In order to get the full FSOL experience, you have to at least take a look back to their earliest material.  In the early 90s, the duo donned multiple aliases and pressed vinyl to pay the bills, a few of these included the Pulse EPs.  Originally released in 1991, these four volumes featured their FSOL, Indo Tribe, and Yage projects as well as tracks from Mental Cube and Smart Systems.  These were pressed on 12” vinyl and were mainly hardcore, acid, house or ambient house in genre.

Around the same time, the duo released the Earthbeat compilation.  This seemed to feature many A-sides from their various 12” aliases, including Candese, Smart Systems, Mental Cube, Yage, Semi Real, Humanoid, and FSOL.  While there was some crossover on tracks between this release and the Pulse EPs, for the most part, this featured a wealth of newer material at the time.

Which brings us to the present day.  The Pulse EPs get a reissue on one compact disc via Jumpin’n’Pumpin, whom had released the original vinyl editions.  Getting to the meat of this review, it’s hard to really point out what strongly stands out and what doesn’t.  By that, I mean, each track seems to have been created in an effort to get you moving on the dance floor, even if it’s on the mellow side of things.  Some tracks are slamming and others come off gentle.  Many, however, are very dated and don’t hold up well to the test of time but I must say that this does not mean they sound bad.  Seriously, some of these are the catchiest dance tunes these guys have come up with to date.  I am guilty of loving many of these tracks unconditionally.

On some of these tracks, you can pick out affects and sound clips that would later find themselves mixed up and slightly altered in tracks later on down the line.  Some are harder to catch and some are more obvious, but you might recognize some sounds from various “Accelerator” and “Lifeforms” tracks.  And that’s not to mention that one or two tracks as a whole would get lifted and would reappear on “Accelerator” despite a slight variation in name.

So, onward to, “By Any Other Name.”  This is a bit of a curiosity because it’s archived material from 1990-1992, again, mostly from their early aliases, with the addition of Dope Module.  Right away, a Mental Cube track charts us between hardcore and house, bouncing along in a catchy-as-hell fashion.  Correct me if I’m wrong, but is “Just Look” a remix of “Bite the Bullet Baby” because I swear it is…    I guess using the same vocal sample might lead to that suspicion.  Or are we giving old tracks new names again?  This is evident in the case of the track “Visual Attack.”  On this CD, it’s labeled as a track by Smart Systems when it was originally released under the name Air Cut, a somewhat obscure FSOL alias that released material on Sonic Records and Beatfarm.  And I like how the Dope Module tracks feature many samples from “Dead Cities” tracks.

All right, so maybe there is a little track crossover here between their older aliases and previous releases, but honestly, despite these repeats or near-original-remixes, this CD still holds quite a bit of fun and original material.  And, honestly, I love it.  This is some funky stuff.  It’s a nice mix between hardcore, house, acid, ambient and experimental.

So, are both compilations worth a buy?  Yes.

“The Pulse EPs” and “By Any Other Name” offer a variety of early FSOL dance tunes that are otherwise hard to get a hold of nowadays.  Fans of early 90s techno will enjoy this and diehard fans of FSOL will find this essential.  If you enjoyed “Accelerator” and are looking for more along those sounds, these might be for you.

Should you buy “Earthbeat”?  If you can find a copy, go for it.  Yes, there is a bit of crossover between these three compilations but there is also a bit that never made it to a reprint.  It also may be easier to buy this release than to go hunting for each vinyl where the tracks originated from.  Just don’t spend any more than you have to; this release is out of print and often gets high collector prices.

