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, Continue Reading
Germany
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.
Triosone – Christmas Lounge Vol.1
One more day before Gregorian Christmas, so we spend it listening to Christmas lounge music, courtesy of Triosone!
Roedelius & Arnold Kasar – Zensibility
On December 1, the maestro will again collaborate with Arnold Kasar (whom he paired with on a Deutsche Grammophon release 5 years ago) on a new album of piano and electronics. Judging by the two tracks available for listening, this will be perfect winter music to meditate to. From the Continue Reading
Various Artists – D-Day: A Grateful Dead Tribute from Krautland
Although the bands themselves on this comp from our dear friends at the Lollipoppe Shoppe might play Kraut-influenced music, this comp is definitely NOT Krautrock. I can’t say that the music is perfectly straight-ahead covers of some of the Grateful Dead’s finest work, but to hear these songs in a Continue Reading
Rüüt – Kiriküüt
Rüüt hail from Estonia and offer an incredible take on Estonian ethnic music, modernized for the 21st Century, taking in elements of jazz. The band describes their music this way: “The band is characterized by mystical atmosphere, intricate harmonic, melodic and rhythmic combinations, precision and a common feel. This is Continue Reading
Henri Giraffe – The Giraffe Transmissions
Henri Giraffe works under a score of pseudonyms (this is one of them, obviously), but what is impressive about the release is that it is some of the freakiest lo-fi space rock I’ve heard in a while.
Abu Ama + BedouinDrone – Dawlat Lībiyyā
Abu Ama and BedouinDrone’s most recent collaboration, Dawlat Lībiyyā, is being presented to the world by Mahorka Records, who have released this album as a well-deserved vinyl edition as well as a adding an extra track added to the digital version. The duo released several albums both together and individually Continue Reading
SOUNDFOG – How High Hang The Bells?
Our friends at Muteant Sounds have released a very mellow, relaxed free jazz session by SOUNDFOG. The band features Bernd Grohs-Ophoff on drums, percussion and carillon, Frank Wilke on a very relaxed trumpet, trombone and voice, and Sven Emmerich who playes synthesizer and adds samples and field recording. Not a Continue Reading
Wolfgang Gsell – Soundscapes of the Rain
German composer Wolfgang Gsell passed away in 2017 at the age of 61, but he left an amazing body of work that could be favorably compared to electronic music from Germany, especially the Berlin School which produced acts like Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream. He was also a collaborator with Continue Reading