tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70802227004362373072024-03-12T20:24:14.302-07:00Hawaiian Winter Music ReviewsFor all intents and purposes this blog is dead, at least for now. Reviews and other articles are being posted at gallonsofwater.tumblr.com.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-72805708084850085782010-03-24T15:25:00.000-07:002010-03-24T15:41:38.022-07:00Dth - I Hope I Can Feel Something Like That SomedayA few days ago, if you had asked me what New Orleans music sounded like I would have probably said that it is almost exclusively some sort of groove oriented jazz or soul perhaps. This belief was viciously knocked on its proverbial ass when I listened to Dth's <span style="font-style:italic;">I Hope I can Feel Something Like That Someday</span>. The five song album, which is available as a free download, plays out like the Books' <span style="font-style:italic;">Lemon of Pink</span> on crack. Dth creates collage music that goes beyond an odd piecemeal construction of an otherwise straightforward song and brings out some of the structural and juxtapositional potential in collage music. <br /><br />Overall, this album is a short piece of brilliance that deserves some engaging listeners. There are also two well-constructed music videos for tracks on the album, which I will link below.<br /><br />8.9/10<br /><br />Album Download:<br /><br />http://www.mediafire.com/?mmjylmtuyzn<br /><br />Music Videos:<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_Ap_ovYfrg<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGLsLXnYB-k<br /><br />Dth's Website:<br /><br />http://dthsounds.bandcamp.com/Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-17423967964845105032010-03-24T04:05:00.000-07:002010-03-24T04:17:15.387-07:00Systems Officer - UndersleptTemporary Residence Limited has been aggressively expanding their sonic palette over the last few years and Systems Officer is no exception, sounding more like an inspired mix of Ben Folds and Weezer than another Rob Crow or Explosions in the Sky as one could have expected a few years back. Noting this mix of influences, the album plays out as one might imagine until the eighth track, <span style="font-style:italic;">Sand One</span>, where a more raw style comes out that seems akin to recent Modest Mouse. This surprise adds some welcome depth to the album as a whole that could have just as easily ended the same way it started. <br /><br />However, the album's biggest weakness is also in this surprise in that it sounds almost a bit too much like Modest Mouse and even shares similar imagery, most strikingly that of a sinking ship. Overall, though this album is a strong debut release for an artist that seems to show much promise for the future.<br /><br />8.0/10<br /><br />www.temporaryresidence.com<br /><br />www.systemsofficer.comRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-17299264241125185872010-03-24T03:49:00.000-07:002010-03-24T04:01:16.413-07:00Alejandra O'Leary - Nothing Out LoudMichigan singer-songwriter Alejandra O'Leary recently finished her debut album, <span style="font-style:italic;">Nothing Out Loud</span>, a straightforward collection of songs that feels especially comfortable with the return of the warmth of spring. While nowadays I tend to listen to music with more of an experimental tinge, I would be lying if I said that this music did not remind me of much of the music I listened to when I was growing up. One of the strongest elements of this album, other than the compelling songwriting, is the pleasant density of the instrumentation throughout. <br /><br />Overall this record seems to stand apart from other recent pop projects in that Alejandra writes in a way that is satisfyingly diverse both lyrically and musically. A comfortable listen from start to finish, <span style="font-style:italic;">Nothing out Loud</span> could easily find its way into many days to come this season.<br /><br />8.7/10<br /><br />http://www.myspace.com/alejandraolearyRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-16310073793121546002010-03-11T07:26:00.000-08:002010-03-11T07:40:38.447-08:00Dylan Ettinger - Cutters LPIt seems like I have been reviewing a lot of Dylan Ettinger in the last few months and it is to his credit that this has not pissed me off. He seems to be in the throes of one of those overly prolific phases that can make or break a musician. <span style="font-style:italic;">Cutters</span> is Ettinger's first release on vinyl as well as his first album to aim directly at his current home of Bloomington, Indiana and its many two-wheeled inhabitants. <br /><br />This album is carried along by pulsating synths and vocals that propel Ettinger into a