SPOTLIGHT 436

03/02/2014 14:58

 

Welcome to the Spot Light! This week's mailing is chock-full of psychedelic, prog, ambient, space rock, stoner, doom, garage, rock'n'roll, powerpop, punk rock, 80's hardcore, black metal, neofolk, electronica, drones, exotica and what have you... 

PSYCHEDELIC/PROGRESSIVE

 

FLYING EYES/GOLDEN ANIMALS - SPLIT 7" (7"/H42 RECORDS)

This 7" includes two fine songs. The first one is The Flying Eyes' 'Raise Hell', a B-side track from the 'Lowlands' LP sessions. The othr side features The Golden Animals' 'Never Was Her Name', taken from their 2014 album 'Hear Eye Go'. 

Listen to it HERE.

MOTHER OF GOD - BLACK OCEAN (BLACK) (7"/H42 RECORDS)

Following their debut 'Antrohpos' on Small Stone in 2012, Mother Of God releases this 2-track single ('Black Ocean' and 'Dark Sun Above') on H42 Records! The Tracks were produced by Erik Berglund and Mother Of God. Recorded and engineered by Erik Berglund at Bergstenska. Mixed and mastered by Erik Berglund. Artwork and design by Alexander von Wieding. 

Listen to 'Black Ocean' HERE.

ADIEU GARY COOPER - BLEU BIZARRE (+CD) (LP/MOI J'CONNAIS)

Inspired by Romain Gary's 1964 novel 'The Ski Bum', this Genevan quartet plays country-blues with a psych-touch. All lyrics are French and uncompromising. Folk guitars vs distorted guitars, hovering lap steel, backing vocals celebrating country music heros or messy Black Lips riffs. It is a dreamy record, unique, fresh and new, between lullabies and dance floor killers. They invoke the ghosts of the french past as Serge Gainsbourg or Alain Bashung but also some immortal giant as The Velvet Undergroud (as usual) or Harry Belafonte ! It's groovy. It's mellow! It is for the first time on LP, with a beautiful print screen cover, deep in the blue. The perfect record for the beginning of the year, promising rising waters!

Listen to 'Bleu Bizarre' HERE.

BABY WOODROSE - KICKING ASS & TAKING NAMES (LP/BAD AFRO)

The tracks contained on this compilation represent the outskirts of the Baby Woodrose universe, from weird cover versions like '6654321' by The Troggs to 2 minute punk outbursts like 'A Good Day To Die', but what they all have in common is the uncommitted energy and instant excitement of an adrenaline kick. Some of them were created on the spot in the studio (Live Wire comes to mind) and others were meant as album tracks, but ended up as outtakes for one reason or another. They have been recorded over a number of years, in different studios and by different band lineups, mixed at different stages by different people and released by different labels from all over the world, so the sound might vary slightly, but they also represent a unique archival history of the band, compiled here for the first time. An excellent collection of rare B-sides 2001-2013.

Listen to 'Kicking Ass & Taking Names' HERE.

APOCALYPSE - APOCALYPSE (2ND ALBUM) (LP/LONGHAIR)

Reissue of the second album (1969) by this "hitwonder" from Germany. The band developed and refined their music toward psychedelic rock without denying the psych pop roots. The tracks became longer, the instrumentation many sided (great sitar in "Let die"). Intelligent compositions with great vocals make this underrated album a true gem. Digitally remastered, coming with 1 bonus track ,,reflections of a summer" and comes with insert including band story and rare photos. A classic!

Listen to 'Life is Your Profession' HERE.

HAWKLORDS - DREAM (LP/HAWKLORDS)

Very limited vinyl version of the latest Hawklords album. Coloured vinyl, with 12 x 24 inch poster specially created by the spiritual artist Karmen.

Watch the promo video HERE.

ORGANIC IS ORGASMIC - (BLACK) AS WE SPEAK OF SPACE AND WISDOM (LP/VINCEBUS ERUPTUM)

Standard edition on black vinyl (150 copies printed). Organic Is Orgasmic is a new psychedelic and instrumental ambient/space rock project that features members from Russian bands The Grand Astoria, The Re-Stoned and Vespero and also on board is Pete Bingham, the guitarist/singer of the UK space rock act Sendelica. This album recorded in July in Saint Petersburg is the project's first, but they're already working on the second one... The album starts off peacefully with the closer to 13-minute "At Dawn of Men" and at first the keyboards are in the main focus along with relaxed guitar sounds and very pleasant saxophone. The drums join in only around the four-minute-marker and soon we also get some bass and the going gets a little heavier and more rocking. The shorter "Lifeless Void" is a spacey, melancholic ambient piece with great melodies, and the next number "Nostromo" has a bit of rhythm too and some awesome guitar by Pete. Probably the album's best track is the mystical and hypnotic "The Ghost of Kubla Khan" where Pete gets going even more. This one also has some Ozric Tentacles vibe I think. Superb stuff! Another great number is the following, somehow Oriental sounding "Fuji Dance". The album's shorter and more small-scale title track includes mostly guitar and a bit experimental soundscapes and the final, laid-back piece "Chinese Horoscope" also some rhythm and great keyboard stuff. In summary, this is a very pleasant, fruitful and rewarding musical package that's worth checking out.