Ratings:

Earthbeat: 4.5 out of 5

Pulse EPs: 4.7 out of 5

By Any Other Name: 4.8 out of 5

Title: I missed July / I Traded My Heart for Your Parts

Released: 2013

Label: Sweaters and Pearls

Long time rocker, R. Stevie Moore, with his 40+ year career, picked two tracks from his massive archive for release here.  The first of which is 1978’s “I Missed July.”  This is great:  It’s kind of this garage-y styled track but it’s mixed with elements of psyche, experimentalism, surf, pop, and even folk.  Sweet vocal harmonies layer in with twangy guitars and it is at this point I realize how blessed we are to be getting this track repressed here.  The B-side, “Traded My Heart for Your Parts,” was originally recorded and released in 1994  This is a gentle track, luring me in with its swaying and slow style guitar and dreamy vocals.  Nice runout groove vocal sample there!  Funny!  Didi I mention it is pressed on nice red vinyl?    All right, I’m officially a fan.  (4.8 out of 5)

Artist: Tieranniesaur

Title: DIYSCO / Horses With Melting Eyes

Released: May 27^th, 2013

Label: Soft Power

From Dublin comes this neat little vinyl.  This little gem follows on the heels of their LP, “DIYSCO” which came out a few days ago on the Popical Island label.  At first glance, this is a clever mix of electro pop, funk, indie rock and disco… reminds me a bit of MGNT, Foxy Shazam and We Are Wolves.  This is a lot of fun – a lot of FUNK.  Dig it.  The B-side launches with some serious piano and synth and a rough and buzzed psyche hum.  It’s on the more relaxed side of things, striking up thick melodies and yet, not losing touch with the disco overtones but not making it obvious, either.  It’s fair to say that the band has two strong tracks here worthy of a prime 7 inch.  It really makes me hungry for the LP! (4.8 out of 5)

Artist: The Dead Records / Laura K Balke

Title: Winter Clothes / I Can Only Run

Released: 2013

Label: Usonian

A split release!  The A-side features the Dead Records rocking out with the track “Winter Clothes,” a bittersweet piece about ‘wishing I didn’t have to leave….’  It’s catchy and full of a poppy indie charm that certainly has sparked my interest in the band. On the flip side, Laura K. Balke lures me in with a sweet guitar chord and a brilliantly crafted set of lyrics.  This is blended in effortlessly with gentle indie rock with a dash of pop and blues, which gives this track infinite replay value.  Split singles are great as they give you a taste of two or more talents, hoping that by hearing them that you will want to hear more.  I would say earnestly that this split has succeeded.  I want more.  (4/8 out of 5)

Artist: Waker Glass

Title: Neighborhood Party

Released: May 21^st, 2013

Label: Mersea Recordings

Detroit area rockers, Waker Glass, explode on this 7” with some alternative blues that sounds so haunting that I was instantly hooked.  The vocals, with its raspy Tom Waits-esque-ness, give this opening track such a strange and spooky vibe.  I love it to death.  The B-side, “Widow’s Talk,” has a melancholy feel but it draws you in; there’s no escape.  I find myself wanting to know more about this world the band is painting for us.  The lyrics on both tracks are superbly crafted, shattering any expectations I had.  This’ll be another vinyl I will be achying to get my paws on physically upon its release.  (4.9 out of 5)

Artist: Red Falcon Projects

Title: Simply Ravishing + Ravishing Extras

Released: June 2013

Label: Dilated Time

Format: Vinyl LP + CD

Genre: Ambient, acid-ambient

Followers of Tuning Into Obscure know by now that we’re all fans of the Red Falcon Projects.  When news was announced a few months ago that a vinyl debut album was in the works with cover art by Tobacco, we got pretty excited.  And of course, we were just oozing with delight when a deluxe edition was announced that would come with a bonus CD of B-sides and remixes.  I have since preordered the package because nothing beats actually holding it in my paws and watching it spin on the turntable, but in the meantime, I’ve been given a chance to check it out and review it, so all of you should be excited!

As the first track, “Time As Gum” opens, I’m gently washed over with the familiar soothing acid, soft beats and cool synth that have given RFP their signature retrofuturistic sound.  However, as we advance along the album, their sense of adventure picks up a little.  Don’t misunderstand me, things here still sound like they could easily belong on a FAX records album, but things seem lively and quite engaging.  Hell, we get a vocoder on the third track.  We haven’t seen that since Ice Warz ’85.  There are hints here of Namlook, Spacetime Continuum, Orb, and perhaps a touch of early Boards of Canada that might come to your mind as you fly along Planet Falcon, especially around the middle and end of the album proper.  Yet, as they always do, the Falcons keep their sounds fresh and unique.

