REVIEW: Black Hearted Brother - Stars Are Our Home

7.25 out of 10

Find it here. 

If you tell me somebody (anybody really) from Slowdive has a new project I will look into it with eager ears. If you tell me that same thing and then tell me somebody from Seefeel is also involved I may need a new pair of pants. Black Hearted Brother is "my ticket towards new trousers".

Black Hearted Brother is a new sonic experimentation from three friends; Neil Halstead (Slowdive/Mojave 3), Mark Van Hoen (Seefeel/Mark Van Hoen), & Nick Holton (of Holton's Opulent Oog). From what I understand there was no clear direction of style /genre when starting this project, merely more of a jam session that would hopefully evolve into some form of a full length LP. I'd say the three amigos pulled it off quite sufficiently. 'Stars Are Our Home' is an [Experimental] Post Rock meets Shoegaze jam session wrapped with elements of Indie [Space] Pop-tronica. From upbeat jams to spaced-out euphoria and everything in between, there are more than enough layers here to keep any audiophile warm this winter.

Notably-"If the above names don't peak your interest I'm not sure I can agree with your lifestyle."-Recommended.

Standout Tracks: (I Don't Mean To) Wonder, Got Your Love, If I Was Here To Change Your Mind (♡n l♡♡p), Time In The Machine, I'm Back

REVIEW: The Stargazer Lillies - We Are The Dreamers

7.75 out of 10

Find it here. 

Remember Soundpool? The Stargazer Lillies are essentially a rebirth of that project. Featuring prominent members from aforementioned band, The Stargazer Lillies continue to grace our headphones with relatively familiar dazzling sonic bliss on their debut LP, the only difference being a slighlty more stripped down approach.

On 'We Are The Dreamers', John & Kim dive deep into a kaleidoscopic pool of reverb, fuzz, heavenly drones, downer bass lines, and endearing vocals. 'We Are The Dreamers' is in every sense a classic Shoegaze/Dream Pop release that should have mass appeal written all over it once it falls between the right pair of headphones. For me I find it harder to walk away from sounds like these during winter's grey monarchy. Also (personally) I like drowning in a pool of kaleidoscopic noise, don't you?

'We Are The Dreamers' is not only a great release for a laid back day with grey undertones and melancholy dispositions it's also one of the most promising peaks into what (has always been) should be a fruitful career for an up and coming Shoegaze band. I'm (always) interested to hear where John & Kim take their music in the future. RECOMM "Shoegazers are already obsessing over these guys, why aren't you?" ENDED.

Standout Tracks: All are pretty ethereal, but if I had to be picky; How We Lost, Light Of Day, Sad Colored Tears

Check into SØLVE..

SØLVE is the brand new solo/side project from Brant Showers (aka 1/2 ∆Aimon). On 'Svovel | Salt | Kvikksølv' some of my favorite pieces of ∆Aimon are stripped down and sewn back together in a truly menacing Ambient Industrial form (that could induce goosebumps under the right setting). I can't wait to hear more from this project as it evolves, keep it up Brant!

EIC's 10Q's w/ Image Circle

"..chill as f^(k meets peculaiar-angelic.."

Image Circle

Vertiginous Refinement

Image Circle Bio:

Image Circle is Slow Head & Moon Mirror. Their debut release 'Mecca' came out October 12th, 2012.

Hello, how are you?

Fine, thank you. How are you?

What are you currently listening to?

We listen to a lot of nature sounds. We try not to draw influence from other music that's out there because we like our sound to be unique to us.

When did this project come about/how did you guys meet?

We met on hdghettos2 in march of 2012.

What's with the band name?

Good one, huh?

Care to tell us a little bit about your latest release 'Mecca'?

'Mecca' was a labor of love. It's a mix of recordings made digitally and also using tape. We currently have an un-mastered version of the whole album available for $2 download on bandcamp.

Is Image Circle a one-time deal?

No way, we are way too into it.

Got any other projects we should know about?

We're working on our follow up album now, but we aren't rushing things and we're taking time to really develop our sound.

What movie would work best on mute while listening to you music?

