Thursday, September 30, 2010

Stream some new ENO..!


Wow. I must say, this is NOT AT ALL what I was expecting. VERY interested to hear the rest of this.

Check into K-X-P..



K-X-P - 18 Hours Of Love


Dirty Stoner Rock for all of you dirty stoners (if you shower that's cool too).

Monday, September 27, 2010

EIC'S10Q'S w/Boduf Songs

"..perfect drizzled down sounds for a gloomy day with little or no intentions of becoming un-mellow.."


Boduf Songs
Neo Debilitating Aura

Boduf Songs Bio:
Under the name Boduf Songs, Southampton, England's Mat Sweet records spare, haunting music based in the traditions of British folk, embellished with subtle sound effects that add an even more evocative feel. Working on his own and with friends, Sweet released a wide variety of music on his Bluebaby label, spanning sounds from heavy rock to abstract electronic pieces. In 2004, Sweet made the first Boduf Songs demos, which he recorded on his own with a handful of equipment that included a toy piano, field recordings, his computer, and acoustic guitar. Kranky was impressed enough with the demo that they released it as is the following year as "Boduf Songs". In 2006, Sweet returned with "Lion Devours the Sun", which further refined his stripped-down, eerie, and sometimes darkly humorous sound. Sweet recorded 2008's "How Shadows Chase The Balance" late at night with just a microphone. In 2010 Boduf Songs released his latest " This Alone Above All Else In Spite Of Everything".



Hello, how are you?
Pretty good thanks. You?

What are you currently listening to?
XTC "Black Sea"

What’s the story with the band name?
Secret stuff. A promise once made should ne'er be forgot.

The new album is sooo very nice (really, good job).. How was the recording experience?

Thank you very much. I honestly don't remember a whole lot specifically about recording it... Without wanting to get too personal or melodramatic, I was having a very shitty time while writing it, and for various reasons my recollection of that chapter is a bit hazy.

What do you mean by “This Alone Above All Else In Spite Of Everything”?
Music is one of the few things that drags me through the bleak hours. It refers to some other things too, tra la la.

You’re “original/unique” sound is definitely present, but it seems with “This Alone..” you’ve let a few more electronic sounds creep there way in, is there a reason for that?
When I first started writing as Boduf Songs I was very much aware that it was one-person deal, as opposed to various bands and collaborations I'd done previously, and I guess I wanted it to sound that way. Now I don't care so much about that and it's fun to explore and experiment with other things. Sometimes a full sound with lots of layers is great, sometimes it's good to stand alone in a cave hitting a pan with a stick.

Do you plan on touring for the album?

Yessir, European tour should be happening in Spring of next year - maybe some US dates after that.

What’s the most relaxing album you own?
"Neroli" by Brian Eno.

You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?

Uh... good grief... that's just... well whatever it is I'm probably going to get sick of it pretty quickly anyway... maybe something comforting and drifty like Celer or Gas or Boards Of Canada.

Are you living your dream?
No, and that's just as well because last night my dream was of flying on a ball of wool over a planet made up entirely of black tennis courts and nothing else and although there was a distinct vertiginous sensation, balancing as I was on so small an object and so high above the world, it was pretty exhilarating and not as alarming as you might expect. It would, however, be weird and scary to live that.

Thanx Mat!

Boduf Songs is currently putting together a European tour followed shortly (hopefully) by a small US tour...

REVIEW: Boduf Songs - This Alone Above All Else In Spite Of Everything

7.75 out of 10
Find it here.

Mathew Sweet has been releasing songs under the "mysterious moniker" Boduf Songs for the past 6 years or so. His first album was a set of demos that he sent in to Kranky. Of-course Kranky, being the amazing label that they are, jumped right on board and released these tracks shortly after. The end result being the debut self-titled release, which to this day is one of the best "acoustic" compositions I have ever heard. Since then Mat has released a few more albums that continue in the "Acoustic/Ambient" genre with his subtle hints of electronics & natural sounds. "This Alone Above All Else In Spite Of Everything" is the fourth proper release for Boduf Songs. Much like the previous releases it carries on with Mat's signature sound, only this time around with more electronics and what sounds/feels like a stripped down almost Industrial sound. (somewhat)

