Wow, what a wonderfully unique release this is! Loscil and Seabuckthorn are two of the most impressive ambient and experimental projects today, and in this collaboration, they surpass their usual output. The music is a fusion of old-school electronic, IDM, glitch, microsound, and an eerie psychedelic vibe that evokes memories of the Velvet Underground and New Continue Reading
Lo-Fi
Al-Qasar – Uncovered
What an astounding follow-up! We had the pleasure of reviewing Al-Qasar’s work in 2022, but this sophomore release (at least as far as we know) is a compilation of covers including Depeche Mode’s seminal classic Personal Jesus. From the band’s Bandcamp site: “With this second full length, Al-Qasar consolidate their Continue Reading
Slermpy Fishkins – I WANT TO PRODUCE FOR MY FAVORITE RAPPERS BEFORE THEY DIE
This is a weird one, admittedly, but it has enough charm for me to share it. Slermpy Fishkins hail from Riverside, California, not terribly far from where I lived in California before moving to China. They produce a grubby, lo-fi hip-hop laced with some very strange samples and cut-ups. Interesting Continue Reading
Bohmig – Birth In Birdsview
Another day, another unsolicited album, and another absolutely pleasant surprise! Bohmig are an Austrian band who produce a novocaine-like fuzziness housed in a dream pop vibe. This is a lo-fi affair, but with gentle vocals, a wispy guitar and, as mentioned, just enough buzz to give this an edge. Fine Continue Reading
马木尔 Mamer – 沙漠 Desert：为开盘带录音而演奏的电吉他曲 Guitar Solo For Reel-to-reel Tape Recording
The near-legendary Old Heaven Books presents another fabulously bizarre album (also available as a CD and reel-to-reel tape) of Chinese guitarist (of Kazakh extraction) Mamer. From the release’s Bandcamp site: “Mamer first became known as a dombra virtuoso and a modern master of Kazakh folk music. Over the years, he Continue Reading
Seba Ramirez – Untied
From the Urban Waves Bandcamp site: “Seba Ramirez’s “Untied EP” invites you to explore a world of sound, emotion, and creativity. From intricate melodies to rhythmic grooves, this collection of tracks weaves a captivating narrative. Joined in the studio by talented musicians, Pablo Selnik (flute), Eddie Mejía (guitar), Alex Reviriego Continue Reading
Hull of Light – Gilded Liminal Shrines
Here we have Hull of Light, an “…international collective of cosmic cowboys and cowgirls with members from Megason, Suffering Hour, Zeresh (our beloved friends), Underground Spiritual Game & Sleepwalker [夢遊病者].” The music was absolutely not what I was expecting, as a few of these come from a raw, powerful black Continue Reading
Ezra Sturm / Ernesto Diaz-Infante – Live at the Luggage Store Gallery
This is the second time I have the pleasure to share the work of Bay Area guitarists Ezra Sturm and Ernesto Diaz-Infante. Maybe it is because this is recorded live, but I get the vibe of something crossing free-improvisation, lo-fi garage guitar and something that reminds me of the work Continue Reading
Hugo Espirito Santo – Debris
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.
Porch Kiss – Fort Stevens 2006
This is the first time I had the pleasure of reviewing something from Start-Track, a fine small label run by our friend Filip Zemčík. Porch Kiss’ music is sparse and lo-fi, reminding me of a lot of British indie band from the 1980s with lower production values and fine songwriting. Continue Reading