Pretty much any nature documentary.

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

'24 Preludes' by Chopin

Are you living your dream?

Is that a euphemism for smoking weed? if so then YES.

Thanx IC!

Image Circle is currently working on a follow up to their debut LP 'Mecca'...

REVIEW: Image Circle - Mecca

8 out of 10

Find it here.

Image Circle is a new "side" project featuring Slow Head and Moon Mirror. On 'Mecca' (their debut) IC come across as a narcoleptic Grimes meets Aphex Twin meets Telefon Tel Aviv.

There are LOTS of layers of great samples & loops on IC's debut LP (not quite sure what the analog to digital ratio is); most of these layers & tones in-vein of Shoegaze meets Industrial meets Ambient meets IDM, which collide & glide in-between heavenly (slightly reverb-drenched) vocals. The overall vibe is "chill as f^(k meets peculiar-angelic".. Just give it a listen, you'll like what you hear.

Highly Recommended stuff here (ESPECIALLY if you like any of the names mentioned above). I can't wait to hear where this project takes it's sound in the future. (and yes, more music is coming;)

Standout Tracks: Wings, Pink Fox, Hooded Clone, Spheres (♥)

REVIEW: Oh, Yoko - Seashore

9 out of 10

Find it here.

Back in 2008 (the year EIC began) a little known Japanese artist named Rie Mitsutake release her debut album under the moniker Miko. It was the best thing I heard that entire year, and to this day 'Parade' still gives me shivers in all the right places, seriously though the spiritual connection I have with this album is unearthly. Flash forward 5 years later (EIC is still here;), a second LP, a few guest contributions, and now this; (her latest) split project with non-other than (Ambient legend?) Will Long (aka Celer). I have a few Celer releases which are very warm-Ambient-gorgeous, but I'll be honest he's quite the prolific artist so I haven't even really begun to absorb everything he's been apart of. But from what I've heard.. Miko + Celer  = a match made in heaven.

I never review singles, but when one comes along that is so (super) special I certainly feel obligated. Oh, Yoko's, debut release/single "Seashore" is astonishing, nostalgic, pretty, inviting, and forward thinking. As you know, I love Shoegaze/Dream Pop music, (now hold on) I'm not necessarily saying Oh, Yoko is "Shoegaze", and/or "Dream Pop", but this single reminds me of a certain specific-classic release.. Slowdive fans, you have '5 EP (In-Mind Remixes)' right? For those of you that don't own this release; 'Seashore' reminds me of that album, which is quite perfect in my opinion. The mood is very sensual, slow, colorful, inviting, warm and sleek sounding. Will recorded some Ambient music and sent it to Rie, Rie added vocals, guitar, piano, and even her cat joined in (listen for the meows, they're pretty adorable.) Track one, the original version, is slow moving with a bit of a ghostly beat behind it, "ghostly beat" meaning there is no beat, but you sense/hear something underneath breathing and moving. Rie's voice is as gorgeous as ever, her minimal guitar plucks & enchanting piano melodies all so perfect on this release. Seriously, listen to this (you're in love now aren't you?). The instrumental take is even good, and I'm gonna be honest, I usually found instrumental versions usually kind of "blah", but this one..so good! And then track 3, this remix is KILLER. This track is the one that reminds me of of something I already loved & admired, ♥ this track. All the same song, but each version feels like something completely new/different. Please just trust me, you should go buy this.

You need this in your life (Perfect for anyone in need of relaxing..).

Standout Tracks: Um.. all.

EICV7" No. 32 - YlangYlang

"L'absurde est le concept essentiel et la première vérité." ~Albert Camus

Next release comes out December 25th.

EIC's 10Q's w/ Martin Eden

"..late night industry grind mixed with a hint of Neo Futuristic fated sound.."

