Astrobotnia
Part 00
[Aleksi Perälä :: 2011]
Astrobotnia's Big Bang on Bandcamp
Just 2 weeks after releasing a bunch of unheard Ovuca material, the prolific Aleksi Perala has put a new Astrobotnia album up for sale on Bandcamp titled Part 00. All of the music included in this album was produced in 2001, taking us back in time not only to some of the earliest Astrobotnia material ever recorded, but also to a high point of the IDM era.
Aleksi tells us that Part 00 should be considered the definitive prequel, the earliest recordings pre-dating Parts 01-03 that served as the birth of the Astrobotnia project, a sonic exploration of space and time. Though composed entirely on a laptop with endless sound and style options, Astrobotnia demonstrates a disciplined focus from day one, choosing to create beautiful otherworldly atmospheres by combining ambient synths and strings with complex and sometimes harsh beats. Track 2 "New Earth" is a perfect example of this, wherein a fusion of electronic and acoustic hand drums smack out tribalesque toe-tapping rhythms while floaty, spatial chords shimmer and swirl all around you, making you feel as though you are somewhere that gravity nor time are of any importance. Soundscapes like that of "Rainforest" also contain hints of world percussion and concrete sounds giving them a grounding familiarity, but the injected electro alien beats and strange, unsettling non-melodies spark the realization that you're in an alternate dimension.
Though focused, Part 00 delivers a fine showing of dynamic range from the beatless to the beat-down. "Hydrocortisone Saga", "Unknown Variable", and "Space Camp" all exude a warm and relaxed nostalgia within the artist's original framework, perhaps what Boards of Canada would have sounded like had they been from another galaxy. On the other end of the spectrum we have tracks like "The Message" and "Fever" that both crush you and make you want to dance with a caustic, ear-shattering force. Part 00 is absolutely gorgeous and an obvious must-have for any Astrobotnia fan or classic IDM loyalist. My only regret is that it's not available on vinyl (yet). What else does Mr. Perala have up his sleeve?
Buy Astrobotnia - Part 00 :: Bandcamp
Connect with Aleksi Perala / Astrobotnia :: Official Site | Facebook
Astrobotnia - Part 00 (2011) :: Review
Ovuca - Short Attention Span (2011) :: Review
Ovuca
Short Attention Span
[Aleksi Perälä :: 2011]
Bandcamp Release
If you thought you'd never get another Ovuca release, you're in for a nice surprise. Aleksi Perala has pulled out a slew of Ovuca tracks from deep within his musical archive, circa 1998 in fact, and set them free in a self-released LP called Short Attention Span, the first Ovuca release in 10 years.
In a news post on his website Aleksi tells us these tracks are a continuation of the experimental sounds heard in Lactavent and Onclements, and if you're familiar with these first two albums, it should come as no surprise that many of the 31 tracks included in Short Attention Span are between 30 seconds to a minute and a half long. Though all the tracks were made on his simple 1998 setup mainly consisting of a Roland XP-80 and Akai MPC-2000 without the use of a computer, the album spans a pretty wide variety of beat styles and sounds. It begins fast with atmospheric jungley IDM, moves into harder acidic dance floor ideas, veers into some oddball stuff and then begins to slow down with a few reverbed out jazzy interludes, eventually dwindling into beautiful ambience. A few of the shorter clips such as "Hey Bob" (0:11) and "Beta Force" (0:21) end a bit too abruptly, jarring the listener out of the "zone", but for the most part the whole thing flows surprisingly well like a purposefully constructed album should from start to finish.
The longer tracks, even when only something like a minute-thirty, are really the meat and potatoes here. "Focus" is a gorgeous piece featuring fast, repetitive oil drum rhythms juxtaposed with gentle glass flute meanderings, achieving a classic early IDM feel that I wish would go on longer. I'm really digging his use of acoustic drum kit samples like in "Jazzy 107", "Jazz Hop" and especially "Off We Go" where he cranks up the hall reverb and pairs them with some eerie pads. Aleksi closes out with two ambient pieces, the first being "Personal Digital Sound" experimenting with what sounds like a recording in reverse overlayed by his own voice singing out a somber hymn. Final track "Luostro", which also happens to be the longest at a whopping 8:08, is a gorgeous new-agey meditation full of swelling synths, trailing sustains and dream-like atmosphere, with the tiniest synthesized rhythm chugging along quietly somewhere in the mix. If you were jumping around in the track list while sampling the album, you might not understand how a gorgeous piece like this could exist on the same release as a goofy, fun track like "Vicky Doesn't Eat Fish", but when you hear the whole thing in sequential order, it all makes sense.
Buy Ovuca - Short Attention Span :: Bandcamp
Connect with Aleksi Perala / Ovuca :: Official Site | Facebook
SFV Acid - New West Coast (2011) :: Review
SFV Acid
New West Coast
[Post Present Medium :: 2011]
Limited Edition 12"
Free Title Track Download
If you are ready for a funky, laid back, acid-laced, lo-fi electronic cruise down the intergalactic boulevard, pop SFV Acid's new 12" EP New West Coast onto the turntable, grab your favorite imbibable and let your sofa do the driving.
The 6 cuts on this vinyl debut feature stronger and funkier beats than heard on the artist's previous Get Laid cd-r but they still ooze a similar cool sensuality. From the porn-like grooves in "2" to the almost tribal rhythms in "SThPss", it often feels like listening to homebrew tape recordings of his music machines making sweet love to one another. In fresh head-nodding cuts like "Bobz Skagz" and "Sylmar Cement", the Southern California native takes hints of old school west coast hip-hop influence and twists them into something new and different. But not to worry, he never leaves his 303 at home, as evidenced in standout track "818 (Beat)" featuring a quick paced acidic bassline paired with funky hi-hat work and a subtle gangsta melody. Though you may already have the spacey synth funk title track "New West Coast" in digital form as it came as part of his split EP with Polysick, now is your chance to own it on collectible wax. This valley boy knows what's up and I highly recommend this 12" EP to fans of Space Dimension Controller, EOD's recent Utrecht record, and the ballads of Ceephax Acid Crew.
The 1st pressing of 550 is now available to purchase (500 black vinyl / 50 red white and blue swirled and mixed vinyl) complete with SFV Acid's kooky hand-drawn b&w sleeve artwork direct from L.A. based label Post Present Medium.