"This Alone.." starts off with a "bare-boned" piano sustained, reverberated, and slightly glowing amongst a void of hollowed sounds. About 1 minute in Mathew's "sweet" (sorry had to do it) vocals come in. Right about that moment you will begin to feel very comforted, possibly drowsy, definitely contemplative, and quite possibly smitten. Underneath the gorgeous piano compositions & hazey vocals lay microbial bits of field recordings, "twinkly" dins, and enough organic-tronics to please the "headphone snob" in all of us. I should warn (some of) you when Mat wrote this album he was at a down point in his life. This will be completely apparent while listening to this album. But these songs aren't exactly about "sadness", rather it's about getting over the obstacles that are holding you back (quite possibly with a "pessimistic" POV--maybe). Eh, either way, these tracks are perfect drizzled down sounds for a gloomy day with little or no intentions of becoming un-mellow. Personally I like those days, so finding a soundtrack that suites isn't a bad thing.

I LOVE how consistent this artist is with his releases, can't say I've ever been let down. This may be my favorite Boduf Songs album to date. It's definitely his most "accessible" (depending on the person I suppose). It seems Boduf Songs expand it's sounds with each new release, "This Alone.." is definitely the most full sounding to date. This album is also very minimal in it's truest form. It's also RECOMMENDED.

Standout Tracks: All. Definitely check out; Decapitation Blues, Absolutely Null And Utterly Void, Have Decided To Pass Through Matter (yes please), They Get On Slowly (this song reminds of NIN for some reason..)

Saturday, September 25, 2010

№ 2

Halloween.

Cool Video Funtime #196 - Animals

A song sooo good, one might call it "ear crack"..

Rilf - Pray For The Piano

An "accidental" find on the internet.. This song is so gorgeous it just may bring a tear to your ears. If it's raining where you are right now, you need this more than you need oxygen. Fans of Sigur Ros and/or Miko take note.

Good (free) music laying around the interwebs..(expanded edition)

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Check into Space Ghost..

Space Ghost -Pyramid Dreams

If you like.. Super Chill Spacey Dub Tronic Gaze ..and the fact that it's (a whole album) free too.. you may like this.

Matthew Dear 2010 US Tour..

Matthew Dear '10

10-14 Chicago, IL - Metro
10-19 Boston, MA - Great Scott
10-21 Philadelphia, PA - Voyeur
10-22 New York, NY - Webster Hall
10-23 Brooklyn, NY - Public Assembly
10-24 Washington, DC - DC9
10-27 Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
10-28 New Orleans, LA - Howlin' Wolf
10-29 Austin, TX - TBA
10-30 Dallas, TX - Meltdown Festival
11-02 Phoenix, AZ - Club Red
11-05 Los Angeles, CA - Vanguard
11-06 San Francisco, CA - Mighty
11-08 Portland, OR - Holocene ^
11-09 Seattle, WA - TBA
11-13 Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry
11-14 Madison, WI - The Frequency
11-15 Ann Arbor, MI - Blind Pig
11-23 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg

Speaking of Ghostly, did you snatch up the new FREE compilation of rarities?? Gudstuv.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Monday, September 20, 2010

EIC'S10Q'S w/Universe

"..feeling a black hole burst between my headphones and suck me into a dimension I could never fathom.."


Universe
The Void Above As Seen From Below

Universe Bio:
Universe has pushed itself further to create a bold, beautiful and unique album. Pulling in aspects of pop, psychedelic, new age, and bedroom rock. Hunter John, the projects creator hides nothing in his voice or lyrics. In an era where bands use heavy effects to hide behind; you can hear all his dreams, hopes, and fears. Universe is universal.



