+ Bonus Video;) ..because a lil more CAG couldn't hurt you..
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
REVIEW: .gif - Saudade EP
8.25 out of 10
Find it here.
.gif (pronounced 'dot jif') are an up and coming duo (Chew Wei Shan & Nurudin Sadali) based out of Singapore. Their sound is reminiscent of "yesterdays Trip Hop" meets a few of "today's" modern sounds.
'Saudade' (a deep emotional state of nostalgic or deeply melancholic longing for an absent something or someone) is the duo's first official release. Coming out out during the tail-end of 2013 (and for free!) via .gif's bandcamp, there is something almost tragic about how possibly overlooked this album may be. The vocals are smokey-seductive, sometimes reminiscent of CocoRosie's and/or Natalie Beridze, the music is a meshing of pitch-perfect weird/organic samples + soothing beats and exotic undertones. From what I understand this project is more of a side deal than it is a main focus for the artists involved, but apparently there is also a full length on the way, so we've at least got that to look forward to as well.
My only hope is that this duo doesn't disappear into obscurity like a lot of fellow bandcampers do. There is something really special about this release that should appeal to the masses (IMO). Highly Recommended.
Standout Tracks: All..especially; Good Night, Green Light, 11:59
EIC's 10Q's w/ .gif
"..reminiscent of "yesterdays Trip Hop" meets a few of "today's" modern sounds.."
.gif
Intimate Nostalgia
Intimate Nostalgia
.gif Bio:
Pronounced |dot jif|, .gif is an Electronic duo comprising of Weish and Din. Being frequently occupied with other musical projects, they treat .gif as a space of freedom, respite, and honesty. They strive to make music that is intensely personal, and hopefully, meaningful. More HERE.
Hello, how are you?
We're doing great! A lot of work, but also a lot of play. Life is good.
What are you currently listening to?
We're quite different, so we're going to take this question one by one. Weish is currently obsessed with Hiatus Kaiyote. Din's playlist right now is full of Boards of Canada and Trentemøller.
What's the story behind the band name?
Well, a gif (graphics interchange format) is essentially a loop of an image or moment, and our music is generally structured around loops. In terms of theme, our lyrics also very much involve recurring images or memory, too.
When did this project officially start and was there a specific sound you were going for when you began writing for it?
We can't recall exactly, to be honest! Sometime in late 2012? There definitely wasn't any sound we were going for, we were just playing around and just kind of started writing and playing shows all of a sudden. HAHA!
Love your first EP, any word on the next release?
Weish: Gee, thanks!
Din: We're aiming to release a full-length album hopefully sometime in the middle of this year. With an emphasis on "hopefully". Heh.
Got any other projects we should know about?
Din: Weish has her own solo act, she just opened for Tegan and Sara when they came to Singapore last year, and played at the F1 Grand Prix. And she also plays in an experimental/progressive band named Sub:Shaman.
Weish: Din is a great DJ, but is too lazy to DJ nowadays and mostly helps the rest of us out a lot with production, sound, and tech when we play live.
What movie would work best on mute while listening to your music?
You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
Din: 'The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me' by Brand New
Weish: 'An Awesome Wave' by Alt-J
Are you living your dream?
Not yet. ;)
Thanx Din and Weish!
.gif recently released their debut EP, get that (for F-R-E-E) right H-E-R-E...
Sunday, March 9, 2014
EICV7" No. 65 - Soft Riot ..coming soon!
EverythingIsChemical Virtual 7" No. 65 - Soft Riot comes out March 13th!
"We're electrical items.. When we die our energy goes into the galaxy. " ~Dominic Monaghan
(hopefully you checked out the last v7"?)
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Friday, March 7, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
EIC's 10Q's w/ Chevalier Avant Garde
"..talent for making obscure-Experimental Indie/Pop Electronica.."
Chevalier Avant Garde
Monophonic Reformists
Chevalier Avant Garde Bio:
Chevalier Avant Garde is a Montreal-based duo of euro ex pats Dimitri and Filip who share a love of low lighting shadows and ancient ruins. Dimtri, of Greek-Egyptian descent, spent his dysfunctional childhood on the island of Crete riding his Kawasaki around the beach of a NATO base. Not too much is known about Filip except that he grew up in the industrial city of Lodz where he worked as a ball boy for LKS Lodz.