Tracklist:
A1. New West Coast: 2
A2. New West Coast: SThPss
A3. New West Coast: Bobz Skagz
B1. New West Coast: Sylmar Cement
B2. New West Coast: 818 (Beat)
B3. New West Coast: ....
Stream Sample Tracks:
Download Free Track "New West Coast: ...." :: .MP3
Buy SFV Acid - New West Coast 12" :: Label Store
Golden Girls - Kinetic (Lone Remix) :: Review
LONE.
Golden Girls - Kinetic (Lone Remix)
[R&S Records :: 2011]
Free Download
I love LONE. His lush and sparkling EDM gives me the same happy, carefree feeling I get from listening to multi-layered '90s ravey house from artists like Orbital and FSOL without the guilt of being stuck in an era long gone. The UK artist has decided to give out a remix to prep everyone for his first R&S Records release Echolocations EP (due out April 11, 2011) and Lone-and-behold, it's an updated rework of the classic early-nineties warehouse techno single "Kinetic" by Golden Girls, a Paul Hartnoll (of Orbital) side project from the R&S archives. It retains the emotional loveliness of the original while giving us everything we love about a LONE. track including upbeat dancey drum machine rhythms and warm, warbley synths. Just beautiful. Listen / download below.
Download Golden Girls - Kinetic (Lone Remix) :: .MP3
Pre-Order Lone - Echolocations EP (2011) :: R&S Records | Boomkat
Buy Lone - Emerald Fantasy Tracks (2010) :: Amazon | Boomkat
Connect with LONE. :: MySpace | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud
Phe_ - Phe_ (2011) :: Review
Phe_
Phe_
[Recycled Plastics :: 2011]
Charity Album on brand-new electronic music label features remixes by Wisp, Mrs Jynx, EOD, and others to raise money for artist's beloved cat's chemotherapy treatments
I think most of us know what it feels like to love or become deeply attached to a living companion, whether it be a cat, a dog, or any other kind of pet, which is why it's easy to understand the idea of doing anything it takes to make sure they stay happy and healthy, even if it means going into debt due to extensive vet and hospital bills. Prolific electronic artist Brian Grainger known for his diverse contributions to the electronic music community under a slew of monikers including Milieu, Coppice Halifax, Bike, TMA3, and now Phe_, shares this sentiment and is currently fast running out of money while doing what he can to help his cat Basil beat cancer. You can help a brother out by donating directly to Basil's Chemo Fund or by purchasing his new self-titled debut album as Phe_, 100% of which also goes toward paying for Basil's treatments. A good cause isn't the only reason to pick this album up however, as the music itself is skillful, heartfelt, and done in a classic bedroom-produced IDM style that has been missing in action lately. Oh, and you get new Wisp (Rephlex), Mrs Jynx (Planet Mu), and EOD (030303).
This promising inaugural release for new imprint Recycled Plastics features 40 minutes of original ambient / braindance-lite material paired with 40 minutes of remixes by the artists previously mentioned as well as Night Sequels (Attacknine), David Tagg (Install), Casio Commander and Simon Meredith, all compassionately provided with Basil (featured on the album's cover) in mind. I use the term braindance-lite because of the album's mellow, downtempo nature but foot-tapping beats and layered melodies are definitely present throughout, reminiscent of the early Warp days. It starts off with "A Bassinet", a slow paced piece with a delicately applied deep techno feel and lots of delay echoed synths. Though the theme is repetitive, it's an enjoyable one and sets a pensive but hopeful mood that leads into a more upbeat track 2. Playful basslines iced with emotional synths and atmospheric reverb are to follow, while strange and beautiful interweaving melodies lead you through the next couple of tracks. "Slidden Antichoir" takes a slight detour into sharper, robotic electro territory which sounds slightly out of place, but actually serves as a refreshing change-up and further flavors the whole assortment.
"Green Minor" is the standout here, and looking at the list of remixes, I'm incidentally not the only one who thinks so. Melancholic pads press out a revolving chord progression that goes from being haunting to comforting from moment to moment as a relaxed 808-style kick pulses softly behind it. At about 2 minutes in, just as you're about to be completely overtaken by the track's thick, slow-moving fog, airy hi-hats start to pop up around you and a sudden bass drop submerges you completely. Wisp molds this piece into something a little faster and dancier, even adding his own fun melody lines over the top while EOD's unexpectedly darker approach focuses more on the track's bottom end, taking it even deeper and eerier with metallic harmonics and erratic rolling clicks. All of the remixes are quality, including pronounced cat-enthusiast Mrs Jynx's lovely rework of "Opal Trace".
This is the kind of music that seeps into your subconscious and grabs hold. Being presented as a braindance album I was hoping for some harder hitting beats, but its underlying beauty and subtle complexity make it a gentle force to be reckoned with.
Buy Phe_ MP3 album or CD-R Limited to 100 Copies :: Bandcamp | Basil's Chemo Fund
Connect with Phe_ via Recycled Plastics :: Official Site | Facebook
Exillon - Mind War Electro :: Chaos A.D. (Squarepusher) Cover :: Review
Exillon
Mind War Electro (Chaos A.D.)
[Tigerbeat6 (SoundCloud) :: 2011]
Cover Track / Temporary Free Download
San Francisco, CA based electronic music artist Exillon has covered "Mind War Electro" originally written and released by Squarepusher under his Chaos A.D. moniker on the album Buzz Caner back in 1998. As the track is one of Mr. Jenkinson's grittier, acid techno dance floor numbers, it was a good choice for Exillon, who's output tends to have a similar flavor. Though he has pared it down from an epic 9 minutes to a more easily consumed 4 1/2, he's upped the tempo and somehow made the track go even harder. Hold on to your seat and press play!
Stream Exillon - Mind War Electro (Click Arrow on Player's Right-Hand Sidebar to Download):
The track is available to download for a limited time as part of Tigerbeat6's ¡Andale! podcast series. When the download period is over, the track will only be available as part of a free podcast containing all the tracks featured this month, so you best grab it now!
Original Mind War Electro by Chaos A.D. (aka Squarepusher):
Check out Exillon's latest EP Mean Rich Mud out now on Detroit Underground.
