REVIEW: David Shane Smith - Controls SM

8.75 out of 10

Find it here.

I had never heard of David Shane Smith prior to him sending me "Controls SM". That's so typical, some of the best/most unique talent out there, being ignored/going unnoticed (I know, I'm repeating myself). Any-how, now that I have (finally) become acquainted with Mr. Smith's talent/sound (over and over actually) I find myself slightly happier and fulfilled.

I'm not sure if you want to consider this his third official release or not, but on David's (third) release "Controls SM" you will hear him master his unique craft of mixing "Lo-fi-Indie-Experimental-Pop" with a bit of Electronics and "estranged" atmospheres a little more. His sound is somewhat unmatched. Although, you may hear slight nods towards a couple Indie bands of yesterday; Microphones, Fog, Clouddead (a tad bit anyways), and Throbbing Gristle (no, this album is not "Industrial") to name a few. "Controls SM" is an acquired taste, it is my taste (almost) 100%. It's an album that has that "good-kind" of weird vibe to it, makes you nod your head while listening to it, is completely relaxing/fun, and just all around astonishing (especially if you like any of those bands mentioned above). Each song standouts from (almost against) the next, but the absurdity in sounds is what makes this album so cohesive. Hand's down one of my favorite releases of 2011. This is probably the most unique experience your headphones will have this year. It's a shame this may/will go unnoticed. Oh yeah, (I almost forgot) Did I mention it (the album) is free (as well as a few others HERE.)?

HIGHLY Recommended (ESPECIALLY towards the proper set (the "right" kind) of ears).

Standout Tracks: All, All, All & Cool Pesticide, Freaks, Ifeelalive (Clouddead Vs. Throbbing Gristle--don't want this song to end), Shampoo, Global Warming Makes Me Hot (Feat. Ice Truck) (sooooooo yummy--reminds me of Air), Blackbirds (one of the best tracks of '11), Overfeeling (reminds me of Owen Pallett--kind of), Gasmask (reminds me of Aphex Twin--yeah, this guy really is all over the place..)

REVIEW: Blood Blood - Autumn/Harvest

6.5 out of 10

Find it here.

As I've mentioned before in the past, being a part of the "press" has it's perks. Sometimes I receive albums from little known bands that are just coming up in the world. Trust me I'm not complaining, finding gems from unheard of projects is always a good thing. Enter Blood Blood; a new project off of the terrific I Had An Accident Records label, which is also up and coming. "Autumn/Harvest" is Damg's (Bloodx2) first release under the moniker. It is a shining example of Lo-Fi aesthetics blended with Campfire atmospheres, as well as minimal droney electronics. Using only a guitar, keyboard, and a busted microphone made in the 80's. Blood Blood delivers the kind of music that only fans of Microphones/Mt. Eerie, Animal Collective, or Our Brother The Native may come to agree with.

"Autumn/Harvest" has a very cohesive feel between all of the tracks. Low-end bass/static sounds emanate through the warmest sounding recordings, vocals barely audible add an element of charm and emotional disposition, keyboards, usually in the form of an organ-esque/"buzz" sound are sustained, a few drum machine sounds are used, and a guitar which offers both a simple melody as well as a click tempo to some of the tracks. The sounds that are offered here are indeed simple, but due to their "simple" nature, they come off as charming and somewhat elegant. Tracks like Lumb, bring to mind the early bedroom recording days of Fog, catchy/chill/melancholy. We all know Lo-Fi can be one of the harder genre's to "understand", but I think if you take a chance with the sounds on "Autumn/Harvest" you may come to appreciate the genre that much more.

This is L-O---F-I. If you're a fan of the genre, you will love this. Overall I am pleased with the experience, but like I said some may find the recordings hard to swallow at points. Still though, I am definitely interested to see where this artist takes his music in the future.

Standout Tracks: Kbye, Lumb (LOVE this track, especially when the piano comes in), Naked