Favorite releases of 2021

 

What a strange year, recorded, released and played shows for an LP after 18 months of pure hell. It's been a weird year for music, lots of failed follow ups for major artists but a good year for weird rock music. Here's my list of favorite things that came out, that includes new stuff and reissues, in no particular order.

Smoke Bellow  - Open For Business

One of the best bands currently active, I have fawned over this band for years. This new LP pushes their sound in a more accessible and minimalist directions. If you dig minimal post punk, afrobeat guitar/drum wiggle and droning organs or just trust my taste... buy this.

https://smokebellow.bandcamp.com/album/open-for-business-2

Spellling - The Turning Wheel

Flat out, this is an amazing record and a true accomplishment for Spellling, I don't envy having to follow this up. It's densely layer with something like 30 different musicians creating walls of psychedelic sound. The vocals are so expressive, bold and unselfconscious. Its got hooooooks galore. Its great, probs best of the year.

https://spellling.bandcamp.com/album/the-turning-wheel

Wiki - Half God

This is the first Wiki record I've gotten super into, and I think it's his more consistent and rewarding to date. The production is dynamic and varied, swinging from atmospheric beatless jams, boom bap, jazz/soul loops and fantastic lyrics, HOLY. Definitely some of the best lyrics ive heard all year, and at times having a similar vocal tone as Kendrick. All produced by the equally fantastic Navy Blue with features from Earl, Navy and Mike. Its a great hiphop record with subtle hooks. "The Business" is one of my favorite songs of the year.

https://wiksetnyc.bandcamp.com/album/half-god

The Stick Figures  - Archeology 

I mean, damn, why isn't this amazing band in the post punk history book, for a band ahead of their time, far to few people have heard this band from early 80s Tampa FL. Oscillating between jagged jangle, dancey rhythm and soaring vocals.  Creative guitar work, with spots of jammy experimentation, that is always unexpected. Listening to this album is thrilling, and everyone I've played it for is blown away. Imagine is B52s and Feelies had a love child....fuck so good.

https://the-stick-figures.bandcamp.com/album/archeology

American Cream Band - Dark Hemisphere 

Moon Glyph is the best, and this my favorite thing they released this year. Truly a bizzaro mix of kosmische, jazz, psych pop, lounge and alil Suicide. Love the warm drum machine sound weaved within the immersive mixing, truly a late year contender for album of the year. The song "Under the Dark Moon" is a certifiable bop.

https://realamericancream.bandcamp.com/album/dark-hemisphere

April Magazine  - Sunday Music For An Overpass 

The best way I have seen April Magazine's music described is "Fog Pop" with its dimly lit psychedelic songs and lo-fi recording production it all feels hazy and surrounds you. I've spoken previously that they sound like a current iteration of the rural psychedelic movement from Bristol in early 90s like a less abrasive Flying Saucer Attack/Light or a more dreamy/less jazzy Movietone. This LP feels like a culmination, of great songs and great production.

https://aprilmagazine.bandcamp.com/album/sunday-music-for-an-overpass

Nightshift - Zöe

Label mates, who make droney, circular experimental post punk in a simar vein as early Pram and Moonshake. This was an early in the year favorite. Circular post punk, with elements of drone, krautrock, post rock that collectively makes its own little world to live in.

https://nightshiftgroup.bandcamp.com/album/z-e

Regional Justice Center  - Crime and Punishment 

Punishing power violence informed hardcore thats catchy as hell. There's some songs that give off Melvins vibe, and the final track I wish went on longer the the Neurosisy layered drums but its all killer, no filler. 

https://regionaljusticecenter.bandcamp.com/album/crime-and-punishment

Turnstile - Glow On

I mean,  nothing I can say will add to whats already been said about this blast of an album. I think the thing I MOST appreciate/enjoy about this record is how blissful and alive it is. So much popular music right now is down in the dumps and sllllllllooowwwwww. They choose the euphoric side of music,  and I relate to that with my own music. If you don't know, Turnstile combine 90s alternative metal, nyc hardcore, nu metal, with hints of dream pop and Go Go to create pure energy. 