Connect with Exillon :: Official Site | Facebook | MySpace | SoundCloud
Mitch Murder - Elevator Music EP (2011) :: Review
Mitch Murder
Elevator Music EP
[Self-Released :: 2011]
I like that Mitch Murder just comes out and says it: This is Elevator Music. Tight, sexy production holds this EP together much like the artist's strikingly authentic '80s-inspired stuff, but you won't find a ton of airy adult contemporary keyboard piano sounds or blatant John Hughes film score material here. Think porno background music with a hint of acid, or something you might hear on an "Easy Grooves" paid-for electronica internet radio station. I dig the expressive synths and acidic rhythm section in opening track "Layers", as well as the subtly "housey" feel of "Quantum State" but overall this EP is a little too smooth for my taste. I know this is what the Swedish producer aims for, so I can't really knock it - it just isn't my thing. Stylistically speaking, Elevator Music dances the line between uber-cool and uber-cheesy, but Mitch Murder's skillful execution is undeniable. So is that to-die-for album art, which is now my desktop wallpaper.
According to the release page, these tracks were written before Mitch Murder went full-on '80s. To get a taste of this artist's latest sound, check out his Burning Chrome
Stream Sample Mix:
Download Mitch Murder - Elevator Music EP :: .ZIP (hi-res album art inside)
Connect with Mitch Murder :: Facebook | MySpace | SoundCloud
Global Goon - Quonesha EP (2011) :: Review + Interview + Exclusive Track
Global Goon
Quonesha EP
[J-HOK :: 2011]
Review + Free Download + Interview + Exclusive Track
If Global Goon's recent free album Quones left you wanting more then you'll be happy to know he has released a follow-up titled Quonesha EP, also available for free download. In this 6-track encore, Goon extends the fun for another 22 minutes by revisiting some of the themes in Quones and pushing them even further. Vocals are back more prominent than ever in poppy track 'Squanity Twix' as a lonely robot sings, "touch me in the morning and touch me at night, touch me in the evening in the pale moonlight..." while more instrumental numbers like 'Techelec Know' and 'Wob and Cob II' are only lightly embellished with layers of the artist's unaltered voice. That's not to say all the vocals are 100% perfect as they can be a tad pitchy at times, but never so much as to detract from a certain humble charm conveyed in this particular group of songs. At the EP's halfway point, we enter into an entirely different vibe altogether with 'Melomimeees' combining warm low-end tb-303, kick drum 16ths, and various arcade game style sounds (think 'Bust-a-Move') with female vocal samples taken from what sounds like a late-'70s boogie vinyl grab. Though this may sound like a crazy mish-mash of styles on paper, the result is a sexy acid-electro-funk dance floor groover in the same vein as his Quones title track, but faster and more kick-ass. Despite the fact that he seems to be exploring new musical avenues, it just wouldn't be a Global Goon production without his signature expressive synths and bouncy electronic beats which are, much to the delight of long-time fans, very present throughout.
In addition to the Quonesha EP (and preceding album Quones), check out the exclusive track below "Chopped Brains" given to us by Johnny himself to share with you, the readers, as well as a brief interview giving us a little "behind the scenes" of his latest output.
Download Global Goon - Quonesha EP :: .ZIP (320kbps) | Download Page
Stream Global Goon - Quonesha EP
Available exclusively at Brainchops.net
Download Global Goon - Chopped Brains :: MP3 (right click, save as)
A Quick Chat With Global Goon :: Interview
Bc: Hi there, thanks for taking some time to answer a few of my questions. So, it seems you have been releasing a generous amount of material lately. To what can you attribute this recent burst of productivity? Perhaps we can all learn from it.
GG: Several things coincided.
(1) I got rid of the internet at my house (I'm typing this in the library/leisure centre)
(2) I decided to be more spontaneous - this in turn sped up my music making process
(3) I wanted to release music on J-HOK again, this inspired me to be more active
Bc: What made you decide to release this new batch of tracks as a companion piece to Quones rather than say, giving it an independent identity?
GG: The tracks belong together, Quones and daughter of Quones. They can be mixed and matched by the listener (they've been mastered to work together)
Bc: Has gigging more frequently had an effect on your more recent songwriting or how you go about shaping a track?
GG: I still don't do very many gigs, maybe 4 or 5 a year. Usually I start making dance-oriented tracks when I get back from gigs. I love to dance. I'm pretty wonky, but since I took up running, I'm fit enough to dance all night (again!)
Bc: Vocals have been creeping into your music more and more. What has inspired this?
GG: I spent a month or so a while back just listening to the Smiths and Joy Division and realised that I would love to make a track that people could sing along to.
Bc: Got any music recommendations for us? What have you been listening to lately?
GG: Smiths and Joy Division! I have no idea what else is going on. Oh I did listen to those stolen Aphex Twin tracks. Brought back many memories of our North London house and screech scrawking sounds coming from Richard's atomic absorption lab! Non music: I've just finished watching Battlestar Galactica, the reimagined series. Now I'm watching Stargate SG-1 which is pretty cheesy in comparison. If anyone has any tips for something closer to BSG then I'd love to hear them. [johnnyhawk (at) gmail (dot) com]
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| Joey |
Bc: Any plans to tour outside the UK in the not too distant future?
GG: I'm playing in Malta this month, Croatia in a few months. No proper tours though - I have to look after my budgie.
-------------
Catch Global Goon tonight at Liquid Club in Malta - INFO
Out-Or - Analogue Gentleman (2011) :: Review + Interview
Out-Or
Analogue Gentleman
[SWISHCOtheque :: 2011]
Review + Interview + Free Download
Let's take a quick trip back in time to 1994, the year that a motley crew of electronic music performers from the UK including Richard D. James, Autechre, Seefeel, Paul Oakenfold and a few others braved a trip out to post-Cold War Moscow for an ambient-techno / electronic music festival called "Britronica". The festival itself turned out to be utter chaos for these artists due to bad organization, strange audiences, run-ins with Russian military, a few mysterious hospital visits and lots of vodka, which of course made for a legendary tour report article published in NME magazine shortly thereafter. (The article was titled, "COMRADE: FEEL THE NOISE" and it's recommended reading for any fan of this genre.) The most positive and inspiring moments documented in the story seem to revolve around the young local electronic artists making the most of what little gear and resources they had, as told in this excerpt:
"Most of the Russian kids we meet are similarly generous with what they have, even if in practice they have very little. DJ Eric from Moscow has lent his precious Technics turntables for use at the Youth Palace; Alexei from St. Petersburg gives out little handfuls of dried mushrooms. Eugene and Artur (also from St. Petersburg) want to start up a record shop and label, only they don't have any money and the one means of getting it, going in with the mafia, would put them right in over their heads. and Vadim, who works on the Estonian national radio station in Tallinn, DJ's on tape decks (there aren't any turntables to be had), reads NME in the library at the British Council and spends every spare penny (much to the chagrin of his hard-pressed mum) on the few records which filter over from the West. He hands out a few tapes made up in the Baltic by a guy called Marko Sula, sticks it on a rewired record player and reel-to-reel tape deck. "It's got some really weird noises on it," comments Richard James, in recognition of its value. "Maybe I'll sign it up for Rephlex."