Listen to 'As We Speak Of Space And Wisdom' HERE.

SPACE SPECTRUM - THE RED EYED QUEEN (BLACK) (LP/COSMIC EYE)

There are two major trends in space rock since 1989. First is that much of it has turned simpler and heavier, oriented towards pulsating stoner music. Second is that part of it has gotten trippier by expanding considerably the psychedelic/jam side of the genre since the 70s, though at root very little of it diverges that fundamentally from what Hawkwind/Gong/Ash Ra Tempel etc. were doing in the era. SPACE SPECTRUM sit definitely in the second category. They are a relatively new band from Germany that had at their earlier stage a substantial output on Bandcamp as a one-man project behind guitarist Nico Seel. At their current stage, 'The Red Eyed Queen' is their first album as a real 4-piece band and we are proud to be the label that releases this milestone to their career. The record features SPACE SPECTRUM on a mammoth trip rock opus that spans both sides of the vinyl. By listening to the band channelling their awesome mind melting spaced out tones into a cohesive ensemble, one can't deny the influence of the early 70s acid rock vibe. There are the obvious nods to the kraut gods, zoned in on the more jam aspects of cosmic kraut bliss and taking the music way out there into Ash Ra Temple-sque jamming blow out territory. Over a magic carpet of spacious keyboards and below the bass rumble of the spaceship, the guitar wanders in real outer cosmos, transporting us through the heavenly constellation. The result is a full-out attack on the trippier aspect of space rock, a bit brutal in his modern approach (under a creeping Cosmic Dead influence) but also very far-out, when moving to outer dimensions. SPACE SPECTRUM took creatively the floating aspects of the 70s space rock formula and adopted it to rock styles that occurred in the 90s and onward. 'The Red Eyed Queen' is a true cosmic winner and is not to be missed! 

Listen to 'The Red Eyed Queen' HERE.

THRICE MICE - THRICE MICE! (LP/LONGHAIR)

This solely album of Hamburg's six piece is a crossover of progressive- and jazz rock, notably with influences as wide-ranging as Blodwyn Pig and Curved Air. Long jammings by highly talented musicians, all blending into an unique sound with the distinct spirit of krautrock. Comes with insert including band story and rare photos.

Listen to 'Joe Joe' HERE

INTRUDERS - EAST COAST ROCKERS (7"/SLEAZY)

Tracks: Side A: The Intruders Side B: Chain Gang Walk 

Listen to 'That'll Get It" HERE.

MEAN DEVILS - ROADHOUSE RUMBLE (2X7") (7"/SLEAZY)

Record 1 Side A: Roadhouse Rumble / Side B: Too Late / Record 2 Side A: Warm Lovin' Kisses / Side B: Rocket To My Heart 

Listen to 'Roadhouse Rumble' HERE.

VINCE & THE SUN BOPPERS - SUNSTROKE (7"/SLEAZY)

Hi folks! Here's the first rockin' wax to spin by Vince & the Sun Boppers. These 4 tracks were recorded live by these cats comin' straight from Sicily, the island of the sun in the southern European border, and sure will make you bop! Tracks: Side A: Sunstroke Come On Little Baby Side B: Moonlight Mama Run Baby Run 

KEEFMEN - REFLECTION OF MIND (LP/GREY PAST)

Grey Past Records (name will change to Grey Records in couple of months!!!) is proud to announce the release of the second Keefmen LP enititled 'Reflection Of Mind'. A real step forward compared to their first album as now the soul and snarly emotion of the Drenthse countryside collide in a fantastic way with classic garage and steamin' Nederbeat influences and intelligent melodies and above that a sound that will explode from your speakers! The band outdid themselves in producing a pile of originals that will rank high with classic performances of alltime underground garage bands yet this record also has a contemporary vibe that goes way beyond anything you could consider as a genre. The Keefmen have created a sound of their own and it's a blast from the past and the future alltogether! Only 300 copies made!

SEWERGROOVES - ESSENTIAL VOLUME MASTERS (LP/PITSHARK)

Featuring Chris "Klondike" Masuak. Comes with free MP3 download. Seven brand new songs from the Swedish masters. Limited numbered edition. 250 only on black vinyl.

Listen to 'Essential Volume Masters' HERE.

RISING (UK) - RISING (CD/PAISLEY)

The Rising formed in late 2009 and have built up an impressive fan base consistently selling out gigs in their hometown of Southampton. A huge 60's influence hangs over the band with their Hammond driven groovy brand of rock n roll, but there are also of elements of punk and Britpop in their sound as well as the obvious Beatles and Post Beatles Lennon influence. Girl band trio The Fliks provide backing vocals to some songs which gives them a Northern Soul / Motown vibe and lifts them to complete this vast array of influences and complete what is an outstanding debut album. 