realm reminiscent at times of early Kraftwerk, which works to paint a good portrait of bike riding here in Bloomington. As with a lot of Ettinger's work there is a sense of wonder that captures the freedom of a bicycle in a college town, especially of that first ride after a winter of walking everywhere. This is one of the more developed of Dylan's albums and is good addition to all things Ettinger. If you even vaguely like anything that he has ever done, it would be well worth your time to snag one of the precious few of these available. <br /><br />The artwork comes from Ruralfaune's Bruno and is a split release between Ruralfaune and Digitalis with a limited run of 150. Dennis Quaid may be able to out ride a semi-truck but Ettinger seems to have won the race.<br /><br />9.7/10<br /><br />www.eltule.org<br /><br />www.digitalisindustries.com<br /><br />www.myspace.com/ruralfauneRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-16185959489277025312010-02-02T02:10:00.000-08:002010-02-11T14:37:55.199-08:00Dylan Ettinger - Super Ape, CommunionToday is the second day of the second month of the second decade of the second century I have seen in my life and I have just heard the second of Dylan Ettinger's two-tape set, <span style="font-style:italic;">Super Ape</span> and <span style="font-style:italic;">Communion</span>. This is just some stupid coincidence that I noticed, but Ettinger's new opus has made it feel much more symbolic. This pair of humble audio cassettes plays like a meticulous history of an imagination and its inhabitants rather than a mere collection of themed songs. <br /><br />The first tape of the two, <span style="font-style:italic;">Super Ape</span>, is centered around the legendary Bigfoot. Side A features a single track entitled "Bigfoot Rising", which seems to be the score to countless dark nights of childhood spent exploring the places in the imagination that were avoided as long as the lights stayed on. This piece is perhaps the most astounding example thus far of Ettinger's talent for delivering on a suggestive title while avoiding predictability. His portrait of the rising of the beast gives its existence more credence than any photographic evidence will probably ever do. <br /><br />Side B also features a single track, <span style="font-style:italic;">The Majesty of Sasquatch</span>, which inverts the terrified wonderment of the first side into a state of reverent awe. The eerie voices of the previous side are transformed into anxious murmurs of flickering shadows awaiting their king at the side of a fire-lit forest clearing. The royal entrance is heralded by ritualistically patient percussion by Clarke Joyner that builds continually without overpowering the song. The organ work on this piece blends tribal sounding riffs with chant-like melodic motifs whose combination allows the melody to bring depth into the experience of the music and its subject with a wise use of familiar musical ideas. <br /><br />The second tape of the set, <span style="font-style:italic;">Communion</span>, is just as impressive in its vibrant imagery as the first but here Ettinger lifts his eyes to the heavens and their inhabitants. This tape seems to be equally divided between two perspectives, that of humanity and that of the aliens. Side A features two tracks, <span style="font-style:italic;">Abduction</span> and <span style="font-style:italic;">Cosmos</span>, which work together to flesh out a portrait of the terror and wonder that each surface in turn when we think of the arrival of visitors from beyond our humble rock. Musically, Ettinger effectively makes use of familiar synthesizer textures without erring on the side of cheese. Side B seems to follow an alien vessel on its return voyage to the mothership, and conjures images of the freedom of open space giving way to the awe one might feel when reaching the hub of your civilization. After a long journey, you forget how impressive your own species can be.<br /><br />Overall, this is the strongest work Ettinger has released to date, it is sure to be a significant stepping stone to even more ambitious and enchanting musical ventures.<br /><br />9.4/10<br /><br />www.eltule.orgRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-58397512292863186132009-10-19T02:23:00.000-07:002009-10-19T03:35:24.107-07:00Cresting - An E.P.Cresting's latest offering, simply titled <span style="font-style:italic;">An E.P.</span>, is a brief foray into a world of synthesized simplicity. With pulsating melodies and rhythms, warm textures, and an aversion to unnecessary complexity, the album breathes deeply and relaxedly. The seven songs wrap around the listener like a musical bear-hug from a loved one upon reunion. Saying much more about this album will only take away from its direct musical language.