Marko Sula, then just a young man in a newly-independent Estonia making experimental music by dubbing sounds from modified electronic devices over one another, had no idea that his tape would be heard and given a thumbs-up by one of today's most idolized electronic music pioneers, let alone have the ordeal go on record. Now 17 years later and still making clever electronic music under the name Out-Or, he gives us his latest long-player Analogue Gentleman via the smart and colorful electronic music netlabel Swishcotheque. Currently armed with a bit more gear, newer technology, and a penchant for fast tempos, Out-Or's fun sounds and body-moving beats firmly place Tallinn on the braindance map.
Listen to "xxd23" by Out-Or from his album Analogue Gentleman:
The album's opening track 'xxd23' is an explosion of energy and cerebral composition that will blow you out of your chair, onto the dance floor. It feels as though all of the sounds, patterns, and beats in this track were stuck in a cage like restless circus animals, pounding against the steel bars for freedom until Out-Or opened the gate and released a musical stampede. There are big sounds and small sounds, nice ones, mean ones, all pushing and clawing their way to the front of the mob at once. A cute little melody manages to surface now and then, but the mad ringmaster cracks his whip and sends it back down into the mass of sinister, stabby basslines and unrelenting drums.
Out-Or conducts 11 acts in total, each with its own unique personality and melodic charm. Track 2 "FGrap one" brings the tempo down a tiny notch to a more comfortable dance pace, but still remains upbeat with manic stuttering synth rhythms and lots of funky cowbell. "Heglep2" features a Moogy sound pallet layered over familiar breaks, giving it a golden era Warp/Rephlex kind of feel. "Acidx" brings its namesake to the party, giving 303 enthusiasts a head's up, but with its repetitive acid pattern and a length of just 1:42, the track is a bit of an effort fallen short. Not to worry however because stand-out piece "Baical" swoops in right after, saving the show with a warm, sneaky bassline full of reverb, a jamming duck call and some heavy synth pads that work together with a glimmering dark beauty. The artist also gives us some style variety with "VGT" covering grimey territory, "4ricy" taking us to a Detroit electro-lounge, and "RwQw" bringing us back around with some classic IDM. The melody in closing track "Janelope" never really seems to resolve, which can leave you feeling unsatisfied. Did Out-Or mean for his finale to keep the audience unsettled? Or perhaps it was meant to provide the perfect segue for an album repeat? We may never know this ringmaster's intentions, but Analogue Gentleman has left me applauding and wanting for more.
Download Out-Or - Analogue Gentleman :: 320kbps MP3 .ZIP | Label Page
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Interview with Out-Or
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| Out-Or live, Operation B fest, 1996 Tallinn |
Out-Or: Yes, it was my tape and I was very surprised then. It happened a long time ago. I really liked people being interested in my music but regarding a collaboration, I have never worked with Richard.
Bc: What was on that tape? Can we hear some of it?
Out-Or: There are 8 tracks on it that I made at home with very primitive technics, only 2 tape recorders, record player where i can loop vinyl (i fixed cartridge for looping), old crappy mixer which I borrowed and my old Russian synth called Polyvoks. No effects, no drummachines and nothing else. The sound was very noisy on there because I recorded over and over using 2 tape recorders, adding only one sound each time. If people are interested maybe I will put few of tracks on SoundCloud in the future.
Bc: Yes, I think we'd all be interested in hearing that. What year did you start making music and then when did you start recording it to share with others?
Out-Or: I started to make my own sounds in 1992 but the sharing began one year later, in 1993. I only kept my playing and experimenting to myself before that.
Bc: Was it difficult to find or buy synths in Estonia then?
Out-Or: Yeah, it was very difficult. The time was very complicated in Estonia, we just became independent and we didn't have money. All things from the west were expensive. My only opportunity was to use old second hand Russian synths. Those didn't have any midi or cv/gate. My timecode was my fingers and ears :).
Bc: Tell us about some of your favorite or most rare pieces of musical hardware to make music with.
Out-Or: My hardware has changed a lot from when I started. I had only the Polyvoks in 1992 and after a few years I got an Atari ST 1040 which was my first computer, and a Korg Poly 800. I also used my friend's Yamaha YS100 which I borrowed sometimes. All things changed when I got a PC and my first verison of Fruityloops in 1998. I have used different computers and software since then. If I look back to this period Polyvoks is certainly my favorite and rare piece. I also have sampled it and use it quite often in my tracks now.
Bc: Are the tracks on "Analogue Gentleman" older or newer than the material on your previous Swiscotheque release "Mistra"?
Out-Or: Most of the tracks were made in the same time, there are only few newer tracks on Analogue Gentelman. I record tracks continuously all the time so I have a lot of finished and unfinished tracks from this time which can be gone back to and completed in the future.
Bc: Do you have any musical aliases? If so, how does the music differ from Out-Or?Out-Or: My main project has been Out-Or since 1993 but in the year of 2000 I recorded a few tracks under Ataka. They are no different than the Out-Or style, I think.
Bc: What has been your favorite gig as a performer?
Out-Or: I love all gigs when I perform. There is no favorite, all gigs are different and inspiring.
Bc: What is your favorite gig as an audience member?
Out-Or: It is very difficult to say what is my fave but I liked Ceephax and Luke Vibert in Kisapuisto 2008 in Finland very much, also AFX in 2000 in Helsinki was mental.
Bc: Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations?
Out-Or: I get my inspiration from different styles of music and from real life. My main inspiration is life that I feel with my eyes and ears. Also people around me.
Bc: Who are some unknown artists we should know about?