Golden Hallway Music  - Rules and Chance Vol 2

Lovely kosmische dreamscapes from New York City, so easy to get lost in the organ flutters and synth washes. Very simple, sometimes with a lilttle beat to keep things moving. Super lush and well done.

https://goldenhallwaymusic.bandcamp.com/album/rules-chance-vol-2

Tangled Shoelaces  - Turn My Dial

Honestly, most indie pop to me, at this point is flaccid, unadventurous and boring. So leave it too a bunch of preteens from 30 years ago to make some of the best indie pop ive heard in years. The songwriting at times is genius leave, with interesting use of synths, sax and interesting production flourishes. There are like 5 stone cold classics on this, that rival any Sarah or Flying Nun hits. The only issue really is sometimes vocals are really unpleasant lol, but otherwise I love this collection. 

https://tangledshoelaces.bandcamp.com/album/turn-my-dial-the-m-squared-recordings-and-more-1981-84

Present Electric  - The Continuou Monument

For what seems like a somewhat tossed off affair, this is a great collection of minimalist post punk lofi freak shit from dood who runs on of the country's best labels Paisley Shirt. All recorded at home, testing out gear, their is a kinda stream of conscious feel to how the songs unfold. Love the weaving guitar parts, and the clanging nature of the instrumentation. This just deeply appeals to me.

https://paisleyshirtrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-continuous-monument

Time Wharp - Ingenue and 10 Year Warranty

Alex and I are big fans of Time Wharps new agey/ambient tape "Feel No Pain" so when it was announced she was joining Leaving Records we were super hyped for her. These 2 digital singles hopefully a sign of a more krauty direction for next LP. All 4 songs are well crafted kosmische mellow bangers. Its a small but killer sampling hopefully what is to come

https://timewharp.bandcamp.com/album/ingenue

Colleen - The Tunnel and The Clearing

Colleen is fabulous, to be fair though, I only got into her off her last LP "A Flame My Love,  A Frequency". Her new LP, feels like what if Beach House went avant- guarde, with warm organs, skittering drum machines and ethereal vocals. The songs are deeply hypnotic, subtle hooks abound and the sound design is top notch. What I appreciate about Colleen is her creative restlessness and this record continues her singular journey. 

https://colleencolleen.bandcamp.com/album/the-tunnel-and-the-clearing

Silk Sonic - "Smoking Out The Window"

Ummmm best mainstream pop song of the year easy.

The Same - Synch or Swim 

I've written about this twice, once on here and once on Dummys "Big Ups". It rules, just listen.

https://rimarimba.bandcamp.com/album/sync-or-swim

Bitchin Bajas  - Switched On Ra and Cuts IV

Best band releasing some inbetween stuff before hopefully next full length! First released was Cuts IV, which is more droned out kosmische that they kill, and the other is a comp of Sun Ra interpretations which is also dope. It's one of my favorite bands and I wish Dummy was playing with em in Chicago 😭.

https://bitchinbajas.bandcamp.com/album/switched-on-ra

Two groups to look out for music when they release it, and were two of my favorite sets I've seen in a LONG time:

RX - weirdo sardonic post punk that wiggles and writhes.

Cupid&pysche - what if Durrti Column and Blue Nile was just two doods and a drum machine. 

November bandcamp recs!

 

Hi, hello, how are you, the year is drawing closer to its end but we have a couple more bandcamp Fridays left to suppprt artists who still are touring a ton or playing show.

SiP/Prezzano - Self-titled 

This collaboration between SiP/Prezzano will be the first of two Moon Glyph records releases I'll be suggesting this month. Following last year's fantastic "Leos Naturals" SiP comes through with this collection of four longer forms pieces. Even more zoned out and drifting, these tracks envelope you with droning cosmic organ like synths and melodica. Some soft percussive elements come in and out at times giving the precedings a slight forward movement. 

https://sip-groop.bandcamp.com/album/sip-prezzano

American Cream Band - Dark Hemisphere

The second Moon Glyph release I'm recommending is this truly singular psychedelic album. I dont really know what to compare it too. The vocals and drum machines at times remind me of Suicide, with that kinda loungey swagger, but not as abrasive and filtered through whatever fuck is happening inside this freaks head. I love the mixing, its very disorienting and clever with the panning. The saxophone when it pops in feels like another vocals expressing what the vocals cannot. This feels like the ultimate Moon Glyph release, warped psychedelic music that is immersive, creative and worth yr time. Definitely in my top 10 of the year. "Under the Dark Moon" is a fantastic jam.