Martin Eden

Post Bliss Commerce

Martin Eden Bio:

Matthew Cooper started making music under the name Eluvium in 2003, and since then we have never known what to expect from each release: minimal ambience, solo piano, modern classical, static noise, stately and sonorous pop. Restlessness, restfulness, wonder, and wanderlust. Emotionally direct, and emotionally indirect. A listen to the Eluvium catalog is a wide-eyed stroll through a museum of different eras of the human experience. The diversity of sounds has been held together with a gorgeous but beguiling unity that always lets you know that Eluvium is your guide along this stroll.  It was a bit of a surprise to hear that Cooper’s latest project would be released under a different name, but a listen to that project makes the reasoning evident. It is a world of off-kilter beats and unidentifiable instrument loops and keyboard swells. It somehow manages to be cold and alien and warm and human.  The name for this new world of sound is Martin Eden.

 Hello, how are you?

Getting over a cold unfortunately - otherwise doing well..

What are you currently listening to?

I'm mixing the new Eluvium record at the moment, so I haven't had much time to listen to anything else - but some things that have been recently played around here in the last few months are: Gonzales 'Solo Piano 2', Max Richter 'Recomposed/The Four Seasons', the Yo La Tengo catalogue, Burial 'Kindred/Street Halo' Rachel's 'Systems/Layers Radiolab'

How long has this "side project" been in the works? Was there something that prompted it?

It's been a long time coming I think - I've been craving the chance to work outside of the Eluvium world -- I think the final straw - oddly - was one day I was reading my book at a local brewery and 'Computer World' was playing - a record I've heard hundreds of times - but for some reason - I kind of thought to myself - "that's it,.. I'm making an Electronic record"

What is the general theme behind "Dedicate Function"?

The most important part of it was for me to have fun doing something completely different - the pursuit of playfulness and discovery but there are clearly underlining tones and thoughts suggested by the project name  - people might only get that part if they have read the book - but it may also just be created out of my personal feelings towards the book - there are multiple themes dealing with artistic integrity / machine operated life / as well as feeling accepted and what may or may not come from that in the end -these things are little hints at something..

Any plans to tour for said release?

Not likely on this release - though I'm open to unusual offers - definitely for the next Eluvium - and hopefully when the next Martin Eden record happens..

Got any other projects we should know about?

I just finished sanding and re-staining my deck  - it took a pretty serious effort..

What movie would work best on mute while listening to you music? 

I honestly have no idea.

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

Whatever it is, I'm sure I'd grow a little tired of it..

Are you living your dream? 

Very close to it.

Thanx Gloria and Matthew (er-um "Martin";)!

Martin Eden recently released his debut album for Lefse Records, be sure to absorb that for all it's worth...

REVIEW: Martin Eden - Dedicate Function

8 out of 10

Find it here.

Back in 2010 Matthew Cooper surprised me with his (then-current) Eluvium (working on a new one as I type this) album. In-fact, it was the best thing I heard all year. Since that time (somewhere in-between then and now) Matthew decided it was time he made an Electronic album under the alias "Martin Eden". So how does it compare? Well..

First thing you should know about Mr. Cooper's body of work is that it IS competently lush & serene. His music forces the listener to fall into an audial catalepsy. Like a dream induced Eno album under a glaze of despondent hope. Knowing that you may/can have a general idea of what to expect from Martin Eden's debut Lefse Record release 'Dedicate Function'. There is a bit of a difference in style though, with "Martin's work" expect a stronger focus on late night industry grind mixed with a hint of Neo Futuristic fated sound. Do I like Martin Eden more than Eluivium? Maybe not, but I do love this album. I love the range of sound that it shows Matthew can work with, while still sounding like it comes from the same individual. Picture yourself on a train in the middle of nowhere, on said train you have the ability to control time, as fast or as slow as you'd wish. Have fun/play it safe, and most importantly bring this album with you (syncopation is important). This album reminds me of two different artists (besides Eluvium); 1. Fields for it's repetitive/trance-like beats, and 2. M83 (the first album/maybe second one too) for it's dramatic/monstrous use of layered synthesizers. These two sounds together (plus a few other hidden sounds) create a somewhat unique project that can be best described as well.. really awesome.

Recommended for fans of of anti-silence.

Standout Tracks: Short Cut, Verions, Etc_etc, Hum (LOVE this track), Return Life

EverythingIsChemical Virtual 7" No. 28 - Ivory Fields

"The empires of the future are the empires of the mind"  ~Winston Churchill

Next release comes out October 28th.