Out-Or: ...eeee.....mmmm......I don't know but if you are looking on the internet there are a lot of unknown artists. I really like Th'idiot.
Bc: So do I. What is a day in the life of Out-Or?
Out-Or: A Day starts with coffee and ends in my studio with synths and samples. Basically I listen and make music varied with my other daily activities.
Bc: Do you have any pets?
Out-Or: No, i like animals and birds in nature.
Bc: When someone is listening to Out-Or music, what kinds of emotions would you hope they feel?
Out-Or: I hope they just like my music.
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Connect with 0ut-0r :: Facebook | MySpace | SoundCloud
Read COMRADE: FEEL THE NOISE - 1994 NME Britronica Article:: .ZIP (1.56 MB)
Ceephax Recent Remixes Side-by-Side with Originals from Patrick Wolf, Errors, May Ling
Ceephax Acid Crew
Recent Remix Round-up
Ceephax dealt out a few remixes in the past year or so and I just wanted to wrangle them up into one place and reflect on his subtle but effective hand. The reworks below gave each of their original counterparts a pretty conservative makeover considering how extreme Ceephax's style can be at most times, but I feel that it resulted in pieces that made fans of both artists happy. Let's face it though - wouldn't it be gratifying to hear Andy flip everyone's wigs by turning some poppy vocal track into a pixelated, technicolor acid banger?
"Time Of My Life" is probably the most drastic of the lot, replacing Patrick's string-pop with signature Ceephax electronics. The acid sounds a bit restricted though... like a gradeschool kid squirming in his desk chair waiting to bolt for the door as soon as the recess bell rings. But I have to admit that he converted a track I wouldn't normally listen to into a must-have. Audiophiles who want more than an MP3 can get a free download of the uncompressed .WAV by signing up for the Patrick Wolf e-newsletter on his website. You can also grab this track on the vinyl release at shops like this one.
Errors - Jolomo (Original)
Errors - Jolomo (Ceephax Acid Crew Paisley Nightdrive Mix)
The original is a cool track to begin with, but somehow Ceephax made it cooler giving it his own flavor and a touch of italo. But it's a win/win in this situation, and I personally own both versions. You can buy this track on the Error's remix album called 'Celebrity Come Down With Me'. Digital seems to only be available in certain regions via iTunes and Boomkat, but anyone should be able to pick up the vinyl here.
May Ling - Jamaican Panda (Original)
May Ling - Jamaican Panda (Ceephax Remix)
Sure I like Casio beats, but I like Ceephax beats better. Plus he tightened things up by slicing a minute off the end, which I didn't mind at all. This remix is given away as part of a free album of May Ling remixes. [.ZIP]
The Carrier Wave - Rich and Strange EP (2011) :: Review
The Carrier Wave
Rich and Strange
[Complex Sound Sagacity :: 2011]
Review + Free Download
If Her Majesty The Queen listened to acid, she would listen to The Carrier Wave's new EP Rich and Strange. That might be a loaded statement, especially considering that The Carrier Wave, aka Christopher Westphal, is actually from the United States, however the sophistication and elegant restraint displayed in these 5 tracks combined with slick production and a surprisingly apropos touch of classical strings make them fit for a royal garden party or a day out on the yacht. The American President would discover this EP too eventually, though the scene wouldn't ever catch on in his country, forcing him to stay up to date on various internet forums and swap files with his online friends from across the pond, but I digress.
Despite The Carrier Wave's debut EP Live Takes Vol. 1 emerging just 2 and a half months ago, Rich and Strange reveals a noticeable evolution of style as the Chicago producer combines his love for analog drum machines, modular synths, and of course, acid, with orchestral training from his earlier years. He's managed to find a unique and magical sweet spot where these things all meet because I literally cannot stop listening to it on repeat. "Funky Deschanel" opens perfectly, picking up where he left off with vintage Roland percussion at a medium pace topped with slicing pads and some really smooth 303. Before you know it however, the artist eases some upbeat violin plucks into the mix, and suddenly you're listening to acid classical electro. The integration of said strings is subtle in track one, perhaps as an intentional gesture to gradually introduce the listener to the idea and prepare them for the assault in track two. "Prim, Proper Acid" starts out like a straight-up chamber piece with an entire string section bowing out an austere melody in unison, but soon a rogue contrabass (or is it cello?) brings in a funky bassline and a swingy electronic beat follows, pushing the track into head-nodding action. The recording of the strings in this one is so clear, I swear you can hear rosin grinding on horse hair. "Bass Spatz One" is a bit of a wildcard and switches things up with even funkier acid, acoustic drum sounds and bass guitar work mean enough to turn Squarepusher's head. "Spade Cruise Lines" is a bouncy, rubbery good time that features a cool "talking" synth simply oozing with luxury, and closing track "So Long, Lefty" is truly the sound of an oceanic vessel of titanic proportions slowly disappearing on the horizon as we raise our martinis and cheers to high society black-tie acid.
Stream "Rich and Strange":
Promo Video featuring "Spade Cruise Lines":
Download The Carrier Wave - Rich and Strange EP :: .RAR (MP3, 320kbps) | Label Page
Connect with The Carrier Wave :: Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | MySpace
The Carrier Wave has residency @ Gravity Halo Rotations Blog through January 2011
Global Goon - Quones (2011) :: Review
Global Goon
Quones
[J-HOK :: 2011]
Review + Free Download
Just 4 months after the release of his Earwhig LP featuring older unreleased tracks, Global Goon has snuck out yet another free long player called Quones, this time full of brand-spankin' new electronic tunes covering styles such as '70s electro funk, robot pop, chiptune and, of course, the quirky braindance we can always count on.
Classic Goon beats and bubbly sound synthesis akin to selections from his early Rephlex output are prevalent in tracks like "Wut", "Thindex" and "Borkend" while others such as "Tremulkane", "Fenikal", and "Bouncers of Gneygorg" venture into vocal territory, both heavily vocoded and non. Title track "Quones" has a sexy '70s vinyl sound that brings the album to its sensual funk climax with the priceless vocal line, "Sending vibrations through the Milky Wayyyy..." But it's not long before we are yanked out of our afro-topped stupors and zapped into "Super Noodles", a plodding 8-bit style video game soundtrack full of bleeps and thonks. The understated "Duopoly" is a highlight for me with its subtle but hum-along-able melody and a beat made up of farty lasers, anvil strikes and a persistent kick. Exploring such a wide variety of vibes leaves this album feeling just short of disjointed, but certainly keeps the listener entertained with a potpourri of fun and unpredictable sounds.