Listen to 'It's Gonna Be Alright' HERE.

LOS INFIERNO - TU TONTO NO SOY/ESTAN (7"/PITSHARK)

These Mexican guys sure knows how to set fire to a stage. And to vinyl as well. Come swith a folded poster sleeve. Released by Steve Blickenstaff, who did the famous 'Bad Music For Bad People' artwork. (CRAMPS)

Watch Los Infierno play 'Tu Tonto No Soy' live HERE.

MODERN PETS - DEFORMED KIDS/RAZORBLADE (7"/P.TRASH)

MODERN PETS are back with a double A-side 7-inch single sounding as good as in the past!

Listen to 'Deformed Kids' HERE.

OUTSIDE - IN THE CLASS/LINE OF FIRE (7"/PITSHARK)

Vinyl 7-inch, released in a limited and numbered edition of 300 copies only. Masters of pop rock! Comes with a folded cover.

Listen to 'Line of Fire' HERE.

PRIMITIVE HEARTS - 4 SONG DEBUT (7"/P.TRASH)

The band spews out scuffed-up powerpop that has as much pent-up energy as GENTLEMAN JESSE. It comes less rootsy and more awkward, but if you can sit still through the self-titled 'Primitive Heart', we doubt youd pass an empathy test. One of the of the scrappiest love songs of the year, its vulnerable without being sappy. The hook is ample, but the verse is what gets stuck in your head, swirling around uplifting major chords that shake you into submission. It feels like a sucker-punch before 'Believe Me', which bellows with enough background "oooh-ooooos...." to make Shannon Shaw blush. 'Killing Time' hits a mid-tempo stride with a dirty lick and sing-along vocals before venturing into the minute long FLAMIN' GROOVIIES stomp of Breakdown.

Listen to the 7" HERE.

VARIOUS - THE PIT'S: 25 YEARS OF MULTITASKING (7"/SQUOODGE)

Limited to 100 copies in clear white wax, 2 colored 300gr/m cardboard sleeve with 3mm spine, insert, 44 pages fanzine. 25 year celebration release for one of the most legendary punk bars in Europe "The Pit's". Tracklist: A1: The Jimi Ben Band: "Happy Birthday To The Pit's" A2: The Anomalys: "Drinkin' At The Pit's" B1: Digger & The Pussycats: "Truth About You" B2: Bloodshot Bill: "The Pit's" And it ain't over yet, cuz you don't only get a great record, the package also includes the latest issue of HIGH HEELS SLUT zine. This issue 13 features interviews with all bands on the 7", teenage kicks galore at The Pit's and the usual crap you can expect from this zine.

Listen to 'The Pit's" HERE.

HORRORTONES - HORRORTONES (10") (10"/PITSHARK)

Eight rock-soul songs, eight covers of the best music you can hear. From Australia, this gem will make you dance and dance again. In the Dirtbombs 'Ultraglide In Black' vein. A classic already! Only 300 numbered copies pressed. 

Listen to The Horrortones HERE.

DAGGER EYES - II (LP/P.TRASH)

Survivors of the zombie bash-fest!! Alrighty! Nearly one year older and you still wanna pogo the flesh off your bones!? Then better do not turn down the volume, cause Canada's shrewd observers of the apocalypse are right back with a new slashing full-length banger. Once again a sturdy little bastard of punk that stuck in your head with the first stab. The second outfit of THE DAGGER EYES is looking through grim-reapers masks and wants you to join the bone-jarring party from the crypt immediately.

Listen to The Dagger Eyes HERE.

PUNK/HARDCORE

 

BENZIN - UNSERE JUGEND IST VORBEI (7"/H42)

Limited edition on BLUE vinyl. German-speaking guitar power punk-rock out of Ulm, Germany established since 1996. Somewhere between punk, rock and alternative, somewhere between poetic and cheeky, somewhere between mid-twenties and real adulthood - that's how you can describe BENZIN! Side A: Unsere Jugend Ist Vorbei (2:31) Side B: 'Hermann' - Klavier version (3:22)

Wat the video for 'Unsere Jugend ist Vorbei' HERE.

BORED YOUTH - ARE YOU ALIVE 1982 (LP/ALONA'S DREAM)

Limited edition 500. Captured at the band's zenith, Are You Alive? finds Bored Youth unleashing their unique blend of UK-inspired Midwest hardcore punk across ten tracks originally engineered by then-Necros bassist and Touch and Go Records honcho Corey Rusk in 1982. The B-side sees an early incarnation of the band as a three-piece in 1981. Live at the legendary Detroit venue Nunzios, the trio is no less powerful as they blaze through a set of future hardcore classics and throw in a few fundamental punk covers along the way.

Listen to 'Police Car' HERE.

