EverythingIsChemical.com

Cool Video Funtime #297 - Aviva Pastoral

2012-01-29T16:57:00.002-06:00

REVIEW: Der Golem - Zmet

2012-01-29T16:14:00.009-06:00

8.75 out of 10
~~Find it here.~~Sorry, sold out! (try google:)

Der Golem, a turn of the millennium Russian Post-Punk trio, has seen their legacy fall into the hands of only a few cult followers. Though shadows may be the perfect resting place for a band with such a stern and somber image, music of this caliber is just too good to go unheard. Take the band out of the shadows a bit. View their records through a modern lens, and you're bound to feel as if you're resurrecting some ghost of the past – a feeling which makes their records all the more sublime.

'Zmet', the band's debut and only enduring release, is a painfully enticing sketch of post-Soviet malaise. Every track is steeped in an atmosphere of decay, even from first listen of their ethereal guitars. What really crystallizes this spirit is frontman Roman Sidorov's vocals which embody a prayerlike craze reminiscent of Ian Curtis. Roman guides the listener straight into his troubled soul, reflecting the suffering that drove him to suicide only four years after recording 'Zmet', in September, 2003. It's the vocals along with the instrumentation, structure, and Industrial elements which submerse the album in gray. This by no means means the work is monotonous. In fact, it's far from it. All the way from the beautiful falsettos and reverb trailed guitars of “Солнце Мёртвых” to the minimal synths, teetering violins, and spoken word of “Исход I,” 'Zmet' escapes the redundancy that often impairs such bands.

Since I don't speak Russian, 'Zmet's' lyrics and song titles are gibberish to me – a fact which I don't know magnifies their mystique or diminishes their value. Nevertheless, I was able to decipher a few lines, including a verse from “Нет (No)”: “Behind a window the dawn/ Melts the neon light / But I am not present / No me anymore.” These lines reveal exactly what I expected them to: nihilism and a spiritual poeticism. Though such central tensions may at first constrain the album's emotional range and resonance, listen with open ears and you will wonder how Der Golem's unfettered passion and honesty ever eclipsed the press.

Standout Tracks: Нет, Древние Звёзды, Солнце Мёртвых, Птицы

If only I lived here..(!)

2012-01-29T15:50:00.013-06:00

Wishful Thinking: In Remembrance of Peter Christopherson (1955–2010)
Peter 'Sleazy' Christopherson was best known as a founder member of Throbbing Gristle and Coil, a designer at Hipgnosis, and a videomaker for Greenback Films. In summer 2010, AV Festival commissioned him to compose a work for the 2012 spring Equinox, to be staged at Durham Cathedral, where his father was University Vice-Chancellor from 1960–1979. Christopherson died in his sleep at home in Thailand on 24 November 2010 before completing the work.

This music, film and performance event is a celebratory remembrance of his life and work. It includes the premiere of three performance sketches with Christopherson‘s original collaborators for the commission: visual artist Alex Rose, sound recordist Chris Watson and vocalist Attila Csihar. Special guests Chris Carter and Cosey Fanni Tutti premiere live remixes from Throbbing Gristle’s nascent, and final, studio album: a 'cover' of Nico’s Desertshore, preceded by a rare screening of Philippe Garrel’s The Inner Scar for which Desertshore was soundtrack and inspiration. The evening comes to a poetic close with Derek Jarman’s The Angelic Conversation, with a soundtrack by Coil, Christopherson considered the film “truly, a timeless work of art”.

We miss ya Peter:..(

"Check into" Jacques Lu Cont..

2012-01-29T08:41:00.005-06:00

Jacques Lu Cont - Reload

Jacques Lu Cont has had many monikers (this one being the best) and this is (much like the rest) pretty terrific. Guess I'm on a French kick lately..

Oh Sébastien, you've done it again..

2012-01-28T08:38:00.004-06:00

You've gone and put my heart in a flutter.. Sébastien Tellier's "My God Is Blue" comes out soon (possibly March 20th!)

Good (free) music laying around the interwebs.. Pt. 2

2012-01-27T08:01:00.003-06:00

Zammuto - F U C-3PO
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Toy - Left Myself Behind
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Sinner DC - The Pearlake Mixtape
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Nakagin - Woods + Rest
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Massive Attack - Hymn Of The Big Wheel (Egyptrixx Remix)
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Lord Boyd - Beyonce EP
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Kyle Bobby Dunn - An Evening With Dusty

~njoy.

Good (free) music laying around the interwebs.. Pt. 1

2012-01-27T08:00:00.004-06:00

Jeff Alford - The Perpetual Calendar
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Grouper - Demona (Dead Moon Cover)
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Erothug - Touching EP
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Elephant & Castle - En Memoria Feat. Tune-Yards
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D-Video - Trust
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Chllngr - Well, Good
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Blondes - Wine

~njoy.

Cool Video Funtime #296 - Le Dome Du Plaisir De Bilitis

2012-01-25T08:53:00.001-06:00

Check into Sobrenadar..

2012-01-25T08:41:00.006-06:00

Sobrenadar - Physeos
&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;a &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;href&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;="http://absentfever.bandcamp.com/album/physeos"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Physeos&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; by &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Sobrenadar&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

From the (always impressive) Absent Fever comes another blissed out Dream Wave album from up and comer Paula Garcia (Sobrenadar).

REVIEW: From The Mouth Of The Sun - Woven Tide

2012-01-25T08:26:00.004-06:00

7 out of 10

Find it here.

From the Mouth of the Sun marks the first time the visions of musicians Aaron Martin and Jag Rosenqvist (Jasper TX) come together. If you know the background of each of these artists, this collaboration is no surprise. For years Martin and Rosenqvist have sculpted their work in the ambient scene with the same brand of wintry soundscapes, each taking their own approach. Martin strips his work of limitation, using the language of music at its most free and expressive, following the unbounded voice of his cello. Rosenqvist flirts with realtime layering and organic beats, retaining a more Classical form. These aesthetics merge on W'oven Tide' to create an album that reigns among the pair's greatest works.

On 'Woven Tide', we are immediately thrown into a place far from home. “The Crossing” paints a surreal world full of white noise and melancholic drones, but the pastoral strings give the song an eerie familiarity. All familiarity is thrown out the window, however, on “Color Loss.” A claustrophobic Industrial beat layered against a spectral voice stretching like a wind instrument sounds so otherworldly it's scary. Imagine a futuristic, industrial wasteland, and you're on the right track. “Like Shadows In An Empty Cathedral” abandons any staunch Minimalism. Droning organs punctuated with epic brass leads mimic the scope of Sigur Ros, until the intimacy maintained on the rest of the album pulls through with whirring violins and bands of static. A mythic, majestic landscape fading into the dark fog is all that comes to mind.

It's crucial to mention 'Woven Tide' began as a soundtrack for the film, 'Remember Me, My Ghost'. I'm not positive on the documentary's subject, and honestly, this album doesn't give much insight. Its array of aesthetic investigations give us a world of worlds, but without the guideline of the film, the story behind 'Woven Tide' lies hidden. View From The Mouth Of The Sun's debut as a template for your own movie; that's the best way to enjoy it. Fall back, listen, and paint the scenes in your head. You're bound to be taken on a journey.

Standout Tracks: Pools of Rust, Sitting In A Roofless Room, Like Shadows In An Empty Cathedral

New/F-r-e-e Dntel EP..!

2012-01-25T08:14:00.009-06:00

Dntel - Dustmite EP

A bit more "Experimental/Ambient & Noisy" for Dntel, but trying new things (especially when they cost you nothing) is never a bad thing right?

EIC'S10Q'S w/ Morgan Kibby

2012-01-23T08:05:00.008-06:00

"..flows between Romantic Dreamy Pop sounds to club-like Dance tracks (almost "Goldfrappy"), to "slow and rustic".."

