Daisies - Discography

 Its been quite awhile since I've done a post that focuses on one band, but lately, after Dummy played with em, I'm having a minor obsession with Olympia, Washington's Daisies. I learned about this band few years ago from Taylor of the band Flasher, when I was looking for bands to play. What I got was their debut LP "What Are You Waiting For" on K Records, which is a exuberant mixed of the indie pop, triphop, techno, 90s top 40 dance pop, acid house, drum n bass and the UK baggy scene. The one thing about this album is unlike later records, this one feels like a band, which i have no clue if it is or is not. The clear stand out is "Anyones Style" with a huge hook, and bounce that is undeniable. I am also huge fan of the murk of "I'm Not Waiting Anymore" and the instrumental "ok, ok!". It's crazy to me that this LP didn't pop off in the indie pop circles for its clear lineage of Saint Etienne and the cover arts nod to Sarah Records. But, also with indie norms with their large embrace of poptism, cuz Daisies are STRAIGHT UP pop. Its fun, full of life and catchy as fuck. I have no idea if Daisies touresld, or even play out that much, or if they even have ambition outside of artistic ones. The often do pay what you want with their LPs, and when we played with em, it was low key promo wise (not a diss at all),they don't seem interested in being very online, which leaves alot of mystery...which I love. Their next album "2" I didn't even know existed till I started writing this, so I'm hyped to dive in while on tour. They followed that up with the ep "cherries" which has the BANGER "Everybodys Moving To London", I love the horns in the song. And this ep shows the more dance forward, what I assume is sample based production. Oh, and I haven't even talked about how great the production is, its neither lofi or over produced like this kinda music tends to be. Its dreamy, robust and hits hard. So, now we get to the album that really really clicked with me "Daisies In The Studio With Dj Rap Class" a near perfect diy electronic pop record. Every song has HOOOOOKS, it feels like yr own private rave. The song "I Dont Know" is a true hit, with the melody hinting at Sugar Rays "When its Over" and the vocal performance is pitch perfect. Unlike so music dancey indie music, Daisies just feels so unselfconscious, free and beautiful. The whole LP just feels so ALIVE. "Dido" is the other personal standout, great hook and makes me wanna move my ass. I think why all of Dummy connected with it is....its sense of joy and bliss. Their most recent LP is "Sour Melody" honestly didn't hit me at first, I had LOVED the single "Legalize Summer" but the rest....idk, it didn't click, but then we played with em and BOOM, it all hit. Seeing the pure joy of Chris and Valerie's faces, and the joy is was bringing the crowd, it really brought the new stuff in a better context for me, and now I love the record. It's so homespun and real. What sets Daisies apart I THINK, is that they don't give as fuck about being popular, they keep things self contained and punk as fuck, and thats why I relate to and love their music. This band should be huge, but people have bad taste and don't dig...I MEAN K PUT PUT THEIR DEBUT WTF. I think if you dig Mr Fingers, late era Bowery Electric, Mr Twin Sister, 90s dance pop to Robyn and Caroline Polachek youll have alot to fall in love with. Fucking get into it!

https://daisies.bandcamp.com/album/daisies-in-the-studio-with-dj-rap-class

March Bandcamp Friday recs

 

Hello, here's my recs for this bandcamp Friday, be kind to each other. 

Poorly Drawn House  - Home Doesn't Have Four Walls

My god, as someone who isn't into slowcore or post rock that isn't from late 80s/early 90s this album by Poorly Drawn House blew me AWAY. The first thing that grabbed me was the field recording of the crickets against the slow churn of guitar, who's tone reminds me of Karate. Its slow moving beauty, made by people who aren't trying to empress anyone but their own artistic whims. 

https://candlepinrecords.bandcamp.com/album/home-doesnt-have-four-walls

Empath - Visitor 

Empath is a dope band, they play psychedelic pop without using any of the annoying/over used tropes of the genre. This record does in fact, tone the frenzy down, but what it lacks at times in pure blissed out energy it makes up for lucid hooks vocally. "Bell" is a clear stand out, I'm not sure why it wasn't a single, the little feedback bit in the chorus is brilliant! There are few bands I feel like I/Dummy relate too, in that Empath makes sonically interesting pop, that uses sound design, propulsive rhythms and has a deep love for new age music. I hope the next record they do more of the long stretched out jams, combined with these great pop tunes. 

