Tuesday, April 1st, 2008
Here I am sitting at home after a long day at work wondering who’s lovechild I’m bobbing my head to. It’s not overly original, but if you pull from the right sources I don’t mind more of a good thing.
Ola Bergman sounds familiar in a lot of ways to minimal house acts like Booka Shade, Pantha Du Prince, Gui Boratto and Trentmoller, with layered sounds and gradually progressive song structure. But there’s a darker secret in this music, something more gritty and rugged that comes out and adds some much needed backbone drawn from 80’s synth-pop and industrial acts and more recently seen in artists like Justice, Boys Noize and Detritus. It’s the sound of unfiltered cigarettes, duct taped speaker cables and ruckus causing on the dance floor. And the melodies! How can we forget the Kraftwerk inspired ditties and the the simple Solvent-esque lines that cause involuntary robotic moonwalks.
Working as an electronic music wikipedia, Ola’s “The Satellite City” works as a headphone album, a dancefloor album, a love making album and a soundtrack for other situation you need to inject some electro into. Who else can YOU find in middle of this musical orgy?
Sunday, March 30th, 2008
There’s a carefree, childlike feeling in Drexon Field’s music. Normally it’s upbeat, playful bursts of melody and warm soundscapes that would spark such a description from me, but I guess the difference here is that this music doesn’t make me want to frolic as much as it seems the artist just came from frolicking himself and tried to make some music grounded in reality…but his mind wandered back to the fields and this is what happened.
It’s obvious my tastes skew towards the beautiful and emotional side of music so I admire any sounds that can provide me with just enough of what I love to hear while still leaving a few stones unturned to keep me interested in the long run. Drexon Field’s 2 albums are prime examples of music with real soul. Music that may seem unassuming and by-the-books on the surface, but has a huge amount of depth on both the technical and psychological sides. Most tracks here plod along at their own leisurely pace, never fully developing into a full experience until the next kicks in. The sounds used here -dark synths and some happier flutes and horns- which would be a mess in anyone else’s less capable hands, meld together so well and really show a fearless approach to the childlike approach to composition I mentioned earlier. I’m tempted to define this as IDM, but it’s really more downtempo post-funk with very analog roots.
Saturday, March 29th, 2008
Now this is a true discovery. None of that last.fm or blog recommendation bullshit, because lets be honest here, it’s just someone else doing all the work. Domi Lucide’s EP, Demolucide, has packaging fabricated out of felt and has it’s title hand painted on with thick black strokes. It sounds like a photo collage from a 1896 class yearbook masquerading in musical form. I found it under my friend Meaghan’s bed.
There’s some Prefuse 73 vibes going on here. Maybe a little bit of Madlib’s more eclectic and gritty production style (think Madvillain) without the lyrics. It’s almost perfectly summed up as a lo-fi electronic mashup of all those spaghetti western showdown tunes with an 8-bit edge.
It’s a shame the Demolucide EP is only 4 short tracks long…but fear not, through the powers of digital distribution Domi has a new (or old I guess, the tracks are all from around ‘99-’02) release that is available from his Myspace page. It is called “Cave With The Musical Blood”. It is good. It is free. Check it out. NOW.
Saturday, March 29th, 2008
Everyone that reads the ‘banger should already know about this next artist, because I’ve fawned over him several times in other outlets, however in an attempt to inform any unfortunate stragglers, listen to Chequerboard.
John Lambert is a god. Under his Chequerboard moniker, he’s had 3 releases that are just soaked in melancholy melody. I first came across him randomly while browsing CD Baby for something that wasn’t like everything else, and “Gothica” delivered just that. I usually describe his debut as Aphex Twin composing the soundtrack to Castlevania (NES) before electricity had been invented yet. If that description doesn’t tickle your fancy, mentioning that it’s a “surreal illustrated story set in a gothic icey dimension, populated by a mute boy, a robot, a fink, a hammerhead and a bumbling King of dreams.” will? His words, not mine, but I think you get the idea. Very dark, gloomy electronica, with definite hints of shoegaze, ambient, minimalism and obviously IDM with an acoustic guitar making several cameos.