Morgan Kibby
Symphonic Astral Paladin

Morgan Kibby Bio:
There is a veil, a shadow that White Sea creates and inhabits. The landscape is vast and perhaps enigmatic, but at its center is Morgan Kibby, and she’s not just a pretty voice. That pretty voice was made known on the near unanimously acclaimed Saturdays = Youth album by M83, which spawned the runaway anthem, “Kim & Jessie.” The dreamy synth-pop collection played out like a soundtrack for a generation with a John Hughes hangover. The mystery of the voice, once revealed, is that of a writer, lyricist, producer, composer, remixer, classically trained pianist, and ultimately, White Sea. Borrowing from her near three-year stint writing, singing and performing on stage with M83, Kibby returned to address This Frontier… not just the title of her debut EP, but the artistic universe she endeavors to create. “When I went on tour with M83 I was exposed to so many new things,” Kibby begins. “When I returned home, I sat down and taught myself Pro Tools, taught myself how to produce... I’ve really spent the last year figuring out what music I’m excited about making.” Fueled by an intense desire to create and determined to be self-contained, Kibby plunged into the role of producer and engineer as she completed new material. The result is a five-song indie-pop EP exploding with cinematic crescendos, tinkling chimes, shining harmonies, dramatic bass lines, party beats, tempered synthesizers, threaded by Kibby’s unmistakable angelic voice. “Because it’s an EP and my first solo project, I really felt strongly about not being constrained by the idea of cohesiveness,” she reveals. “The EP ultimately, hopefully, ends up feeling connected, but I didn’t want to limit myself while writing, to start thinking, ‘oh I’m trying to write a dance song or I’m trying to write a ballad.’ When I tried to rationalize, I would lose the initial impetus.” Anthemic, dancey, and rich with harmonies, This Frontier embodies the multifaceted nature of Kibby’s cosmos, which draws inspiration from disco bass lines, ‘60s spaghetti westerns and the envelope-pushing work of Ennio Morricone’s soundtracks. “The more I started layering vocals, the songs seemed to take on a very cinematic vibe,” Kibby reveals. “It was very visual for me. I kept seeing the canyons, and songs like Cannibal Love started to evoke images of the American west.” The range of material defies categorization yet it distinctly showcases Kibby’s range, fused in layered textural complexity and cascading vocals. To fully realize her vision, she enlisted the help of friends Jonathan Leahy on guitar and bass, Jonathan Bates (of Big Black Delta and formerly of Mellowdrone ) with mixes of Ladykiller and Mountaineer and Ray Suen (who she met on tour with the Killers) with string arrangements for Ladykiller and Oljato. “Mountaineer” begins with stacked vocal harmonies, dreamy and euphoric, continually building into synths that climb, then climax in the chorus, as the evocative harmonies steer. The dancey party anthem “Ladykiller” bumps from start to end, oozing with sexual undertones and strings that would make Donna Summer jealous, while “Overdrawn” is a breezy sugar-coated pop gem that pogos with hand claps and soft, breathy vocals. The ominous intro to “Cannibal Love” unravels with a menacing guitar lick, into Kibby’s delicate vocals looped, topped with an eerie choral chant. It gradually evolves with guitar and steady drums, until the chorus, when a spaghetti western-like guitar unexpectedly emerges and steadily accompanies her delicate voice and a haunting whistle. The lush and ethereal, “Oljato,” is so immediate, lyrics aren’t needed to convey the emotionally gripping instrumental. Finding her voice as an artist and producer was a challenge at first, but Kibby welcomed it: “I feel like a lot of the time, I’m inspired by great records but I can't seem to bring that inspiration to the music I write. I really just wanted to find a way to make the music I like to listen to.” Now, over the hurdles and brimming with innumerable skills, she has set out to challenge herself further. “The last couple months I’ve been doing remixes… and now it’s like I have a full toolbox,” she exclaims. Her most recent triumph: a bouncy remix of School of Seven Bells’ “Dust Devil,” that percolates with her signature moody synth sound. White Sea will take precedence until Kibby rejoins M83 in the studio and on the road, but meanwhile, there’s plenty of sonic waters to cover. “I want to create a universe for listeners. That is my ultimate goal and I’ll probably be chasing that for the rest of my career.”

Hello, how are you?
Excited. Just started tour!

What are you currently listening to?
New St. Vincent, soundtrack to 'Drive'.

What are you up to these days, any new releases on the horizon?
I'm remixing like crazy and really just getting ready to write my new record. Unfortunately / fortunately I'm going to be constantly on the road for the next year so it should be a challenge but simultaneously inspiring I would hope…

When/where did you meet Anthony Gonzalez, how did the idea of you joining M83 come up?
Anthony and I have a mutual friend who showed him my music. He liked my voice and asked me to sing on 'Saturdays=Youth'.

What do you think of the latest M83 album?
Well, I wrote parts of it so I'm partial :) I think Anthony is brilliant, I'm thrilled to be a part of the next chapter of his project.

Do you have any other projects we should know about?
Aside from M83 and White Sea, I've started a duet project called Mohawk and Elsinore. The vibe is very 1960's french soundtrack

Your favorite Morgan Kibby track is ...?
I have yet to write it.

If you could re-record/re-write any soundtrack of your choice, which one would you pick and why?
I don't know about re-write, but I would have loved to participate in the recording of the soundtrack to "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly". It's just perfect and I frequently listen to it for inspiration.

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

Are you living your dream?
Absolutely.

Thanx Morgan!

Morgan is currently on tour with M83, she is also working on a follow up White Sea album which should see the light of day soon(ish)..

REVIEW: White Sea - This Frontier

2012-01-23T08:00:00.005-06:00

7 out of 10

Find it here.

I'll be honest I don't know if I can avoid the inevitable here, I will reference M83 in this review, hopefully you're OK with this? Because, much like the rest of the world, I wasn't really familiar with Morgan Kibby until she joined M83/wrote a good portion of 'Saturdays = Youth'. (Of course) When I found out that the keyboardist from M83 had her own project I dropped everything I was doing and went on a hunt.. and (of course) I'm hooked/love it/need more NOW.

White Sea is definitely "different" from M83, but you'll still hear/feel the connection. Her music is a little more "dreary and desolate" (only in a few parts), it's also somewhat 'Poppier' (and kind of "dancey" too) but a little less "epic synth" driven (still synthy though). Ms. Kibby's music flows between Romantic Dreamy Pop sounds to club-like Dance tracks (almost "Goldfrappy"), to "slow and rustic". On her debut release Morgan shows us a wide range of styles that indeed do play off of each other well. It's a little short, but impressive none the less, I just ~~hope~~know on her debut full length she will bring this EP to the "next level"..

recomMendedx83. A VERY STRONG debut indeed. (Oh! also check out the remix companion..)

Standout Tracks: Cannibal Love (would fit quite nicely on a SVIIB album), Mountaineer (sounds like another band shes in towards the end;)

EverythingIsChemical Virtual 7" No. 16 - Ike Yard

2012-01-22T08:26:00.003-06:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://eicvirtual7inch.bandcamp.com/album/everythingischemical-virtual-7-no-16-ike-yard"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;EverythingIsChemical Virtual 7&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; No. 16 - Ike Yard by Ike Yard&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
"If the origin of my work is a scandal, it is because, for me, the world is a scandal..." ~Hans Bellmer

Next release comes out February 19th.

Cool Video Funtime #295 - Pleasure Palaces (+Bonus Video)

2012-01-21T09:16:00.003-06:00

+ Bonus Video:) ..because I haven't heard from Ms. Wolfe in a while.. (new self-titled album later this year though!)..

REVIEW: Errors - Have Some Faith In Magic

2012-01-21T08:21:00.008-06:00

7.5 out of 10
Find it here.

"Post-Electro". It's the label of the music Errors seems to so closely mirror, whether as a conscious effort of the band or not. But while many would fear subscription to the image of "Post-Electro", this Glasgow-based quartet in their seven years of existence have proven the depth of a genre too often underestimated. Every work of theirs is a fresh reminder that styles with the prefix "Post" these days don't always mean susceptibility to formula.

Errors's third album, 'Have Some Faith in Magic', is the product of none other than Rock Action Records. It seems logical for the Mogwai-ran label to foster a band like Errors, because in the ten tracks constructing their latest work, Errors finds themselves exploring as many styles as does their label. “Tusk” opens the album with a taste of blissed-out trance beats until a sonic flurry throws the listener into an epic world of heavy guitars and glistening synths. “Earthscore” pummels with tribal percussion and "Battles-esque" programmed vocals. “Blank Media” takes you back twenty-years with the dreamy guitar style of Pale Saints before mimicking the electronic melodrama and shine of M83. “Canon” parodies Errors's own curious brand of dance music as a slowed-down, minimal version of itself. However, nothing prepares the listener for “Holus Bolus.” It closes the album on the highest of notes: an anthem combining all of the band's spirits into one powerful and melodic ride.

Highly recommended. The newest full length from Errors proves that constant exploration still remains in their bloodstream. Don't let the stereotype of "Post-Electro" – or "Post-Rock" for that matter – hold you down. Stay loyal to the album's name, and "have faith in some magic" that a band's sonic pursuits can defy expectations and thrill the mind. Hear for yourself how Errors once again have proven themselves to be one of the most spellbinding acts in their field.

Standout Tracks: Magna Encarta, Earthscore, Barton Spring, Holus Bolus

Here's the cover art for the upcoming Jesse Ruins "debut"..

2012-01-21T08:01:00.006-06:00

Jesse Ruins' "Dream Analysis" comes out February 21st via Captured Tracks.

This WILL be on my year end list (guaranteed).

Good (free) music laying around the interwebs.. Pt. 2

2012-01-20T07:56:00.007-06:00

Temple Songs - A Bee Or A Shark
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Sunsets And Hearts - Altered Faze
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Similar Objects - Addio.
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Shawn O'Sullivan - Free Flight
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Rewards - Wicked Game (Chris Isaak Cover) [Ft. Alia Shawkat]
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Logosamphia - A1
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Lapalux - Gutter Glitter

~njoy.

Good (free) music laying around the interwebs.. Pt. 1

2012-01-20T07:56:00.006-06:00

Korallreven - Sa Sa Samoa (For Real For Sure For You Version)
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Julianna Barwick -Never Change
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Various Artists - Gem Drops Two
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Fort Romeau - Jack Rollin'
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Farragoes - s/t
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††† - Prurien†
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Crone Craft - Up In There
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Black Marble - Pretender

~njoy.

EIC'S10Q'S w/ Charalambides

2012-01-16T07:59:00.012-06:00

"..perverse western atmospheres, and the fine tuning of a Space Folk Opera.."

Charalambides
Seventh Heaven Bucolics

Charalambides Bio:
Despite occasional attempts by yardstick-makers to place them in any of the various genres that rose & fell in their musical proximity, Charalambides have remained dedicated to a vision of spiritual music (in all its forms) as transformative force. Their sound is uniquely personal and consistent, even through some outwardly extreme shifts in tactics.

