Thanks to my dear brother in music, Yasen, for introducing me to Kazdoura, a Canadian band that has roots in both Syria and Lebanon. From the band’s Bandcamp site: “Rooted in Levantine Arabic music and fueled by genre-bending experimentation, Kazdoura’s debut album Ghoyoum is a vibrant fusion of Arabic Maqams, Continue Reading
Trip-Hop
Heathertoes – Ludiosis
If Neu! could be recast as a more bubbly summer band specializing in a lovely, driving motorik beat, this would be as close to an apt description I could make for my dear friend Heathertoes‘ latest album. It’s got funk, healthy groove, and it even touches a bit on Krautrock, Continue Reading
The Uproot Group – Vampires
Every time I delve into the Mexican new music scene, I come up with something brilliant, but this time I was given a heads-up by The Uproot Group band member Enrico Gianfranchi to hear this album. What can I say? This made my day! The release blends jazz (naturally) with Continue Reading
Kazdoura – Khayal (خيال)
No reviews today as we prepare for Gregorian Calendar Christmas and finals for the school. In my stead, I offer to you Kazdoura, a singer from Canada who is of Levantine Arab descent. This is a touch of Arabic pop blended with trip-hop, jazz and psychedelic Andalou Rock.
Various Artists – Passed Records: The Passed Year – 2023
Passed Records come from Uppsala, Sweden. This is a fine introduction to their label, which produces trip-hop, electronica, drone and post-punk. These guys are going to be fun to follow.
United Future Organization Feat. Monday Michiru – My Foolish Dream
Sad news to report. Yabe Tadashi of United Future Organization, one of the best nu-jazz bands of the last three decades, has passed away. This is one of his finest moments, collaborating with singer Monday Michiru. Memory eternal, Yabe-san. HT: Rocco Pandiani
Rettward von Doernberg – A Military Base
I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing the work of Berlin-based composer Rettward von Doernberg in the past, and it seems he’s still producing impressive beats where one can hear trip-hop and EBM influences. Mellow, lush, and a rather relaxing and enjoyable listen.
Various Artists – Glücklich VI – Compiled by Rainer Trüby
From his days as a member of the seminal A Forest Mighty Black to collaborations with the who’s who of downtempo music (think Kruder & Dorfmeister, Jazzanova and so many others, Rainer Trüby has been of Trip-Hop’s finest tastemakers. We can celebrate today that after 20 years, there is a Continue Reading
Various Artists – A Tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto: To the Moon and Back
Your browser does not support iframes. Our heroes age. After the passing of Yukihiro Takahashi last month, it got me thinking about how long we have Sakamoto-san and Hosono-san with us. Both are due a tribute album of some sort. Thankfully, Milan Records has done a sterling job bringing together Continue Reading
Wintermute – Summersnitch
The esteemed French label Lotophagus Records released an album by Wintermute on December 2, and it’s a rather deep, dark and dubby affair, mixing trip-hop, the aforementioned dub and experimental rock music into something which reminds me of Cabaret Voltaire’s more dub-infested moments, or even acts like Scorn.