https://moonglyph.bandcamp.com/album/dark-hemisphere 

Andra Ljos - Fountain Of Inspiration 

Not Not Fun does it again with this collection of outerspace hymns from a Greek island or something. The cassette feels like your traveling through ruins of a lost civilization. Woozy and peaceful, like it should be the OST of a game like Mist or something. Andra Ljos has made a very mystical sounding world. I've been listening to this when I'm making coffee and smoothie when I first wake up. Its a just all feels very holy.

https://andraljos.bandcamp.com/album/fountain-of-inspiration

Courtesy - Check The Milk

Obviously I am biased because I am doing PR for this LP, but goddamn its fucking goooooood. It has all these different elements at play from Can, Arthur Russell,  90s hip hop rhythmic pulse with hints of early era Beck. It's the perfect meld of the experimental and this accessible thats ready for the dance floor. Extremely fun record that I highly recommend.

https://idmatic.bandcamp.com/album/check-the-milk

October Bandcamp day recommendations 20.0

 

Wow, ok October snuck up on me, quick and dirty recs for ya!

The Stick Figures - Archeology

Holy crap, what a discovery, this late 70s/early 80s post punk band sound soooo ahead of its time and they blasts you with this ep. Reissued by Pittsburgh label Floating Mill, this is truly an undiscovered gem that mixes dancey post punk, colliding with jangley noise, experimental moments of youthful excitement and hooks that worm in. I've been listening to nonstop, and every person I play it for is blown away. If you dig Maximum Joy, The Feelies, or modern bands like Sweeping Promises and Mope Grooves there's no way you won't dig this. Also, fun fact, the guitar Kevin Shields talks about being lent to record the "You Made Me Realise" ep with the whammy arm was this doods guitar......so.

https://the-stick-figures.bandcamp.com/

Amethyst  - Moon Glyph label Comp

Readers of this blog already know I'm a massive Moon Glyph stan, they consistently release fantastic music spanning new age, ambient, kosmische and pysch. Somehow on this comp, despite there being 16 different artist's, it feels like a surprisingly cohesive listen. Most of the tracks are firmly in the new age/ambient side of the label aside from a few steps into spiritual jazz and more abstract electronic sounds. It's a great listen, perfect for sunset walks around a cayon or late night reading time. Fun fact, Dummy was supposed to contribute but we goofed up on being so in LP land. Regretting now after listening to this a bunch.

https://moonglyph.bandcamp.com/album/amethyst-new-sounds-from-moon-glyph-records

Spiral XP - Drop Me In

Oh, do you like pummeling bendy guitar rock? Then Seattle's Spiral XP is for you, featuring members of Versing, this hits hard, with feedback and fuzz. This is their debut ep, which was released by Peaceful Tapes ( run by Courtney of The Courtney's/Gum Country fame). Its just good as hell rock music that doesn't need alot of flowery descriptions. For fans of Hotline TNT, Toner and Dinosaur Jr. 

https://spiralxp.bandcamp.com/album/drop-me-in-2

Mark Tester  - Never Mind

This is the debut solo release by the prolific Mark Tester, who has been apart of Burnt Ones, Creeping Pink and collaborated with Landon Caldwell on countless things. This is  a collection of vignettes that range from Clusterish kosmische, noise, Eno like ambience. Two of the stand outs for me are "Polen Conductor" and the final track "I Am Here" both being more songy but still with in the sonic palette.  Its a lovely first look into what Mark would be doing for the next 6 years. Phreak shit, get into it.

https://marktester.bandcamp.com/album/never-mind

Paprika - Paprika 

Another super consistent label is Irong Lung records, and this demo tape by Paprika comes out tomorrow! Only 2 songs are available right now but this is my shit, raw, lofi NOLA hardcore punk that gave me D-Clone vibes right off the bat. The opening of the second track is HARD, love the ignorant use of delay on vocals. If you dig Japanese hardcore/punk you'll love this.

https://ironlungpv.bandcamp.com/album/paprika-lungs-210

September Bandcamp day recommendations 10.0

 Hi hi hi hi, here's some recommendations for yr bandcamp day purchases. Hope yr ok, hope yr well, and hope yr mind isn't fully melted by dread.