Like Alejandro Jodorowsky, globetrotting enigmas Filip and Dimitri are citizens of an aesthetic more than any recognized polity. For fans of '154'-era Wire, Dark sophisticated Synth-Pop, Island Exotica, and hit singles.
Hello, how are you?
I'm trying to stay calm considering our kitchen is being demolished as we speak. We found the ceiling full of holes after we came back from Europe. Pipes froze then exploded which caused a flood so they have to rebuild the living room and kitchen.
What are you currently listening to?
Listening to the soothing voice of Akina Nakamori on headphones trying to drown out the sound of kitchen demolition.
What's the story behind the band name?
It's Filip's younger cousin's nickname. Also cause we like knights and ninjas.
Was there a specific sound you were going for when you began this project?
The sound came together after we had a few songs recorded that we liked. We try not to consciously focus on one set of sounds.
Care to shed some info on your latest release; theme, favorite track(s), etc?
Our latest release is called "Realign" and my favourite track is "Pine" because it conjures for me summer in Crete and hearing the Venga Boys on the beach PA.
Will you be touring extensively for said release?
We just came back from a tour of Europe and maybe we go back in spring.
Got any other projects we should know about?
No.
What movie would work best on mute while listening to you music?
It varies from album to album. On our last LP "Resurrection Machine" a spaghetti western would be nice. Or a samurai film. Something at dawn or twiglight with deserts and riders and maybe a space ship.
You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
An audio book of a very long/epic story.
Are you living your dream?
Not as long as there are people starving being exploited and suffering.
Thanx CAG!
Chevalier Avant Garde recently released THIS..I strongly recommend you check it out..;]
REVIEW: Chevalier Avant Garde - Resurrection Machine
7 out of 10
Find it here.
Unless you're one who generally ignores internet ongoings in the music community (which you don't, cuz you're here), there is no way you haven't come across this group by now. Chevalier Avant Garde have been indulging us with their unique talent for making obscure-Experimental Indie/Pop Electronica for a few years now. There's been many a singles and various tracks that have more than pleased the palette, but I believe they hadn't reached their (one of many) peak(s) yet, until now. 'Resurrection Machine' is a consummately crafted Indie Pop album with sufficient amounts of sonic experimentations and forward thinking writing style. I challenge every listener not to find at least 1-2 tracks on here that you couldn't appreciate and/or obsess over.
'Resurrection Machine' is (I believe Chevalier Avant Garde's second "official" full length. As I mentioned before I appreciate older CAG work [quite a bit], but it wasn't until this release that I fully realized the potential of this project. Within the walls of 'Rsurrection Machine' are yesterdays Alt-Pop sounds (think 90's) mixed with more than a few "Eno-isms", a dash of Club/Dance music (think 80's), and a bit of Minimal Psychedelia (think about it).. Every song sounds different from the next which allows every listener to find st least one track they will lean towards. Just chill and let Chevalier do their thing, you'll be bobbin' your head in now time;]
"Give it whirl, I did and I don't regret it" Recommmended®
Standout Tracks: Honey Falls Apart (this reminds me of MBV meets SDC), Return, It Makes Me Crawl (LOVE-LOVE this), Killing Fields, Rose Rider
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Friday, February 28, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Quality mixtape find..
Tracklisting:
Lali Puna – Faking The Books
Flying Saucer Attack – Respect
Bowery Electric – Empty Words
Boards Of Canada – In The Annexe
Pluramon (with Julee Cruise) – Have You Seen Jill?
Machinefabriek – Somerset
Cornelius – Star Fruits Surf Rider
Pedro The Lion – The Bells
The For Carnation – Being Held
Fennesz – Caecilia
The Drums – Days
Sun Kil Moon – Moorestown
Bowery Electric – Empty Words
Boards Of Canada – In The Annexe
Pluramon (with Julee Cruise) – Have You Seen Jill?