This is a very strong LP and it’s a perfect addition to their growing discography.  Fans of their previous material will be thrilled with it.  This works well as a follow up to their cassette, “Microtonal Acid Dubs.”  We do see a few rare tracks resurface for the first time in years.  “Big Bear Jam” arrives on the LP after originally debuting on the “Tour EP” in or around 2008.  “Lancid Chestbar” is also lifted off of that release, showcasing itself here on the bonus CD.

On that note, let’s turn our attention to the bonus material.  This dual disc is limited to 100 copies; disc one is a CD version of the LP while disc two is wear all the extra goodies are.  We kick things off with “Return to Planet Falcon,” serving perhaps as a response to their self-released 38-minute track, “Star of the Falcon” from 2011 – which is awesome.  After this ambient gem, we get treated to more remixes and B-sides, including some by the likes of Tobacco, Mrs. Jynx and Discovered, amongst others.  It seems the track, “Probotector,” was the favorite amongst the remixers as it gets the most coverage.  Tobacco does a nice rendition.  Night Sequels’s mix of “Business Exercises” is superb as well.  It’s hard to pick my favorite B-side as each fits in here perfectly, and I seem to find each Falcon track as enjoyable as the last.

Final thoughts:  The Falcons once again give us some prime ambient acid and I’m loving every minute of it.  As aforementioned, this works well as a standalone album and even better with the bonus material.  It does well riding on the heels of their previous releases and puts us firmly on the path to a bright, dreamy future.  I seriously cannot wait for the physical bundle to come my way.  Check out the Dilated Time Records page, as linked above, for ordering info.

(4.9 out of 5)

Here’s some of the neat stuff that’s come out lately or is soon to be released!

E4RTH has a new single floating your way.  The track, “Ashey Feet,” featuring Memphis rapper Lurrel Low, was released around Earth Day and follows the theme of togetherness.  Honestly, in these times, you really cannot have too many positive messages.  The E4RTH group has also released a mix tape for Under the Radar, entitled “All 4round Us.”  Check it out!  And keep your eyes open for their upcoming EP which comes your way on July 2^nd.

In-Quest, a progressive death metal band from Belgium, will be releasing their 8^th album, which comes your way on September 1^st.  Take a glance at the cover art here.  Honestly, it is safe to say we don’t get a lot of metal here on the blog, so when the music comes out, I think we’ll be just as excited about it as you are.

Electrician, a lo-fi electro-folk project from Oakland, is back!  We’ve showcased some of their earlier material on here before and we’re happy to hear this new, darker single called “The Ground Moves.”  It’s up for grabs for free on both Soundcloud and Bandcamp.  It’s a track about relationships and destruction and I think that’ll be fairly evident when you hear the lyrics.

The band, Japanese Girls, have a new EP coming out on June 11^th via Light Organ Records.  This “Sharkweek EP” is a glistening example of indie rock, pop rock and a mixture of other melodic pleasures.  I  hear light hints of White Stripes, Devo, The Fratellis, and an injection of caffeine.  This stuff is fun, lyrically solid, loud and perfect for your ears.  Makes me wonder why I’ve not heard this on the radio yet.  It definitely needs to be heard.

Lockets return with a new single!  “Surrender” is a digital release available via their bandcamp and will also be up for grabs as a limited edition 7” vinyl record on June 8th through Beautiful Strange.  Lockets combine retrofuturistic synths with lush vocals, giving it a feel that we’ve put Beth Orton in a blender with The Postal Service and the late 80s.  A must have!

Cult Party releases “The Trees Will Lift You And Carry You Home” through his bandcamp as a digital album.  We are treated to a lovely eleven track lo fi folk pop album full of wholesome atmospherics.  The lyrics, as always with Cult Party, are poetic, yet to the point and at times, haunting.  And here, again, Cult Party delivers a powerful record.  Followers of this project will rejoice when they give this a spin!  Another gem!

