! Continue reading “SPREADING ROOTS EPISODE THREE” →

Manifest EP, by Spacedtime

Reviews

This morning I am enjoying some new work from UK producer SPACEDTIME, specifically his latest EP, Manifest. Released March 16th, 2014, this 5 track EP features some truly spaced out and groovy beats with fantastic production quality!

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