Charalambides formed in Houston in 1991 amid a flock of fearlessly exploratory (and often drug-induced) rock bands, when Tom, Christina, and Kyle Silfer put down their beers and picked up their instruments. Eventually Kyle went home to New York, and Christina & Tom assumed the name Charalambides for what eventually turned into a flood of releases- beginning with 1992's Our Bed Is Green on their own Wholly Other label, and continuing with dozens of LPs, CDs, and cassettes on labels such as Siltbreeze, Eclipse, Time-Lag, and Kranky.

Despite occasional stints as a trio (first with guitarist Jason Bill and then with pedal steel guitarist & vocalist Heather Leigh Murray) and flourishing solo projects, Charalambides remains constant as the core duo of Tom & Christina Carter.

From their 2006 & 2007 Kranky releases A Vintage Burden & Likeness onwards, Charalambides has renewed their concentration on song-as-mantra (with intermittent guitar solos). But earlier recordings (like 2001's Unknown Spin) whisper of interstellar voids full of silence, or howl with ecstatically-received gnosis (2004's Joy Shapes).

Charalambides' live shows sometimes (and unpredictably) continue this latter thread, which often startles fans familiar only with the band's deceptively low-key reputation. Charalambides began playing sporadic gigs in 1992, making annual or semi-annual forays into other parts of the world from 1993 to 2005 (with the occasional year or two off). In 2006, Charalambides hit the road in earnest, touring the US/UK and making appearances at that year's Terrastock, Arthurfest and the Thurston Moore curated All Tomorrow's Parties: A Nightmare Before Christmas.

In 2008, after months of incessant solo and duo touring in the US and Europe, Tom settled in New York City, and Christina went to Austin, leaving touring aside (for a finite yet undetermined period of time) to concentrate on writing and recording. Their upcoming shows in Amsterdam and Hasselt (Belgium) are their first European performances since 2008.

Charalambides continue their recorded collaboration with Exile, a double LP of new recordings now available on Kranky.

Hello, how are you?
How indeed?

What are you currently listening to?
Christina: Last night I listened to Cesar Franck “Prelude, Chorale and Fugue” and “Prelude, Aria and Finale” as played by pianist Joerg Demus.

Who were your biggest influences when it comes to sculpting your current sound?
C: We don’t have a current sound. We have a permanent sound - and that is our sound. Our biggest influences have been all of the artists who have been driven to find out what their sound is/can be/will be, and who have done what it takes to realize that vision.

Is there a theme on your latest release?
C: Yes, 'Exile' has to do with subversion, inversion, decadence, dissolution, withering, extinction… A lot of reviewers try to find messages of hope on the record, but there really aren’t any messages of hope, per se. There is human fortitude in the face of these things, like on “Pity, Pity Me” the protagonist is not going to work at the factory any more because she has been physically crushed by the conditions of the job, and is dying. She begins the song seeming, yes, like she is asking for pity in a conventional sense, but by the end she is demanding pity, transformed into acknowledgement, from a position of right-minded anger. She is a ghost-voice haunting us with her death and her anger…. But, she still was only able to find release in death.

Will you be doing some extensive touring for said release?
C: No, we might do a couple of short jaunts in the late spring, early summer. Touring costs too much money these days and takes too much time away from earning money at our jobs and living actual day-to-day life. We’re done spending our own money to support touring at this point. I went into debt in order to travel and do what I love to do, but that isn’t sustainable over time. So now, we will play festivals and do a few geographically strategic shows and a few limited tours every so often. It will be interesting, I think, because it will create a different playing dynamic. The high-energy shows are best, when we, with the audience, are creating this feeling. My legs shake and I feel like we are all about to levitate. But maybe a new, different feeling will come out of this more limited travel.

Got any side projects/collabs coming up?
Tom: Christina doesn't do them so much but I do:
Tom Carter/ Dora Bleu / Sam Shalabi "Circle Of Crosses" LP on Tequila Sunrise / Bardo Pond/ Tom Carter 2xLP+CD reissue on 3 Lobed / Tetuzi Akiyama/Tom Carter/ Christian Kiefer LP on Monotype / still trying to find a home for Tom carter/ Robert horton "Nyida Days" ...and a whole bunch of solo LP projects I can't quite solidify yet. Also, looking forward to playing a live trio with Sandy Ewen and Sabir Mateen on 11/21 in Brooklyn... and releasing me & Sandy's next album (project name: Spiderwebs). I'm also doing some more recordings with Eleven Twenty-Nine (my project with Marc Orleans and Michael Evans, first LP on Northern Spy).

If you could re-score a movie soundtrack which movie would you pick?
T: Cocksucker Blues

Got any weird/interesting talents?
C: Yes. Singing, playing guitar, writing, spending time making and creating… seems to be weird and interesting in this place and time… United States, 2012.

You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life. which album would it be?
T: John Coltrane 'Meditations'

Are you living your dream?
T: I'm balancing my own dreams and others' nightmares.

Thanx Brian, Christina & Tom Carter!

Charalambides are currently taking a breather from music, but I'm sure once they return ours ears will be graced with bliss yet again...

REVIEW: Charalambides - Exile

2012-01-16T07:53:00.007-06:00

7.5 out of 10

Find it here.

Hey look, another Kranky review on EverythingIsChemical! Yay! I knew you were having withdrawals.. So, here it is; Charalambides' newest LP 'Exile', which is another (yes, another) notch in Kranky's "sexy audial bedpost".

'Exile' starts reeeeal slow, plucked acoustics slowly fiddled to minimal "reverbial" ambiance, eventually the plucks become more consistent and "obviously laying the tone" for whats about to come.. The bass slowly comes in, creating an "even more bleak" atmosphere, and that's when Christina comes in. Sultry/somewhat smokey and adorable vocals (almost) gives Charalambides all the structure it needs, it is the gorgeous link between Tom's "perverse western atmospheres", and the fine tuning of a Space Folk Opera (that's a thing). The whole album is very droney and proper for the Kranky catalog, if you know that sound you probably already got this album a while back. If you are still unaware of Kranky, STOP coming here, this blog is obviously pointless to you.

Almost 20 years later (yeah, they've been doing this for a while) Charalambides are still breath taking. If you're into desolate western tinged Pastoral Folk-Space bliss (ala Kranky). Recommended for those with hearing.

Standout Tracks: Before You Go, Immovable, Into The Earth (this is relaxing.), Pity Pity Me (so delicate), Words Inside (is my brain melting?)

Cool Video Funtime #294 - Bulbform

2012-01-15T09:31:00.002-06:00

EICV7" No. 16 - Ike Yard ..coming soon!

2012-01-15T09:12:00.005-06:00

EverythingIsChemical Virtual 7" No. 16 - Ike Yard comes out January 22nd!

"..Mr. Halloway talks about this time of night as "soul's midnight", when men are closest to death, locked in the depths of despair.." ~Ray Bradbury "Something Wicked This Way Comes"

(hopefully you checked out the last v7"?)

Check into Fruit Flesh..

2012-01-15T08:37:00.005-06:00

Fruit Flesh - Corrective Lenses
&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;a &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;href&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;="http://fruitflesh.bandcamp.com/album/corrective-lenses"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Corrective Lenses by Fruit Flesh&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
I just recently stumbled across this project, but I LOVE what I hear! So far Jacob Lee Tobin (Fruit Flesh mastermind) has two releases for FREE on his bandcamp, and so far he is two for two. Excellent Indie Experimental Electronic music is kind of my thing (one of the many), so I'm pretty excited to shed more light on this project in the future..

REVIEW: A Setting Sun - December

2012-01-14T09:25:00.002-06:00

7.75 out of 10

Find it here.

Before reviewing this album, mention of Jay Bodley would have only drawn vague recollections. Releases under his moniker 'A Setting Sun' have appeared for years on music blogs left and right, only to soon disappear in the flood of new artists. At first, I took Bodley to be just another figure in the electronic scene hoping to make it big – a bitter paradox in the world of experimental music. However since A Setting Sun's 'December' has landed in my iTunes library, never again will I pass his work with a fleeting glance. Jay Bodley: learn the name now, because it's one you're sure to hear more in the years to come.

'December', a five-piece album, opens with the fourteen minute “Livonia.” It sets the stage with a hushed decayed tone, but from the quiet emerges a frenzy of noise – harsh and dissonant, yet modest and composed. A beautiful interlude unfolds about six minutes into the track, where a musical box tune sneaks upon the listener like a gift from the past. The odd coalition of the familiar and otherworldly plays a vital role in 'December'. Though wild sheets of feedback raid the ears in each song, close listening reveals a world of layers. “Cosmic Trigger Pt. 1” features seraphic blankets of voices. “Cosmic Trigger Pt. 2” contains cryptic telephone messages and echos of rain falling on windows. “December” even throws in the roar of an ascending airplane. “Frost,” however, contains more elements than any other piece. Overplaying a spectral drone are abstract sounds each achieving their own specific role. A knife scraped against a table. A melody of dripping water. A thundering static of blank television channels. A rake dragged along the ground. Wake up in the middle of the night in some suburban town, and “Frost” probably isn't too far from what you'll hear.