METAL/STONER/HARDROCK

 

HERETOIR - SUBSTANZ (LP/NORTHERN SILENCE)

On blue vinyl, limited to 389 copies, presented in a gatefold sleeve including an A3 poster and vinyl bonus track. Thematically, 'Substanz' deals with isolation, dream and reality, and fears. "What is man without soul?" is only one of the many existential questions that are raised in Eklatanz' lyrics. The goal of the release is to arouse the listeners awareness, encouraging him or her to reflect on ones own existence. Thus, in its new, improved form and not least because of the atmospheric artwork drawn by Herbst of Lantlôs, 'Substanz' represents an intense and widespread engagement with the abysses of the human soul, lyrically, auditory as well as visually.

Watch the video teaser HERE.

WHEEL - ICARUS (ORANGE) (LP/EYES LIKE SNOW)

Pressed on orange vinyl in an edition of 350 copies, presented in a gatefold sleeve, and including an A2 poster. In 2010 Wheel released their self-titled debut album to high acclaim from both fans and press. Their melancholic, traditional style was appreciated by followers of both contemporary Doom Metal acts as well as the old school faction favouring classic '80s material. On their much anticipated sophomore album 'Icarus' the band fine-tuned their songwriting and empasized their unique qualities without neglecting to pay tribute to those great bands that came before them. Thus, fans of Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Saint Vitus, Solitude Aeturnus, Count Raven, Reverend Bizarre, Pentagram, Lamented Souls or Tristitia are encouraged to check out 'Icarus'.

Listen to 'Icarus' HERE.

WOODS OF DESOLATION - AS THE STARS (BLACK) (LP/NORTHERN SILENCE)

Limited 333 copies black vinyl. LP's come with gatefolds, a2 poster and logo sticker. "As The Stars" is the new album from Woods Of Desolation, by now probably Australia's premier Depressive Black Metal band. On this 3rd album, mastermind D. on guitars, with the help of session members (Vlad from Drudkh on drums, Luke Mills from Nazxul and Pestilential Shadows on bass, and Old from Drohtnung on vocals), continues the musical direction which was begun on "Toward The Depths" and refined on the very successful "Torn Beyond Reason". Fans of the band will be pleased to hear that the main ingredients as well as the songwriting are similar to those on W.O.D.'s excellent sophomore album - haunting, melodic and intense Depressive Black Metal, delving further into melancholy and the essence of personal expression through music, which may occasionally remind the listener of another of Australia's finest, AUSTERE, as well as ALCEST, and perhaps "Brave Murder Day"-era KATATONIA.

Listen to 'Unfold' HERE.

ALOR - HAERFEST (CD/NORTHERN SILENCE)

Alor is the progressive Neofolk/Dark Metal solo-project of Mikael Black (Lyset). It was founded in early 2013 and the first album 'Haerfest' was recorded during the summer of that year. The concept of Alor is based on pantheist and pagan believes. The lyrics are mainly about the divinity of nature and its beauty, as well as pagan legends and the belief that mankind is doomed. The musical style mixes several genres, including neo-folk, dark metal and post rock, to create atmospheric, dark, beautiful and soothing songs... music to relax and dream. The main influences are Agalloch, Ulver, Opeth, Nest, Havnatt, Katatonia, and Porcupine Tree. Other acts that come to mind when listening to Alor are Empyrium or Of The Wand And The Moon. The CD comes in digisleeve (edition of 900) with illustrations from Theodor Kittelsen, as well as lyrics.

Listen to 'Haerfest' HERE.

CISFINITUM - THE BOG (CD/INFINITE FOG)

"This album dedicated to the archetype of the toad in the world's mythology and based on re-processed sounds of frogs, toads and swamps. I made this field recordings during my travels in China, India and Kavkaz, also I received a part of them from friendly sound artists as Mars F. Weillink (ex-Vance Orchestra), Andrea Marutti (Amon) and Roman Voronovski (Rombix). Track 3 contains a looped voice by Dasha Baskakova and sounds recorded at Volkonski Dolmen using sine generator and dolmen original acoustic. Track 4 is based on pitched loops of my violin and sounds from Mars. No any preset sounds/ synths used on this record."

DISPLACER & NIMON - HOUSE OF THE DYING SUN (CD/HYMEN)

Michael Morton a.k.a. Displacer has made a name for himself over the last ten years as a quality electronic composer and visual artist. His last album 'Foundation' on Hymen Records featured a number of guest artists, of which Keef Baker was one. Both musicians expanded upon the success of this to create a full collaboration between both Displacer and Keef's project Nimon which is based on the use of digitally manipulated electric guitars and has received enthusiastic reactions for his debut release 'Drowning In Good Intentions'. The fusion of both projects and the respective DNA of these two highly skilled performers is what you are about to listen to on 'House Of The Dying Sun'. On this album a range of ingredients melt together to form a fascinating sonic pallette: solid, interlaced patches of percussion and elaborate basslines build the foundation for epic layers of deep ambience, swimming with deep walls of elegiac electrified strings warped from guitars and perfected with the addition of live double bass, electric organ and even disturbing bits of noise. The sound spectrum ranges from ruminant kraut rock influences to spherical downtempo patterns and contemporary intelligent dance music forming an aural landscape of different emotions. With this release displacer and nimon are crossing boundaries while observing their very own standard, presenting a warm, relaxing opus with embedded waves of mild turbulence. Highly recommended.