Hello, how are you?
Hello! Right now I am Decent. I just got back from a camping trip with my fiancee. We went up to the Sequoia National Forest. We took really long windy ways there that totally went off the directions. Up mountains, down mountains, through deserts, past Maricopa; Taft...and all the way past Bakersfield to that crazy mountain pass. We did some swimming, went to this place called like "The Land of 100 Giants", where you walk around looking at all these HUGE Sequoias. I have never seen on before...Have you!? You can go inside them, I guess they used to hold cattle in some of them. There were random Cows wandering around the forest, the smell was pine-y. I got to take an outdoor shower, which is always awesome. I really wanted to read the Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark triolgy to my fiancee, but i didn't have them. mainly I was craving to hear the story about the Wendigo. I've been obsessing over wind. On the way back we even took a crazier route home, which ended with us looking at some ancient Chumash cave paintings and hanging out at Neverland Ranch. I filmed the entire trip on VHS-C.

What are you currently listening to?
This second I'm listening to a dog walk around, there is some sounds outside, I was trying to find some music to listen to earlier but was distracted by trying to figure out how to file for unemployment, and reading about the Wendigo. Musically though, I've been really into this song by Vangelis track called "Rachel's Song". His stuff is always so amazing. "Never Die Young" by James Taylor is pretty good. Those Lovely Ladies of Strawberry Switchblade have a lovely demo called "Dark 7" I've been listening to Orchestral Manoeuvres In the Dark a bit. I have a tape of their album Organisation in the car...Their song "Promise" has like the coolest bassline I've heard in a really long time. "VCL XI" off that album is great too. That bands status in the states is so sad. Many people just know them from John Hughes soundtracks, that stuff is waay past their prime. "Organisation" sounds like the next lost Joy Division album or something. I feel like that has some serious respect over in the UK. I'm always listening to David Sylvian, Grouper is good, although she's an uncomfortable person to try to have a conversation with in person. I've tried a few times to chit-chat with her and she always seems to not want to. I've given her some of my music very politely and shes never thanked or written me about it. It's not that I think I'm entitled to her approval, but it's just a nice thing to do. I did the same thing with Ramona from Nite Jewel and we became friends out of it. I consider Nite Jewel an acquaintance to Universe on the L.A electronic scene. I guess I was expecting that sort of thing, but when you throw yourself out there to strangers looking for friends I guess sometimes you're asking for it. I just was so amazed by her music and felt some sort fo strange connection bewteen Univers and grouper. But I do enjoy Grouper. I think "Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill" is a very important album, and I think she should have been chosen to score Where The Wild Things Are. I Can't listen to "Traveling Through A Sea" without being bummed that that song doesn't play on his journey. Fuck Karen O. Fuck Yeah Yeah Yeah's. they had their time. Back to Grouper...'Little Gray Cat" is a beautiful song, and for that Liz, regardless of you lack of contact...I thank you.


Other than your music sounding 'spacey', is there a reason you chose the name 'Universe'?
Well, the real story isn't so interesting, but one night I was on Youtube and this weird add came up for this place called "Tiger University", but the add was being cutoff but another window being open, so I was like what is Tiger Universe???? I really liked that named. Universe was originally called "Tiger's Universe", but after a while I just shortened it to Universe. I think out there somewhere are demos under the name Tiger's Universe. On some nameless computer in some nameless part of the world. Possibly Omaha. Now to me Universe means Universal. This project can shift, form, and be anything. The album that will come after "Gazing, Gazing" is totally different.

How long have you been working on this project?
Universe has been going on since February of 2007. Although it was officially named in July of 07. Before that February, I was going under the name Red Square, which a bunch of songs made in Reason. Before that I was going by the name Tape Noir, which was kind of Industrial...Covenant meets Ladytron. ANNND before that I went by Shepard's Teenage Suicide...Which is the coolest band name yet. Universe started when I had a mental breakdown and forced myself to only work on stuff off the computer. It really helped and I believe I became closer to what I've always wanted to be musically when I made that switch. I still have all those demos. Someday I want to do a release with them. Faces, which can be heard on "Gazing, Gazing" is one of the early demos; evolved.

Now that "Gazing, Gazing" is out do you plan on touring the US with it?
Oh god, I'd Love to. I feel so out of the loop and disconnected from other musicians touring and releasing. I've been teased with Record deals for so long now that I just always end up self releasing. It sucks because I really really believe in "Gazing, Gazing". It's just going to be a matter of time, and finding the right person to release it. I'll admit that I seem to have found more of a niche for my stuff thee days, and people are really responding to Universe more than ever. It's all about patience and perseverance. But yes, I would love to tour the US with Universe. I've driven across the country 7 times and and love playing shows in Oklahoma. It totally freaks them out. But they will remember it forever. I'd love to tour Australia too....Hint hint Aussie connections.

