White Suns - Footprints Filled | Track Feature

This is some serious punk/noise rock here. I think that the tag of being released via Load Records kind of cements this fact but for those not convinced we have "Footprints Filled" & shortly the full length release of White Suns album Sinews this April. They are walking a fine line of technical proficiency & fuck it punk-rock attitude. The kind where life & concepts usually lead towards all or nothing scenarios. White Suns work well in this landscape.

Maybe that's just some pretty words but I did see this youtube clip of a motorized percussion piece they performed. I don't think a bunch of total scuzz balls would do this, well maybe they would think about doing it but doing it... that's another thing. So they're definitely nerds. That's cool though. I dig that. Noise nerds. Actually who am I to pigeonhole them. Maybe they'll make a prog record. I hope not. I don't think they will. That'd probably be too off putting. 

White Suns Sinews will be available April 17th via Load Records. Be sure to check below for the group's upcoming national tour as there's a good chance they'll be heading your way.

sun may 6 - baltimore, md @ ottobar w/ friend collector, cursed
mon may 7 - richmond, va @ strange matter
tues may 8 - chapel hill, nc @ meadows of dan w/ hitherdaxodes
weds may 9 - atlanta, ga @ drunken unicorn
thurs may 10 - macon, ga @ TBA w/ national dairy
fri may 11 - pensacola, fl @ sluggo's
sat may 12 - new orleans, la @ TBA
sun may 13 - houston, tx @ mango's w/ cop warmth
mon may 14 - austin, tx @ 29th street ballroom w/ expensive shit, lechuguillas, coma in algiers
tues may 15 - las cruces, nm @ the trainyard
weds may 16 - phoenix/tempe, az @ TBA w/ marshstepper, drainbow
thurs may 17 - los angeles, ca @ beauty is pain w/ nasa space universe, low places, sheepshead, surplus killing, w.h.i.t.e.
fri may 18 - san francisco, ca @ hemlock tavern w/ high castle, ccr headcleaner
sat may 19 - oakland, ca @ TBA w/ stillsuit (x-coughs), cubicle
sun may 20 - sacramento, ca @ boiz house w/ darling chemicalia, ennui trust
tues may 22 - portland, or @ TBA
weds may 23 - olympia, wa @ swamp house
thurs may 24 - vancouver, bc @ zoo zhop w/ yellow thief, stamina mantis
fri may 25 - seattle, wa @ the in w/ white coward, mountainsss
sat may 26 - missoula, mt @ ole beck vfw post 209
mon may 28 - fargo, nd @ the aquarium
tues  may 29 - minneapolis, mn @ madame of the arts
weds may 30 - chicago, il @ TBA
thurs may 31 - columbus, oh @ bourbon st cafe
fri june 1 - pittsburgh, pa @ TBA
sat june 2 - philadelphia, pa @ level room w/ hot guts

Nymph - U.F.O. Over Dome Rock | Track Feature

Nymph dropped this track on the world back in January but as the weather warms I'm guessing it may become more relevant than ever. Those that know the group or have seen them in the live setting where their membership reaches seven members or more will understand the avalanche of propulsive music. The group's fusion of world-new age inspirations bridges a terrific gap that can easily go awry.

Ascending to some heady peaks, Nymph bring the listener along their journey towards spiritual awakening within the deep grooves of "U.F.O Over Dome Rock". Bits & pieces of ethno-forgery squirm throughout the mix. The most prevalent to my ears is the introduction of the Saharan guitar sounds of Tinariwen, Group Doueh, & Group Inerane to name but a few of the groups from the region.

Nymph's "U.F.O. Over Dome Rock" is available now directly from the group's bandcamp.