Memory's relation to sound has been an ever flourishing concept in electronic music. Loose collectives of artists, like those of the Hauntology scene, have made it the primary focus underlining their releases. And if you read the description Bodley provides on Moodgadget, he labels the memory casted by December as “a gentle exploration of what home truly means.” On first listen of the album, hints of home are so muddled in pink noise that they're often missed. Listen to it again, and you hear the motives behind every screech, every abstract ingredient thrown into the mix. Because what makes 'December' so intriguing is its ambiguous approach to memory, unlike artists like The Caretaker who paint a specific time and place. 'December's' reflections are timeless images of the soul, glimpses of a home we all long for, moments resounding with loneliness and solitude. Bodley presents the ghosts of nostalgia like the hazy apparitions they are – just movements in shadows, lost in the sea of the mind.

Standout Tracks: Cosmic Trigger Pt. 2, Frost, December

This is pretty good..

2012-01-14T09:00:00.008-06:00

Picture Plane - Thee Physical Remixes

I love the reference to this. Rarely does a remix album do it's predecessor justice, however with this companion I think Pictureplane did. ..he may be on the cusp of releasing something truly astonishing.. just a gut feeling I suppose.

Good (free) music laying around the interwebs.. Pt. 2

2012-01-13T07:31:00.006-06:00

Waytansea Point - Life Is Just A Party
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Teen Image - Coming Soon
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Various Artists - Portals Mixtape #1
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Nicolas Jaar - With Just One Glance (Feat. Scout LaRue)
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Motion.Picture.Actress - NaturalGhost
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Lux - The Window
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Jacob Rohde - Connected
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Flash Forest - I'm Scared You'll Never Leave

~njoy.

Good (free) music laying around the interwebs.. Pt. 1

2012-01-13T07:31:00.005-06:00

Fielded - The Horse
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Disappears - Replicate
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - Nothing But Love (Memory Tapes Remix)
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Craxxxmurf - I Found Love (& It Died Out Remix)
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Coyote Clean Up - Blonde Aztec
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Black Dice - Pigs
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Arrange - Streams / At Night
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Albatross - Murder (Guerre's Suede Mix)

~njoy.

Cool Video Funtime #293 - Emergency (+Bonus Video)

2012-01-11T08:31:00.003-06:00

+ Bonus Video:) ..because I'm liking this right now..

Check into Meszahline..

2012-01-11T08:22:00.004-06:00

Meszahline - Several Beings
&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://meszahline.bandcamp.com/album/several-beings"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Several Beings by Meszahline&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
More and more artists are becoming more exploratory with the "Witchy sounds"..I like this. Make sure to check out the awesome remix companion (as well as all the other free goodies) for this album as well..

REVIEW: Cut Hands - Afro Noise Part 1

2012-01-11T08:03:00.006-06:00

8.25 out of 10
Find it here.

Various words come to mind which one would never imagine uttered in regarding the music of Whitehouse noise-icon, William Bennett: accessible, composed, upbeat. However, listening to his new project, Cut Hands, such descriptions somehow seem apt, even amidst a stark resemblance to the extremism underlining Bennett's career. This shift present throughout 'Afro Noise 1' is rooted in a clear reverence – a reverence for the strange, primitive origins of music so distant from Bennett's signature of contempt.

A feast of sonic territories rarely visited in the world of Bennett surface within 'Afro Noise 1's' first moments. Slow, pounding drums intertwine with convulsive, squealing trumpets, confirming to the listener Cut Hands is not just another Whitehouse project. This taste of dark frenzy explodes with “Stabbers Conspiracy,” where immediately bizarre, metallic polyrhythms assault the ears. In Bennett's fashion of outrageous excess, the song grows into a collision of gunfire beats and piercing frequencies, rising and falling until nothing is left but a hectic pummeling of African percussions. Cut Hands's blend of hyperbolic rhythms and eerie electronics sounds no more polished than on “Impassion. Though the song's elements parallel those featured on the rest of the album, panic trades itself in for calm. A simple two-note melody playing behind a lifting beat makes the listener believe Bennett is on the cusp of an outpouring of energy, but the song's restraint invokes a lulling hypnosis. An image of a tribe in the far corners of the world, dancing around a fire to their ancient music, lost in the spirit of rhythm, comes to mind. Somehow instinct tells me that this vision is not far from the one Bennett intended.

Tribal drumming juxtaposed against abstract electronics forges the odd symbiosis underlining Cut Hands's aesthetic. For the over three decades Bennett has performed, a curiosity for innovation has traveled into his ceaseless technological explorations; he even admits in a recent interview to having been “caught up in the whole technology arms race.” However, within this acknowledgement, it becomes necessary to view Cut Hands as Bennett's own release from the distractions of technology. Afro Noise I, though still faithful to the brutal dimensions of Whitehouse, is a return to the primal, hallucinatory setting noise music originally set out to conjure – an aspect too often left behind in the vast genre.

Standout Tracks: Who No Know Go Knows, ++++ (Four Crosses), Shut Up And Bleed, Impassion

If only I lived here..

2012-01-11T07:53:00.004-06:00

Seriously though, W-O-W. This has to be the best Coachella yet!

EIC'S10Q'S w/ Young Man

2012-01-09T08:08:00.012-06:00

"..captivating simplicity to it's core.."

Young Man
Subdude

Young Man Bio:
Colin Caulfield was pretty literal in choosing his artistic alias, Young Man -- he was fresh out of college when his first album appeared. But even though he's grown up in the Internet age, Caulfield seems to prefer the old-school method of crafting an album. Many of the tracks on Ideas of Distance would make little sense if they were decontextualized via the MP3 shuffle treatment -- this is a record with an arc, and it's clearly meant to be heard from start to finish. Caulfield first came to the public's attention via a series of cover tunes he posted on YouTube, including his versions of songs by David Bowie and Deerhunter. Like those artists, he sounds a bit like an alien reverse-engineering his idea of pop music after a fact-finding visit to Earth. Ideas of Distance, which is slated as the first installment of an album trilogy, was created entirely by Caulfield, but the claustrophobic, lo-fi qualities often found in D.I.Y. bedroom pop are nowhere to be heard here. In fact, there's a ton of space in these tracks -- despite his youth, Caulfield knows how to take his time while building up an idea, and he's careful to let the whole album breathe in a very organic way. His low-key croon wafts gently across a haze of guitars and keyboards, and he's placed a couple of lovely, ambient-tinged instrumentals smack dab in the middle of the album, to create just the right sense of pacing. At this point in musical history, it's encouraging to encounter a young artist who's not afraid to make a record that requires an ample attention span.

Hello, how are you?
First time I've been asked that in an interview! I'm doing well.

What are you currently listening to?
Lately I've been really into The Caretaker's 'An Empty Bliss Beyond This World', Arrington de Dionyso's 'Malaikat Dan Singa', 'Replica' by Oneohtrix Point Never, and Mia Doi Todd's 'Cosmic Ocean Ship'. Also, Julain Lynch's 'Terra' - played a show with him recently and we swapped vinyl.

Whats the story with the band name?
Young Man is a concept project that I developed after unintentionally writing a series of songs about youth. Really, they were just confessional or autobiographical songs that, since I was becoming an "adult" at the time, reflected that phase in my life. I decided to continue writing this way and before long I had a lot of songs. That's when the project really started and the name jumped out as the most logical possibility.

Who were/are your biggest influences when it came to sculpting your current sound?
Rufus Wainwright, The Fiery Furnaces, Animal Collective, Women, The Beatles, Brian Eno, Yes, Deerhunter, Philip Glass, Deerhoof, Wolfgang Voigt, Owen Pallett, The Dirty Projectors, Sufjan Stevens, Beach House, Talking Heads, Grizzly Bear, The Bad Plus, Joanna Newsom.

Is there a theme on on your latest release?
Ideas of Distance is about a five year long distance relationship I've been in. The album discusses the transitional period I was in as a graduating senior in college through the lens of love, as well as dealing with the distance that develops between people as they get older.

Do you have a favorite song from the album?
"Felt" is supposed to be a reprise of everything that happens on the record so I always feel lazy saying that's my favorite, but I'm really proud of that one.

Your live sound is much different from your recorded sound, a lot more "peppy" and upbeat, is there a specific reason for that?
The addition of other musicians is the most significant difference between my bedroom recordings and the live performances. Other than that, we like to push the difference between the two (upbeat music is generally more fun and exciting to play for us and to listen to for the audience).

What movie would work best on mute while listening to your music?
Every album will be distinct from the other so it's hard to choose one, but I think Ideas of Distance would go really well with [certain parts] of Woody Allen's 'Manhattan'.

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

Are you living your dream?
Getting there... I'm extremely hard on myself so I don't think I'll be content until I'm doing something mind-blowing.

Thanx Joe & Colin!

Young Man has only a few more US dates to go, after that (hopefully) work on the next album begins...

REVIEW: Young Man - Ideas Of Distance

2012-01-09T08:00:00.006-06:00

8.5 out of 10

Find it here.

I (probably like many of you out there) jumped on the Young Man band wagon once Mr. Cox made notice of Colin's impressive ("debut/cover") of "Rainwater Cassette". I loved what I heard and I could definitely tell there was a future in this artists career. To be honest, Young Man reminded me A LOT of Atlas Sound (whom you all know I love so very much), only slightly more doleful (these days anyways) and a little more "submissive".