Have any 'embarrassing/funny' tour stories?
Not really. Last summer I was living with an ex girlfriend in San Francisco. I was getting a good amount of shows but she was really threatened by any girl I would become friends with. A friend of mine who I met at one of my shows asked me to play at her house for a party. I did. My ex came with me and forced me to not talk to anyone. It was really weird. I played this show and then had to leave without saying anything to anyone. Am I getting to personal on this interview? Haha!!! I also had the best band in the world Love Like Deloreans Crash at her place when they were on their west coast tour. That was awesome. we played some shows and I got them this awesome gig at a huge house party randomly. We had just played a show at The Knockout Bar in SF, and we went to this party. I was like guys...you NEED to play here! show SF what real music sounds like! I kept running around the party trying to find who lived in the place. I finally found the owner, and was like.."Listen...the BEST band from Brooklyn just got here tonight..I am their manager and they NEED to play here"...That is probably one of my favorite music memories. They played on guitar amps. It was awesome. You can see video footage of it HERE..I'm dancing like a fool:

If you could score any movie or TV show of your choice what would it be?

I actually went to film school. I scored some stuff there, and always have wanted to get into it more. People always tell me that Universe would sound so awesome in movies. It will probably pay the bills someday, so that's what I'm currently trying to get into. I've always wanted to scored a children's T.V show, and as far as movies, my dear friend Joshua Brandon is working on his first feature length. I'd love to score it but he is going a different route for the sound. Perhaps I can do a version for it. you can see the trailer HERE.

What is your favorite genre of music and why?
I don't have a favorite genre. I'm not even sure if I believe in genres anymore. These past few years I've really been adapting to music that makes me feel really good, and can be respected and appreciated in multiple settings. I like stuff I can listen to in the car. Echo & The Bunnymen are great at this. They can be listened to loud, quiet, headphones, cars, parties. Amen to those dudes. There is so much amazing music out there, I can't even begin to pick one kind I like better than others.

You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
I read this one a lot before Making a decision, but it would have to be "Secrets of the Beehive" by David Sylvian. Sylvian is the most important musician to me EVER. its a serious hard tie between "Secrets of the Beehive" and his Album called "Gone to Earth". "Gone to Earth" has some of my favorite songs ever on it, yet "Secrets of the Beehive" is so coherent, so personal, so perfect. It sets a really amazing mood. has some great borderline pop songs (Orpheus, Let the Happiness In). An album should capture a theme. It should flow and relate to itself. Secrets does this perfectly. it's pretty near being a perfect album.

Are you living your dream?
It's all a process. In terms of having albums out there, and touring and meeting creative people...No I'm not fully there yet, although hints of it keep breaking through. "Gazing, Gazing" is a dream. It came out wonderfully and I really want people to hear it. I want to do this as a career. I want people to be touched and inspired by Universe, much how I'm respected by their projects. Hopefully in the times to come, I can turn the dreams of being a working musician to a reality.

Thanx Hunter!!

Universe just released "Gazing, Gazing", get it, soak it in, become obsessed, and then go get the rest.

REVIEW: Universe - Gazing, Gazing

8.75 out of 10

If you know me, you may know that I have a decent size crush on all things "spacey/cosmic". The scenery is mysterious/filled with infinite possibilities and the sounds (oh the sounds) are generally represented by meditative, surreal, and comforting noises. It should be no secret (knowing what I just told you) that when a good representation of galactic narratives comes out I tend to swoon over it. Whether it be something Ambient like Brian Eno's "Apollo: Atmospheres & Soundtracks" or something more "trippy/bizarre" such as Pink Floyd's "Saucerful Of Secrets", or something a bit more "modern" such as M83's "Digital Shades Vol. 1" I am/will always be a sucker for feeling a black hole burst between my headphones and suck me into a dimension I could never fathom. Enter "the new dimension", Universe (a perfect name). Universe combines elements of Vangelis, with Jean Michel-Jarre, Brian Eno, a few "modern" aspects, honest vocals, and yes, that "black hole" in music that I constantly crave.