https://empathx.bandcamp.com/album/visitor

Hydroplane  - Shoulder to Shoulder

Thanks to Glenn of The Reds, Pinks and Purples for posting this on Twitter, I have a new(to me) bands discography to traverse. The best way I could describe this release is a mixure of the Bristol rural psychedelia scene mixed with Galaxie 500, Mazzy Star and some triphop beats. Very similar to whats happening in the Bay right now......."fog pop" like April Magazine. This is a collected singles compilation and I love it. The real gem here is the epic "The Love You Bring".

https://hydroplaneband.bandcamp.com/album/shoulder-to-shoulder-collected-singles-1996-1998

Heather Trost  - Petrichor

One night recently Mariana Timony and I were hanging out, and we were looking for bands for Dummy to play with in Albuquerque, NM. We dug deep in the bandcamp tags, and it was feeling (no shade intended) hopeless. But, ding Mariana remembered reviewing this fantastic LP. Surprisingly Heather said yes to playing with us, and I am personally THRILLED. This album oddly is out on Third Man, who isn't know for this sorta thing.Its members of Hawk and A Hacksaw and Neutral Milk Hotel...but sound nothing like those bands. It pulls from the same influences as Broadcast like Jefferson Airplane, The United States Of America, Suicide, Julie Cruise and a dash of kosmische. The LP starts of kinda pysch pop but ends more wild, dream and more abstract. Along with Beach House, I cannot imagine a better band suited for the Twin Peaks roadhouse. 

https://heathertrost.bandcamp.com/album/petrichor

Wash - Wash Demo

Australian shoegaze from 1991 that no one has ever heard of, YES PLEASE. I don't know anything about this band but it's great noisey shoegaze. Similar to underrated favs Aspidistra, Moose and Jane From Occupied Europe. Its got that great youthful, we dont care how bad this sounds, just document it! The song "Chlorine" gooooooes. Highly recommend.

https://washperth.bandcamp.com/album/wash

Vasco Martins - Universo Da Ilha

Alex discovered this recently, and I am only becoming familiar with its beauty. Its beautiful spiritual jazz/new age with lots of mantra like vocals. Very easy to get lost in the repetition and rhythms. It kinda reminds me of some of Lonnie Linston Smiths more far out moments. Its just damn good, can't wait to dig in more while on tour. 

https://vascomartins.bandcamp.com/

Feb 4th Bandcamp Day

 

New Year, new music for yr ears.... for the return of bandcamp day. Was originally gonna just post this, but then they announced new BCF and I held off till now!

Bookhouse - Eferwad y Tonnau Gwyn

Yes, Yes, YES, Bookhouse returns with their new EP?  This UK experimental krauty psychedelic band that remind me of why music is exciting.  These songs are free of giving a fuck about about being accessible to anyone. Traces of Amon Dual II, Neu, Ash Ra Temple but with a blender turning off and on, going in different direction.  Feel it.

https://bookhouse.bandcamp.com/album/eferwad-y-tonnau-gwyn

Fib - Fib 

Nervy,  tightly coiled post PUNK from Portland, that Dummy was luckily enough to play with. Cleaners from Venus on speed, while living in a dirty punk house. I fully mean that as a compliment! Can't wait to hear what they do next, esp since they played an amazing song when we played with em. Just good guitar work and youthful energy.

https://fibplayingistruments.bandcamp.com/album/fib

Humanherb - Areopagus

So, this came my way by Humanherb giving it to a bandmate on tour to give to me. The next morning we tried to figire out who it was! This cassette is DOPE, new agey ambient goodness, thats thick with great sound design. I've listened to this a ton in the mornings, making coffee and working on PR emails. It also was released by Constellation Tatsu who has release cool stuff by Sofie Birch, XYR and Kara Lis Coverdale. Get into it.

https://ultraworld.bandcamp.com/album/areopagus

Winged Wheel - No Island

A band that could have maybe only happened due to the hell we are living, recording and sharing over the net with members of Tyvek, and Powers/Rolin. Only one song so far has been released but it rules. Pulsating noisy drone rock, with anti solos, motorik drums and haunting vocals to tie it all together....can't wait to hear more.  If you dig Kranky,  Too Pure or Wurlitzer Jukebox releases, youll dig this. 