The Irishman’s two subsequent releases have been pretty big departures from his first but in no way are they any less captivating. Setting the dank synths aside in favor of his acoustic guitar, Chequerboard makes us hang on every strum and pluck as his lays down some of the most heartbreaking music I’ve ever heard. There’s definitely still an unsettling electronic presence in his music here, but it’s more to set the tone and pace of the songs while the guitar takes control. “Dictaphone Showreels” is his 6 track mini album released in 2005 and “Penny Black” is his recent full-length. Both pieces are beautiful in both the musical and artistic sense, with some amazing art being created by John to match the feel of the tracks. I feel that “Penny Black” is the more “substantial” of the 2 albums, not only because of the number of tracks but also because has a more developed sense of emotional progression. If one could ever die from sadness, these are the albums they would drift off to sleep to.
Friday, March 28th, 2008
You people know I have an unhealthy obsession with making mixtapes. There’s just something quintessentially cool (and slightly romantic) about compiling a great mix of tracks that just “work”. Unfortunately the digital age has all but nullified the use of actual cassettes, but the concept of a single flowing collection of music still lives on with…
Muxtape is a recently launched project by Justin Ouellette, a Portland born, NYC based designer, which has completely blown me away with it’s simplicity, functionality and novelty. Taking a page from the Craigslist school of thought with it’s text based, bulletin board style interface, Muxtape saves the bandwidth for what really matters…the music (and that’s a good thing too…there was nearly 9000 user signups in it’s first 24 hours)! Users can upload up to 12 of their favorite tracks to create a mix for the entire world to stream instantly. Instantly is good my friends. Much like the joys of cooking with electromagnetic waves and ability to control light with percussion sounds, Muxtape is quick, responsive and an incredible way to come across audio you never even thought existed. Unfortunately, since the site is in it’s infant stages, there’s no way to search for specific songs or comment on the best mixes, but I’m sure those features will be implemented soon. I can’t wait to see where how this thing evolves…I’m just jealous I didn’t make it myself.
So check it out, discover some new kick ass music you’ve never heard before and place your bets as to how long it’ll be before the RIAA comes-a-knockin’.
P.S. The random userlist rainbow is clearly fucking brilliant.
Monday, January 7th, 2008
For anyone out there who’s been waiting for my next update, I apoligize it took this long.
I’ve been working on a few new design projects and unfortunately the ‘banger took a backseat for awhile, but I hope to be updating a lot more regularly again.
First, HAPPY (belated) NEW YEAR!
Second, I’d like to give a quick pimp to Lonely Robot Distress Beacon. LRDB is the newly founded net label I’ve been working on for awhile and it finally came into fruition in late November of last year. It started out as just a quick idea to get my Aussie buddy’s (Zhe Nhir) music out to the masses, but then soon after evolved into a concept of slightly more epic proportions. We currently have 2 official releases, with a stable of other artists working on several others. Keep your ears open for more beacons soon, but in the meantime download our current offerings for free!
And third, something I’ve been meaning to do for awhile, here’s my top albums of ‘07 that you should all checkout. Yeah, yeah…lists are cliche, I know…but this is a great excuse to discover a huge smattering of amazing music that has no real link other than the proximity of it’s release to the distance we are to the sun.
1. Cars & Trains - Rusty String
Cars & Trains are 2007’s Talkdemonic. You people know I have a serious fetish for digitally altered strings and this album does not disappoint. Subtle glitch and backing ambient synths accentuate the guitars, banjos, accordions, harmonicas and their acoustic ilk used throughout. The beauty it’s lo-fi roots dancing with the hint of modern technology absolutely makes me melt. Portland…what the fuck is in your water?
2. Damero - Happy In Grey
I was afraid to listen to this album for the longest time. I think I was concerned it would sound too much like everything else on BPitch Control, chumming up to it’s abrasive electro or monotonous techno label mates. Little did I know I was only depriving myself of an absolutely gorgeous debut. Taking all the best elements of IDM (stuttering beat patterns and unique samples) and minimal techno (simple melodies and brooding basslines) and lacing each track with her beautiful voice, Damero creates another classic German electronic record.
3. Chica and the Folder - Under The Balcony
This one came out of nowhere and swept me away with it’s leftfield brilliance. It makes me think of Bjork if she was slightly more coherent, or Figurine if they toned down their dancey electro angle. It’s musical frame of mind does tend to wander frequently, showing it’s dark, happy and sad sides often times all in the same song. The album art pretty much sums it up, just pure, sweet, fun, electro-pop with it’s head in the clouds, it’s toes in a field of flowers and it’s hands clapping like they’ve never clapped before.
