• Music

    Damir Imamović’s Sevdah Takht – Dvojka

    March 11, 2021 - By 

    It is a shame to think that when the words Bosnia, Herzegovina or Sarajevo are mentioned, most think only of the ugly breakup of the former Yugoslavia.  It’s a crime, as the country, and especially her capital, have so much to offer.  The people, the food, the incredible culture, so complex and rich, yet one forgets that Bosnia is a European country. Be that as it may, Sarajevo musicians continue to produce its most famous export – sevdah – the bluesy Balkan style that could be compared favorably to Portugal’s fado.  It’s music rich with pain, pathos and rich voices.…

  • Music

    Fradejas & Fradejas – Oum

    March 10, 2021 - By 

    It’s always a pleasure when you get to announce the release of an album made by dear friends.  Amandine and Santiago Fradejas operate in two different genres of music – she, in a more ethereal and progressive rock sound​ and he in a more experimental and improvisational setting.  Both of their respective talents compliment each other well, and the record is a very pleasant creative departure for both.

  • Music

    Toni Dimitrov – Live at SlovoKult literARTour 2020

    March 9, 2021 - By 

    Composer, radio presenter, label owner, philosopher and old friend Toni Dimitrov has released a new album on the ever-interesting Kalamine Records.  Here are some of the details regarding the release, courtesy of their Bandcamp page: Performance at SlovoKult literARTour 2020 in Gevgelija, as a part of Bosh Festival. SlovoKult literARTour is a small international festival of contemporary art, text and poetry, taking place in Skopje and Gevgelija, Macedonia and Berlin, Germany. www.slovokult-literatur.de

  • Music

    虚极 (Bliss-Illusion) – 森罗万象 (Shinrabansho)

    March 8, 2021 - By 

    虚极 (Bliss-Illusion) are a band based in China who have caused quite a sensation all across the world of Black Metal.  The music is a combination of the aforementioned Black Metal but adding a twist by mixing post-rock, straight-ahead metal, elements of doom, shoegaze and what they term to be folk-metal.  If you’re sensitive to screaming vocals, you might want to sit this one out, but it works rather well with the music.

  • Music - Music Promo

    [Announcement] Florian Arbenz / Tineke Postma – Free online gig at Porgy & Bess in Vienna

    March 7, 2021 - By 

    We have an online gig announcement from a friend of the blog, Swiss percussionist and drummer Florian Arbenz: Hi – I hope you’re well! Whilst most musicians are still not quite back touring, we do keep playing and I’m excited to let you know that I’m broadcasting live (and FREE) from Vienna’s legendary Porgy & Bess Jazz Club this Thursday: 🎞️ https://porgy.at/events/10327/​ I’ll be joined by the brilliant Dutch saxophonist Tineke Postma and we’ll be performing much of the repertoire from my recent duo album with Greg Osby. If you’d like to join, we’ll be happy to have you there,…

  • Music

    Vàli – Forlatt

    March 6, 2021 - By 

    Vàli are a neofolk band out of Norway whose music shows references to bands like Ulver and Empyrium.  It’s a rather gentle album with acoustic guitar and fiddle, reminding me of the American folk-rock band Changes and the Chinese neofolk band Raflum.  A mellow experience.

  • Music

    Reptilicus & The Hafler Trio – Designer Time

    March 5, 2021 - By 

    Continuing on the Industrial (and post-Industrial) theme, this album was sent as a promo album to me while I was a buyer for Aron’s Records, the best record shop in Los Angeles before Amoeba steamrolled the competition (and are now, apparently, either no more or barely hanging on in L.A.). I had known a bit about the Hafler Trio because I was selling some of Andrew MacKenzie’s cassettes and limited edition releases on CD and vinyl, and business was quite good.  I was partial to his music, but this combination with Reptilicus, who would become an important force in Icelandic…

  • Music

    Throbbing Gristle – Throbbing Gristle’s Greatest Hits

    March 5, 2021 - By 

    In 1984, I was introduced by the luck of having a few weird friends in high school to the world of Industrial Music.  This album was the first of many I would end up buying, not only from Throbbing Gristle, but the whole roster of freaks Industrial Records was putting out, like Cabaret Voltaire, Monte Cazzaza, S.P.K. and The Leather Nun. As today is Bandcamp Friday, I point to those who want to get to understand the genesis (pun intended) of Industrial music to purchase and listen to this survey.  It is anti-music, but with a warm touch to it.

  • Music

    Jake Xerxes Fussell – Hills Of Mexico

    March 4, 2021 - By 

    Xerxes is not a name one comes across regularly in English, so when I saw James Xerxes Fusssell’s name pop up on my dashboard, I thought I’d give his music a listen.  I’m glad I did. This is a one-track release of blues-tinged music sung in a peculiar manner that I found to be enjoyable.

  • Music

    Doll Klaw – Thorns EP

    March 3, 2021 - By 

    As a more-or-less native Los Angeleno who grew up running around clubs in the late 1980s and early 1990s in clubs like Club F**k, DAS Bunker and the like, hearing synth-pop like this makes me feel a sense of nostalgia. Southern California-based Doll Klaw has all the hallmarks of a 1980s indie band – the ethereal vocals, the cold synthesizer, the catchy, dance-ready grooves and a fashion sense that screams ‘retro’.  As synthwave is making a comeback, the band have managed to come at a perfect time to take advantage of it. If you like bands like Red Flag, Xymox,…