Much like Bradford Cox, Colin Caulfield (Young Man) carries the Lo-Fi Bedroom aesthetics to a "next level", but there are also Grizzly Bear influences there too, which to me almost makes it "Anti-Bedroom (that's a thing I'm pretty sure)" due to all of the over the top lush/perfectly recorded arrangements. No matter what, if you like either of those artists you're most certainly in for a treat with Young Man's debut LP. "Ideas Of Distance" continues where "Boy" left off, it has matured, but the same clean & endearing vocals float and sway in between plucked guitar chords, gorgeous string arrangements, a few "white noises", and a little piano/organ work here and there. It's captivating simplicity to it's core, and that's nice sometimes.

Unlike Atlas Sound (whom I believe became/is becoming more "Pop" oriented) and Grizzly Bear (whom I believe have always been "this close" to releasing something truly meaningful), Young Man preferred something so much more sincere and laid back ..he shoots, he scores. HIGHLY Recommended.

Standout Tracks: A-L-L. Enough, Low, Only You (going for Jeff Buckley's "a capella gold standard"--soo good), Felt

A song sooo good, one might call it "ear crack"..

2012-01-07T10:59:00.006-06:00

Ʌ - Let Them Go

Taken from the latest Ʌ (Arcs) EP "Patriot Hills", which is ASTONISHING from start to finish AND is available now via Tundra Dubs (thanks Ben♥). Really, if you think this song is awesome (which you do--trust me) you NEED this album.

Cool Video Funtime #292 - All Alright (Rivka Edit)

2012-01-07T10:52:00.002-06:00

(get the song here)

Check into (x3!) Rivka & Digital_Oceans & ∆K†I◯N †4..

2012-01-07T10:30:00.006-06:00

Rivka - Sunshadows
&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;a &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;href&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;="http://rivka.bandcamp.com/track/sun-shadows"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Sun Shadows by &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;RIVKA&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&

Digital_Oceans - Overdone

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∆K†I◯N †4 - ◯
&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;a &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;href&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;="http://t004.bandcamp.com/album/-"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;◯ by ∆K†I◯N †4&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
Not sure if I have a favorite of the bunch, but I did just listen to the Rivka tracks back to back to back. I do love the simple Indie Electronic sounds of Digital_Oceans though, very catchy stuff. Then again, sometimes I need something more complex and dark like ∆K†I◯N †4 ("Action T4" is my guess), they all serve their purposes for the proper occasions I suppose.

REVIEW: Various Artists - Pop Ambient 2012

2012-01-07T10:04:00.009-06:00

6.5 out of 10

Find it here.

Eleven years ago, Kompakt's Pop Ambient series became an outlet of innovation for a label still shaping its own sonic thumbprint. A fruitful origin as the showcase of Kompakt's rich possibilities garnered the compilation much acclaim, but over the years, as common with releases of such nature, a veil of static devotion has shadowed Pop Ambient's name. Though the series has propelled the label and artists like The Field to the foreground of electronic music, those who call Pop Ambient home like Wolfgang Voigt (Gas), Jörg Burger (Triola), and Aksel Schaufler (Superpitcher) have seen their annual contributions fall to now old habits.

In the opening tones of 'Pop Ambient 2012', echos of Wolfgang Voigt's trademark soundscape already arise. Its bleakness fabricated by orchestral samples diffused in a hiss of decay continues into the next track, Superpitcher's “Jackson,” where a glacial three-note melody overplays a voice faintly stretching in the background. As the song progresses, a flowing piano line eclipses the cold electronics, unearthing a bright harmony. On Morek's “Pan,” clipped keyboards blended in a collective of droning strings retains this colorful atmosphere. Even though it slowly grows throughout the album, the taste of more direct and structured compositions only flowers on Voigt's second contribution, “Rückverzauberung 5.” The song's swinging strings, tumbling vibraphones, echoing pianos, and glistening harps forge an eerie melody that sounds like an orchestra floating in some boundless space, a symphonic odyssey ripped straight out of The Shining.

Unfortunately “Rückverzauberung 5” resonates as the sole track on here with a clarity of vision. Every other song is just a mere glimpse to the hybrid between classical instrumentation and ethereal ambience Pop Ambient has been nearing over the past decade. And they're glimpses that only make the listener beg for more. Not to say this year's edition won't satisfy the casual listener; just don't expect much that Kompakt hasn't already thrown our way.

Standout Tracks: Rückverzauberung 5, Swans Reflecting Elephants, Riding The Bikes

A few other upcoming releases..

2012-01-07T09:37:00.003-06:00

Elika's "Always The Light" comes out March 5th, 2012.
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Observer Drift's "Corridors" ~~comes out~~came out January 5th, 2012.
&

Principles Of Geometry's "Burn The Land & Boil The Oceans" comes out soon.

I'm sure you've seen the recently updated M2L4 list for a more expansive view of upcoming 2012 releases right?

New Soap & Skin on the way..!

2012-01-07T09:22:00.005-06:00

^--bummer:( ..it was a really good track.
Soap & Skin's "Narrow" comes out February 10th via the artists site HERE.

This song; WOW. I can almost guarantee this release will be on (at least) a few year end lists (including yours truly).

Cool Video Funtime #291 - From Whiteness (+Bonus Video)

2012-01-07T09:06:00.004-06:00

+ Bonus Video:) ..because the new Soap & Skin album FINALLY has a release date..!

Good (free) music laying around the interwebs.. Pt. 2

2012-01-06T07:48:00.006-06:00

Various Artists - Winter Warmer Mix
&

Wintercoats - Forest Of Lovers (Southern Shores Remix)
&

A Winged Victory For The Sullen - A Symphony Pathetique (Montauk In February Remix)
&

Time Wharp - Yrlyf
&

Telafonica - I Can Hear There's A Peace In The Dark Remixes
&

Strategy - Strut

~njoy.

Good (free) music laying around the interwebs.. Pt. 1

2012-01-06T07:48:00.003-06:00

Slyde - Russian Girls (Re-Boot)
&

Similar Objects - Jung
&

Grimes - Genesis
&

Glamour Lakes - Fall
&

Expensive Looks - Moving Visions
&

Evian Christ - Thrown Like Jacks
&

Candy Claws - Do You Ever Feel That Way (Starflyer 59 Cover)

~njoy.

REVIEW(S): TOP 100 ALBUMS OF 2011

2011-12-31T06:05:00.012-06:00

New Age Aural Abundantcies..

What a GREAT year for music! I haven't had this tough of a time making "cuts" since EIC began. This list was dwindled down from about 1700 hopefuls (yeah I know, ridiculous right?) At times I found it really hard to stay on top of all the amazing releases that were coming out! And, as always, I wonder (and probably did) if I missed any other terrific albums? When it came down to the #1 spot I went back and fourth (and back and fourth) between the top 10 listed. I think (no, I "know") I made the right choice though, hopefully you'll agree with at least a few of these choices anyhow. Also, with the great things that were happening to music this year, I think it's only fair that I mention a couple "negative" things as well; first of all "Dub Step" is NOT Skrillex is not Dub Step. Dub Step = Burial (and the likes), Skrillex = Nu-Dub Step or "Nub Step" as I like to call it;] Secondly (and I have to stress that I am the LEAST political person you may know) this whole government act that could very well change the way everything runs/operates on the internet, is bad (VERY bad). Laws like this could in-fact ruin the small guys out there (such as EIC). Thirdly I can't believe how many major bands (at least ones that have a major impact on me) released what could potentially be their most boring albums to date. I know we all have our "off" moments, but the fact that these are the albums that may give the artist the attention they've deserved for so long says a lot about the general public's taste in music ($#!tty). All that being said, there were a lot of new/undiscovered talents that emerged this year (as usual), a lot of surprises indeed, lots of "dark" music that was designed perfectly for these old ears, and a lot of smart new Electronic acts that really hit the spot, some laid back/some a little more uppity, a lot of "Neo-New Agers", and a lot of "Neo R & B-ers", definitely a lot of triangles;] This truly was a great year for sound though, especially for Hip Hop, Witch House, IDM, and Atmospheric music in general. Aaanyways, without any further ado here is EverythingIsChemical's..