ERED WETHRIN - TIDES OF WAR (DIGI) (CD/NORTHERN SILENCE)

Besides the extremely successful CALADAN BROOD and GALLOWBRAID, ERED WETHRIN is the third band from Salt Lake City, Utah, that signed to Northern Silence, and occasionally it may remind the listener of CALADAN BROOD or SUMMONING. While the lyrics also deal with epic fantasy themes (Horus Heresy, Black Company, Malazan Book of the Fallen, etc.), the style of the music tends more towards the Scandinavian Symphonic Black Metal of the 90s on the one hand, reminiscent of bands like THY SERPENT (Fin), ODIUM (Nor) or WALLACHIA (Nor), as well as more "classic" Black Metal with occasional keyboards on the other, such as EVILFEAST (Pol), ANCIENT (Nor) or DARK FORTRESS (Ger), as well as AETERNUS (Nor) or SATANIC WARMASTER (Fin). Ultimately, Ered Wethrin focuses on riffs and lyrics to evoke feelings that go with triumphant victory and the cost of its attainment, to bitter defeat and despair, to a melancholic solace that can permeate moods in the wake of a grandiose and epic calamity. The band was started as, and remains to this day, a solo-project in 2004, and the songs on "Tides of War" are, for the most part, material that has been written during these earlier years of the project's existence. The CD comes in 4-page digipack with 8-page booklet and golden disc, and is limited to 900 copies.

Listen to 'Into the Stars' HERE.

NASHEIM - SOLENS VERMOD (DIGI) (CD/NORTHERN SILENCE)

The actual debut album of NASHEIM, 'Solens Vemod', has been anticipated by many since shortly after their last official release, the split with ANGANTYR in 2007. During all these years we kept receiving requests from fans when the album would finally be released, but all we could tell them was that dead silence reigns in Nasheim. Then, out of the blue (or black, if you will), mastermind and sole remaining bandmember Erik sends us the finished master and album artwork for 'Solens Vemod', and we're not just delighted but totally blown away! If an album was worth waiting six years for, then it's this one. This is NASHEIM the way it conquered the dark hearts of many fans in the Black Metal underground. All the distinguishing qualities are still there, and if there were any improvements possible in the first place, such as a more powerful production or using a real cello and violin instead of synths, they have been made during the long years of writing and recording this album. There can be no doubt that for many people 'Solens Vemod' will become a close contender for the album of the year 2014, and nothing more needs to be said. Let the music speak for itself! The CD comes in 8-page digipack with exclusive artwork from R. Jonsson, and is limited to 1.900 copies.

Listen to 'Att av ödets trådar väva sorg' HERE.

V3CTORS - PHYSIS (CD/ALONE RECORDS)

Born from the ashes of another local cult band from Malaga (NoDefine), V3ctors is a young project which in a short time period has been acknowledge as one of the most interesting modern metal proposals from Spain. In order to define V3CTORS stylistically, it can be framed under the booming genre called 'Djent' represented by bands like Textures, Messuggah, Insense or Vortice. This sound is characterized by a more technical and progressive metal added with touches of post-hardcore and in the case of V3CTORS, by combining aggressive and clean vocals at the same time. The bands compositions are complex, high-powered, groovy and epic melodies. With a career in the fast lane, this young band is a favorite one among rock metal music critics.

Watch the album preview video HERE.

ROCK/POP/WAVE

 

SOFT MOON - FEEL/HUNGER (7"/SELF RELEASE)

Luis Vasquez's dark post-punk project the Soft Moon released the well rceived 'Zeros' back in 2012. here's the follow up, single, offering 'Feel' b/w 'Hunger'. Only available during the European tour with Depeche Mode in February 2014, at Clear Spot distribution/Shiny beast mailorder and a few selected record shops. The A-side features vocals that are much less obscured than usual, with a trickly, spine-tingling bass line. A great mix of post-punk, shoegaze and krautrock!

Check out the official video for 'Feel' HERE.