The Terminal Radio Series marches on via the FSOL Forum with their 7^th transmission.  Again, the familiar faces return to bring us one hell of a show!  I seriously look forward to these; you have no idea.  This episode features mini mixes from Nmesh, Loose Link, Futuresight, DF Tram, Ross Baker, Akkya, S.A. Fred, and Off Land.

Sp here’s a short update on stuff in general in the music world.

The Red Falcon Projects have their first LP out on Dilated Time Records.  Head on over for the glory that is their debut album and debut on vinyl.

Tobacco (of Black Moth Super Rainbow and Demon Queen) released a new 7″ split with Black Bananas entitled “Lipstick Destroyer.”  It’s up for grabs here:  https://store.volcoment.com/item/192226

Hectic Zeniths returns with a cassette/digital album released on Buddha Tapes!  Fans have come to dig their trip hop/hip hop abstract instrumental jams.  Head on over to grab your copy!

 Digital + Cassette:

http://buddhatapes.bandcamp.com/album/type-one-era

Lore City returns with a new release entitled “Absence & Time.”  I really liked their first EP and I was rather thrilled to see this sitting in my inbox.  And they deliver!  Electro minal and rock tied up with lush lyrics and brilliant writing.  If you liked their first release, this cassette is for you.  This is up for grabs  HERE: http://alreadydeadtapes.bandcamp.com/album/ad072-lore-city-absence-time

GNAR Tapes has two releases on the table for all of you good people out there.  Firstly, it;s Love Cop with “Eat YR HEart Out.”  We mentioned on a previous post that this was coming but now it’s actually here.  Again, here, in typical Love Cop style you get pop that’s drunnk on fuzz and other devilish delights.  If you’re into what’s been put out by Gnar Tapes in the past, you’ll obviously dig it.  I mean, seriously, Gnar has proven itself to be awesome.  Order the cassette here: http://www.gnartapesandshit.com/shop.html

Secondly, Gnar has a comppilation up for grabs entitled GNAR FM.  It’s their third compilation and it features the likes of: White Fang, Sick Sad World, Melted Toys, Street Gnar, Warm, Snow Wite, Love Cop, The Future Dread, and a literal ton of others.  AWESOME:   PURCHASE CASSETTE: http://www.gnartapesandshit.com/shop/gnarfm.html

We shall return with more updates and eventually, FULL REVIEWS rather than these little tiny blurbs.  I have a pile of tunes to sort through so hold tight.

Spacey indie shoegaze magic from Winnipeg! This is a collaborative project, featuring recordings with many of the artist’s friends.  The end result is something rather unique, electrical and captivating.  Songwriting with brilliant indie and space atmospheres.  What could be better?  How about a pretty sweet cover version of Parton’s “Jolene,” or the fact you can download this EP for free? Go a download a copy now!  It’s a sweet, retrofuturistic blend of awesomeness! 4.8 out of 5.

Red Falcon Projects Debut Album on the Way!

We of the Falcon Flock are dying for it.  The debut album, “Simply Ravishing,” will be up for preorder soon via Dilated Time… ON VINYL!  That’s right! More details to come before too long!

Vizion Centaur – Omens of the Celestial Tomb (Self-released)—Limited edition of 15

Vizion Centaur consists of Chris Dutrieux (The Number E, Watch People) and Warren Kroll (Dorosoto, Forrest, Red Falcon Projects).  This new release is limited to just 15 copies and features drone, dark ambient/ambient, and experimental electronic miasma soundscapes that’ll blow your mind.   Come, enter a realm of wild synth and guitar scapes that will thrill any fan of their work or of ambient music’s more adventurous side in general. This is a great follow up to their previous two albums (via I, Absentee and Install records, respectively) and will hopefully be a sign of more dark adventures in space and time to come.   4.9 out of 5.