Media Jeweler - The Sublime Sculpture of Being Alive

Just saw Media Jeweler at a generator show on the LA river, it was the 2nd of two shows they played in LA to celebrate the release of this LP but also sadly last shows for atleast 6 months according to them. The easiest way to describe this record is controlled chaos. The vocals are classic theatrical post punk vocals, commanding yr attention. The music itself its guitars slamming against each other, clanging, wiggling and pummeling. The LP is so dynamic, and the final track ends things on this climax of experimental free jazz note, repeating the mantra "smile, yr on camera" with an ominous tone. This is a fun and exciting record to listen too, don't sleep.

https://mediajeweler.bandcamp.com/album/the-sublime-sculpture-of-being-alive

YL Hooie - Untitled

Another great under heard Australian release, weird! Originally released on cassette but reissued this year on Efficient Space (who put out the great Sky Girl comp, Singing Dust, and Steve Hiett records). The LP, with its dubby, hypnotic and nocturnal vibes reward multiple listens. It at first holds you at a distance for first three tracks, but by track four "W/O Love" yr hazily bopping. It's a very inner space, its a vibe. It in a similar lane to Jonnine, HTRK, Anika and Broadcast at their most woozy. They actually cowrote or produced a song on the Jonnine EP. Anyway its gooood.

https://ylhooi.bandcamp.com/album/untitled-2

Guitar  - Sunkissed

I had totally forgot about this fantastic record until came across it on one of my favorite blogs "Opium Hum". I remember vividly when I first heard this, i was very stoned, listening to it very loud and was taken in by its hypnotic pull. Its pretty much is indebted to the MBV eps "Glider" and "Tremelo" but its constructed not like a rock band but more electronic music. The songs feel like sample based, but sampling themselves, and adding layers in and out to create dynamic shifts. The vocals are light and airy,  adding subtle hooks to keep you engaged while the music pulses away. Thankfully this LP is mostly upbeat, gets noisy and isn't just like weightless like most dreamy/gazey pop. Its great album to listen to while driving or cleaning.

https://guitarsunkissed.bandcamp.com/album/sunkissed

Time Wharp - Ingenue

Yes, new Time Wharp with the announcement that they will be releasing a new LP on Leaving Records in 2022. If these two songs are a taste of what to come, this just jump to top of my most anticipated albums list for next year (i don't have a list). These two songs such fantastic examples of modern day kosmische, that show different sides of same coin. The title track is similar Ashra but lose the guitars and add a sax, and the second track is a wonderful Neu! worship jam, but using lap steel (or slide) guitar to add a new texture to this kind of song. Am/was a huge fan of their more New Age focused cassette tape "Feel No Pain" which I also highly recommend. Get into it!

https://timewharp.bandcamp.com/album/ingenue

ME & E - RAP

This is the sole release so far by this hip hop Duo from Chicago. It combines hard hitting beats, that take influence from house/techno with ambient/atmospheric synth pads swirling underneath. The vocals are confident and commanding over the instrumentals, keeping with the urgency created by the duo. This is one of the most unique hip hop releases I've ever heard, and there is so much energy, excitement in the music, its truly explosive and really inspiring. I hope we hear more.

https://me-and-e.bandcamp.com/album/rap

Ashrae Fax - Never Really Been Into It

 

