Expand your taste in music. Based in Beijing, China.
Today is a workday for us in Beijing, so there is no review today, but I did want to point you to an Indonesian band called Senyawa, who is featured on Rafaelle Pezzella’s incredible Unexplained Sounds Group‘s digipak retrospective called the Far East Music Collection. It is a reissue of three seminal compilations covering experimental music from China, Indonesia and the Far East in general. The set looks gorgeous, and Senyawa‘s contribution is mind-blowing.
Pyroclaster is an old friend of mine, and he has a a new album that harkens back to old-school EBM and Industrial dance. From his Bandcamp site:
“Taking on a different approach in Electronic genres Pyroclastic steers the machine driven music gears towards the Eastern Tribal elements.
Combining Eastern Tribal instrumentation along with their traditional rhythms of Indian & Arabic roots with your favorite blend of Rhythmic Noise.Pyroclastic has long been influenced by artists like Muslimgauze, Nurse with wound, This Morn’ Omina, and Goa Trance of the 90’s – early 2000’s to bring this collection of it’s own version of said genres in electronic as well as Eastern acoustic music productions.”
The first thought I saw with this lovely cover art from Greek composer Anglachel was, “good boi!” It’s a heartbreakingly charming bit of cover art, but the main story is the music. It’s dungeon synth, but perhaps a little meatier than what I am used to hearing. The production value is quite nice. The story about the release is recorded below:
“The purpose of this EP is to provide assistance in organizations helping stray animals in Greece. For that reason ALL earnings will be donated to such organizations. The donation will take place on the 8th of May, so contributions will be accepted until that day. After that, the EP will be offered freely.”
I’m happy to hear the release achieved its goal and left a good, dark legacy musically. Bravo to them.
No reviews today as I’m out and about for business, but I leave you with a fine jazz-fusion record by the German band Chameleon.
Hugo Əspirito Santo is a Portuguese composer based in France who manages to tie together a cold, ominous synth sound with lo-fi techno beats. Disturbing, but quite a good listen.
Thanks to the ever-consistent Muteant Records for bringing this album to my attention! I’m familiar with both Michel Kristof and Makoto Sato’s work, as both as masters in the improv world, but Quentin Rollet is a new name for me. His sax playing and sound manipulation are expertly underpinned by the aforementioned Kristof and Sato, making this a bouncy and adventurous listen.
Quentin Rollet : sopranino and alto saxes, Korg Monotron Delay, iPhone, SmarFaust App
Michel Kristof : electric guitard, Sfx, cowbells
Makoto Sato : drums