Check into..A FREE album sooo good, one might call it "ear crack"..

I posted an album of Red Alder's a bit ago. I decided to catch up on this artist yesterday to see what, if anything was new.. I came across this beauty (+ a few more;). 'Hyper Vertical' reminds me of a "more pristine"/piano-driven Grouper meets a slightly more somber/melancholy Taxi Taxi!. If you know me, you know these are two highly regarded comparisons, also (as you may suspect) I am officially addicted to Red Alder now. Waking up to something so beautiful really starts your day off the right way.

REVIEW: Gem Club - Acid And Everything

7.75 out of 10

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Gem Club are a duo based out of Massachusetts. Their sound is delicate, minimal, and pitch perfect for harmonious environments. Gem Club's debut EP "Acid And Everything" is one of 2010's shining moments as well a breathtaking example of what you get when you mix Classical compositions with mellon collie-Indie music.

The formula for this album is: Simple/elegant brilliance complimenting terrific glimmering minimalism there to relax you and put your everything at ease. Piano, cello, bells, sustained ambiance, and delicate/subdued vocals set a nigh perfect reposed score for when you just need to unwind and/or possibly be romantic with the one you love. My one complaint about "Acid And Everything" is that it seems a bit short (still perfect though), and I need so much more of this, right now.

Get this for when you want to feel hazy OR if you're looking for your next "pretty piano album", your search is over. Fans of Memoryhouse and/or Perfume Genius you will LOVE this band (..if you haven't heard them by now). Highly Recommended.

Standout Tracks: I like em' all, but especially; Sevens, Acid And Everything, Animals, Spine

REVIEW: Murcof - Remembranza

7.75 out of 10

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I've just recently discovered the genius that is Murcof. I'm already head over heels infactuated with this guys writing style. Possibly one of the best/most unique electronic ambient artists to come out in the past decade or so. Fernando Corona (Murcof) was originally in the Tijuana based "Nortec Collective(part of the Academy Award winning soundtrack to Babel)". Murcof's music is sparse, haunting, and beautiful. Possible comparisons would be; Arvo Part, Julien Neto, Lusine, Ben Frost, etc. You get the idea, minimal-emotional-electronic music with hints of classical composition.

Remembranza, Murcof's 3rd full length, starts off with what sounds like an old broken piano being dragged through an abandoned industrial warehouse. Piano seems to be the key element on most of the tracks. All the songs are very dark and murky. With hints of abstract orchestration loops, clicks, thumps, bleeps, and yes, piano. The listener may also feel they are watching a musical instrument being disected in the poorest and possibly most un-steril conditions.

Overall Remembranza is a solid flowing piece from start to finish. A great soundtrack to a lonesome winter night. This is haunting classical music with modern flared elements of electronic music behind it. Sit back, relax, and prepare to be haunted.

Standout Tracks: Recuerdos, Rostro, Reflejo, Rios, Camino