4. Deceptikon - Greater Cascadia/Birds of Cascadia
Words cannot describe my love for Deceptikon. Each track in these 2 albums is like a self contained hurricane, complete with a tense buildup, utter chaos and the calm eye of the storm. While is not his best material in my opinion (that would go to Lost Subject, but alas, this is not a best of 2004 list), if you like your music destroyed and then pieced back together bit by bit into the most epic fruncky (that’s crunk, funky and fuck for you slower kids in the class) way possible, you owe it to yourself to nod your head to this IDM gem.
5. The Ghost Orchid - Untitled EP
Rounding out the top 5 are a virtually unknown duo that self released this amazing EP. They describe themselves as “Indie/Ambient” and while I guess that makes sense I honestly have no idea which genre I would personally classify them in. Not because it’s doesn’t fit into any genres, but because it simultaneously fits in so many so perfectly. Incredibly gorgeous electro-ambient-indie-post-rockish stuff absolutely dripping with charm and character. Completely uplifting and horribly tragic at the same time, I can’t wait until their official debut is released sometime in 2008.
And the rest of the best:
Gouseion - Pusine
Radiohead - In Rainbows
aKido - Blink
Ambidexious - Rocket Mind
Copy - Hair Guitar
Canon Blue - Colonists
Intermural - This is a Landslide
Bodi Bill - No More Wars
Your Infamous Harp - Prah Suomafni Ruoy
EEDL - Everse
Eliot Lipp - City Synthesis
ENV(Itre) - Okoy
Saturday, November 10th, 2007
After yesterday’s post, I’ve been asked to suggest a few more indietronica bands…so here we go:
Something For Rockets - Something For Rockets (2005)
While I don’t know a ton about this band, I really love their sound. The lead singer has a lower baritone-type voice, which is a nice contrast to the upbeat indie-pop music they play. I would draw a parallel to She Wants Revenge or maybe Interpol only with slightly more electronics and without the dark raincloud over your head while you listen. Very very smooth and catchy stuff that really should be more well known than it is.
The Notwist - Neon Golden (2002)
The Notwist are definitely not unknown, but always worth mentioning again. Much like Radiohead, their sound has evolved leaps and bounds throughout the years and has been progressively more influenced by electronics with each subsequence release since their debut in 1990. Neon Golden, which is probably in my top 10 favorite albums of all time, absolutely perfects the musical art form…there is honestly not a weak track on the album. It’s amazing to hear the completely separate genres at work here; every track has a distinct rock sound with your typical arrangement of guitars and the like, as well as a digital side, whether it’s the buzz and fuzz of a synthesizer, a crisp yet fragmented drum beat or the sound of a laptop on it’s last legs…but despite being on separate sides of the musical spectrum, they compliment each other like nothing else.
The Go Find - Miami (2005)
The Go Find hail from one of my favorite labels, Morr Music. Most releases on the label are completely instrumental and err on the abstract side of things, so this is a great change of pace (but that being said, Lali Puna is also highly recommended electro-pop). They play it pretty safe on most of their material, really fitting into the Postal Service mold nicely. There is quite a prevalent indie rock influence though, so this would be a great listen before diving into the previously mentioned Notwist material. There is just enough digital manipulation to keep it off the beaten path while still remaining very accessible.
The Secret Handshake - Antarctica (2004)
Pretty much the closest thing you’ll get to defining this genre. I adore this artist because although his sound is a lot more juvenile than others, it’s rough and real (at least compared to TPS). Squelchy computer beats, random bleeps and bloops and MIDI sounds all wrapped up with an almost childlike take on relationships. A must listen.
The Junior Boys - Last Exit (2004)
Again, not unknown, but in my opinion a natural progression to the dance floor from the other stuff I’ve mentioned (come on, you knew it was gonna happen!). These guys are from my neck of the woods so I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them live on more than one occasion. They put on a hell of a show, but it’s a largely different sound from the purely electronic grooves laid down here. Super sexy, funky, move your body type of music that is hard not to like. Check out The Tough Alliance for a similar, but more “produced” and “European” sound.