A "quone", according to the Urban Dictionary, is a "non word" played in the game of Scrabble. There are a few other definitions listed but taking these wacky track titles into account, I think it's safe to say "non word" is the theme.
UPDATE FEB-05-2011 :: Added new album cover artwork created by Global Goon. When this review was originally written, Mr. J-Hok hadn't included any album artwork in the album's download .zip, so Brainchops created one to fill the space. The temporary cover will remain archived here for posterity. Extra points if you recognize the pattern.
01) Wut
02) Tremulkane
03) Duopoly
04) Thindex
05) Quones
06) Super Noodles
07) Fenikal
08) Borkend
09) Crone Phone
10) Gonweh
11) Bouncers of Gneygorg
Download Global Goon - Quones :: .ZIP (MP3, 320kbps) | Download Page
Connect with Global Goon :: Official Site | MySpace | Booking
Yimino - Selected Works (2010) :: Review
Yimino
Selected Works
[Kahvi Collective :: 2010]
Review + Free Download
The Kahvi Collective, a netlabel known for giving away gigs and gigs of beautiful, downtempo IDM, just announced their especially generous Christmas exclusive Selected Works from London-based duo Yimino. In this free download we get 7 tracks spanning a variety of their previously released Albums and EPs available to purchase on the band's own label Ominim, including their latest album Breaker just out in September of this year. It would have been extra nice if they had included an unreleased track or two for those who already have Yimino's back catalog of work, but this little sampler is a great way to let potential new fans know what they're all about without any monetary risk.
Being heavily inspired by known favorites such as Boards of Canada and Autechre, Yimino's work can create a divide among fans of this particular electronic music sub-genre. Some stubborn devouts could be put off by the striking similarities, but though the essentials of their music are haunting tape-compressed pads, nostalgic samples, and textured beat patterns arranged in a style pioneered by those that came before them, the lads venture a bit further out to the fringes with tracks like the funkier, vocal-heavy "No Gamet" and the more straightforward Dido-ish "Bintliptick". My favorite track from the lot is "Apone Fenex" which starts out by pinning glitched out vocals over a creepy organ playing wayyyy in the distance, and evolves into a really cool beat-driven piece that might have felt at home on Tri Repetae. From the dreamy vocal cutups in "Firen" to the eerie ambiance of "Moflek", it's all gorgeous electronics and good vibes, so if you simply love the niche and crave more, you'll be happy to hear Yimino carrying the torch to light up both new and familiar territory.
"With a past that includes support from the legendary John Peel, performances at the South Bank and electronica festival Bloc 2010 this London based duo continue to innovate and diversify both in their musical output and label development."
Yimino - "Piper" (from Breaker, 2010)
Selected works consists of the following tracks from the named albums:
1. Firen (reading edit) - Bulbuss
2. Apone Fenex - Qeh 2004
3. No Gamet - Autonoe Vora
4. Squeeze me - Autonoe Vora
5. Piper - Breaker
6. Bintliptick - Breaker
7. Moflek - Doe EP
Download Yimino - Selected Works :: MP3 (.zip) | OGG (.zip) | Label Page
Connect with Yimino :: Official Site | MySpace | Facebook | Twitter
Milieu - Icepak (2010) :: Holiday Review
Milieu
Icepak
[Milieu Music :: 2010]
Name your price
Being that it's the first Christmas at Brainchops, I am pleased with the opportunity to share with you the short-but-sweet holiday EP 'Icepak' by electronic music producer Milieu.
I know what you're thinking: We've already been bombarded with 147 different versions of "Baby It's Cold Outside" and "Winter Wonderland" and we're only 10 days into December, but not to worry; Milieu gives us something completely different. In this refreshing IDMer's take on holiday cheer, the artist subtly dips his brush into a few familiar Christmasy sounds and paints us an abstract of original work that can even be enjoyed year-round. The childlike melody in the "Mornin' Organ" solo intro sets a playful, memory-invoking tone with analog tape recorded warmth while "Boiled Custard Beats" sneaks a little funk under the tree with a fun synth bassline, echoey tubular bells and a beat to shake your bits to. "Little Sparkles" fills my head with hazey visions of marching toy soldiers banging their snares and ghostly sugarplum faeries floating by in slow motion, with the last 14 seconds calling Aphex Twin's "Mookid" to mind. Lazy sleigh bells round the EP out nicely in "Snowradio" which captures that moment of stillness after the last Christmas Eve party guest has gone home and all that remains is the sound of looping static on the record player while you stand at the window and watch the snow fall.
Rather than rehashing old themes to death, Milieu ignores the commercialism of Christmas and emphasizes the little things that make us feel warm and fuzzy this time of year. And as a gift to his listeners, you can pay what you want for this release (even nothing), but these 17.2 minutes of bliss are sure to inspire your spirit of giving.
Stream/Download/Buy Milieu - Icepak :: Bandcamp
Sk'p - Unmute Your Journey (2010) :: Review + Interview
Sk'p
Unmute Your Journey
[Planet Terror Records :: 2010]
Free Download + Interview
Sk'p is the new alias of Belgian electronic music artist Skip who is known for his hyper, playful, chiptune/drill'n'bass style and has performed along side braindance / IDM heroes such as Ceephax, Venetian Snares, and DMX Krew. With his first release of this new project Sk'p departs from his colorful happy place into darker, more introspective territory, revealing a whole new side of him that we haven't yet heard. Ten-track long player "Unmute Your Journey" leads us through a fascinating micro-world where we hear the sounds of amoebas and nano spores making an epic trek across vast microbial landscapes that, in retrospect, could fit on the tip of your finger. He has a way of making small things sound big, turning tiny micro samples, synthesized pops, clicks, and droplets into intriguing complex beats and textures, and bubbling up through these expertly woven rhythms are beautiful, swelling melodies from light and pleasant to heavy and dramatic. It's an album of polaric contrast that stays true to its name and takes listeners on an up and down journey through sonic hills, valleys, deserts and forests.