Ashrae Fax should have been a bigger band, but it feels like timing wasn't ever on their side. Formed 1993, after the dream pop/shoegaze bubble had certainly burst, and never really took off in America. They didn't release a proper album till 2003 (self released Static Crash), while playing as far as I know mostly in Greensboro, NC. Somehow this obscure album gets in the hands of Mexican Summer, they reissue it, and released new LP in 2014. Unfortunately, this is after the small gazey boom of late 2000s, which is a shame cuz it's a minor masterpiece of Dreamy Pop. Ive seen "Never Really Been Into It" described as synth goth pop but to me its a ethereal collision of great songwriting, production and influences (Cocteau Twins guitars meets not to be reductive, the vocal confidence/creativity of Kate Bush). The songs feel catchy and effortless, and unlike a lot of dream pop, tempos are dynamic. Some of these songs are driving, light on their feet, some groove and of course some sway with hypnotic grace. My favorite song "You Make Me Question My Mind" opens with this sliding, delayed note that echos into infinity and than 44 seconds in the breakdown, with the vocals and walking bass fuuuuuuuuuccccccccck, so perfect, a literal perfect moment in a song. Every song has a small moment where your just like YES. I don't know why/how anyone couldn't love this record, sucks it's not on bandcamp, but their early stuff is. They recently released some singles, so here's hoping more music is coming.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOJWuc3CN3024M6CJJkfXEiVJ9tXOoNlq

https://ashraefax.bandcamp.com/music

August 6th bandcamp recs

 Yay! Bandcamp Friday's are back, so here's 6 things rule and that you should check out!

75 Dallor Bill - Power Failures

Very much a recent discovery due to Sam from Media Jeweler comparing them to Smoke Bellow, so obviously I had to listen! Using clanging percussion and modal guitar lines, these tracks carry me away to another world. It's so minimal, primative and enchanting I lose my sense of time. I don't have a ton of reference points, its interesting Ira from Yo Lan Tengo plays on a track cuz this feel like avant garde YLT with hints of raga, raw krautrock, world, meditative jams that really stretch out and engulf you.  Also reminds me of Rangda, but chill. Good stuff.

https://75dollarbill.bandcamp.com/album/power-failures

April Magazine  - Sunday Music For An Overpass

Everyone in Dummy is loving this tape, it's blissed out droney pyschdelic pop that feels liks strange middle ground between Spacemen 3 and Grouper. I wouldn't call them indie pop at all, but it feels alil ramshackled, and has those classic pop chord changes but not wimpy. It has a Flying Saucer Attack level of noise that is welcoming, instead of alienating. I really feel like they could have been apart of that FSA, Movietone and Light scene in Bristol of experimental/rural psychedelic guitar music. What the fuck is in the water in the bay area that there are so so so many good bands. Cannot wait to play with em.

https://paisleyshirtrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sunday-music-for-an-overpass

Eddie Chacon - Pleasure, Joy and Happiness 

Eddie Chacon was one half of the duo Charles and Eddie who had a one hit wonder in the 90s, fell apart, and Eddie didn't end up making another record until this one. It's truly surprising to me that this didnt get more acclaim, partially due to it's just plain fantastic and partially because it was produced by John Carroll Kirby whos worked with Frank Ocean and Solange along with his own solo work. Its kinda like someone who loves new age, vintage drum machines, and a lot to expel emotionally, made a lofi soul record. The hooks are simple but stay with you, and the lyrics are very universal. Its great, seriously. 

https://eddiechaconofficial.bandcamp.com/album/pleasure-joy-and-happiness

Hangman's Beautiful Daughter  - Smashed Full Of Wonder

Earlier this week Dummy released first single of our LP, and the blog Raven Sings The Blues compared us to Snapper(hell ya) and HBD, who I had never heard of, so naturally I check it out and was blown away. Firstly the title of this collection is incredible, but holy shit the songs on this are sick, taking the most raw edges of c86, with obvious nods to The Byrds, Velvet Underground and early garage rock. Some songs are dreamy but stripped down to the bare bones, and some songs are so frantic with the drums absolutely going off. Its all very punk, hella catchy and well written. I cannot believe I hadn't heard them before, and totally got why Raven was making the comparison. Smh, hit play. 

https://opticnerverecordings.bandcamp.com/album/smashed-full-of-wonder-2

Golden Hallway Music - Rules and Chance Vol. 2

Not Not Fun records has been such a consistent in my listening habits over the last 2 years, with so many releases being the soundtrack to my days trapped inside. Their most recent release Golden Hallway Music is right up my alley, with floating synth and subtle rhythmic pulses that screams kosmische wonder. Most of the songs feel like in the moment improvisations that carry you along gentle rides, withthe organs going cosmichere and there. Listened to this alot on a recent vacation to the mountains while trying to relax, get back into reading and on early morning walks/drives. Any fan of Bitchin Bajas, Roedelius, SiP or Cluster at their mellowest will find alot to enjoy.

https://goldenhallwaymusic.bandcamp.com/album/rules-chance-vol-2

Smoke Bellow  - Open For Business 

You know how I feel about this band, go preorder their new LP its fucking good. If Yo La Tengo made a post punk record informed by afrobeat.

https://smokebellow.bandcamp.com/album/open-for-business-2

Bandcamp recs for ya!