EICV7" No. 28 - Ivory Fields ..coming soon!

EverythingIsChemical Virtual 7" No. 28 - Ivory Fields comes out October 21st!

  "Madness, and then illumination."  ~Orson Scott Card

(hopefully you checked out the last v7"?)

EICV7" No. 27 - f〇fㄚ ..coming soon!

EverythingIsChemical Virtual 7" No. 27 - f〇fㄚ comes out October 7th!

  "The heart is the only broken instrument that works."  ~T.E. Kalem

(hopefully you checked out the last v7"?)

REVIEW: Coppe' w/ Nikakoi - Rays

8.25 out of 10

Find it here.

I'm gonna be honest, I really don't know anything about Coppe' ("the godmother of Japanese Electronica"), nor will I pretend to. In-fact I had never acquired (or heard for that matter) anything (unfortunately I missed the ball on this artist) until this recent split she did with Nikakoi (another artist whom I know nothing about:[), 'Rays' is her 12th (I think) release. Yeah, quite extensive/almost overwhelming isn't it? No matter, this is definitely a good start towards the promise of a future new audial obsession of mine..

Assuming you're ok with midnight mechanical IDM/Club and/or Techno music from the mid-late 90's 'Rays' should be right up your alley. From track to one to the last, from the first beat to the last sample, Coppe' & Nikakoi's debut collaborative effort is pitch-perfect precise exercise in someone finding the beauty in machines. 'Rays' is a fun & quirky ride through dark & sensual environments that's sure to leave any (well trained) listener;] wanting more..

If you miss Amp TV you probably need this. ブラボー C & N, ブラボー.

Standout Tracks: Purple Cheese 4 U!, Dream, Meat, Cell, Key, Alp, + all the other tracks;]

Julia Holter + Nite Jewel = ...

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥Oh gawd, I hope this becomes a full-time side project.

So far just this one song though, which will be on an upcoming Dublab comp♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Die Jungen - At Breath's End

9 out of 10

Find it here.

I can't remember when (at least months ago) /where (probably online;) I came across Die Jungen, but I am definitely happy/glad I did. Like all of you I go through "phases of music-listenings/seasonal ear syndrome". Some days it's slow (most), some it's loud (sometimes), and some it's Surf Rock/Dream Pop/Spector influenced Indie Oldies ..to anything in-between really. Guess which mood I was in when I discovered this band, c'mon guess..? Also Die Jungen reminds me of Bradford Cox's earlier/online demo days (just with a lot more Oldies samples), I miss these days sometimes (and it's nice to hear someone else did too). This is not only something I can sleep to, it's something I hope to awake to, everyday.

Die Jungen is actually a new project from Klaus Von Barrel of The KVB. The KVB is Shoegaze/kind-of APTBS-y project, good stuff actually, but I gotta say Die Jungen is my favorite of his sounds (I only hope he carries on with it). The formula you ask? Guitar + keyboard (something lo-fi sounding) + drum sampler (maybe a few live drums?)/ an 8 track (possibly 4?) + samples from the Golden Era of Wall Of Noise Pop meets Surf Rock. I love Oldies, SELECT Oldies though, somehow Klaus surfed straight into my brain and pulled those out and placed them on this record. Such a simple sampling process, yet so effective, love-love-love this. Innovation through simplicity and a good ear for music that out-lives/transcends generational borders; 'At Breath's End' really should have something for everyone in need of a break/mellowing out.

The only thing that could make this album better is if I lived by a beach and could truly soak it in in the environment it deserves.. Either way, I still haven't listened to any album this year as I much as I have with this one. OH! Also, Die Jungen just released a B-Sides companion for this album which is pretty terrific as well..!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Standout Tracks: ALL. esp-ecially; I've Been Glad, When I Awake (yum.), Discretely, The Sun Is Coming Up, In The End

REVIEW: Terence Hannum - Final Salt

7.75 out of 10

Find it here.