MARTOC - MUSIC FOR ALIEN EARS (LP/EM)

Martoc, aka Martin O'Cuthbert, has been making alien and alienated synth-pop in the UK since the post-punk period. This compilation gathers six songs released on seven-inch EPs during the years 1978-80, plus four songs released during the first decade of this century. The tracks show a distinctive stylistic unity, inspired by fellow spirits like Fad Gadget, The Normal, John Foxx and Kraftwerk; across the decades Martoc has maintained both his close relationship with his synthesizers and an arms-length relationship with society, resulting in an appealingly quirky and individualistic iciness, informed also by his love of science fiction writers such as J.G. Ballard and Iain Banks. One of the songs included here, 'B.E.M.S.', was chosen as Record Of The Year by John Lydon in New Musical Express in 1978; John Peel was also a supporter. Despite these and other accolades, Martoc and his simultaneously catchy yet disturbing music has hovered resolutely under the radar, an alien craft avoiding detection by an unaware and perhaps unprepared world. Gathered together here, this collection of tracks offers an excellent opportunity investigate an alien explorer.

Listen to 'Navigator Through Nowhere' HERE.

ALIZBAR - HARP'S FAIRY TALES (CD/PRIKOSNOVENIE)

Tolkien's elves would have appreciated the company of the Harpist Mage ALIZBAR. This album is a step closer to the Sublime, like the new episode after 'Metamorphoses Of Ann'. His way of playing harp provides us with powerful and holy emotions. He opens the door of a sensitive and magical fairy world.

Listen to Alizbar HERE.

VARIOUS - J'ECOUTE (BOX) (CD/PRIKOSNOVENIE)

Including 30 oracle cards (10x14cm), a 32-pages booklet (in French) and a 15-track CD. The 'I Listen' box combines the power of images, sounds and words. each card is associated with a text or song on the CD and invites us to listen to our inner selves and the beauty of this world. Tracks: 01 - MEROPE Ruta 02 - TAMAKI, LES LIONS DE GAIA Joshua Nalida 03 - IRFAN Star of the wind 04 - LOUP BARROW Adagio for a Howling Riderz 05 - JULIEN FIHEY A Vol d'oiseau 06 - ARFANG La Ronde des etoiles 07 - STEPHANE CAVE et YVES SOURON Na Gwa Eshoua 08 - Compagnie ATIRDEL Souffle 09 - DAEMONIA NYMPHE Politeia of the unnamed 10 - ALIZBAR Flight of the elves 11 - IVO SEDLACEK Bhairav II 12 - CATHERINE DARBORD Le Chant des etoiles 13 - HOM TERRE La Chrystallide verte 14 - FRANCESCO AGNELLO Hang 3 15 - WAN Princesse Manta.

EXPERIMENTAL/SOUND ART

 

CAGE, JOHN - EARLY ELECTRONIC AND TAPE MUSIC (LP/SUB ROSA)

"Although John Cage occasionally worked in large, sophisticated studios - for example, when he composed Fontana Mix in 1958 - his approach to electronic and tape music was often uncomplicated, makeshift, and pragmatic, employing simple tabletop devices: tape machines, phonograph cartridges, contact microphones, record players, portable radios, etc. He developed a soundworld that was utterly new, radical and demanding. It heralded the age of the loudspeaker, mass communication and Marshall McLuhan's 'global village.' The hiss, crackle and hum of electronic circuits, and the disembodied sounds, snatched by radio from the ether, spoke of the 20th century. Langham Research Centre works within the tradition firmly established by Cage, using resources that would have been available to him. For the realisation of Cartridge Music, moving iron phonograph pickups were sourced and restored. These have a knurled screw designed to hold a steel phonograph needle and, in the piece, other objects are inserted and amplified: pieces of wire, toothpicks, paperclips, etc. The realisation of Fontana Mix includes the individual mono tracks from Cage's original tapes created in 1958. These are played using open-reel tape machines. These practices ensure we work within the limitations that Cage experienced and enable us to get close to the soundworld he inhabited." ~Robert Worby, LRC. Tracks: 01 Fontana Mix with Aria 1958 / 13'36 02 Imaginary Landscape n.5 1952 / 3'00 03 WBAI 1960 / 7'00 04 Cartridge Music 1960 / 10'00 05 0'00'' 1962 / 2'36 06 Variations I 1960 / 10'00.

 

REFORMED FACTION - SAVE OUR GHOHSTS, VOL. 1 (LP/RETORTAE)

Regular edition on clear silver vinyl limited to 150 copies. Retortae is proud to present its debut release - Reformed Faction's 'Save Our Ghohsts' dilogy, the masterpiece from the people who could be considered as one of the most influential in industrial music, the founders of the legendary Zoviet*France, Robin Storey (Rapoon) and Mark Spybey (Dead Voices On Air). The sophisticated delicate ritual ambient which is transferring the transcendent nature of some special places, brings a thin air subtle atmosphere of dawn and dusk foggy moments. A great sound excursion to the mystical area which should be kept secret to save its ghohsts from noisy people attention.

Listen to 'Save Our Ghohsts, Vol. 1' HERE.

REFORMED FACTION - SAVE OUR GHOHSTS, VOL. 2 (CD/RETORTAE)

Limited to 450 copies. Comes in a nice 6-panel digisleeve. The sophisticated delicate ritual ambient which is transferring the transcendent nature of some special places, brings a thin air subtle atmosphere of dawn and dusk foggy moments. A great sound excursion to the mystical area which should be kept secret to save its ghohsts from noisy people attention.