<br /><br />9.1/10<br /><br />www.fixture-records.com<br /><br />www.myspace.com/crestingcrestingcrestingRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-20493363437175625712009-10-19T01:48:00.000-07:002009-10-19T02:20:15.941-07:00Dirty Beaches - The Horror LPListening to <span style="font-style:italic;">The Horror LP</span> from Fixture Records' Dirty Beaches is feels like thumbing through a musical sketchbook of sorts. The fourteen pieces give deep impressions of a somberly beautiful world from various angles and perspectives. While maintaining a consistent sonic aura, <span style="font-style:italic;">The Horror LP</span>, contains a variety of colors and textures that gives the album its depth and drive. Played mostly on guitar, this album is a great suite of pensive static-washed pieces that might light the imagination or lull one into deep sleep. <br /><br />9.1/10<br /><br />www.fixture-records.com<br /><br />http://www.myspace.com/dirtybeachesRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-26797762861117916112009-10-12T10:41:00.000-07:002009-10-12T11:04:11.620-07:00Brave Radar - A BuildingA feel-good collection of lo-fi pop songs, <span style="font-style:italic;">A Building</span> is, at the very least, an enjoyable listen for a warm afternoon. At times throughout the album the music does seem to fall a bit flat if you really dig into listening, but for the most part Brave Radar glides above the typical pitfalls of similar aesthetics. As the album goes on, the songs get stronger with my personal favorite on the album being the beautiful <span style="font-style:italic;">Line Storm</span>. Overall, a strong album for fans of earnest songwriting, and an admirable addition to Fixture Records' growing catalog.<br /><br />8.7/10<br /><br />http://www.fixture-records.com<br /><br />www.myspace.com/braveradarRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-39163226202092262522009-10-12T10:29:00.000-07:002009-10-12T10:41:01.197-07:00Omon Ra - Monolith 1Judging by the name, one might expect Omon Ra's <span style="font-style:italic;">Monolith 1</span> to be some sort of conceptually lofty free jazz manifesto, but, as wisdom would advise, it's not a good idea to judge a band by its name. The actual content of <span style="font-style:italic;">Monolith 1</span> is a pleasant collection of tunes touching many areas of folk, pop, and even a bit of doo-wop, though sans outright dooing and wapping. Most of this album breathes with the ambiance of a bedroom rather than the sterility of a studio, which brings an air of intimacy to the album that can be very different to convey. Omon Ra has something in their songwriting that brings out a uniqueness that allows them to simply write songs without worrying about standing out via some overt display of incongruity within their genre. <br /><br />9.0/10<br /><br />http://www.fixture-records.com<br /><br />http://www.myspace.com/theyprojectRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-82847911324124522302009-10-12T10:08:00.000-07:002009-10-12T10:25:32.246-07:00BBBlood - Alien NosejobLondon's BBBlood is to tranquility as a blender is to your left hand and <span style="font-style:italic;">Alien Nosejob</span> is no exception. Digitally mangled sounds blend with sine wave harmonies and hauntingly ethereal textures to create a work that is destructively jagged and yet somehow imbued with an idiosyncratic mystique. This album has some real depth beneath the squealing surface that is beautiful in its own right. Definitely a worthwhile album for those who want to hear what its like to get possessed by a robot demon, which is pretty damn awesome if you're up for the trial. <br /><br />9.1/10<br /><br />http://www.colourride.co.uk<br /><br />http://www.myspace.com/bbbloodRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-8968116705533639232009-10-12T09:03:00.000-07:002009-10-12T09:27:57.748-07:00Sarah's Carity - Logic of Collapse<span style="font-style:italic;">Logic of Collapse</span>, the latest album by Danish artist Sarah's Charity, is an impressive collection of spatial soundscapes that summon a mood of pensive reflection. Warm swells of white noise laden harmonies create a bed of musical warmth that feels almost cozy at times. The image that comes to mind when listening to this album is a sunset offset by storm clouds in the distance. At a half-hour long, <span style="font-style:italic;">Logic of Collapse</span> is timed perfectly and seems to grow in depth with each listen. <br /><br />8.9/10<br /><br />http://www.colourride.co.ukRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-65495752962718243772009-09-12T11:09:00.000-07:002009-09-12T11:21:06.976-07:00Sparkling