"Top 100 Albums Of 2011"

100. Pallers - The Sea Of Memories
..if you're into Chill Wave
99. Calibre - Condition
..if you're into yester-year's (90's) "Techno" music
98. Shlohmo - Bad Vibes
..if you're into smooth as f^@k Electronic music aka "the new future lushness"
97. Blackout Beach - Fuck Death
..if you're into dark and mopey Indie music
96. David Lynch - Crazy Clown Time
..if you're into David Lynch
95. Ricky Eat Acid - Haunt U Forever
..if you're into Ambient-instrumental Chill Wave<--Free!
94. Twin Sister - In Heaven
..if you're into Indie Electronic catchiness
93. Amen Dunes - Through Donkey Jaw
..if you're into Neblung Price (which you should be)
92. James Blake - James Blake
..if you're into Dub Step meets Nu-R&B
91. High Places - Original Colors
..if you're into experimental Dream Pop
90. Shabazz Palaces - Black Up
..if you're into Hip Hop
89. Cass McCombs - Wit's End
..if you're into melancholy Indie
88. Baths - Pop Music/False B-Sides
..if you're into "Chill Wave", Indie Electronic
87. Hooray For Earth - True Loves
..if you're into "stadium sized" Indie Rock/Electronic music
86. Future Sound - The Thrills
..if you're into Hip Hop that sounds like it was produced by Junior Boys
85. Apparat - The Devil's Walk
..if you're into well written Electronic Pop
84. How To Dress Well - Just Once EP
..if you're into orchestrated Nu-R&B
83. Br'er - City Of Ice
..if you're into Xiu Xiu and/or experimental Industrial music
82. Atlas Sound - Parallax
..if you're into Atlas Sound, not my favorite, but still great
81. Moonface - Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I'd Hoped
..if you're into catchy Indie Pop
80. The Horrors - Skying
..if you're into The Horrors, this will most likely be their opus
79. Terror Train - Terror Train
..if you're into dark Slow-mo Disco with a Glow, ya' know?
78. Police Academy 6 - Police Academy 6
..if you're into Chill Wave/Indie Electronic
77. Zola Jesus - Conatus
..if you're into triumphant Gothic beauties
76. Neon Indian - Era Extraña
..if you're into Chill Wave
75. Wise Blood - These Wings
..if you're into "eclectic" Indie Pop
74. Boy Friend - Boy Friend
..if you're into endearing Dream Pop
73. Colin Nance - Summer Fever
..if you're into Neon Indian meets M83 (kind of)<--Free!
72. Kynan - High Heals
..if you're into catchy Indie Electronic music<--Free!
71. Sally Paradise - Aouu!
..if you're into playful Dream Pop70. Lovesliescrushing - EverythingIsChemical Virtual 7" No. 7
..if you're into Lovesliescrushing/Ambient Shoegaze/EICV7" Series:)<--FREE!
69. Metamorfozy - Decasia
..if you're into Electronic/Indie/Classical "concept scores"
68. Implodes - Black Earth
..if you're into Experimental Post Rock/Kranky
67. Vondelpark - NYC Stuff And NYC Bags EP
..if you're into Sinner DC and/or Dub Step
66. Planningtorock - W
..if you're into Fever Ray
65. Psychic Powers - Infinity
..if you're into futuristic/spacey Dream Pop
64. James Pants - Love Kraft
..if you're into a guy who likes to be creative with his sounds
63. Tyler, The Creator - Goblin
..if you're into Hip Hop/the leader of the "underground internet rap organization"
62. Summer Camp - Welcome To Condale
..if you're into catchy Indie Pop
61. Boas - Grave Dreams
..if you're into bizarre Indie Electronic Pop
60. Death In Vegas - Trans-Love Energies
..if you're into Alt Pop with a leaning towards modern Electronic sounds
59. Still Corners - Creatures Of An Hour
..if you're into Dream Pop, I probably should've listened to this one more..
58. Julianna Barwick - The Magic Place
..if you're into angelic female hymns
57. Caroline - Verdugo Hills
..if you're into cutesy "J-Pop"
56. †‡† - Ghetto Ass Witch
..if you're into Rave/Witch House sounds55. Future Islands - On The Water
..if you're into Gothic Tropical Pop
54. The Drums - Portamento
..if you're into C-A-T-C-H-Y Indie Pop
53. S.C.U.M. - Again Into Eyes
..if you're into Interpol, only you wish they were darker and slightly more Electronic
52. Natural Snow Buildings - Waves Of The Random Sea
..if you're into Drone (good drone)
51. Mirror Mirror - FRKWYS Vol. 5
..if you're into modern-sunny Psychedelia Pop
50. Young Man - Ideas Of Distance
..if you're into Atlas Sound, only more relaxing
49. Teaadora - A Jamais Vierge/Virgin Forever
..if you're into dark/experimental "Folk" music/noise/art
48. Cokiyu - Your Thorn
..if you're into Electronic/Ambient prettiness
47. David Shane Smith - Controls SM
..if you're into experimental Indie Electronic music that sort of reminds me of Throbbing Gristle<--HIGHLY overlooked/Free!
46. Ringo Deathstarr - Colour Trip
..if you're into (classic) Shoegaze
45. My Friend Wallis - On Hawaiian Time
..if you're into Grouper dabbling in the "Pop" side of Dream Pop<--Free!
44. Sleep ∞ Over - Forever
..if you're into emerging talents that will one day (in theory) release an "album of the year" (eventually-maybe)
43. Glass Vaults - Into Clear EP
..if you're into atmospheric bliss<--Free!
42. Rotten Tropics - EverythingIsChemical Virtual 7" No. 6
..if you're into dark/experimental Industrial music/EICV7" Series;]<--FREE!
41. Mount Pleasant - The Aztecs
..if you're into catchy as hell "Indie Electronic" sounds40. Sleepingdog - With Our Heads In The Clouds And Our Hearts In The Fields
..if you're into Winter seasonal sounds/Adam Wiltzie
39. Snowman - Absence
..if you're into dark and atmospheric Shoegaze
38. Six Organs Of Admittance - Asleep On The Floodplain
..if you're into Neo-Psych Folk music
37. Warm Ghost - Narrows
..if you're into amazingly underrated Indie Electronic acts
36. Air Drops - EP
..if you're into top quality Dream Pop music mixed with a dash of Chill Wave
35. Balam Acab - Wander/Wonder
..if you're into relaxing Electronic music/Tri Angle Records
34. Spaceghostpurrp - Blvcklvnd Rvdix 66.6
..if you're into dark and twisted Hip Hop (think 90's "Horror Core"), hand's down this is the best Rap release of the year<--FREE!!
33. M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
..if you're into M83, only not as good (this album would've made for a better "b-sdies" release), definitely the biggest upset of '11, yet look how high it still is..
32. Oneohtrix Point Never - Replica
..if you're into one of the best Synth musicians on the market currently, if he mixed this album with the length and spaciness of his previous efforts ::pffft:: fuhget 'bout it, best album of the year,.
31. The Caretaker - An Empty Bliss Beyond This World
..if you're into relaxing memory replacement surgery
30. Brian Eno - Drums Between The Bells
..if you're into Brian Eno doing what an Eno does best.
29. Teeel - Amulet
..if you're into Chill Wave, this is THE artist (in my opinion)
28. Dream Boat - Widow
..if you're into bleak Witch House
27. How I Quit Crack - Untitled CDR
..if you're into euphoric Witch House
26. Bad Passion - Doin' It Slow
..if you're into The Xx, Mahogany, and/or old school Hot Chip<--SOOO AWESOME & FREEEE!!25. Yoko Duo - Behaving Like A Widower
..if you're into Sinner DC, Home Video, and/or Junior Boys
24. Rebecca Peake - The World's Strongest
..if you're into AMAZING Shoegaze/Dream Pop <--more prolific than any other artist I've ever known and it's FREE!
23. Grouper - A I A: Alien Observer/Dream Loss
..if you're into Grouper (which you are..unless you're dead (to me))
22. Future Shuttle - Water's Edge
..if you're into serene, Spacey, Psychedelic, relaxing, and synthetic<--soooo good!
21. Blue Daisy - The Sunday Gift
..if you're into 90's Techno meets "top quality/modern day" productions
20. Tropic Of Cancer - The Sorrow Of Two Blooms
..if you're into Belong, only slightly more "Gothic"
19. Soft Metals - Soft Metals
..if you're into sensual Electro music (this is the best)
18. Julia Holter - Tragedy
..if you're into eclectic and beautiful (heartheartheartheart)
17. Big Black Delta - BBDLP1
..if you're into a "Rock refurbished" M83 kind of sound
16. Chelsea Wolfe - The Grime And The Glow
..if you're into Lo-Fi Gothic beauty
15. Oupa - Forget
..if you're into melancholy Indie Pop<--GORGEOUS stuff! What Yuck should've been..
14. ∆Aimon - Amen
..if you're into Dark & Sexual Industrial/Witch House music<--this is AMAZING!
13. Various Artists - A Witch House & Okkvlt Guide To Twin Peaks
..if you're into Witch House/Drag and/or are wondering where to start with the genre
12. Ford & Lopatin - Channel Pressure
..if you're into unique/crazy talented Electronic artists sounding somewhat like Max Tundra
11. Elite Gymnastics - Ruin
..if you're 90's House/Trance sounds meets today's Indie Electronic standards

10. Cat's Eyes - Cat's Eyes
One of my favorite/ most overplayed records of the year had to be Cat's Eyes self titled debut. Cat's Eyes is Farris Badwan (dude from The Horrors) and Rachel Zeffira (an Italian composer). They both have a lot of talent, A LOT of talent. Rachel is a Classically trained, Farris is more of a "Pop Enthusiast" so both ends of that spectrum come together quite nicely. The final product is a "throwback" album of sorts that focuses on the 50/60's "motorcycle rebel". It's a form of "Pop Rock" (maybe), but very smooth, Classical, and "surfy". Sometimes it's melancholy, sometimes it's dark, and sometimes it's (for lack of better terminology) "Phil Spector-y".

There are two sides to this record, one is a bit more laid back and reminiscent of an "era transcending Broadcast" (that's the side I like the most) and then there's the more upbeat, yet "dark & mysterious Pop Rock" sounds, which are really good too and bring the whole package together quite nicely. This album ebbs and flows between the two styles giving the album a truly unique archaic persona. Quality vocals, both male and female, nice instrumentation (terrific actually); string sections (gorgeous ones), twinkly piano compositions, ominous horns, etc, Cat's Eyes is dark & spiritual/vintage jubilation. I just wish it didn't have to end, hopefully this is permanent project, not just a "side"..

You should probably already own this, but if you don't get it, you deserve it.