Poetry Out Loud Series | Album Feature

It would appear to me that resurrection has been something of a constant within the historical narrative of both the arts and the spiritual. A mixture of undiscovered gems & reinterpreted messages, or possibly the original intent and acceptance of such concepts only arise at later dates. One thing is for sure though and that is De Stijl's reintroduction of the Poety Out Loud series plays into each of these possibilities while while bringing to back to light some of the experimental art worlds most under recognized recordings.
"Ocean" possibly best represents the set and the intensely hypnotic performance. The strongly rhythmic vocal workout builds itself in a whirling drone of crashing voices. Each bringing with it their own sonic momentum which sways in the give and take that never really fully relieves the tension. Even at it's most forceful there are always moments of intimacy and perhaps personal fears. "You're too old byyyy the ocean."
Strange that even with something like a high profile feature in Rolling Stone Peter & Patricia B McGarry (Harleman), the two principle factors of the "magazine", have not been acknowledged with reissue status sooner. "Turn Me" in particular resonates with the particular moment far too well. Suddenly appearing as a precursor to a group such as Excepter whose futuristic poetry dance-rants reached marathon proportions. The thematic element of psycho-domesticity is another shared element between the two groups as evidence in lyrical & visual content.
Then again perhaps "no written words are going to prepare you for the experience of hearing" these recordings, as the series press release will have us believe. Maybe they are right for doing so, after all resurrection in both artistic and spiritual cases happen for a reason.
Poetry Out Loud is available digitally now via De Stijl Records.

Qat, Coffee & Qambus: Raw 45's from Yemen - "Mushtaq" | Featured Track

It was quite a treat to receive news of Dust to Digital's latest album Qat, Coffee & Qambus: Raw 45's from Yemen. Inspired by There is seemingly no better narrative ploy put to use than the drug addled bohemian in canonizing a any artistic group or style. It's use spans many mediums (visual arts, musical, literary...) & defies cultural barriers. I suppose people need to interact with the dirt and grime to really feel human, or at least fantasy they are there. Or maybe it's a good tool to make visible a certain bridge and common space as another.

Regardless of any promotional tactics or aides used the music speaks for itself. "Mushtaq" performed by Bolbol Al-Hejaz and Soni Ahmad is an uptempo and altogether gorgeous track. To me they bring to mind the work of Hamza El Din someone who thanks to his success on the world scale, no doubt partially thanks to being lauded by the like of The Greatful Dead or Bob Dylan back in the day, has brought him in the a larger audience, including being one of my first forays into arabic music at large.

(Photo by Chris Menist)

There are strong similarities and resembles present in "Mushtaq", after all Yemen has had close contact with the East North African region El Din was a native of. Each are composed of lyrical narratives that unfold accompanied by oud & at times percussion. Whereas someone such El Din was able to have access to modern recording studios these tracks are laid bare bound to their surroundings & contextual situation. Bringing us back to the original narrative associating the music with the Qat & Coffee scene that the presented musicians have become one with.

Qat, Coffee & Qambus: Raw 45's from Yemen has been lovingly curated by Chris Menist & is available on LP via Dust to Digital Records.

The Feeling Of Love - "Numboy" | West Coast US Tour

France's The Feeling of Love definitely know their way around the contemporary (garage) rock underground. Tracks such as "Numboy", taken from their latest release Dissolve Me, contain all the hallmarks classic hallmarks; fuzz guitar, simple but entrancing rhythms, topped with some hazy vocals that seem to be leading the way.

The group have won the hearts of many least of which is garage wunderkind Ty Segall who they will be releasing an upcoming split 7" with on Permanent records. After all, time & an endless stream of compilations have shown us garage-rock extends beyond all national borders.

The Feeling of Love's Dissolve Me is available now via Kill Shaman records. The band may also be seen along the west coast of the US this February & March, where you can also grab Ty Segall & the group's split 7".

Feb 24th - Vancouver, BC @ Waldorf Hotel

Feb 25th - Seattle, WA @ Cairo

Feb 26th - Olympia, WA @ The Guesthouse

Feb. 27th - Portland, OR @ Ella St. Social Club

Feb 29th - Sacramento, CA @ Bows & Arrows

March 1st - San Francisco, CA @ Wharehouse

March 2d - San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music All *

March 3d - L.A., CA @ Troubadour *

March 4th - San Diego, CA @ Casbah ^

March 5th - L.A., CA @ Pehrspace

March 6th - L.A., CA @ Burger records instore

March 7th - Isla Vista, CA @ Biko Garage

March 09th - Davis, CA @ Davis Bike Collective

March 10th - Oakland, CA @ 1234GO!

