I have come across Søren Bebe’s name for years but never had the chance to sit down with his music before. It’s relaxing, well-done jazz infused with Latin rhythms.
Søren Bebe Trio – Here Now
Day Off, Hutong Exploring
Quiet day today thanks to ill health.
Xmal Deutschland – Early Singles (1981 – 1982)
Xmal Deutschland was one of the treasures of the German gothic rock scene. From their Bandcamp page:
“Punk’s independence from the stiff grip of tradition allowed the band to find solace in anti-establishment art and music, far from the conventions of the past.With their peacocked hair and thick kohl-lined eyes, Xmal Deutschland’s music retained both a restlessness and delicacy, transcending any confines of the “Neue Deutsche Welle” movement (much like their colleagues and friends DAF and Einstürzende Neubauten) with the release of the “Incubus Succubus”single in 1982. It instantly became a post-punk classic. The guitar’s buzz ransacks through the melody as the ghoulish primitiveness of Huwe’s voice teases that maybe, just maybe, she is the nightmarish creature of which to be aware. The b-sides, “Zu Jung Zu Alt” and “Blut Ist Liebe,” keep strict militaristic dance beats as they teem in agitation.”
The Basements – Sounds Of Yesterday
The Basements are a heavy psych-garage band out of Greece who sound authentically garage while managing to avoid clichés of the genre.
Masian Love / Frequency – Incheon City Pop Vol. 1
I have no info on either Masian Love or Frequency, two bands out of South Korea, but they do a fine take on the quintessentially Japanese City Pop genre.
Øystein Quinterrius Jørgensen – Experimental Soundscapes
Øystein Jørgensen should need no introduction to those who follow ambient experimental music. He has been quiet over the past few years, but I came across this old recording from 2010 which showcases his more sound designer influences.
Various Artists – Singles Club: 2023 (Engram Recordings)
We are sad to report that German indie record label Engram Recordings has ceased operating. They have, thankfully, decided to leave their catalog online as long as Bandcamp exists. This sampler is a great way to get to know about their quirky releases.
Sushma Soma – Home
A rather lovely effort by a Carnatic singer out of Singapore called Sushma Soma. From her Bandcamp site:
“HOME is Sushma’s reflection on her relationship with Nature and the Environment and her response to the events around the world that have impacted her.
Using Carnatic music as the foundation in this album and exploring sounds from our everyday lives that impact our environmental landscapes, the album attempts to aurally paint a picture of Man, Nature and the interconnectedness between them both.”
The Fifteenth National Vocal Music Performance of Summer in Harbin-Highlights of the Folk Music Group
One more from Harbin. We will be back to normal posting tomorrow.
International Music Competition Harbin 2018 – Trailer
No reviews today as I am in Harbin, China for a rest.