Machinefabriek – Somerset
Cornelius – Star Fruits Surf Rider
Pedro The Lion – The Bells
The For Carnation – Being Held
Fennesz – Caecilia
The Drums – Days
Sun Kil Moon – Moorestown
Sigur Ros – Við Spilum Endalaust
Mogwai – Hunted By A Freak
Labradford – E Luxo So (5)
David Darling – No Place Nowhere
Palace – Disorder
Slint – Washer
Nils Frahm – Says
I'll take anything Slowdive wants to share..especially when I'm already obsessed with half the artists involved.. Gotta be a new Slowdive on the way, right? Please??
Mogwai – Hunted By A Freak
Labradford – E Luxo So (5)
David Darling – No Place Nowhere
Palace – Disorder
Slint – Washer
Nils Frahm – Says
I'll take anything Slowdive wants to share..especially when I'm already obsessed with half the artists involved.. Gotta be a new Slowdive on the way, right? Please??
EIC Premiere: Textbeak - "..Textbeak Dead House Bootleg Edit"
The above track is an amalgam of all the artists mentioned in the full title of the track ..which is [officialy] "Jarboe X Afraid X Boys Noize X Royksopp X Swans X Morbid Angel X John Lord Fonda (Textbeak Dead HØuse Bootleg Edit)". You may recognize a few of those names;];] Perhaps a couple of them from HERE?
Immerse yourself in an intense Industrial accident [on loop]..
Thanks for mixin' Mike;]
Monday, February 24, 2014
REVIEW: Elise Mélinand - Gray Hoodie
8.5 out of 10
Find it here.
One of my favorite newsletters I receive is from n5md, they tend to always manufacture some of the best ear candy. Their latest (one of many anyways); Elise Mélinand's [debut] 'Gray Hoodie', is no exception to this lasting trend. Fans of Múm and/or child-like-whimsical/cutesy Dream Pop blissed out with graceful Ambiance will adore this release.
'Gray Hoodie' is pure cinematic-audial delirium. Bells, strings, horns, haunting & playful/faded Electronic samples, and heavenly vocals battle it out for being "the most possible beautiful" they can be in their own perspective categories. Basically; every layer is a strong focal point when listening to 'Gray Hoodie', all of them very tight and conceptual. The mood swings from light & airy (most of the time) to sometimes intense/possibly darker, but the tone remains unified. Actually one of my favorite things about this release is the fluidity of the tracks, a really flawless layout I think. But the best part of this release.. it was all just to say "Thanks for letting me borrow your gray hoodie.." ..I think we can all speak for her friend when we say you're more than welcome. Oh, and if you need any other favors let us know, I/we could use another awesome soundtracked thank you.." ;]
One of the 2014's best..it'd be a shame if you didn't dive headphone first into this beauty right now.
Standout Tracks: Indonesia Baby, Prélude En Louise, Rue Des Abbesses (∞n repeat), Eliot, Dried Leaves, La Pluie (La Plus Belle) (sw∞n)
EIC's 10Q's w/ Elise Mélinand
"..blissed out with graceful Ambiance.."
(Photo credit : Pauline Well)
Elise Mélinand
Elise Mélinand
Euphoric Benediction
Elise Mélinand Bio:
Elise Mélinand is a singer-songwriter / composer from Paris, France. The combination of her soft, childlike vocals provide a stark juxtaposition to her sometimes frenetic yet widescreen vignettes. Mélinand originally studied cello at the conservatory until she realized that she much preferred working on more personal musical ideas. Quitting her studies she immediately starts to experiment, via a tape recorder, with any instruments or household implements she could get her hands on. At 19, Mélinand travels through Eastern and Northern Europe. These travels prove to be intensely inspirational. Shortly after, she relocates to Berlin, and purchases her first guitar and begins to write songs. There she meets Florian Frenzel, a post-pop-punk musician with whom she records her debut EP 'Le voyage' utilizing a collection of old analogue equipment, including an old reel-to-reel from the former East Berlin radio Rundfunk der DDR. In 2012, Mélinand ends up meeting artist/composer Christina Vantzou (Kranky / The Dead Texan) who recruits her to play in her (The) Little Prism Ensemble from whom they share bills with Nils Frahm, Johan Johansson & Max Richter. This whole new world of music gives her such deep inspiration that she starts working on sketches that will later become her debut album. Mélinand then heads back to France and purchases herself the equipment to write music in the comfort of her home. This period is also where she transitioned from her day to day composition tool of guitar to a computer. She eventually meets the electronic musician Franck Zaragoza (Ocoeur, n5MD) who then becomes a strong musical influence. In March 2013, Mélinand sets out to record her debut album 'Gray Hoodie'. The album being recorded mostly at her parents' house, utilizing each room as a unique recording space. Mixed and mastered by her old friend Florian Frenzel in Berlin.