—Part One—The Rock Submissions

Tunabunny – “Genius Fatigue” (Happy Happy Birthday To Me – Jan 15^th, 2013)

Up for grabs on LP/CD is another slamming record brought to you once again by HHBTM.  This little gem is a hearty mix of punk and indie, sure to please even the pickiest of listeners.  With slick and raw vocals, intense guitar riffs and strong tracks like “Serpetns and Lights,” and “Government of Throats,” you really can’t go wrong.  It’s hard to exactly put my finger on who exactly they remind me of…  Perhaps it’s a mix of The Breeders, Sleater-Kinney, and Veruca Salt with a hint of Bikini Kill.  All around an AWESOME LP.  Check out their track “Hollywood Unincorporated.”  (4.7 out of 5)

Kleenex Girl Wonder – “Let It Buffer” (This Will Be Our Summer Records – March 26^th, 2013)

Coming out very soon from TWBOSR, it’s Kleenex Girl Wonder!  With lyrics flowing effortlessly like something out of a fountain of endless bubbling, this LP reminds me a bit of the poetry, irony, puns and all around superb songwriting that you don’t hear too often.  I can’t exactly explain who this band reminds me; more or less they are pretty unique.  Maybe, just maybe, the writing reminds me a bit of Modest Mouse’s use of conversational poetry, but really, I’d feel better just saying Kleenex Girl Wonder is a force well on their own and comparisons don’t do them justice.  Their stand out is “Thelma and Louise” but I honestly like “Migration Scripts” and “All You Need is Feeling,” as well.  Preorder the deluxe edition now!  (4.8 out of 5)

Vandal X – “God Knows” (Fons Records, Rough Trade Distribution – 2012)

Belgian noise-punk gods, Vandal X return with their bone shattering new LP, “God Knows.”  This is one heavy hitting record and if you’re a fan of punk, noise, grunge or hardcore, this is something you need to hit up.  For me, this release comes after I was able to listen to Kabul Golf Club’s LP, so as you can imagine, it really made my day.  One cannot have enough punk from Belgium (or anywhere, really).  You might hear influences from Unsane, Helmet, Sonic Youth and some of the more underground rockers who might have jammed with those bands.  I guess it helps that Vandal X has played with these groups in the past!  Check out their Soundcloud!  (4.7 out of 5)

Razor Blazers – “I’m Sick” (self released – 7” blue vinyl!)

To talk about this, one must first mention the cover art.  Each 7” comes with unique cover art, made by one of fifty different artists.  Secondly, the proceeds raised from this record go to Kusi Kawsay, an elementary school in the Peruvian Andes which offers kids from economically challenged backgrounds an education.  So I would urge you to buy it just fot that.  The music, you ask?  It’s an awesome mix of electro rock, indie and alt rock.  There’s elements of Primal Scream, and Radiohead in here.  The mix of electronic pads, chaotic guitar, rich vocal harmonies and very thought-out songwriting gives this record a very likable groove.  This is great.  (4.9 out of 5)

Beat Mark – Move On (Soft Power Records – Cassette)

The amazing Soft Power return with a new release by Beat Mark.  They’re a group from Paris and this release comes a bit before their LP, “Howls of Joy,” gets a re-release on Ample Play.  It was suggested that this release sounds a bit like the Vaselines, Lemonheads and Lush and I am very inclined to agree.  What’s not to like here?  This is a heavenly slice of indie with a dash of pop on top.  Delicious! (4.9 out of 5)

Autumns – Keep On Sinking B/W Who Would Have Thought (Soft Power Records – Cassette)

Some sweet, noisy indie rock-punk hybrid is 100% DIY.  Blisteringly melodic and loud, just the way I like it.  It’s rich in lyrical goodness, feedback and enough garage-y noise to delight fans of the September Girls, Crystal Stilts, Sea Pinks and other groups.  I am eager to hear more, but for now, there are 100 copies of this cassette single up for grabs starting on April 15^th.  Get them while you can!  I know these will be hard to get before you know it! (4.7 out of 5).

