Although this is labeled as witch-house, my friend IXΘΥΣ has released an album that I find incredibly enjoyable. It reminds me of late 1980s Electronic Body Music. While I’m not much of a dancer anymore, this music had me moving for a while. Well done!
Music
The Neshama Alma Band – Clearing Clouds of Confusion
Ernesto Diaz-Infante and his partner Marjorie Sturm offer a captivating improvisation featuring flute and guitar. This session unfolds at a slow and relaxed pace, allowing the mind to wander effortlessly to the soothing sounds of strumming and blowing. It’s a perfect accompaniment for a quiet Sunday.
João Victor Barroso – Mais Pesado é o Céu
Mais Pesado é o Céu is a soundtrack composed by Brazilian guitarist João Victor Barroso. Although I haven’t seen the film, it seems to be dark and reflective, as the strings create an atmospheric and haunting quality.
Cousin Silas & Pete Swinton – Poppy Field
Two great ambient/electronic artists, Cousin Silas and Pete Swinton, collaborate on an album that resembles a lo-fi yet elegant tribute to Tangerine Dream. Gentle and somewhat sci-fi in feel, this album is a delightful listen.
Yoichi Kamimura & Olli Aarni – Kōri no ryokō / Jäämatkailu
Yoichi Kamimura, a Japanese composer, teams up with Finnish musician Olli Aarni for a release on mappa, a Slovak record label. From mappa’s Bandcamp site: “Water can retain or wash away memory; flowing or freezing. It gives life and shapes earth, while frozen imprints of an ancient past are waiting Continue Reading
Hiroshi Wada & His Mahina Stars – Yoru No Komori Uta (1964)
No review today due to having some foot problems, but I will leave you with a tune by Hiroshi Wada & His Mahina Stars. Hiroshi was a Japanese bandleader who worked with Hawaiian music. I came across him on accident thanks to Facebook and the lounge band Pink Martini, and Continue Reading
BJNilsen – True than Nature
BJ Nilsen is a Swedish composer based in Amsterdam, and has long been one of the true treasures of labels such as Touch and Ideologic Organ. His latest album, from 2025, combines sumptuous field recordings with soft drones. This is wonderfully organic-sounding.
George Christian – IMPROVISTOSURTOSCIRCUITOS
I enjoy the improvisational guitar playing of George Christian, but this release takes a different direction. It feels less like a complete improvisational album and more like demo tapes from a band inspired by the Velvet Underground. There are psychedelic elements throughout, giving it a primal quality.
Alio Die – The Fairy Tale Theater
Alio Die, Italy’s renowned creator of ambient music, presents his latest album. This release is far more lush and vibrant than expected.
The Secret Society of the Sonic Six – Pickup EP
The Secret Society of the Sonic Six was one of Los Angeles’ greatest bands. They were something like a jitter-funk version of Tuxedomoon and early Yello with the foundation of a hip B-movie soundtrack vibe. They were stunning onstage, and I really do hope that they start playing again.