Wide Pressure - Meaning PlaneSparkling Wide Pressure's <span style="font-style:italic;">Meaning Plane</span> might as well be a self-titled album, conceptually at least. The essence of the music is in the name, bringing an expansive spectrum of noisy textures that might feel familiar to some, but thankfully authentic to most, if not all. Through the five pieces on the album, SWP creates a series of sonic sculptures that manage to incorporate many sounds without feeling bogged down or diluted by sheer variety. The album is satisfyingly colorful and well focused. <br /><br />8.9/10<br /><br />www.colourride.co.ukRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-46726700441267617462009-09-12T09:37:00.000-07:002009-09-12T09:54:10.072-07:00Defibrillators - Live at Colour Ride Club 16/10/08I recently became aware of the Colour Ride label when Edward, the man behind the mayhem, contacted me about doing a set of reviews. This first one comes from the Defibrillators, a London-based band that seems to thrive on chaotic musical creation. This live album consists of one twenty-four minute monster that paints a portrait of improvisatory freedom at its best. This group wears "free" music on its sleeve but seems to have an element of subtle cohesion that belies a highly developed language of interplay between these musicians. They seem to have a handle on improvisation as their medium of choice rather than just an excuse not to sit down and write music the long way.<br /><br />Throughout the disc, most of the melodic and harmonic chaos is nestled atop a steady rhythmic foundation that gives the listener a point of reference amidst the constant musical metamorphosis. There are elements of a plethora of musical influences throughout this set, from droning textures to harsh walls of noise as well as everything in between the two. In the transitions of the music, this group excels, seeming to wordlessly decide each change before the listener has a chance to guess their next move. For fans of unabashedly improvised music done well.<br /><br />8.9/10<br />www.colourride.co.ukRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-76148534060028516392009-09-12T09:17:00.000-07:002009-09-12T09:32:08.339-07:00Dante Augustus Scarlatti - Demises of the Dynamic Microophone (In Monodelity)One man's fervent (or stoned) reflections on existence come to life over seven compositions that make use of a plethora of sounds sources and methods of manipulation. Like a carpenter meticulously crafting an altar, DAS carves a somber piece of beauty relying primarily on minimalistic guitar and various raw sound recordings. This is perfect accompaniment to a thunderstorm, in fact, if you listen to this music on a nice day it becomes gradually harder to believe the sun would have the gall to shine while it is being played. Scarlatti doesn't have the blues, he can't even see color. He paints worlds of grey, with thousands of tiny shades covering the spectrum from white to black. Think Ansel Adams in sonic form; looking toward the most gripping images nature has to offer and stripping it of any color. Simply breathtaking at times. This album comes packaged in "sacrificed" reel to reel cases with beautiful inserts and a complimentary patch.<br /><br />9.5.10<br /><br />http://aurisapothecary.orgRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-46319728213587660992009-09-09T10:45:00.000-07:002009-09-12T09:17:18.226-07:00Hail Architeuthis! - s/t EPArchiteuthis is the biological genus of the giant squid, a fact which I learned a few days before seeing this band play their first live show ever some months ago. That show will be burned in my memory for a very long while as the first, so far only, but hopefully not last, time I witnessed a band live up to a name that unabashedly conjures images of the epic and chaotic. This ship-sinking mayhem I witnessed at that first show and the ones that followed, however, is merely the face of the beast above the surface of the sea. Below, the creature fluidly roams the depths, silently vigilant of the surface for any ships unfortunate enough to cross into his waters. <br /><br />This latter image is the subject of this debut EP, which serves as a sacred prelude to the ascent of their sacred beast. Twenty minutes of hallowed drones and aqueous soundscapes lead to a brief glimpse of chaos toward the close. This first release from HA! is damn near perfect in terms of the composition and execution of the music in relation to the image under which it was released. Beautifully haunting, this EP should be much more widely known, if only to let everyone in on how high the bar was set for a debut while they weren't paying attention.