 

Hi, haven't written a post in a minute, mostly due to working on Dummy LP, and the pause on Bandcamp Fridays. Not a ton of music has done it for me this year, lucky there is some upcoming stuff I'm excited about anyway here's some music I have really really liked, some new, some older :

Creeping Pink "_____________________"

Not to down play anyone else's contributions to but to me Landon Caldwell and Mark Tester are true renaissance men of indie music, between both their solo work, Burnt Ones and their fantastic band Creeping Pink they continue to release exciting music at an absurd clip. As far as I know Creeping Pink isn't a band anymore, which is a massive shame, the amount of energy and creativity in these 11 tracks is more than most bands in their entire discography. With touchstones ranging from Red Krayola, Syd Barret, pop era Brian Eno, and The Beatles at their most far out, it feels like a long lost Elephant 6 LP. Truly fantastic album, any fan of pyschdelic/experimental pop music will find something to love here.

https://creepingpink.bandcamp.com/album/-

EXEK - Good Thing They Ripped Up The Carpet 

So, I saw EXEK open for Exploded View in 2018, and I wasn't into it to be totally honest, I don't know if it was my mood or their sound has evolved a bunch but this LP is a huge step in a great direction. With bits of Can, Neu, Lee Scratch Perry and Lifetones blended together for a vibe no one else is really doing. The drums and bass are predominately dub/mellow krautrock influenced, which makes for extemely groovy listen, always pushing forward. The guitars bob n weave through out, more for texture and noise than melody. The vocals remind me of Brian Eno, mellow, melodic but have a mysterious aura. This album feels like a band figuring out their sound, and harnessing it to make the most realized collection to date. 

https://exek.bandcamp.com/album/good-thing-they-ripped-up-the-carpet

Colleen - The Tunnel and The Clearing 

I love when an artist you dig but dont intensely follow releases a new record, and when you find it, its a total surprise. Colleens new LP is very much my shit, cosmic droning organs, lite but steady drum machines and beautiful vocals. Its like if Antena was German, and not French. Colleen often tries to limit what she is using per album to maximize creativity with limited tool, which I think is very cool. I can't imagine anyone who doesn't love Broadcast, Beach House or ambient works of Pauline Anna Strome wouldn't get entranced by this lovely record.

https://colleencolleen.bandcamp.com/album/the-tunnel-and-the-clearing

IE - Pome

As one might guess at this point, I am a Moon Glyph records stan, no matter what they put out I'll atleast take a listen because their track record is really fucking good. This album came my way by Dummys new bassist sending it to me, I have been slowly making my way back through their catalog but hadn't got here yet. IE (pronounced eeee) is from Minneapolis, and make meditative and minimalist kosmische/ambient drone. Vocals pop in on a few songs, but mostly it feel very ritualistic and calming. It doesn't feel like its from midwest, feels so cosmic, like staring up at a sky with no light pollution in the desert. Just another absolute knock out from Moon Glyph. 

https://iesounds.bandcamp.com/album/pome

Pedazo De Carne Con Ojo - Dun Dun

Finally, this gorgeous experimental deeply psychedelic pop? Lol, its kinda hard to pin down. It feels very vulnerable the way someone like Frank Ocean or Earl Sweatshirt is but coming from a different angle like sampling Broadcast and being even glitchier. It can sorta hold you at arms length at times, trying to dig through the sounds. Its quite an inspiring listen, I've had this on my Ipod for a minute but damn, this is so good and emotionally satisfying. I'm still digesting this one so I wish I had more to say but fuck man, leave it to Manny of Citrus City to shine a spotlight onto something truly special.

https://citruscityrecords.bandcamp.com/album/dun-dun