From the days when his old band Zeni Geva were the kings of noise rock, KK Null has consistently published loud, noisy, brutal albums that would put most metal bands to shame. This is a bit different in focus, however, as the Bandcamp notes explain below: “From the opening track, Continue Reading
Japan
Lionel Marchetti & hamaYôko / Yôko Higashi – U chu Jin (les êtres en dehors de la Terre)
French electroacoustic composer Lionel Marchetti makes absolutely mind-blowing soundscapes made out of percussion and found sounds, which is impressive enough. However, in this 20-minute piece done in collaboration with vocalist hamaYôko, he puts a level of eeriness that will be extremely engaging to fans of avant-garde music.
Akira Kosemura – Rudy
No, nothing to do with yours truly, thankfully. My own biopic would be classified under surrealism/horror, I’m afraid. Instead, what you have here is what looks like an independent film about a girl who lives in Coventry, England. Should you click on the link, you’ll find more information on the Continue Reading
Yellow Magic Orchestra – Seoul Music
No posts today due to traveling. I’m in Seoul at the moment so enjoy some Seoul music!
Selen Gülün – Years
On this tenth album by Turkish pianist (and frequent visitor to Japan) Selen Gülün, she remains in fine form. She’s no stranger to our blog, and it’s been far too long since we had the pleasure of hearing modern jazz done right. From her Bandcamp site: “Selen Gülün’s tenth album, Continue Reading
Steve Albini & K.K. Null – Steve Albini & K.K. Null
These recordings are a sample of a 2-disc CD which I am not sure is still available, but since the passing of Steve Albini recently, K.K. Null has done the world a service by publishing these two tracks from that vaunted release.
Ryuichi Sakamoto – Coda LP (Black) + 2p insert and OBI strip
On October 11, 2024, a masterpiece will be released by our friends by Wewantsounds. We never doubt the impeccable quality of their releases, but as I am now the owner of a Rega turntable, I have more and more reason to eschew CDs and build up the vinyl collection. From Continue Reading
Keiji Haino – Black Blues
I have to tip my hat in respect to Room 40 Records. The catalog is normally known for it’s shimmeringly gorgeous soundscapes and ambient music. This is, at least to my recollection, the first time I heard them delve into the weird, murky world of Keiji Haino. Slow, screamy, and Continue Reading
Morgan Fisher – Cracks In The Wall
Former Mott The Hoople member Morgan Fisher never stopped making great music. This is a recent release from August of this year intended to help fund Morgan Salon, his studio in Japan. It is, indeed, a worthy cause.
Matryoshka – Laideronnette
Matryoshka are a band from Japan who play a nearly heartbreaking version of post-rock topped with gentle, almost drowned-out vocals. This adds to the character of the record. It’s one of the saddest albums I’ve heard in a while, but achingly so.