<br /><br />9.5/10<br /><br />http://aurisapothecary.orgRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-16439142926947969962009-09-08T17:29:00.000-07:002009-10-12T09:01:37.769-07:00Icuab Drain - You're Uncomfortably SaneIcuab Drain, another member of the Auris Apothecary family, has released an impressively compelling debut EP that, if nothing else, proves that video game inspired music can be more than a gimmicky show of musical masturbation. The four songs that comprise <span style="font-style:italic;">You're Uncomfortably Sane</span> push the use of the 8-bit palette into new territory. Its like staring at the Mona Lisa everyday for five years before walking to the next room and seeing a sky by Turner for the first time. <br /><br />The strongest song on this EP is the appropriately titled 8-bit Revelation. This track alone makes the tragically short fifteen minutes of the release worth its weight in gold, driving it to its end. Icuab Drain has set a high bar for anyone who even dreams 8-bit when making music. Gamers beware: you're sound has new masters.<br /><br />9.3/10<br /><br />www.aurisapothecary.orgRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-25381822155902678052009-09-08T11:43:00.000-07:002009-09-08T12:35:45.804-07:00Hou - Retriculating Inner ShadeEver since the internet began to reshape music and its distribution some years ago, leveling the playing field for a bast number of would be unheard artists, there has been a deluge of music far to big for anyone to manageably keep up with. This flood has brought to light some amazing music and some big disappointments. It seems that every ass-clown with a guitar and a bad day starts up a music myspace and lets his emotions out into the world to make his authentic personal depth known to this heartless, superficial world.<br /><br />Luckily, Hou is one of those artists that makes this explosion of music bearable and even likable. His debut album, <span style="font-style:italic;">Retriculating Inner Shade</span>, is anything but a musical myspace diary. Over the course of fifteen songs, clocking in at just over an hour, Hou creates a contemplative atmosphere from a plethora of synthesizers and sequencers. On the surface of the music not much reaches out and screams "Hey I'm innovative!", but this is one of the main strengths of this album. Hou avoids musical extremes in favor of a subtle passion buried throughout the album. He speaks softly and directly, but, like all wise men, does not care to use gimmicks to get your attention.<br /><br />9.0/10<br /><br />www.aurisapothecary.orgRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-14436449920028620372009-07-02T07:40:00.000-07:002009-07-02T21:39:08.922-07:00The Parasails - SkylifeMatt Mondanile of Ducktails has just released a new tape on El Tule as The Parasails. Equal parts Steve Reich, laid back pop, and Pina Colada, this tape is thirty minutes of airy bliss that could give anyone a much needed taste of vacation, anywhere there is a tape deck. I don't have too much to say about this tape, the best word is 'lush'. The minimalist arpeggios on both sides serve to open up the miniature resort this tape builds on a beach in the mind of the listener and take them on a high-flying journey over sand and sea that reminded me, for whatever reason of the main flight scene from the classic, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.<br /><br />Pick it up while its still there, this resort only has one hundred rooms available and they're booking faster than spaces at neverland ranch right now.<br /><br />9.0/10 <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ducktailss">http://www.myspace.com/ducktailss</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.eltule.org">http://www.eltule.org</a>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-25645708193263731542009-06-29T21:58:00.000-07:002009-06-29T23:06:13.931-07:00The Crux - Now, FermentIf there is a ruckus being caused in any of the bars within thirty miles of Santa Rosa, California, I would not be surprised to find The Crux at the heart of it. Straightforwardly moving through a wide breadth of song styles centered on a beautiful dark, folk feel, this band doesn't dick around. From the raucous opening track to the surprising final piece, <span style="font-style:italic;">Now, Ferment</span> is a refreshing musical journey.<br /><br />What stands out the most with this band as opposed to other folk/blues groups that I've encountered lately is the range of feels that they navigate through with apparent ease. Encompassing most of the sonic and stylistic spectrum of modern folk, even closing with an almost GY!BE-esque piece, the group manages to speak all of the dialects of their genre without losing a strong musical cohesion throughout the album. If you like folk or blues by any stretch of the imagination, you will almost certainly find something on this album that strikes a chord in your ears. This is a band to see if they come anywhere near you.