Experimenting with song deconstruction, Sk'p lets some tracks like "Mentoa Mass" and "Seyefer" sway between beat-driven moments and moments of chaotic noise with mindful timing that always keeps the listener interested and excited. Other tracks like "Kraeactor" and "Unmute 2.2" really delve into sound appreciation and ambiance seemingly without a real structure, but it's there, stretched across the vastness he paints. Sk'p also delivers classic golden-era style IDM in tracks like "Cotrol Clod" that are just short of danceable but get your head nodding the whole way through. "Lost Land" really showcases the range in this album, opening with residual static and stuttering pips carried over from the previous track and evolving into a full-fledged song complete with a grooving beat, warm melody, and a climactic finale that harkens back to the speedy, chip'n'bass style of preceding Skip releases.
This album is mind blowing from start to finish, but my absolute favorite tracks are the "Soivelslevios" and "Vleckeffect" spread. Gorgeous! Epic! Huge! The melody of the former is so incredibly moving and between the emotional choir pads and upbeat chiptune interjections I don't know whether to cry or rejoice. Perhaps both would be in order, but after every listen I can't help but literally shake my head in awe. The latter of the two has these sharp, metallic harmonics, steamy crescendos and oil drum rhythms that together make a brooding film score-like track to rival the best.
"Unmute Your Journey" is a modern day "Lifeforms" that gives me what I wanted out of "Oversteps". This is one free netlabel release you do not want to overlook. Interview after the teasers and download link.
Teasers:
Download Sk'p - Unmute Your Journey :: MP3 (320kbps) .ZIP | Label Page
Connect with Sk'p/Skip :: MySpace | Facebook | SoundCloud
// Interview with Sk'p //
Bc: "Unmute Your Journey" has a darker, more serious sound that many of your previous releases. What inspired this new sound for you?
Sk'p: Its a collection of tracks where I wanted them to be part of a different but very specific "journey" outside my releases under "Skip". Each Sk'p track also started with a specific vibe in my mind before and while producing it. These tracks were much more pre-thought, which is why I believe they sound more serious and worked out. In comparison with Skip, Sk'p tries to be much more sharp, glitchy, crunchy, experimental, slower than Skip, still very melodic, atmospheric, melancholic but not too much, and more than ever inspired by the late 90's melodic ambient and IDM.
Bc: What was the most fun or interesting aspect of writing in this style vs. upbeat drill n bass and do you feel like you've grown as a musician in the process?
Sk'p: I have grown because I think I (again) have managed to produce music I wanted to hear but couldn't find and am very satisfied with it so far. Its all about musical self-fulfilling creationism.
Bc: What albums or artists have you been listening to a lot of lately?
Sk'p: I usually keep a healthy variation along the day. But I'd have to say Edgar Froese, Nofx, Four Tet (latest stuff is beautiful), Philip Glass, unreleased Kettel-stuff, Thomas Newman, some italo disco and a wide variety of selected netlabel stuff such as Implex Grace (superb stuff, check his album "Through Luminescent Passages 2"). I also started to listen to audiobooks and radio interviews about unexplainable natural phenomena, it really feeds your fantasy.
Bc: Favorite snack or meal while writing/recording?
Sk'p: Something with tuna please.
Bc: I see that you are a sketch artist as well and have quite a lot of detailed pieces online. Which Bic Art are you most proud of? How long did it take you?
Sk'p: Giant curved cylinders going into the white fog, or the one featuring different little organisms attached to each other, with a small black orb in the middle. I can not really say how long it took for one of those because I usually do them in many sessions. Sessions of 30 minutes to 2 or more hours. It has been over a year now since I actually did some ballpoint stuff. Partially because I'm working on a comic book concept at this time which is still in pre-phase (I only do sketching for now.)
Bc: What has been your favorite live gig to play so far?
Sk'p: I played at 2 festivals this summer, both were I believe my best and biggest gigs. Big up PeerPressure crew and Once Upon A Festival!
Bc: What is the most memorable / fun live performance you've attended so far?
Sk'p: I always very much enjoy Autechre, Bogdan Raczynski, Ceephax Acid Crew, Wisp...I couldn't choose.
Bc: How do you feel your surroundings inspire your music?
Sk'p: Absorb everything with a selective mind.
Bc: Do you think you'll continue on this musical path for your next release or try something different?
Sk'p: At one hand I'll surely continue, but other paths might get along and they could eventually mix together, who knows. It's a living thing, you don't have to rush it.
Bc: Any gigs coming up?
Sk'p: Got a couple for these last 2 months; one in a few weeks, and on january first :D !
Monarch - Aesthetic Anesthetic (2010) :: Review
Monarch
Aesthetic Anesthetic
[Broken Records :: 2010]
Who is The Monarch?
We all know what an amazing tool the internet can be for unknown artists to get their music heard by more than just their mates, and with the help of netlabels, social networks, and blogs, everyone has a fair chance at being discovered by the right set of ears. But sometimes all it takes is 1 simple link. Case-in-point: The Monarch.
I don't even know how I ended up there, but while browsing the interwebz I stumbled upon an odd, one-off, semi-serious article in the form of a Wordpress blog on the topic of "a&d" music, an umbrella term being used to identify electronic music made with actual analogue and digital hardware, versus entirely within a DAW (digital audio workstation) on a computer. The article cites artists Aphex Twin and Ceephax as prime examples of a&d, but it is within the article's comments that someone posted a link in perfect context to an album on iTunes accompanied by a simple message:
"check this guy out
monarch
funky mono-synth acid"
Monarch - Aesthetic Anesthetic is exactly that; funky, synth soaked acid composed with vintage hardware including classic Roland drum machines and keyboards. "Melo Velocet" kicks the album off with funk for sure, and right off the bat displays excellent pattern progression, build ups, break downs, and smooth production that would get any braindancer up out of their seat. Surely this can't be the work of a newcomer? As track 2 "45" kicks in I'm starting to realize Monarch is using a Roland TR-727 drum machine, the 707's less popular Latin cousin, and it's totally grooving. Suddenly the synthy bassline in "Siamese" sounds really familiar and I can't help feeling a small suspicion creeping in that perhaps Monarch is a side project of someone we already know and love. This of course is pure speculation and the album is great fun regardless of who the artist actually is, but I can't help but notice a similarity of styles as well as a few clues left behind in the comments of the above mentioned a&d article. Monarch appears to want to remain anonymous as there is no official site, Facebook page, Twitter account, blog mentions or even a search result to be found, so I'll refrain from saying who I think it is. As an aside, the album's metadata lists the artist as "The Monarch", perhaps to avoid confusion with a few other bands and musicians going by the same name. You be the judge.