Hello, how are you?
Hi 'EverythingIsChemical'. I'm doing very well, thank you. Hope you are too!;D
What are you currently listening to?
I have been listening to 'We Were Young Boys' by Sin Fang, 'Fuel To Fire' by Agnès Obel and 'Remembering' by Avishai Cohen quite a lot lately. They are very inspiring artists.
What or whom inspired you to pick up an instrument?
I was 7 years old. I went to a birthday party with my parents where an old man's gift was to play cello. I was so moved by the sound of the instrument, I fell in love with it straight away. I got the chance to study it at the Conservatory for some time then. I also play piano probably because I've been watching my mom and grandma playing it for many years. It made me want to try it as well!
Was there a specific sound you were going for when you began your writing your solo material?
I wrote 'Gray Hoodie' in Berlin where I got to meet artists such as Christina Vantzou, Nils Frahm, Franck Zaragoza, Florian Frenzel & Will Samson who are passionate about the different ways of recording sounds. I learned a lot from them. It actually gave me quite a lot of ideas on what I wanted to try out musically. I also remember listening to James Blake's debut album almost every morning before setting-up my recording studio. I found a lot of inspiration in his music.
Care to shed some info on your latest release; theme, favorite track(s), etc?
'Gray Hoodie' was made with love and a lot of good vibes. I wrote it for a friend who I care a lot about.. It is kind of a way to thank him for everything he gave me. The songs are all related to each other. One learns more about the Gray Hoodie story through the whole record. I also unfortunately lost my beloved great-aunt while recording the album. I have dedicated her one song..
Will you be touring extensively for said release?
Yes, I'm looking forward to playing the songs live! The tour dates will be available soon on my tumblr & facebook.
Got any other projects we should know about?
Well, I am glad to announce that I am going to work with Franck Zaragoza aka Ocoeur again! He kindly asked me to feature a track of his new record. I'm excited about the collaboration, I feel like we understand each other very well.
What movie would work best on mute while listening to you music?
I'm thinking of 'Me And You And Everyone We Know'. Do you believe it would work too?;]
You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
I think I would pick up Ocoeur's. Not because he's a friend a of mine, but because his debut album 'Light As A Feather' was a big revelation to me and it'll always be.
Are you living your dream?
More every minute!
Thanx Elise (and Mike too!)
Elise Mélinand recently released 'Gray Hoodie', get that HERE...
Sunday, February 23, 2014
EICV7" No. 64 - CFM ..coming soon!
EverythingIsChemical Virtual 7" No. 64 - CFM comes out March 2nd!
"The years go by and everything and everyone gets replaced.." ~CFMeister?
(hopefully you checked out the last v7"?)
Saturday, February 22, 2014
[[EIC Mixtape: № 22 - March '14]]
[[EIC Mixtape: № 22 - March '14]]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. X.Y.R. - On The Beach (Daydream)
2. Great White - Hert
3. Bryant Dope - Real Is All I Know
4. 18 Carat Affair - Great Angles (Picture Luck)
6. Gravious - Crystal Shore
FIND IT HERE.
7. Drip-133 - Water Curtain
FIND IT HERE.
8. Flying Lotus - Puppet Talk
FIND IT HERE.
9. Tom Encore - The Roach
FIND IT HERE.
10. Bobmo - Sonic Soul
FIND IT HERE.
11. The Tleilaxu Music Machine - Be Renewed
FIND IT HERE.
12. In Death It Ends - Ghosts I
FIND IT HERE.
13. Fax - Raymond
FIND IT HERE.
14. Black Chamber - While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Cover)
FIND IT HERE.
15. Corea Blue - There Was A Time
FIND IT HERE.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanx for listenin';]
Friday, February 21, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
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