<br /><br />9.0/10 - www.myspace.com/thecruxandfriends www.bitethehand.orgRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-90084636013204807862009-06-08T20:23:00.000-07:002009-06-08T20:38:10.478-07:00The Brown Book - Thirty NothingThe Brown Book is a name I wasn't familiar with until the band recently contacted me about their album, <span style="font-style:italic;">Thirty Nothing</span>. Based on the press release that they sent along with the album, it seems these guys have been getting a fair amount of press already. This is certainly not undeserved. Going instrumental with a typical band instrumentation is nothing new to music over the last few years, but The Brown Book has brought something unique to the table.<br /><br />While most instrumental bands attempt to ascend great heights with their music (some with greater success than others), The Brown Book is content to play to their medium in a fairly straightforward way. Walls of fuzzed-out guitars meet drums in a way that might be more expected from band with a vocalist. That being said, this album is happily pretension free. This might be the closest to the punk rock equivalent of the instrumental scene right now in terms of the overall aesthetic of the album. Not overly technical or cinematic, this album is best heard LOUD. <br /><br />There is something within these seven tracks for just about anyone, at times brutal, at times fairly catchy, great driving music if you like to speed. I'm looking forward to their future output, as the potential here is enticing.<br /><br />Check these guys out at www.thebrownbook.org <br /><br />8.7/10Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-86029515409336947142009-06-02T21:54:00.000-07:002009-06-02T22:52:38.895-07:00Dylan Ettinger - Safari Zone, Bread of the DeadDylan Ettinger is a man on a mission. From his face-melting blend of chaos and catchiness that goes into his live set with his band, The Rude Dudes, to his label El Tule, which is putting out a variety of music on cassette, Ettinger exudes passion for music and artistry that belies his age. If you are fortunate enough to have seen him or heard any of his music, it will come as no surprise that his two most recent releases, <span style="font-style:italic;">Safari Zone</span> and <span style="font-style:italic;">Bread of the Dead</span> are both beautiful in their own right. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Safari Zone</span>, which was released on Dylan's own label, is a sterling juxtaposition of groove, chaos, and nostalgia. The opening track of side A, <span style="font-style:italic;">Gameboys</span> begins with the construction of a sonic wall that eventually resolves into a melodic section whose simplicity reminds one of its namesake. The following song, <span style="font-style:italic;">Sub Sub</span> grooves hard and makes use of a veritably infectious synth hook as well as driving percussion and effected vocals to produce a piece that lends itself well to getting lost in the music. The final track of the side begins with meandering percussion, distorted synth swells, distant vocals, and a laser-like drone. This track treads familiar territory for many listeners, and it is to Ettinger's credit that he can own the textures so convincingly. This track builds to a final disintegration resting on a single sustained not and a snippet of conversation, and throughout the build the drummer on the album shows great patience in his part, bringing a dynamic sense that is lost on many percussionists that seem to be merely a time-keeping formality when it comes to playing this sort of music.<br /><br />Side B opens with the beautiful <span style="font-style:italic;">Love Song</span> which centers around a bell-like melody fed back into itself to make an almost crystalline musical aura. Beneath this comes shimmering swelling textures and chant-like vocals that seem to float somewhere behind everything else. This is not your typical love song, but it might be one of the most honest, owning up to the inexpressibility of its subject and walking the razor's edge in terms of sound between ecstasy and agony, such as can be the case in life. Following this, <span style="font-style:italic;">Ocean Rain</span> defies its new-age-sounding title and puts a different perspective on instrumental reflections on nature's work while still being honest about its inspiration. The final track, the title