March 11th - San Francisco, CA @ Knockout

* w/ Ty Segall, White Fence, Mikal Cronin

^w/ Ty Segall, Mikal Cronin

Hume - Phasing

At times I find the task of writing some of these features. There are moments when I feel it's impossible not to make direct references points to other artists who have come to define certain sounds or even general vibes, sometimes this bums me out because it seems unjust to whatever the music & musician(s) I'm actually talking about...

Anyway in this post Animal Collective / internet based landscape Hume & the track "Phasing", from an upcoming 12", sure have a finely honed sound. A nice blend of subtle electronic flourishes, percussive interplay between seemingly all parties, & some blissed out vocal deliveries. In my mind & ears this seems to move into a more singular sound than many artists working with similar tools. Something just mellow enough to be head bobbing rather than body shaking & too thoughtfully placed to be a stoned misadventure.

Hume's track "Phasing" will be available on an upcoming 12" out this April. For those in the Brooklyn area Hume will be playing March 1st at Big Snow Buffalo Lodge as part of a Images/Last Nights curated two show residency.

Key of Shame - Threnody for Marcus Junius Brutus

Key of Shame- Threnody for Marcus Junius Brutus by Decimus kelippah records

Possibly needing a little introduction, Key of Shame is the project of Mark Morgan (from noise-rock luminaries Sightings) & Pat Murano (i.e. Decimus & of No Neck Blues Band). The duo explorations into the nether regions of noise come to full fruition here unrestrained by the larger group setting each normally inhabit.

It may even be possible that noise isn't the prime word choice for this work. The extremes in volume and grating frequencies are somewhat absent while listening to Threnody for Marcus Junius Brutus. Instead there is more of focused intent to mine the grey matter of sound with a buzzing, hissing, & all together dilapidated sonic trajectory which underneath all the grime sounds like a horror film soundtrack attempting to be plugged into the movie. Those who have followed Murano's Decimus moniker in the recent past will have an idea of what's in store for them here.

Key of Shame's Threnody for Marcus Junius Brutus will be available via Italy's Holiday Records. For those in New York Key of Shame will be playing Feb. 18th at Death By Audio with Magik Markers, Colour Bük, & Michael R. Bernstein (of Religious Knives & Double Leopards) as part of a Last Nights curated event.

Terry Riley - Aleph

Terry Riley, one of the leading figures in Minimalist and contemporary avant-garde composition at large, returns with a work which grapples with the past while not rehashing former accomplishments. The press release for Aleph makes no small point is stating that this work is a "modern classic" in the composers career, and one that manages to touch upon themes used throughout Riley's oeuvre.
Aleph sits in a place where the words "modern" and "classic" can sit cosily side by side. It commissioned for John Zorn's Aleph-Bet Sound Project at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in 2008, yet the original premise and concept for the work stretch back to Riley's heyday and take ideas from his improvisatory keyboard workouts from the 1970's and heard in works such as Shri Camel or Persian Surgery Dervishes. The results are a playful, yet meditative, swirl of classic minimalism that recalls and builds upon what Riley has been working at his entire career.
Terry Riley's Aleph is available now via Tzadik.

Bola - "Abayetidu Ma"

Bola "Abayetidu Ma" by awesometapesfromafrica
From the get go here it's almost impossible not to get lost in heading nodding groove, depending on where & what your doing when you hear this maybe that groove has spread to other parts of your body. Bola and the track "Abayetidu Ma" take the listener by storm once the programmed drums & keyboard's low make their entrance.
Hailing from Ghana Bola takes on traditional forms of song-craft & instrumentation and fuses them with modern touches. His use of the Kologo at once being a sign of history and cultural meaning while the inclusion of the drum machine is made particularly striking when heard in contrast, itself being the most notable hallmark of contemporary songwriting. As the press release notes "Traditionally, Kologo performances occur at pito (local beer made from fermented millet or sorghum) bars, weddings, funerals, festivals or spontaneous jams on the street, which is where Bola honed his craft as a solo musician." So pretty much like most indie bands, minus the funerals & street jams (these indie bands probably have garages for all their spontaneous needs).
Unlike most indie bands though this track seems to stretch for something a bit more down to earth as "Bola has taken a dynamic instrument used by traditional healers and herbalists to sing to god in search of advice and taken it to futuristic heights." A spiritual element many incorporating West African compositional motifs into their can not necessarily relate to.
Bola's Volume 7 (originally released by the artist in 2009) is available via Awesome Tapes From Africa April 2nd.