9. Dirty Beaches - Badlands
About a year ago Ryan Gosseling did it, actually about four years ago El Perro Del Mar did it, really many of us have done it.. So what's with all these bands paying homage to vintage music birthed from a time before internet, cell phones, & maybe even color TV's? It doesn't matter. As long as the trend continues/never dies. We all grew up around oldies music, it's what our parents usually played in the car (for most of us I would assume), it only made sense that eventually one of us would begin paying homage to that music. Rather than be a direct rip off of Dick Dale or Patsy Cline though Dirty Beaches brings a cinematic flair and Lo-Fi aesthetic that is sure to get all the Indie kids uh-movin'.. "Badlands" may not be the debut release of DB (check out how many they have so far), but it will certainly be the one that puts them on the map.

"Badlands" starts off with a less than popular start, but after you listen to the rest of the album you will understand it's place. Once track two begins you immediately notice the Surf Rock/Rockabilly-esque tones come through. Side note: Generally when I would hear/see those words together I would be a bit skittish about looking further into the project, not the case here. Dirty Beaches have a way with making those sounds come off as dreamy, catchy (catchier), and entertaining for a modern sound listener. Song's like "A Hundred Highways" sound like something straight out of a 60's Surfer documentary. "True Blue" reminds me of the prom scene in Back To The Future when they slow dance. And "Lord Knows Best", wow. Such an amazing song. Perfectly tuned piano looped behind croonfull vocals (somewhat reminiscent of Richard Hawley), a sustained guitar/possibly keyboard sound, and this amazing choir keyboard sound that creeps in (heart that sound). It could be the best song you'll hear all year long. So anyways.. OK, the homage thing has been done, but the way Dirty Beaches does it is quite unique as well as 101% made for these ears.

"Badlands" is a pitch perfect Lo-Fi throwback to an era of music that has always held a special place in my heart. Look for this one high up on 11's year-end list. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED-thoroughly addicting stuff here...

8. Natalie Beridze/TBA - Forgetfulness
Natalie Beridze, although could be considered, isn't really new to the scene. In-fact "Forgetfulness" is her 4th (I believe) album. Her name changes a little bit on each album; TBA, Tusia Beridze, Natalie Beridze, etc., but the sound remains (pretty much) the same. Ms. TBA has a strong grasp on engineering acumen modern techno soundscapes. The closest comparisons I can think of are Bjork, Jane Jensen, & Ellen Allien. Perhaps a "female Trent Reznor" with a soft side for Minimal Techno mixed with a dash of Ambient Classical? Whomever/whatever you want to compare her to doesn't really matter, the music speaks for itself (and then some) and you will hear that from the very first note. This is by far the most interesting, intelligent, and sexy release of the year.

You need this soooooo bad right now (and everyday after that too). _IGHLY _ECOMMENDED (fiil in the blank).

7. La Big Vic - Actually
What a lovely album. What a perfect meshing of Krautrock and Dream Pop. I absolutely adore this group and everything they are doing for music. If you haven't heard about this band, which is slightly likely seen as how "under the radar" they seemed to be for some odd reason, know this; one of them co-ran the site Altered Zones (RIP) and another member was trained by the guy who ran Pink Floyd's live sound (yep, that Pink Floyd). The range of knowledge/sounds between all three of these musicians is incredibly expansive/impressive, it only made sense that when they finally put their heads together that they would create something as stunning as this.

'Actually' is a constantly evolving album from beginning to end, each track seems to rebirth from a tiny alienistic egg into something completely/conceptually beautiful. To me when listening to this album I am constantly reminded of Mahogany's stunning debut "Dreams Of A Modern Day", only more Kraut-like, which is laid-back and euphoric mixed with a bit of "Psych weirdness". Note for note this album is amazing, not one sound, not one beat, nothing on this album is wrong.

I'm just hoping you get all the keywords mentioned above, if you do than you get that this is something you can not pass up. HIGHLY-HIGHLY-HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

6. Belong - Common Era
Since 2006 Belong have been blessing my headphones with their version of Ambient Shoegaze. With every record since then (about 2 full lengths and a couple EP's) the band has fully realized the potential of their soundscapes. Belong have been apart of a few different labels now, but (in this person's opinion) really found their home once they joined forces with Kranky. On the group's first release for Kranky they really have outdone themselves and quite possibly created the best record I have heard all year.

Although the Ambient/Droney elements are still in full effect on "Common Era" there is definitely a stronger sense of well crafted Pop songs laying underneath all of it. To be honest with you, after listening to this album (over and over and over and over again) I got the sense of witnessing one of the best "homages" ever to MBV's masterpiece "Loveless", or better yet "Loveless Pt. 2". I know, a lot of bands have tried this, but most fail. Belong have perfected a sound that has been lost amongst bands for a long time now, "tightness" and "knowing when to be experimental". The songs are very damp & layered (with guitar, keyboard, and a few other hidden sounds), the vocals are somewhat in-audible (I wouldn't want them any other way), and the simple nature of the drum machine loops gives the album the bit of brightness that it needs. I read once that Kevin Shields (MBV) promises at least one more My Bloody Valentine album (after he releases his solo material), until then you have Belong's "Common Era" to keep you company. By far (without a doubt), "Common Era" is one of the best Shoegaze albums I have ever had the pleasure of owning (and I own a lot).

(Probably) My favorite thing about 2011 was listening to this album (over ..and over again). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ("more than I can put in words recommended").

5. Active Child - You Are All I See
I knew patience would pay off with this artist, I knew Pat Grossi(#26 of last year/Active Child) would put out something (again) worth cherishing/obsessing over the rest of my life as well as constantly using as a base for comparison, but how could I have possibly known that he would be putting something together that would exceed all of those expectations?

'You Are All I See' is one of the most impressive debut LP's in a long time. We all knew that the talent was definitely there, I just don't think we could've expected this level of writing at such an early stage in the artist's "now promising" future. Sounding like M83 (never a bad thing) only more heavenly/angelic, Active Child utilizes lots of harp, LOTS (it's soo pretty--not sampled either!), lots of Spacey synths, lots of synthetic drum pads, and tons of terrific vocal harmonies (be-it sampled or clean, Pat Grossi is one of the best male vocalists currently "active"<-oh!). This is another one of those albums that just flows perfectly from beginning to end. "You.." is quite possibly the best album of all year displaying the perfect (*doctor recommended) amount of "Heavenly Synth Pop". (pitch perfect.)

This is the kind of album that won't ever let me give up on music. I would recommend it, but that seems cliche. I demand it.

4. Julian Lynch - Terra
Easily the most "warn vinyl" of the year for me.. Julian Lynch has always been "on the cusp" with his music, and all of that talent has lead him up to this, "Terra", which is everything I need/survive on when it comes to sweet & melancholy Indie Psych Pop music.

"Terra", in my opinion, is a modern day Psych Pop masterpiece. It's one of those "the world isn't quite ready for it now, but years from now this will be "re-noticed"" kind of album. It has everything a classic Psych album should have (euphoria/relaxation/vivid colors), it has everything a modern Indie Pop album should have (sincerity and individuality), and (most importantly) it has everything my ears crave. Really though, "Terra" is (almost) perfect (probably perfect) from beginning to end. I'd say somewhere between Atlas Sound, Pink Floyd, and humble beginnings is where Mr. Lynch's cloud of sound lays.

I can't believe how many people overlooked this album on their year-end lists, it confuses me. You need this, you crave it, I guarantee it or I'll buy your copy from you. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND THEN SOME (+ a lil' more probably).

3. Nicolas Jaar - Space Is Only Noise
OK, I'm gonna mention three artists that Mr. Jaar reminds me of. You should know, these artist I'm gonna mention tend to have obsessive fans. You either obsess over these bands or you just don't care for 'em. "Space Is Only Noise" is of it's own sound, but when comparing it to contemporary leaders in the same field, it could easily be placed next to Matthew Dear, Coil, and/or DJ Shadow. Now that you've heard those names (and you've possibly widened your eyes at the thought) you should probably know what to expect. If those names (unfortunately) mean nothing to you... Nicolas Jaar makes Electronic Pop music mixed with hints of Jazzy seduction, Classical sampling, and a few very weird tones. In-fact, if you pay close attention to the title "Space Is Only Noise" you may know what to listen for, is it the space between his noise, or the noise between the space? Every second on Nicoals' debut is filled with an interesting/pleasing note, sound or beat. I don't know, I just don't see how there could be a better Electronic album this year ..is that crazy to think?

Fans of the Kompakt or Ghostly family will definitely swoon over this. Actually, everyone should get this, I'll buy your copy if you dislike it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

2. Water Borders - Harbored Mantras
For such a young label Tri Angle really has done a lot to change the game. First there was Balam Acab with their version of Moody Electronic Drag (which I heart), then there's the "Witchy"/Sample Driven o0o00 (whom I also LOVE), a few other (really awesome) acts in-between, and now Water Borders (my new favorite Tri Angle artist). Water Borders, like many of the other bands on Tri Angle seem to share the same "modern dark" thinking state of mind. However, unlike most of the acts on this bewildering label, Water Borders take cues from a few older artists as well; think Coil meets Tuxedo Moon. (stop drooling on your keyboard/fantasizing about how amazing that pairing sounds, go get this NOW.)