Space Pop may or may not be an easy craft to master, but for the artists that do so it seems all of their "big" albums stand the test of time and always receive high appraisal. Universe's "Gazing, Gazing", Hunter's (Mr. Universe) 3rd full length under the moniker, is a beautiful piece of cosmic nostalgia that will indeed stand the test of time AND, if people catch on, will receive LOTS of compliments . Synthesizer is the main instrument which definitely gives it that "futuristic/meta galactic" feel. However, the element of electronic drum loops and "easy to listen" Pop vocals make this a unique representation of said genre "Space Pop". Tracks like "I" remind me of the later Glam Pop days had they been reproduced by the likes of Tangerine Dream. "Minerals" is pure space pulp, gorgeous swells and bubbly synths are in pitch perfect form on this one. For the most part this album is very relaxing (upbeat at certain points), comforting (you'll either smile or feel content), and surreal (I imagine Mr. Universe penned all of his many compositions while traveling in parts of the galaxy no other man has gone yet). "Gazing, Gazing" is just the way I likeLOVE my music. Carl Sagan eat your heart out.

Hand's down one of the best releases 2010 will see. A perfect score for the space traveling astronaut in all of us. Outer space is Universal. Universe is right here on Earth. If you can reach for something that significant why wouldn't you. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Standout Tracks: All, but mainly; I (ear crack), Minerals, Faces (the chord's on this one remind me of Philip Glass), Ginger Gold Light, Nova Albion (I'd be OK with this lasting forever), Mountains & Minds

Cool Video Funtime #195 - Sleepless

New Home Video album on the way..!

Home Video's "The Automatic Process" comes out November 16th via the band's site.
Here's a new song: Home Video - The Smoke

I (still) wish/think these guys should be bigger than they are. Sounds like an Electronica version of Radiohead OR a slightly more chill Woven.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Check into Chrome Wings..

Chrome Wings - Old Money

Sounds like a "droney-damp-ambient-celestial" Animal Collective.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor 2010 US Tour..

Godspeed You! Black Emperor '10

02-17 Seattle, WA - Showbox at the Market
02-18 Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom
02-20-21 San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
02-23 Los Angeles, CA - Music Box at the Henry Fonda
03-16 Brooklyn, NY - Masonic Temple
03-17 New York, NY - Church of St Paul the Apostle
03-19 Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero
03-20 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
03-22 Athens, GA - 40 Watt Club
03-24 Nashville, TN - Cannery Ballroom
03-26-27 Chicago, IL - Metro
03-29 Detroit, MI - Majestic Theatre


I regret passing up the chance to see these guys years ago. (I really do) Don't repeat my mistake.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

EIC'S10Q'S w/Viernes

"..mixes the best elements of Shoegaze, Psych Rock/Pop, Dream Pop, Post Punk, & Classical Instrumentation with pure genius and ferocity. This was made for an audiophile.."


Viernes
Adoration For The Empyrean

Viernes Bio:
Viernes is a new experimental duo from Florida who released their debut LP "Sinister Devices" on June 8, 2010 on Kanine Records. The two create dreamlike soundscapes to get lost in. What started as an afternoon recording project sparking from their mutual love of favorite records: My Bloody Valentine’s "Loveless", Liars’ "Drum’s Not Dead", Basinski’s "The Disintegration Loops" and Van Dyke Parks’ "Song Cycle" to name a few, soon turned into a year long obsession.

Each Friday, the two would spend their afternoons and late into the night secluding themselves in their homemade studio at Moore’s mother’s house. Incorporating instruments passed down to them, Moore’s old Wurlitzer piano inherited from his late father was used for every piano part, and Hernandez borrowed his father’s Puerto Rican cuatro. Within less than a year, the duo had put to tape their own dreamlike soundscapes and had created more than enough material for an album.

Once the duo worked out a live show – they started performing under the appropriately titled Viernes, grabbing the attention of several promoters. Locally, they began to open for national touring acts.