Dustin Wong - "Diagonally Talking Echo"

Dustin Wong - Diagonally Talking Echo from Thrill Jockey Records

Minimalism has really spread into contemporary indie culture rather seamlessly hasn't it? If I were in academia I might discuss societies penchant for assimilation and the marks of fringe-cum-pop culture and use Dustin Wong's newest single as a prime example. Alas I am not so this will not be, anymore than it already is, a rambling yet detached look into social & cultural habits. Regardless Dustin Wong really takes on key elements that personify the more high-culture musical movement/genre.

Yet at the same time Wong is also working towards extending the groundwork he laid with his previous group Ponytail. In fact many moments on "Diagonally Talking Echo" wouldn't be wholly out of place on any Ponytail track, yet he's never attempting to recreate that sound rather aspects of it's experience. In place of a mere facsimile of that band's (former) power, Wong's own voice can be seen in retrospect to be a guiding force now set to go about it's own particular paths.

Dustin Wong's "Diagonally Talking Echo" is taken from his forth coming full-length Dreams Say, View, Create, Shadow Leads is available February 21st via Thrill Jockey.

M. Geddes Gengras - Kiss of Life CS on SicSic Tapes

M. Geddes Gengras - Kiss of Life I (Excerpt) by SicSic Tapes

M. Geddes Gengras has been at for a bit in the underground synth scene (should i say movement? How many synth heads does it take to create a movement?) and is offering up his latest release on SicSic Tapes. Some may know Gengras through one of his myriad cassette releases through top notch labels such as Stunned, Digitalis, & Ekhein to name a few. Did I mention that he also plays in the live Sun Araw band.

Kiss of Life offers up some bubbling, rolling synth sequencing & glimpses into some unforeseen dystopian dream. Playing out as the soundtrack to some great lost sci-fi flick from the late 70's where apes wearing streamlined attire eat soylent green.

M. Geddes Gengras's Kiss of Life cassette is out now via SicSic Tapes.

Ocrilim - Groundrest

Groundrest is Mick Barr's (aka Ocrilim or Octis) latest entry into his ever growing catalogue. Recorded between 2007-2010 the album sees the musician trading in the long form thematic compositional structures for shorter aesthetically isolated miniatures. The arc of conjured emotions and concepts located here are as diverse as Barr has provided on a single release to date. It is perhaps this reason that the album is explained as being "not necessarily Ocrilim, or Octis, or Or:12r3."

His (seemingly) mathematically precise guitar shred is of course present, while other tracks showcase some unlikely synth sheen, sporatic drum machine workouts, & exotic come minimalism along with Barr's own unique style of metal/classical. While not each track throws each of these disparate approaches into the mix each feels comfortably at home next to each other in Barr's hands.

Groundrest is available now via Mick Barr's bandcamp.

Sean McCann & Matthew Sullivan - "Vanity Fair"

Sean McCann & Matthew Sullivan - "Vanity Fair" by Recital

Sean McCann & Matthew Sullivan are two busy men in the post-noise underground right these days. Sullivan's project Earn was recently discussed on this site and while he was on tour from Los Angeles made a stop in Brooklyn to play at a Last Nights show blowing myself and I believe the rest of the audience away with slowly unfolding compositions filled to the brim with white-noise and meditative structures. While Sean McCann has been at it on the west coast for a while now and has been slowly building a reputation as meticulous composer working in a world filled with many unmemorable improv bands trying to make a name for themselves.
It's not surprising to see these two west coast drone heavy weights coming together for a collaboration. Sullivan has released McCann's music via his Ekhein imprint more than once over the years and the two seem to have a natural affinity for similar sonic aesthetics. The track "Vanity Fair" taken from their upcoming album on McCann's Recital label incorporates varied elements found in each's work while also extending beyond the reach of either individuals solo work.
The Sean McCann & Matthew Sullivan LP will be released via McCann's new imprint Recital

Mac DeMarco - Rock and Roll Night Club

Is it just me or does this scream David Bowie? Maybe a better question is do I really care? Regardless Mac DeMarco (aka Makeout Videotape) is on to something here with a contemporary twist on some soulful glam-rock that defies time. From the opening title track the foundation for the entire EP is set in place with Demarco's cheeky baritone vocals taking center stage.