The Electroscopes – Made a Mistake (Firehouse Records – 7”)

Electro-rock-pop splendor!  What’s not to like?  Limited to 200 copies, this little gem features a slick A-side and a unique B-side.  If you’re a fan of indie rock, synth pop and elctro-indie, then this will sure to thrill you.  I kind of wish I had a physical copy – Can’t wait to hear some more tracks from this promising band!  (4.6 out of 5)

Love Cop – “Love/Cop” (Gnar Tapes — Cassette)

Gnar Tapes has always been a label of interest, showcasing some very loud and fun groups that one would be a fool to not get into.  Love Cop is certainly an interesting project, to say the least.  Gnar Tapes releases this new cassette in all of is electro-rock-pop-psyche-synth glory.  As usual, this release does not disappoint.  In its own way, it’s very haunting at times and yet, never ceases to be engaging.  Check out the video for “Margot With an X” if you don’t believe me (NSFW).  Also scope out Love Cop’s “Eat YR Heart Out,” which is also coming your way as well!

Street Gnar – “Kennwicked” (Gnar Tapes – Cassette)

Riding on the heels of his previous two releases on night People records and Eggy Records, Lexington’s Street Gnar releases this new cassette.  Here, we have a nice blend of pop, rock and psyche.  The songs here are strong choices for this release, fitting in with the already stellar line up on Gnar Tapes’ roster.  If you’re a fan of weirdo-pop, psyche, lo-fi, pop and rock, this is going to make you happy.  Track six so far is my fav.  (4.7 out of 5)

–Part Two—The Folk Submissions

General Sherman – “Noddy’s House” (self-released EP)

I meant to get this reviewed like, forever ago.  Back in December, these guys had their release party alongside Dressed Like Wolves, who were releasing their new album at the time.  The music here in “Noddy’s House” is a nice blend of folk, folk pop and sweet acoustic music.  Instruments include guitars, keys, violin, glockenspiel, flute, ukulele and drums – all of these lend themselves to an amazing blend of sounds, leaning on the most authentic bits of folk music.  The EP itself is great, rich with perfect songwriting and instrumentation.  If you’re a fan of the folk rock / folk pop ‘movement’ coming out of England right now, this is going to make your day.  It certainly made me happy! (4.8 out of 5)

Blood Relatives – Compilation via Correspondence Tapes

A sweet compilation of artists by the awesome label that’s been bringing us some killer folk pop over the last year and a half.  This ruby features Dressed Like Wolves, Assault Squad Safety Scissors, Bill Baird, Ever Ending Kicks, Outside the Museum, Model Villages, Little Wings, Daniel Francis Doyle, Penny Dreadfuls, Daniel Michael Clark, Hunting for Porcupines, and Spencer Owen.  I’ve been happy with previous compilations that have come out from this label this has just made me so happy, I can’t even tell you.  Simply awesome. (4.8 out of 5)

–Part Three—The Electronic Submissions

Cinchel – “Isolated Experiments” (self-released –CDr EP/live) –digital as well

Recorded live at Northwestern University’s WNUR, this EP showcases drones made by guitar, pedal, laptop and amp.  The loops created are haunting, ambient, deep, and will take your soul on a dreamscape journey.  It’s melodic, loud and yet gentle, and beautiful.  Copies of this seven track opus CDr are sold out but the digital edition is still up for grabs via Cinchel’s bandcamp.  (4.7 out of 5)

Hanetraton – “Nae Troth EP” (self-released)

One single track, slocking in at over twenty-two minutes brings us into some rather interesting territory.  Hanetraton had previously brought us warmer, more instantly melodic pieces on previous releases and here, we get a more haunting drone.  Don’t be fooled, despite this being a drone, there are rich melodies here.  They’re in the forefront and yet, blend it, like a red fox against a tawny colored field of corn stalks in the fall.  This piece works both as something to meditate to and something to play with the lights out while watching a creepy silent movie.  Awesome.  (4.8 out of 5)

Off Land – “Circadian” (Test Tube – digital)

From the ever-amazing FSOL-Forum collective, Off Land entrances us with a splendid four-track album of pure ambient bliss.  The world created here is both quite organic and synth based, using everything from birds and bells to synth and other digital tweaks  The album as a whole is like a dream, gently flowing from drones to textured and layered soundscapes.  For fans who have been following his work, you’ll be quite thrilled with this release.  It certainly makes me eager to track down some of Off Land’s other releases.  (4.8 out of 5) —(be sure to keep an eye out for Off Land’s new album which you, the fans, helped fund!)