Hello, how are you?
Doing great, thanks. About to take my lunch break at work.

What are you currently listening to?
Right now I am really into this 1950's station on Sirius XM in my car. The 40's station is great too. I love old music. In terms of new stuff, Women have a new record coming out in the next month called "Public Strain", and it is probably one of our favorites so far this year. I just preordered in on vinyl. Another new band I have been digging recently is Lower Dens. Their debut record "Twin Hand Movement" is fantastic. Mixed by Chris Coady. It's Jana Hunter's new thing. Also checking out a lot of old African music. I bought this nice box set of LPs called "Ghana Special". I know Sean has been listening to Italian composer Roberto Cacciapaglia a lot lately.

Do you guys have a thing for “Fridays”, or is there another meaning behind the band title?
We initially only recorded after getting out of our day jobs on Fridays, so really that was it. We found out later that Radiohead first called themselves On a Friday, although there is no correlation there. I think the deeper meaning lies in pursuing something that you love to do.

Sinister Devices” is your debut album, yet it sounds like something only a veteran musician could pull off. What are your backgrounds in music?

Thanks so much. Well Sean is classically trained and has been playing violin since he was a child. He also studied music in college. He is an orchestra director at a private school here. I come from the other end of the spectrum, always played music growing up, but I play by ear and am self-taught. It creates a nice balance. We both play several instruments and tried to switch around as much as we could in the recording process.

Were you going for a specific sound when you were putting together “Sinister Devices”?
Not really, we set out to have total freedom. It was really intended to be a recording project in the early stages. Although as we kept recording, we realized we wanted to make a cohesive record, and I think then we started honing in on a "sound". Initially though, we knew we wanted things to sound both beautiful and dark. I think that knowing that helped, but we didn't say "Ok, let's make this record sound like this."

You guys are from Orlando, FL right? What’s the music scene like down there/is your sound appreciated or do you stick out?
We definitely stick out, but we are appreciated here, and we love living here. The weather rules. Orlando has had a bad reputation in music for years, mostly because of it being misrepresented as a tourist trap, the boy bands, and some pretty awful stuff like Creed came out of here. Although the scene here has recently become a breeding ground for great new talented artists. Florida is finally getting on the map and it is long overdue.

What’s next, touring (nationally or internationally) or another album release of some sort?

We are planning on playing shows around the South now and then in October going back to NYC for CMJ. We were just up there after the album came out a few months ago. In terms of new material, we are finishing up an EP that we should release late this year or early next. That will be out on Kanine as well. We are excited about it. And we just started demoing material for the second full-length. We also both have several releases coming up for our solo material as well as some other side projects.

You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?

That is a very difficult question. I really couldn't pick one. But since I have to, mine would probably be "Loveless" by My Bloody Valentine. I think that album is pretty perfect and it's been one of my all-time favorites for many years. Sean says probably The Beach Boys, "Pet Sounds".

Are you living your dream?

We are still such a new band and feel like we are only getting started, like the best is yet to come. Right now, it feels pretty great that people are taking notice of us. We can only go up from here. Living the dream will be when we can totally quit our day jobs and play and record and travel the world all the time.

Thanx Alberto!

Viernes are about to release a new EP followed shortly by a new full length, look for those soon..!

REVIEW: Viernes - Sinister Devices

9.25 out of 10

OK I know, you probably think EIC is the last blog on the net to jump on the Viernes wagon right? Truth is, I've been soaking in "Sinister Devices" for months now. I've been thinking to myself "are there words that can justify my feelings for this release?".. I just can't hold back anymore, even though my words may not (probably won't) justify the quality of sounds that are present on this album I just need you to know ..I approve (and then some). Viernes "Sinister Devices" is one of the best albums anyone will lay ears on this year. (guaranteed) So what's the "genre", what kind of music does Viernes create, well..