Behind the contemporary American Black Metal scene seems to be a desire to reanimate the spirit of the genre. From the publication of 2010's Black Metal Theory Symposium to the rising popularity of such diverse groups as Agalloch, Wolves In The Throne Room, and Liturgy, the public image of Black Metal musicians as church-burning heathens has become a thing of the past. However, among those that are reshaping the sound of Metal music, few stand out as being as daring as Chicago-based trio, Locrian. Their open-ended experimentations combine the monolithic intensity of Drone Doom, the swirling feedback of harsh noise, and the menacing atmospherics of Black Metal – all in the effort to create one hauntingly surreal listening experience.

One of the leading members from Locrian, Terence Hannum, has further showcased this ability to inventively blend genres in his most recent solo output, 'Final Salt'. The album consists of four tracks, yet can be best appreciated as a single vision – brooding, colossal, and compelling. It opens with a wide expanse of droning organs and low-register frequencies, but throughout the next forty minutes, as rippling noises textures move through an ocean of feedback, mangled shouts, and synths, the mysterious beauty of this work pulls you in and never lets you go.

Though many of the elements that define Locrian are at the core of this album, 'First Salt' is a work of art that should be judged on its own merit. Hannum is proving here once again the power and clarity of his vision. If you haven't heard any of his music, you're sadly missing out. Highly recommended.

Standout Tracks: Former Sea, Final Salt

REVIEW: Ice Choir - Afar

8 out of 10

Find it here.

We all love the 80's right? From The Cure to Pet Shop Boys, there was just something about synthesizers that got an entire generation on their feet. The Pop music from that era still seems untouched as far as being the catchiest music you'll ever hear (ever). It's no surprise that that era of music (as well as a bit of the early 90's) is being "reborn". ..OK, I'm gonna be honest, I think there's too many bands doing it right now. It's (Neo New Wave er whatever it's called) sort of cliche and lame now:[ Is this just me, or is anyone else sick of the revamps and homages? Let's experiment more people! That's what I feel most of the time, that is unless, someone really does-it-right (this is a lot harder than it seems). Ice Choir (whom I love) are "that exception" to this rule.

Ice Choir is the Synth Pop side-project of Kurt Feldman (The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart). You may notice that Ice Choir sounds a lot like a long-lost 80's act, I also think IC sounds a lot like Violens (this is a good thing).. I don't know if that's because it's produced by a Violen(ist?) or if these two artists are just that kismet. No matter, it works. "Afar", Ice Choir's debut LP, is ultra-rad/gleaming the cube glorious from the first breath of electronics to the last pulse of air. The production is incredibly shiny, the beats are simple and elegant, the vocals are perfectly form-fitting/mood matching, and everything is just exactly where it needs to be. Pop music as strong as this only comes along ever-so-often and that's precisely why you need to appreciate this now. (once again) You deserve something this nice don't you?

Love this. Recommended for lovers of nostalgic futures.

Standout Tracks:I Want You Now And Always, Bounding, Two Rings, The Ice Choir (yes indeed! the band was named after this track)

Julianna Barwick w/+ Helado Negro = ♥♥♥

Ombre - Cara Falsa

..Quite lovely. Happy to hear her sing lyrics;] Ombre's (Julianna Barwick & Helado Negro) debut release 'Believe You Me' comes out August 21st via Asthmatic Kitty.

Check into YlangYlang..

Me pardonner Jeunesse Cosmique, pour mon français peut être un peu loin.. Mais je dois dire que je tout aime certainement vous les gars ont fait, aussi merci pour votre continuation dans partager ces nouveaux projets avec moi. J'adore vraiment le dernier projet latéral de Catherine (du Paradis de Sally), vous continuez à m'impressionner avec votre “abstract/alt-weirdo Bruit sec de Spacey-Rêve », et j'ai voulu dire juste « maintient le grand travail » ; D

Check into Spirit Guide..

Spirit Guide - بیا بیا (feat. Martín Gutierrez)

 

Spirit Guide = Sina (exDream Boat). While it's unfortunate to hear about the band's demise, I do look forward to all of the future projects that will surely spawn ..especially if they continue to be as great as this track.