Dura – “WAL Installations 1 and 2” (self-released)

These pieces were created for an Installation at the Smith Center for the Arts in Washington DC, which featured works of art by Francie Hester and Lisa Hill (the installation was called “Words as
Legacy – A Leaf of Knowledge”).  This automatically gets lot of points in my book.  The two tracks recorded by Dura for this show are technically drone pieces but seem to be more than that.  These are primarily constructed from guitars and quickly become layered, complex, and more of a post-rock nature, perhaps leaning on elements of Windy and Carl.  It’s really more than what I’m describing, trust me on that.  In other words, this should never be treated as mere background music but more like it’s its own atmosphere.  Quick! Someone give this a physical release!  It must be heard! (4.9 out of 5)

Hunting for Porcupines: “Ruins”

Available on January 14^th, 2013 on a limited edition CDr.  This little gem features nine original tracks, all a masterful blending of foggy folky guitar plucking and chopped up beats.

There are a few things that really surprise me about this release.  Firstly, this is no mere folk album.  Warren Myles effortlessly blends top notch song writing with elements of dark shades of doom metal without straying too far from the acoustic path.  The distortion and vocal affects that pop up throughout this album give this such a different feeling that what we’ve seen pressed on Correspondence Tapes before.  Yes, this all home-recorded, much like previous releases, but this enters a different realm.

That said, how do I really define this album?  Maybe I won’t.  Maybe that should be left up to you.  Clearly, this guy is a genius behind the mic.  We’re gently skirting into rarely explored territory.  I’m sure this blending of genres has been done before but this feels so fresh, new and wild that it might as well be an undiscovered lifeform.

Standout tracks, while they are all rather impressive, have to be “Ruins,” “Flyblown Horses,” “Aarbron Watches On,” …uh, you know what? They’re all good.

I guess to sum it up, it’s hard to describe this album.  The genre blending works so well here; a nice combination of home recorded folk similar to what we’ve been hearing from this label but with strong and pronounced elements of dark, doom metal and wildly melodic distorted, dream like foggy sounds.

Good stuff.

4.9 out of 5.

Outside the Museum: “Hibernation Songs”

Some time ago, we featured Outside the Museum’s “Souvenirs” on the blog.   I’m really excited to have the chance to scope out something new!  This limited edition cassette comes our way on February 14^th, 2013.

This five track cassette rekindles my love for this label.  Each track clocks in no longer than 2:35 and showcases splendid DIY home recorded folk pop.   And at first listen, you might not get that home-recorded feel, outside of maybe a light hiss from the tape.  The production value here is very high, making it a lot less lo fi than many home recordings tend to be (not that lo fi is bad).

On this cassette, we move beyond acoustics and begin to play around with some light synth and layering techniques.  This sounds pretty impressive and complements the superb song writing.  Seriously, what’s not to like?  Fans of Outside the Museum will not be disappointed.  I certainly was happy!

Scope out the cassette and preorder it now!

4.9 out of 5.

Artist: Kabul Golf Club

Title: Le Bal Du Rat Mort

Released: 2011

Label: Uproar for Veneration

Format: CD

Genre: Punk, Math Rock, Noise

Belgian punks Kabul Golf Club draw their influences heavily from the Jesus Lizard.  It’s fairly evident if you crank up the volume as you play this EP, along with some elements of noise, math rock, and maybe a hint of grunge here and there.  It’s a bit on the hardcore side, but that’s not a bad thing.  In a way, it’s all of those genres and a bit of classic hardcore San Fran styled punk tailored with the energy of the pre-industrial punk rockers.

Despite showcasing just five tracks here, each one packs a massive punch.  The chords are a bit similar song to song, but that creates an intense ride on the back of a guitar playing werewolf straight out of a rage induced hallucination.  I mean that in a good way; this is some wild stuff.  In other words, the first few tracks blend together, creating a theme of emotion, intense guitar work and distortion.  It’s almost seamless.  I don’t really want to get off of this ride.