Viernes, which means "Friday" in Spanish, began as a project between friends Sean Moore and Alberto Hernandez. The duo would meet every Friday afternoon and attempt to write music that was currently influencing them. Here's the best part; they nailed it as well as added a bit of originality to the mix. And here's the list of influences; My Bloody Valentine, Liars, William Basinsky, & Van Dyke Parks. Now if you know these names, which for your sake I would hope you did, you now know how excited you need to get for this album. "Sinister Devices" delivers the best production values anyone could ask for, unique & raw/enriched layers of sound, stellar vocal harmonies, and just one of the best feelings you've come to expect from listening to a REALLY AMAZING ALBUM. I think one of the things I appreciate the most about this album is it's "throwback" sound towards "yesterdays" music scene. "Sinister Devices" mixes the best elements of Shoegaze, Psych Rock/Pop, Dream Pop, Post Punk, & Classical Instrumentation with pure genius and ferocity. This album was made for an audiophile. "Sinister Devices" will be an astonishing feat to surpass this year, so expect to see this one very high up on myOUR year end list.

If you don't get thisGET THIS NOW. (not an option). Hi, Lee Recuhm, End It.

Standout Tracks: ALL Sinister Love, Enhanced Pendulum Channel, Entire Empire, Glacial Change Of Pace (soooooo good), Honest Parade (this reminds me of Radiohead for some reason), Ancient Amazon/New Fashion (love the piano/horn on this), Liquid Tunnel, FAULTY INVESTMENTS (the time change on this track, the piano, the strings.. it's all just.. wow), Sinister Devices

Cool Video Funtime #194 - Cult Of Cobras

REVIEW: Zazie Von Einem Anderen Stern - Regen:Tropfen

8.5 out of 10

On October 5th, 2010 "Regen:Tropfen" (aka "Raind:Drops"), the debut album from Zazie Von Einem Anderen Stern (aka "Zazzie From Another Star) will be released via Drifting Falling. The interesting thing: Drifting Falling generally focuses on Shoegaze/Dream Pop/Indie Electronic sounds. Zazie is the first Neo Classical artist, as well as the first female musician to be released via this amazingly underrated label. The music: "Found sounds" with comforting/delicate atmospheres produced by piano and broken voice. Fans of Nils Frahm, Peter Broderick (with whom she's collaborated with), Max Richter, and Ólafur Arnalds; this one is DEFINITELY for you.

A quick quote from Maike Zazie: “All sound and tone, also silence… All that my ears are able to absorb, has a melody.” If you can "absorb" that quote, you know exactly what you're in for. "Regen:Tropfen" is a unique album. Although the genre/sounds within are familiar, there's something unique amongst the elongated tones and hidden noises/messages. In-general piano carries the melody along, but, if you (truly) focus on the background, it's the samples/noises/human experiences that carry the piano. So truly, all sound/tone/silence IS the melody. Ms. Zazie has a way with creating the most hauntingly brilliant minimalist structures. And out of their cold "absent-lifed" tone's she brings warmth, profound beauty, and overall understanding of the importance of each and every "small aspect" from life as we know it. To simplify: if you like the sounds of Glockenspiels, Cello, Violin, Piano, field recordings, and broken hearted/delicate vocals ..you need this album in your life (now).

This album is gorgeous/nigh perfect. Piano lovers, Virginia Astley lovers, lovers of beauty your celestial chariot awaits you. This is most likely my favorite Neo Classical release of the year so far. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Standout Tracks: I love the entire atmosphere of this one, it's hard to pull one from another. Morgen, Raum Ohne Zeit (oh my.), Regentropfen (great vocal track), Im Juli, Zwischen Meinen Händen..

REVIEW: Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

8.5 out of 10

In the wake of the last couple of my Arcade Fire "Suburb" saturated months, I was introduced to Mumford & Sons. A rustic British quartet steeped in Folk Rock with a strong Bluegrass undertone. The virtually snare-less, knee-slapping rhythm supported by rapid fire banjo and intense acoustic strumming give most songs on this album an almost "Celtic spirit". The heartfelt story-telling efforts of band leader Marcus Mumford are some of the most honest and sincere lyrics I've heard in a long time. All four members lend a hand to the vocals on most tracks as well, thickening the soul of their intentions.