'Harbored Mantras' sounds emit the titles theme quite genuinely. There are lots of organic/"other worldly sounds" mixed with aural nirvana landscapes within these hypothetical lush walls. There are elements that can definitely be thrown into the Witch House/Drag genre, there are also a few No Wave (see: Tuxedo Moon) and Experimental Industrial "moments" (see Coil). What more can I say? The mood is gloomy, the sound is currently unrivaled, Water Borders fit perfectly in Tri Angles elite circle,err-umm "Triangle".

For people into dismal sound architecture, and most importantly, (maybe) for people interested in transformative states*. (*also, for people with good taste in music:) RE-COMM-END-ED/one of '11's best offerings.

...and the #1 Album of 2011 is...

1. HTRK - Work (Work, Work)
I guess I have to update this list now too.. Judging by the first single I heard from this group (yep, I was late getting into these guys--but don't worry I'm kicking myself for it everyday now;..) "Eat Yr Heart", I knew HTRK was gonna be somewhere on my year-end list. ~~Well, I was right, my estimation may be off by a little, but I was right..~~ It's perfect, there I said it.

Do you guys remember Garbage? For those of you and your "rock rooftop"; Garbage was a mid-late 90's Alt-Rock band that dabbled in Electronic/Industrial music. They were known for their "overly sexual" lead singer Shirley Manson, actually I heard these guys may be reuniting? ::ahem:: Anyways, with Garbage I always felt like they were "almost there", they were so close to being everything I would want in a band; willingness to "experiment", strong production, a little dark, definitely "Electronic" in some way, and somewhat "laid back", they were lacking something though and that was this; (three simple words really) "automatonic seductive sadism". On HTRK's Ghostly debut, 'Work (Work, Work)', the group is sans a member, due to the late bassist Sean Stewart (sad story actually..), but maybe stronger because of it, in his honor I suppose? You can hear a difference between "Work.." and 'Marry Me Tonight', with the group's older material I felt as if the focus was more on the "Machine Of Loving Grace" style bass lines (which I so dearly LOVE.), with "Work.." they have shifted their attention to a much darker (really dark), DEFINITELY more Electronic sound, unique yet fitting for the Ghostly label really. The first three tracks on "Work.." would also sound at home on an early 4AD release, "Gothic and Entrancing", and that's when the androgynous "Bendin'" comes up and ..oh man, you are now officially under HTRK's desirably ominous spell. At this point the seduction is in full swing, but it only get's better.. Oh my gawd, hold on, I'm really into this song brb.. ::k, im' back:: From then on the album becomes slightly more "Industrial" and (here's that word again) "darker". This album is just perfectly designed for me, what can I say? By the way, HTRK (pronounced: Hate Rock), although sounds like a funny/tongue-in-cheek kind of reference, really is a perfect name for the kind of music they produce. This album is one long fight against being under the influence of something dark for too long, it's slow moving, its sinister, its passionate, and it's one of the best f#$king albums I've ever heard, EVR.

Sometimes atramentous ElectroniX are all You really need. 10 out of 10 album recommendation. Hey (all you living people); I better hear some HTRK being played at my funeral (please?).

See ya next year;]

EIC'S10Q'S w/HTRK

2011-12-31T06:02:00.003-06:00

"..automatonic seductive sadism.."

(Photo credit: Amina Nolan)

HTRK (#1 album of the year.)
Suggestive Requiem

HTRK Bio:
bassist Sean Stewart met guitarist Nigel Yang through music school in Melbourne. Inspired by David Lynch, protopunk and noise, they dropped out and decided to start Hate Rock Trio. Art director Jonnine Standish noticed Stewart’s good looks at a bar one night and charmed her way into band rehearsal. This was 2003.

Their first release in 2004, the Nostalgia EP (self-released, reissued by Fire Records), has since been used as a soundtrack for live suspension hangings by performance artist Kareem Gnoheim, and described by Allmusic (in a four-star review) as “an agitated haze of addictive ambivalence instead of the swagger and violence of their influences, the overall feeling is of beautiful disharmony”. Their strangely detached live shows caught the attention of post punk legend Rowland S. Howard (ex-The Birthday Party), who invited them to record their debut at Birdland Studios. The result, Marry Me Tonight, was their ‘pop’ album, designed explicitly for teenagers and described by brainwashed as “an almost purely emotional experience… a wet dream”.

They moved to Berlin in 2006 and cut their teeth touring Europe with Liars. They’ve played Glasgow’s famed Optimo club, the unfamed but equally as

potent London anarchist squat party Behind Bars, and toured Ireland briefly with Shellac. They half-moved to London, signed to Blast First Petite and played with personal heroes Alan Vega, Lydia Lunch and Martin Rev. Their slick DJ sets at Dalston club ‘Faction’ further revealed their talent at creating (and sustaining) a mood; their mixing of Vangelis and Coil with choice cuts from Basic Channel, Sahko and Muzique gave hint of their new synthetik direction.

Marry Me Tonight finally got released in 2009, sans hype, but got listed in Wire magazine and NME (8/10) and somehow found its way into the hearts and bedrooms of the disaffected youths (and young at heart) they were aiming for. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs took them on tour, as did The Horrors. In January 2010, wanting to start something new, HTRK organised a “tech-noir” party at Cargo London with Factory Floor and unsung electro genius Andrea Parker.

After years of living on a slippery slope, Stewart committed suicide in March 2010. Standish and Yang’s resolve strengthened. They completed their album in the months following and played a comeback show at the ICA described by the NME as being of “purging redolent beauty”. Stewart’s death will not help HTRK shake the common description of them as dark, despite their intentions. But the new album Work (work, work) is a record of heartbreak, finding another world, with soft allusions to the future. Darkness has been overplayed; it’s too representational now. HTRK do not aim for pitch black or lights off… it’s a murkier, more mysterious, heavy space.

Hello, how are you?
JCS: Moody, just woke up, had a dream last night I fell out badly with Nigel in the Church of Peter Christopherson because we couldn’t decide on how to answer the last question on living your dream.

What are you currently listening to?
NY: I am picking out the sweet 'robot-winding-down' sounds in Rolf Julius' "Wet Speakers" and Oneohtrix Point Never's "Replica". Africans with Mainframes' "Rock the World 12"" is on rotation too.
JCS: Yeah Oneohtrix Point Never’s “Replica” and the Blanck Mass album... getting a little more into the Christmas spirit with Curtis Mayfield’s “Sweet Exorcist”.

Congratulations on an AMAZING year in music! Your album "Work (Work, Work)" is EIC's top pick for '11, would you mind sharing all the details about it; recording process, theme(s), secrets, final thoughts, etc..?
NY: So much went into this record. We worked pretty steadily through the London summer of 2010 at our studio in London Fields, in this really unique headspace that is hard to describe.. a vague and complicated sense of loss over Sean mixed with this hyper-aesthetic mindset, as well as a heightened libido, which apparently is a common occurrence when in mourning, as we read later in Darian Leader’s book "The New Black" (which is a nice companion piece to Work (work, work)).
We took influence from disorienting (and hence beautiful) atmospheres that we’ve experienced over the past four years, like the overwhelming plunge into darkness when entering Mat Collishaw’s Submission show at Haunch of Venison in Berlin (even more than the exhibition itself, that split second you walked in and lost all your bearings), scenes and emotional effects in the films of Philippe Grandrieux, portrayals of damaged sexuality in End Of Evangelion, as well as eerie stock photography (i.e. Shutterstock), personal tales of corporate life, the history of Industrial music and culture, the extreme beauty of youth (see The Fourth Sex: Adolescent Extremes), and a lot more.
The three of us have quite incongruous personalities and different life experiences and the challenge was to coalesce our disparate energies into an album that is meant to become highly addictive after a few listens. The major themes are work, drugs, sex and death, rendered in a purposely flat, hazy style, which really has turned people off if they prefer their music to be morally sound or high contrast. We just love ambiguity and are happy that all the emotions, moods and feelings conveyed by this record seem to resist easy description and lazy thought. The more you are open to gaining pleasure from something unexpected, be it in life or in our music, the more we think you will enjoy it.

How were you introduced to Ghostly?
NY - Sam (Valenti IV, founder) got in touch (after hearing Marry Me Tonight?) in 2008 and we spoke occasionally over the years, finally signing in 2011. Been fans of the label since they began so we know we are in very good hands.

How long were you guys a group before you released your first album?
JCS: We got together in October 2003 and self-released Nostalgia in January 2005, so just under a year and a half. That album was done in one take. Marry Me Tonight was our first studio album and although it was recorded in 2006, it only got released five and a half years after we started, in 2009.

What is your favorite HTRK track?
NY: Not fussed
JCS: Ha

If you could tour with any two bands of your choice whom would it be with?
NY: Not sure, maybe we can agree on Pan Sonic (even though they don’t really exist any more). Tropic of Cancer.

What's next for you guys?
NY: A couple of short soundtracks, and recording sessions in a new friend’s private studio in a hot and obscure location.

You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
JCS: "Teenage Snuff Film" by Rowland S. Howard

Are you living your dream?
JCS: I told Nigel in my dream last night (in the church of PC) that in my fantasy world, singing and lyrics come to me much easier without the guilt and vulnerability and Nigel yelled at me, “that’s important”.
Then I ripped off my pubic hair and taped it up with sticky tape into a ball and threw it at Nigel's head and we got escorted out by church security guards.

Thanx Jeff & HTRK!!

HTRK are currently catching their breathe(s) a little bit, but they've got something (a few things) awesome in the making;)...