Listen to 'Save Our Ghohsts, Vol. 2' HERE

INDUSTRIAL/DARK AMBIENT

 

VARIOUS - DRONE-MIND//MIND-DRONE, VOL. 3 (LP/DRONE)

The LP series from Drone Records, dedicated to the drones of the world, and the drones of our minds. A kind of continuation of the Drone 7" series on a more user-friendly format. Each LP features four artists from the international drone-scene and is limited to 500 copies, 4 different colours. Vol. 3 features JIM HAYNES (USA), MANINKARI (France), KSHATRIY (Russia) and EXIT IN GREY (Russia). Stunning artwork paintings by British artist PETE GREENING, design by TILMANN BENNINGHAUS. JIM HAYNES: psychogeographical drones of rust and decay. This highly interesting sound-artist from San Francisco (also active as painter, label-manager, & writer) is focused on the unpredictable processes of rust & decay in connection with the perception of time. For his contribution 'He stopped at a picture...' he is using field recordings from a world war 2 era radar outpost (located near the Golden Gate Bridge), combined with shortwave, motors, wire-tapping microphones, analogue electric sounds. A breathtaking experimental and raw drone-collage, full of tension and almost dramatic suction, sound of "psychic loss and american paranoia" (JIM HAYNES).

Listen to 'Drone-Mind/Mind-Drone' HERE

CON-DOM - NOTHING (RAUBBAU)

'Live Manifestations Of The Eighth Pillar: Maschinenfest / Jerusalem'. Side A recorded live at Maschinenfest, Turbinenhalle, Oberhausen, Germany, 14 October 2012. Side B recorded live at Noisemess, Trashhole, Jerusalem, Israel, 15 December 2012. Artwork by Dietrich. Layout by Salt. This tape includes an mp3-download-code. Like shivers down our spines, we slide back into the past to indulge in two epic performances of CON-DOM - for the first time or once more. With our eyes closed, we drift into the almost physical experience of the Maschinenfest 2012, where CON-DOM seduces us with bell tunes merged with machinistic sounds and vocals straight to the core. Ever changing, the selection of samples and noisefloors takes us from scourged open deserts to hidden corners, a multi-facetted arrangement in perfect harmony with the shattering voice that echoes over. The trip continues on the B-side with a second assault - a never-before recorded or released Eighth Pillar manifestation, from Jerusalem - at the edge of the blasted sands. Never enough, never too much. Altogether, we enjoy more than one hour of CON-DOM's finest live material saved on tape - subject yourself fully to Control and Domination. Split release by Raubbau and Pflichtkauf.

Listen to 'Nothing' HERE.

SUDDEN INFANT - HOLES OF GLORY (RAUBBAU)

This tape includes an mp3-download-code. Layout by Salt. The holes of glory are dark and deep: Sudden Infant plays with our minds by the means of 45 minutes full of so much more than plain entertainment. Sudden Infant is art, the compositions complex and multi-dimensional with classical noise parts, dark synth licks or complete sample-based tracks. 'Holes Of Glory' leaves room for your own interpretations and imagination, makes you reach for what lies underneath. Willingly or not, you become part of these creations, making this album an absolute personal and individual experience. The unmatched history of Sudden Infant releases is continued on Raubbau: inspired by a fictional serial killer in the S&M scene of New York City, this masterpiece is the musical site of crime, made for you to discover.

Listen to 'Holes of Glory' HERE.

MAEROR TRI - PEAK EXPERIENCE (CD/INFINITE FOG)

'Peak Experience' was the very first wider available Maeror Tri cassette, released in 1989 in two slightly different versions in Germany & U.S.A. All material was recorded in 1988 and 1989 on an analogue 4-track. A re-mastered re-issue on CD-R came out Blade Records from Italy in 2005. This is the first CD re-issue. Digibook packaging.

MUNCH, PHILIPP -& LOSS- - TRANSCONTINENTAL DESPERATION (CD/ANT-ZEN)

The album you are about to listen manages to consolidate the essence of two outstanding individuals: Philipp Münch who has made himself a name both as a solo artist and as a member of countless projects, and Dan Fox a.k.a. Loss, a highly regarded veteran of the noise music scene. When Philipp and Dan met in person a mutual artistic respect was the spark for a collaborative effort and resulted in a transcontinental interchange of inspiration and sound files. After processing each other's basic tracks, the final release clearly showcases both participants' distinctive style as well as the uniqueness of this creative amalgamation. As the album title indicates, 'Transcontinental Desperation' is an aural statement of distress, anger and doubt, where topics like injustice and overthrowing the media have been integrated into the voice samples and lyrics. The suspense buried in the sound textures transmits an emotional spectrum of dejection and subliminal aggression, executed with a variety of electronic and acoustic equipment. Dark ambient soundscapes are combined with clear and distorted beats, impulsive sequencer lines, abstract effects, manipulated vocals - all these components build a perfect bridge between minimal electro and contemporary industrial music. 'Transcontinental Desparation' deeply connects two exceptional performers for a haunting listening experience - an enthralling liaison which might well be continued some day...