Excluding the horribly generic album art, Aesthetic Anesthetic is a solid album chock full of quality tangible "a&d", and if funky basslines, clever melodies, upbeat tempos and attentively programmed percussion is your thing, I recommend you grab it. Highlights for me include the modulated bassline in "Quest To The Off Start End", the Plaid-esque bells in "Tea", the drum machine solo at the end of "Network Cycle How" and the eerie, dissonant feel of "Tricaclaic". Despite have no internet presence whatsoever, Monarch is now in my collection and on my radar, all thanks to one simple link in the comments section of a random article on the internet.
Buy Monarch - Aesthetic Anesthetic :: Amazon | iTunes
Connect with Monarch? :: MySpace?
EOD - Utrecht (2010) :: Review
EOD
Utrecht
[030303 :: 2010]
If you're one of those people who wonders if EOD is AFX, you're in for a treat: he's not. EOD is Stian Gjevik from Norway and his latest EP Utrecht is absolutely gorgeous, revealing that - surprise! - there are other artists (though few) capable of analog electro of the highest caliber. Utrecht is currently available on 12" vinyl only, and having made it onto Juno's Recommended Electro charts almost instantly, it's bound to sell out.
030303 Records describes the mood of this release best,
"On the crossroads of electronics, twisted electro and classic UK techno, this is stuff that makes you want to, well…fly away and look down upon the dancefloor. EOD resides in Trondheim, Norway and we can see this fits into a landscape sparsely lit by the magical northern lights. A big six tracker for those who crave big portions of deep space!"
EOD - Utrecht
Title track "Utrecht" combines EOD's bassline and melody mastery with dreamy, uplifting pads that truly invoke a feeling of weightlessness. The steady beat keeps this track danceable, that is if you can still feel your legs. "Phontron (030303 Mix)" is a sparkling, joyful acid groover with an impeccable progression and cut 3, "You're Right" features a deliberate beat and minimal arrangement that makes you realize sometimes it's the space between the notes that make all the difference. The main "theme" is so subtle yet so catchy, which kind of sums up EOD for me in a way. His low-key internet presence and rare live performances suggest EOD is a humble artist that simply lets his music do the talking, and it speaks volumes.
EOD - Phontron (030303 Mix)
B-side opener "Flab", which was independently released in digital format some time ago on his website as part of EAP #010, gets a well deserved chance on wax and keeps things interesting with a faster pace and sinister acid feel. If Flab is like a night of debauchery, the subsequent interlude "Came, Went" is like religious confession the morning after. A warm organ sound plays out a thoughtful hymn full of reverence and cathedral reverb. Last up is "On a Herald Go", also previously released by the artist independently as part of EAP #013 but now hard to find, featuring one of my absolute favorite melodies in an electronic track, ever.
EOD - On A Herald Go
Just when you thought this record couldn't be more magical, give it a spin at 33rpm for a completely different experience. At 45rpm (matching up to sample sound bytes provided by the record label) you get an incredibly smooth but light, fluffy and fun long playing EP perfect for solitary listening as well as DJing to a braindance crowd. But start it up at a slower 33rpm and you have a hot and heavy after hours album perfect for wooing someone special on a bearskin rug by the fire. And it lasts longer.
I also suggest looking into EOD's prolific but evasive back catalog as his officially released albums are only just a small taste of his vast creativity and production skills. As for the future, keep an eye on this talented artist; he is on his way and the only way is up.
Buy EOD - Utrecht :: Juno | Clone
Connect with EOD :: Official Site | MySpace | Facebook | Twitter
Polysick / SFVacid Split EP :: Review
Polysick / SFVacid
Split EP
[SWISHCOtheque :: 2010]
Free Download
Two acidsmiths from opposite sides of the planet have come together for a gorgeous Split EP full of 303 basslines, mellow grooves, dreamy synths and fun analog melodies to accompany you on your journey into space. Italian composer Polysick and SFVacid from Southern California, U.S.A. transcend land and sea to pair up their own unique but complimentary styles.
If you like Polysick's debut album Meteo, you'll be happy to know that his four EP contributions feature the same quality programming and vibe, with a few new tricks thrown in for good measure. Regardless of how busy the drums get, his tracks always maintain a soothing feel that often leave me daydreaming about 80's commercials. A beautiful organ vibrato ebbs and flows within "King Midi" which is a sound you don't normally hear in an acid track, but a refreshing addition to the pallet. "Footclap" is certainly the soundtrack to a midnight drive; with that relentless beat + Moroder-esque pads you can close your eyes and start to see the reflections of twinkly city lights moving across the hood of your black Ferrari Testarossa. I can also hear a little bit of Polysick's nostalgic/new agey side project THEAWAYTEAM in "Romancid" which makes for a neat hybrid of the two styles. (Review of forthcoming THEAWAYTEAM / Panabrite split tape coming soon.)
SFVacid chimes in with a similarly italo-ish "Girlz" but kicks it up a gear or two with the hard hitting "Ashlands Slumbers". "Sentimental Minds" reminds me a bit of the serious side of Ceephax Acid Crew... smooth rave, if there could be such a thing. "New West Coast" is a doozy of a track, and though we've heard it before a la SFVacid's Passion Of The Weiss interview, this new version fits nicely within the context of the EP. That little melodic lead jam over those slowly wavering chords just does it for me. SFVacid has to be producing some of the best acid coming out of the western United States right now. (If you can get your hands on a copy of his CD-R release "Get Laid", I'd recommend doing so.)
Overall this Split EP is a solid and generous release from SWISHCOtheque that seems to have magically fallen from the sky. What a nice surprise to get new music from not 1, but 2 of my favorite artists right now, and all for free.
Listen To Sample Tracks:
Tracklist:
1. P0lysick - Romancid
2. P0lysick - King Midi
3. P0lysick - DCO2
4. P0lysick - Footclap
5. SFVacid -Girlz
5. SFVacid - Ashlands Slumbers
5. SFVacid - Sentimental Minds
5. SFVacid -New West Coast
Download the Polysick / SFVacid Split EP :: 320kbps .MP3 (.ZIP) | Label Page
Connect with the artists :: P0lysick MySpace | SFVacid MySpace
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