Track five, “Demon Days,” is the standout track for me.  The progression and over all composition takes the best of the wild punk and grunge that lurked in the underground, fed it through a super collider and then blasted it with the rage from the post-new millennium economic and social meltdowns of recent years.  This track is definitely my favorite on the CD.

If you like the Jesus Lizard, Tad, the Thrown Ups, the Mevlins or the noisiest Nirvana track, check out this band.  If this is what punk sounds like in Belgium, I want more, and I want it now!

4.7 out of 5.

Leo Robinson, of Cult Party, runs a small cassette label out of Newcastle under Lyme.  Having had a chance to listen to an earlier Cult Party release via Correspondence Tapes, I was quite excited to see he had his own DIY label going.  It’s called TAPE//STRY and thus far, has three releases out, two of which are splits.

The first release is a split between Milkbones and Cult Party.  It was released August of 2012 and features two tracks per side.  Milkbones takes the A-side with the tracks, “Teeth,” and, “Spoons and Socks.”  It’s dreamy folk pop at its finest, touching a bit at lo fi sounds.  The first track is lively and catchy while the second track slows it down a bit with softer vocals. The writing here is poetic and does well to capture my attention.  The Cult Party side of the cassette greets us with a lower pitched voice and a semi-complex time signature.  My ears pricked right away at this interesting set up.  This is the track “Paper Aeroplanes” and it’s a lovely combination of writing and instrumentation.  It’s followed up by the melancholy folk pop gem, “Does this Hurt?”  Things start out slowly, almost sadly, and then pick up into an orchestra of chorus and amazingly composed instrumentation.  Overall with this cassette, I’m left stunned.  I’m reminded over and over again that there’s so many amazing gems out there and it blows my mind when I come across these little treasures. The sound overall is similar to the excellent releases we’ve covered from Correspondence Tapes and the groups associated with it here on the blog over the last two years.  Honestly, I can’t get enough of this stuff!  –5 out of 5–

The second cassette is a split between The Sunflowers and Joe the Bastard.  It’s another four track compilation with The Sunflowers taking up three spots and Joe the Bastard releasing a track that’s longer than the first three combined.  “The Sugarplum Tree” is a sweet little track, assembling a small chorus of female and male vocals over simple acoustics.  This track truly embodies the DIY method, complete with tape hiss.  The second track is, “Loveliest of Trees,” a spoken word-poetry piece that gently floats over sweet folk acoustics.  It’s quickly followed up by “The Fairies,” which follows suit with the previous tracks.  Sweet, soft vocals poetically over ukulele, casting a glimpse at a folktale of sorts one might have heard as a child.  Did you recognize the male vocalist?  It’s Leo from Cult Party!  The last track, “The Ballad of the Daughter of Salt and Water” is Joe the Bastard’s epic seven and a half minute contribution to this split.  Another folk story here (which I will admit, is making me enjoy this cassette as a whole immensely), that’s strung together with a powerful and versatile voice, sweet acoustic guitar and some chimes.  This cassette overall is very much on the folktale side of things and does well to give us that nostalgic childhood story feel but through the eyes of an adult.  This is a great release.  –4.5 out of 5—

The third is an EP from Bong Idle entitled “Night of the Living Blunt.”  It’s a three track EP that appears on both sides of the cassette because who likes to rewind?  “Beach Zombie” is the opening track and I’m immediately blasted by some intense garage style surf rock.  This is a surprising change of pace from the previous two cassettes.  It’s wild!  They fuse elements of noise, indie, art rock, punk and lo fi into their songs, creating a very radical listening experience.  It’s like throwing Flipper, Los Straightjackets, Yummy and the Woggles into a blender, setting in on high, adding echo, noise, distortion and reverb and serving it hot with a garnish of habanero.   Holy cow, this is bliss.  Each track here is a sonic explosion of awesomeness.  Get this cassette!  –5 out of 5—

Chcck out TAPE//STRY’s bandcamp!