 

RAISON D'ETRE - IN SADNESS, SILENCE AND SOLITUDE (2 (CD/RETORTAE)

The reissue is limited to around 400 copies and comes in a nice 6-panel digisleeve. Mammoth stone walls stretching high into the unknown, dank cellars stewn with bones and ashes. A chill in the lonely night wind disturbed by the utterance of arcane phrases. This is music guaranteed to at least bring about thoughts of mysticism, if it doesn't produce mystical states outright. This defines the term hauntingly beautiful. 'In Sadness, Silence And Solitude', first released in 1997, is the fourth full length album of raison d'être and is yet another astonishing dark ambient industrial masterpiece. This time, 'In Sadness, Silence an Solitude' has been considerably expanded with bonus material and made it into a double disc set featuring a bunch of unique, previously unreleased compositions, live material and compilation tracks; everything connected to the same period of time of the original album. 'In Sadness, Silence And Solitude' (expanded edition) is released on the newly formed label Retortae from Estonia and has been carefully mastered according to the K-14 level standard for highest possible sound quality. The disc set comes in a 6-panel cardboard sleeve with freshly designed artwork, just as ultimately beautiful as the music, almost to the point of being indescribable; one must experience it to fully comprehend.

Listen to 'Falling Twilight' HERE

INCR.STR. MUSIC/NOVELTY

 

BATKIN BROTHERS - TROPICAL/PROBLEMS (7"/1966)

Exotica, funky hammond grooves, psychedelia, jungle noises, bongos and fuzz... Sounds interesting? In these days with a resurgence of vinyl there are numerous reissues, making it hard for some of the exceptional ones to stand out. Here we have a cool example. Credited to a session band called The Batkin Brothers, the record was originally released in the very late '60s (actual date unknown) and was only for sale in a chain of Italian adult shops. The 'Fono Sexy' record label put out just two singles and here we have the best track from each. With no sales in the 'normal' record shops, very few copies pressed and none sold outside of Italy, original copies are now almost impossible to find. Taking its cue from Arthur Lyman Group's 'Taboo', then spicing it up to a whirlwind of exotica around a pounding Hammond beat, makes 'Tropical' the stand out here. Think Daktari style bongos with jungle animal sounds, female moans and caveman shouts to a distorted fuzz and funky flute. Flip the single over though and there's a distinct library feel to 'Problems', with The Chakachas, track 'Jungle Fever' springing to mind (did they take their cue from this?) as our heroine is heard enjoying some intimate time rather than having problems. Limited to 500 copies. Presented in a full gloss 2-sided cover with 3mm spine, replicating the originals. Every copy comes with a large FONO SEXY sticker.

Listen to 'Tropical' HERE.

SHOWS

Vidunder (Crusher)

March 7 - Willemeen, Arnhem (NL)
March 8 - Elektra, Sliedrecht (NL)

Eläkeläiset (Nordic Notes)

April 8 - Patronaat, Haarlem (NL)

Roadburn Festival

April 10 - 13 - 013, Tilburg (NL): Sula Bassana (Sulatron), Papir & Electric Moon (Sulatron), Circle (Full Contact)

Crabstock - Fruits de Mer Records' Festival of Psychedelia

April 26 - The Castle Cafe Cellar Bar, Cardigan (UK): SendelicaEarthling SocietyCrystal JacquelineJames McKeownJack Ellister

 

Blog

Previous editions:

13/03/2024 09:08 SPOTLIGHT 10

06/03/2024 10:32 SPOTLIGHT 9

27/02/2024 07:31 SPOTLIGHT 8

19/02/2024 16:36 SPOTLIGHT 7

13/02/2024 08:19 SPOTLIGHT 6

06/02/2024 09:02 SPOTLIGHT 5

29/01/2024 17:52 SPOTLIGHT 4

22/01/2024 19:20 SPOTLIGHT 3

16/01/2024 08:42 SPOTLIGHT 2

09/01/2024 07:33 SPOTLIGHT 1

19/12/2023 08:48 SPOTLIGHT 50

11/12/2023 19:25 SPOTLIGHT 49

05/12/2023 08:38 SPOTLIGHT 48

28/11/2023 08:07 SPOTLIGHT 47

20/11/2023 17:59 SPOTLIGHT 46

14/11/2023 08:08 SPOTLIGHT 45

07/11/2023 08:13 SPOTLIGHT 44

31/10/2023 08:17 SPOTLIGHT 43

24/10/2023 08:10 SPOTLIGHT 42

17/10/2023 08:51 SPOTLIGHT 41


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