track of the album, builds off of samples from the game Pokemon, from which the name Safari zone comes. Eventually percussion comes in and propels the track to a sparkling finish that evolves into an almost tribal chant over a drone that sounds beautifully organic, especially given its digital source material. <br /><br />The second tape that I have of Ettinger's is <span style="font-style:italic;">Bread of the Dead</span>. The opening track is a complementary piece to the second track on <span style="font-style:italic;">Safari Zone</span>, making use of similar instrumentation and some saxophone work by Clark Joyner, the percussionist on <span style="font-style:italic;">Safari Zone</span>. This tape seems more aqueous than the other one and uses a sonic palette that is warm shimmering. On this tape Ettinger makes use of some of the material from the infamous <span style="font-style:italic;">Buddha Machine</span> and bears witness to his ability to paint sonic landscapes with tangible depth. <br /><br />Overall, Ettinger's maturity in his output is what stands out as his greatest quality. Both tapes are extremely well put together and all of the strengths of the first carry over to the second. It would be useless to say that either is better, except on the basis of textural preference. Furthermore, his choice to put these out on tape rather than on cdr or something similar is a wise artistic choice that really brings out the strengths of the medium itself. The warmth of cassette is done much justice in this music and complements the production style of these two releases. The work and reflection that has gone into these two releases transcends its ephemeral availability. The amount of thought in these two releases is rare in the tape world and is on par with much of the material coming out on much bugger experimental labels.<br /><br />Ettinger mentioned that a new batch of the second tape will be available soon and that the first is still in print, pick both of them up soon as they will disappear quickly it Ettinger's reputation parallels the quality of his music. <br /><br />Both tapes get a 9.3/10, to make room for future improvement.<br /><br />Both releases will be found on the EL TULE page, http://www.myspece.com/tapeseltule<br /><br />Good job kid.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-48360367132945466002008-10-23T17:18:00.000-07:002009-06-23T22:53:35.984-07:00Kill and Eat - Green BushesKill and Eat is a name with which I was completely unfamiliar until fairly recently. They recently released an album on Alright now Records entitled "Green Bushes". I have to say, these guys reminded me why I got into reviewing in the first place. The title track of the album is an amorphous piece of musical beauty. The opening section is reminiscent of elements of Silver Mount Zion and brilliantly displays the use of fragile sounding vocals and warm piano to create a sound that wears its humanity on its sleeve. Further into the track more influences seem to creep into the mix, calling to mind rainy day jazz and quirky pop to mind at times. <br /><br />The following two tracks, or sketches as they are called, show some real compositional sensibilities and bring to light a few new elements to their sound. Overall this album is a solid step in the right direction for a group of musicians that seems to have a smattering of musical and aesthetic influences. This is one of the most universally appealing albums I've heard in a long time, having bits that almost any listener can take and run with. Beautifully compelling.<br /><br />9.5/ 10 www.killandeat.comRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-12042976064519542392008-02-07T04:29:00.000-08:002008-02-07T04:51:06.155-08:00Curia - s/tLate last year, I received a slew of releases from Fire Museum Records, a relatively young label from Philadelphia, for whom I've done a few reviews in the past. The first that I've finally gotten to is the self-titled debut from the group Curia. The album was also released overseas by the label Ruby Red. This group two guitarists an organist and a drummer, a very typical set-up that fails to reflect the sound the group produces. The album is divided into four tracks that comprise one long improvisation.<br /><br />At times I am skeptical of improvised experimental projects, simply because they seem to be able to get away with calling anything they can capture on a microphone music. However, upon listening to this album, I was pleasantly surprised by how focused the group was in the execution of a unified musical vision. The improvisation relies heavily on spatial and atmospheric aspects of playing, creating a broad, sparse sound world that the musicians explore throughout the duration. This album has some unique sounds in it and is a great listen for fans of ambient and experimental improvisation. This group has found their sound and their niche, and has the ability to take their music as far as they want in the future, as long as the focus and unity stays intact.