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
Lo-Fi
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 Əspirito 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
Jettenbach – Extracts from The Diary of Mars
Our friends at Jettenbach, a fascinating project from England, have prepared for us a Martian travelogue. The concept sounds like something taken directly from a sci-fi movie, dialog and all, and it’s quite an interesting thing to hear. The music drifts from floating experimental ambient to hard-beat. This shifts genres Continue Reading