Rock And Roll Night Club is full of the type of swagger that made the afore mentioned star shine. I mean look at that picture for the cover and then you have half of the history of glam rock. That said this sound has a somewhat later take on Bowie. Young Americans in particular stands as a reference point, albeit filtered through... well Mac Demarco seemingly having a lot of fun. At least we're able to go along for the ride.

EAUX

the light by eauxeaux

Sian Alice Group have announced they've called it quits with the members going their separate ways. The news comes after releasing 2 full-lengths albums 59.59 and Troubled, Shaken Etc. , each of which are double disc sets respectively, and some odds and ends. The path for former core members Ben Crook and Sian Ahern is thus far EAUX. The sound of which judging by the two demos provided on their site continue with what their fans know and love about the group. A distinctly British sound designed for moments of introspection, with Sian's dramatic voice leading you through it.

Stay tuned to EAUX's tumblr for more updates and future music.

Earn - A Following Shadow LP, Tour, & Last Nights show

Earn-Stray and Skyscraper Excerpts by EKHEIN

It's a pleasure seeing the metamorphosis some musicians have undergone in recent years from harsh noise into new calmer terrain. Luminaries that readily spring to mind are group's such as Animal Collective or Black Dice, each arriving at their own respective sound. Matthew Sullivan aka Earn has taken the same journey arriving at something totally different than said mentioned artists and what may be the extreme opposite of his previous work as Privy Seals. What results is one of the highlights of modern day ambient music.

Ambient may be a poor word/genre choice though because as the press release for his new record A Following Shadow makes clear there is a definite emotional bent underscoring the compositions, and yes the work feels like a composition not an obvious electronic improv. Possibly looking towards works William Basinki's Disintegration Loops or Eno's classic ambient albums. Which isn't a comparison to be ashamed of.

Earn is undertaking a national tour for the release, via PPM records. The tour is not only for the release of A Following Shadow. It is also for the release of two other albums the first by tour-mate Mirror To Mirror's Here You Leave Today, via Jugular Forest, & a collaborative album between the two. The collaborative effort enlists some possible postmodernist black-humor in the group title as 1958-2009, an homage of sorts to the late Michael Jackson.

The outing includes a Last Nights organized show at Shea Stadium this Sunday November 20th along with Pete Swanson (ex-Yellow Swans) + Brian Sullivan (Mouthus, United Waters) & Civilian Device. As I've mentioned before I'm looking forward to witnessing Swanson & Sullivan's meeting as it isn't to be missed along with the special talents of each musician.

Earn's A Following Shadow is available Nov. 15th., while Mirror To Mirror's Here You Leave Today is available now.

Chrome Wings - New Lands LP

While perusing the web the other evening I stumbled upon these dudes who go by Chrome Wings. It turns out it's a duo who hail from Portland, OR and have been kicking about the ambient/pop scene for a little bit now. As luck would have it as well they had just posted a video for "Motionless" from their newest full-length New Lands.

Chrome Wings - 'New Lands' LP - 2011 (AMD008) by AMDISCS

The track & accompanying video is indicative of what you'll find on the album, albeit in a bite sized portion. A slow burner for sure whose reference points being first generation ambient composer John Hassell. For all the great warm and fuzzy vibes Chrome Wings show here they're equally able to offer something slightly more upbeat take, positioned to the realm of pop music's general framework. Tracks such as New Lands or Stay High in particular prove that the group has some wider ideas to offer and groove to other than mere hazy ambience.

New Lands has been released by AMDISCS and is available now as a digital download and LP.