https://wingedwheel.bandcamp.com/

You'll Never Get To Heaven - Wave Your Moonlight Hat For The Snowfall Train

Minimalist dream pop duo that sounds like if Cocteau Twins were produced by Lee Strach Perry. The production is airy and lofi with hints of Japanese pop and new agey textures. I only recently got into this record, so I don't have a ton of insightful things to say yet other than, this rules. If yr a fan of early 4AD, or Kranky Records.....this is for you. 

https://youllnevergettoheaven.bandcamp.com/album/wave-your-moonlight-hat-for-the-snowfall-train

Clear Capsule  - Gravity Licker

Maybe its wrong of me to recommend something I'm doing PR for, i don't know but this EP rules . Taking cues from Smashing Pumpkins, Bowery Electric and MBV to make feedback drenched jams. Unlike alot noisy guitar bands, CC has hooks! Its very catchy, dark mysterious lyrics and dynamic, swinging from pummeling pop songs to a triphop song and back. I cannot imagine anyone who's into Ride, Chapterhouse or newer stuff like Ovlov or No Joy not digging this.

https://clearcapsule.bandcamp.com/album/gravity-licker

Parker Sprout  - Milk In The Sun

What the actual fuck is happening in Minneapolis right now? They got IE, American Cream Band and another Moon Glypher Parker Sprout. This short burst of blistering sunshine pop feels like a Slumberland release but warped by a good LSD trip. Jangle pop hooks without the twee, indie pop but weird/lofi with small glimpses of something more avant. It actually really reminds me of Mark Renner, who also rules. Moon Glyph don't miss!

https://moonglyph.bandcamp.com/album/milk-in-the-sun

December bandcamp recs

Welp, last bandcamp Friday of the year, got handful of recs for ya. Be well my friend's 

Flaming Tunes - Flaming Tunes

I've never been super into This Heat to be totally honest, the one song I ever really dug was the opener to their Peel Sessions, that song goes hard. That being said, I love Lifetones, a killer offshoot of dubby post punk with Enoish vocals. Recently, I discovered another offshoot called Flaming Tunes, and once again I am far more into this than This Heat. I am not 100% sure how to describe this, but to me, its a mix of homespun folk, field recordings, experimental baroque pop and also some Eno-ness. Its very quiet, weird and lovely. I've been listening to it a ton while driving around as of late, highly recommended. 

 

https://flamingtunes.bandcamp.com/album/flaming-tunes

Present Electric  - The Continuou Monument

This was in my favorite albums of the year this, but wanted to feature it in a bandcamp recs : 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. Reminds me of Drinks!

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

Exek - Advertise Here

Exek is one of the most exciting krauty bands going right now, esp the their production. This first single is exploding with sounds bouncing all over the mix. They also have been pushing their rhythmic ideas further and groovier. While, they just released this first taste, I am very excited to hear the rest. If you dig Eno, Can and Anika, youll dig this. Hope Dummy can play w these like minded fools some day.

https://exek.bandcamp.com/album/advertise-here

Forma - Semblance 

Forma are a band on Kranky records, they Kraftwerkiein electronic music with hints of kosmische and Carpenter. Also, they have a member of Bright, a fantastic space rock band from the mid 90s. This is their most recently release LP, from 2018. I love this record, its floats and flows effortlessly through cosmic synth heaven. The real gem here is "New City", this song is beautiful, the toms cycling, the washes of synth pads and piano all makes for 7 mins of pure bliss. Do it, and definitely check out Bright, they rule.

https://formasounds.bandcamp.com/album/semblance

Ki Oni - Infinite Sports

Los Angeles really is the hub for ambient, and new age music right now, and this new Ki Oni album is a great addition to recent bloom. Made up of 2 long form tracks, these songs sparkle and drift playfully along with hints of nostalgia hitting yr inner eye. I don't know much about this person but I am really digging this cassette. If you dig Leaving, Moon Glyph, Kranky or Type records....youll dig this. I like that this feels like the soundtrack to a pick up game on the moon.

https://kman925.bandcamp.com/album/infinite-sports

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