<br /><br />9.0/10 more information and ordering at www.museumfire.comRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-9539542313543728142008-02-07T02:46:00.000-08:002008-02-07T03:12:22.290-08:00Canterbury Effect - We Are All DogsTerre Haute based band, Canterbury Effect came out with a new album on Crossroads of America Records last September, but through various delays and forgetful encounters with Mike Adams, the label's owner, it took quite some time before I acquired it and even longer for me to get around to listening to it. Canterbury Effect has been playing for ten years now and is known throughout Indiana, and wherever else they've played over the years, for their energetic music and genuine personalities as people. Their latest album,<span style="font-style:italic;">We Are All Dogs</span>, had been in the works for some time before it was released, and I had almost forgotten them, having not seen a show in quite awhile, almost...<br /><br />Having now finally had a chance to sit down and listen to this album, I remember why I enjoyed these guys as much as I did. The songs on this album are catchy and spirited, conveying the energy of the group well throughout its entirety. The sound of the album is more layered and developed than their previous efforts and provides a refreshing step forward for a band that has been around as long as this one has. The songwriting is vaguely reminiscent of some of the work of Tim Kinsella in his various projects, but still holds its own in terms of originality and freshness. <br /><br />The vocals on this album are a mix of group work, punk-esque alliteration, with some predominating vocal melodies driving a few of the songs. Their sound stays consistent throughout the thirteen tracks, but does threaten to bore toward the end, until the last track which is stands out from the rest of the songs in terms of instrumentation and sound. Overall though, this album is an enjoyable foray into the overlooked regions of music after pop-punk and is a good listen for anyone who hasn't completely given up on music that suggests solid pop sensibilities.<br /><br />8.9/10 more information and ordering at www.crossroadsofamericarecords.comRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7080222700436237307.post-34319624777472415622008-02-07T01:53:00.000-08:002008-02-11T17:34:00.511-08:00Ed Schrader - The Choir InsideThe night after I saw Teeth Mountain, during the second night of the show I was introduced to the musical anti-virtuoso that is Ed Schrader. Ed approached me and called me out for being a composer immediately. He was a gracious, collected individual that completely reversed my normal role in meeting artists, having been the approchee as opposed to the approacher. Five minutes later I saw this person set up a microphone and prepare for the one-man chaos that was to ensue. Ed's set managed to be compelling and entertaining while he played a humble drum set of a single floor-tom and snare drum and sang lyrics that forced their way into your head as he perpetrated a cacophonous display of determined fervor and raw energy. <br /><br />After the set, I got to talk to Ed again and he graciously offered me a copy of his album when I mentioned this site. The CD features a whopping twenty-six songs that keep the same raw feeling of his live work, but at the same time demonstrate Ed's approach to various instruments and song forms. Most of the songs on the album are short and out of all of them, only three exceed three minutes. This one-off philosophy and playful attitude that make up this album, as well as the various strange and unique recordings that flesh out the document, come together to create a unique, chaotic brand of music that is truly one of a kind. This collection of songs provides an honest and cynical portrait of the artist and his perception of his place in existence. <br /><br />The recording quality of the album varies throughout, but is primarily lo-fi to an extent that can be initially frustrating to anyone who has not been introduced through a live show, where Ed flourishes. However the recording fits the music and Ed's vocals are clear in every piece, a feat that is lost on many recordings of much higher fidelity.<br /><br />8.9/10 more information and ordering at www.myspace.com/edwardhenryschraderiiiRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655624913968211013noreply@blogger.com0