If this doesn't sound like your particular glass of ale, consider who is at the helm of this Indie powerhouse. Marcus Dravs who is also responsible for Brian Eno's "Nerve Net", James' "Wah Wah", Björk's "Homogenic", Coldplay's "Viva La Vida..." and Arcade Fire's "Neon Bible" as well as "The Suburbs". Which is precisely why it was such a smooth transition for me musically. They share the same similar organic formula as Arcade Fire which at times can be somewhat of a comfort from the "great Electronica take-over". No complaints whatsoever with said take-over, but I still crave the honest earthiness of bands like these from time to time. Still not convinced? Mumford & Sons has racked up awards galore including but not limited Best Band at the 3rd Annual BalconyTV Music Video Awards in Dublin, their song "Little Lion Man" was voted number one on the Australian Tripple J Hottest 100 countdown, "Sigh No More" has reached #1 in the Australian and Irish Album Charts, #3 in the Belgum Album Charts, #4 in the U.K. Album Charts, scored 4th or better in half a dozen different U.S. Billboard album categories and has clenched the #1 spot in U.S. Billboard Folk Album category in 2009. "Sigh No More" has since went double platinum in Australia and the United Kingdom and continues to gain momentum.

On tracks like "Winter Winds" and "Roll Away Your Stone", the drunken Irishman in you comes out and begs you to sing along in a
crowded bar inhabited by the closest of friends, one arm over the shoulder of a comrade and the other hand swinging an overflowing beer stein. The track "Dust Bowl Dance" is one of the harshest tracks that just yearns for a backwater most-pit, very reminiscent of bands like 16 Horsepower and O'Death. Definitely recommended for fans of Arcade Fire and Noah and the Whale.

Standout Tracks: Winter Winds, Roll Away Your Stone, The Cave and Little Lion Man

REVIEW: The Artificial Sea - Unwritten

7 out of 10

"Unwritten" is the sophomore effort of Kevin C. Smith (multi-talented musician) and Alina Simone (lyricist/general swooning expert) aka The Artificial Sea. On "Unwritten" the band explores more of the territories between surreal/real happenings. The sounds range from laid back Indie Pop to "Lo-Fi-ish" Dream Pop with hints of Electronics with a Parisian attitude. The band has been compared to everyone from Bjork to Air to Mary Timony to The Xx. For all of you "Anti-Fall/Winter" people "Unwritten" may be the album that could carry you through the upcoming grey days with ease.

One of the things I appreciate the most about this album is the fact that only two band members make these tracks, which sound like something only a full 6-piece band could pull off. There are lots of layers/different instruments within. However, although the band indulges in many an instrument, the songs somehow have this "minimalistic" feel. The main instrument on here would either be Alina's gorgeous/playful vocals or the strings/acoustics, no maybe the electronics, no maybe the keys. Oh I don't know what it is I like the most. All of the sounds on "Unwritten" complement each other so nicely. This album is one volt of Electric-Experimental-Classical ambiance away from being completely "radio friendly". If these guys got the proper air time their fan base wouldn't be as minimal as their sound is. "Unwritten" is a warm approach to a cold atmosphere. "Unwritten" is also a miniature modern Indie Pop opus that is just waiting to unravel between the right set of ears.

I really like the "simple honesty" of this album. It's not super complex, it's pretty, somewhat catchy, & definitely relaxing. Give it a go if you're in need of some laid back Pop/Singer/Sing Writer music with bits Electronics.

Standout Tracks: The Gift Master, Baited Breath, Dangerous Day, Le Gibet

Check into Mickey Mickey Rourke..

Mickey Mickey Rourke - Inner Gazing (a whole album!)

MMR's "Inner Gazing" is a Leftfield Shoegaze/Experimental Psych Ambient album filled to the brim with submerged layers of mind warping sound, post Pop bliss, & intricate song structures. You need to hear this.

A song sooo good, one might call it "ear crack"..

Balam Acab - Big Boy

I know-I know, I may have said this a couple times now, but seriously this has got to be one of the best tracks you will hear all year. So close to perfection. My only complaint is that it's a little short, but that doesn't hold me back from obsessing over it.. Make sure to check out Balam Acab's "See Birds EP" (if you haven't already done so by now) off of the highly blogged about Tri Angle label ASAP.