FRKWYS: Blues Control & Laraaji - Collaboration & LP

It seems like the FRKWYS collaboration series has been steadily releasing a slew of quality releases. Since RVNG Intl. launched the series, 2 years ago this past September, it has steadily produced a stream of high profile remix & collaborative projects with the 12" single format in mind, something that the label is all too familiar with due to it's dance oriented approach (it's in the name). It's first release was featured three Excepter tracks remixed by the like of Chris & Cosey & J.G. Thirwell. FRKWYS has continued its winning streak thus with it's worst offerings being forgettable at worst, something that is actually quite a compliment considering the inconsistent nature which can result in such one-off collaborative projects.

Blues Control & Laraaji - Awakening Day by RVNG Intl.

As a result it's no surprise to see another seemingly legendary meeting than between Blues Control & Laraaji. The former being covered here in the past for the duo's other band Watersports here. When I saw Laraaji's name next on the release page I was pretty stoked. Some may recognize his name, heck some readers may be hardcore fans, as his place in the new age / ambient scenes have been fermented ever since his collaborative and solo projects that Brian Eno helped shed light upon in the early eighties. When combined with Blues Controls new-age, or should i say noise-age, to "rock band" mentality the prospective results have a somewhat high mark to strive towards.

From listening the first utterances of LP opener Awaken Day the album is off towards meeting the previously mentioned expectations. Beginning with a steady, deep, drum pulse ebbs towards an altered conscious state, with bits and pieces of saturated tape sounds stream in and out of the mix. All the while the subtle sound of the ocean's movements provide a bed for all of the sounds called upon to be cover by and left all to itself once all else has departed.

So yea... it's pretty much what should have come of the project. It's an updated take on a now long running tradition of altered forms of listening and thinking about musical meditations. My only complaint could not be more minor, as I'm not sure at this point how Russ Waterhouse & Lea Cho distinguish and label their performances as either Blues Control or Watersports. Considering all the new-age vibes surrounding WS this seems like the perfect opportunity for a collaboration under that moniker. Something very minor indeed because if it sounds good why wonder.

The Blues Control & Laraaji album is being released by RVNG Intl. this Nov. 15th on LP, Double Cassette, CD, or Digitally (or pretty much every single format you can possibly desire).

Hookworms - Hookworms

Found while perusing Sun Araw's recently launched Sun Ark label, Hookworms seem to be at once a part of the spectrum of the former artists work while expanding beyond the usual aesthetic boarders associated with him. The group's self titled cassette on Sun Ark features some all out space rock and at times some 70's style kraut-punk tracks, such as the stand out "Teen Dreams".

On Teen Dreams the group's geographical location seems to play a larger role in Hookworms music. The singer of this band comes close at times to sounding like classic English punk & post-punk bands like Wire, Gang of Four, & The Mekons, while riding a kraut inspired groove that keeps chugging. Who's to argue with results like that?

I would encourage folks to grab a tape of Hookworms but it looks like they're sold out at the source. Luckily it will see a repress onto vinyl courtesy of Faux Discx/Gringo Records in the near future, along with an all new 7" split with Kogumaza.

Pigeons - "Tournoi" video & "Dead Echo"

Pigeons have been at it for a some now. They have quietly released a handful of albums & singles over the years on labels such as Black Dirt, Olde English Spelling Bee, & Soft Abuse to name a few. With each release the duo (now quartet), featuring members of No Neck Blues Band, has evolved their song craft to new heights, adding bits of pop shimmer, foreign tongues, & dashes of psychedelic weirdness.

The band is getting set to release their newest full-length They Sweartheartstammers. In anticipation of the LP the track "Tournoi" has received some video treatment courtesy of Amy Ruhl. The track features some classy fuzz guitar lines that lead straight into one of Pigeons most sulty vocal deliveries yet. You can get a further peak into the album with the track "Dead Echo", which features a slightly more experimental bent with tumbling/jerking rhythm and tons of fuzz dark ambiance pervading the mix. They Sweatheartstammers is available Oct. 18th on Soft Abuse.

Pigeons "Dead Echo" by Soft Abuse