Immoor - The Theivery Of Your Own Things (2006)
Another very emotional album both lyrically and musically that hits the mark. Beautiful highs and lows, heartcrushing melodies and beats throughout with a very relaxing downtempo feel.
and for kicks…
Jonny Classic And The Classic Johns - Your New Favorite Record (2005)
Indie rock vocals crooned over chiptunes? Where do I sign?
Check out my mix called “The More You Know” if you haven’t already for a good starting point. It features a few of the artists I’ve mentioned here plus a bunch more I’m sure you’ll enjoy if you like the indie/electronic/pop sound.
Also, click on these artists for some more awesome sounds:
…Music Video
Hexes & Ohs
6PM
Beauxregard
Au Revoir Simone
Trouble Andrew
Roar And The Wolf
Plan B
Ms. John Soda
Guther
The Future Of Color
Timid Tiger
Goodnight!
Friday, November 9th, 2007
If it wasn’t made obvious by this blog’s existence, I really like to recommend music to others, and believe it or not, there’s a certain science to a successful suggestion. You want to offer something fresh and new, yet still somewhat in the same musical realm as their current preferences lie
One of the most popular “indie” bands in the last few years has been the Postal Service. I use indie in the most general sense as their album “Give Up” has gone gold and is on a label associated with Warner music, but I digress… Ben Gibbard’s dreamy voice and the smooth indietronica production from Jimmy Tamborello (Dntel, Figurine, etc) really struck a chord with many people and is probably the most oft mentioned group when I pop the question “So what do you normally listen to?”. So for you people…here are some lesser known, yet highly reccomended artists in the vein of indie electro-pop.
Nurro - All Clear (2006)
This kid was 16 when he made this album. 16! When you listen to it, you’ll understand how impressive that is. Very glitchy, chopped up, beat-heavy electronics with some incredible melodies. The lyrics are heartfelt, but largely forgettable…I usually just tune them out and get washed away in the insanely complex beat patterns and sweet sweet digital notes. Postal Service + Vocoder + Broken Laptop + Blender = Nurro.
The Age Of Rockets - The Drive Home (2005)
Nurro took the electronics to the next level, where The Age Of Rockets goes in the opposite direction. Similar vibes, but a lot more traditional instruments like guitars and pianos are used here. Also, this album has a very somber and chill feel to it that really works in it’s favor. Perfect for those lazy rain-soaked days reminiscing lost love.
The Domus - Fractures (2007)
While I love the way this album sounds, there’s something I just can’t define about it. The vocals have a very boy band feel to them, but it the music isn’t poppy enough to make a move on the radiowaves. The production is purely electronic, but rarely does anything out of the ordinary to make it stand out above the leagues of cookiecutter “chillout” albums I can’t stand. That’s not really a bad thing though, the style is beautifully minimalistic, almost new-age-like in the way it just kinda flows at it’s own leisurely pace. This does nothing new and exciting and could be found playing on your Mom’s favorite local Lite-Rock station, but you won’t and that’s exactly what makes it so awesome. Think Goo Goo Dolls produced by Royksopp…only good. *shakes head*
Bodi Bill - No More Wars (2007)
It’s title leaving nothing to the imagination; this duo’s album tosses aside the popular “love” angle and swaps it for politics. Very good stuff, the sound (including the whisper-like delivery on certain tracks) borders on ambiance at times. Highly recommended for a very unique, yet familiar feel.
Headphones -Headphones (2005)
A side project for Pedro The Lion’s David Bazan, Headphones is definitely one of the saddest and most emotional albums I own. This feeling is amplified by the slow paced shuffle of the tracks, the holding-back-tears delivery of the vocals and the absolutely huge prevalence of seemingly crying synthesizers used here. Such a great album, especially if you love the sound of pure synth. Each song literally has a wall of analog sound that makes me so happy, despite it’s tragic feel.
Radical Face - Ghost (2006)
If The Postal Service was remade with nearly no electronics, this album is what would have happened. A huge reliance on traditional drums, piano, guitars, bells, accordions, harmonicas, whistles and the like give this a very accessible feel, but it’s compiled in such a way that makes it sound like nothing else. I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t love Radical Face…it’s pretty much a no brainer for any fan of indie and electronic music. Also check out Talkdemonic if you love this sound but prefer no vocals, and Electric President, who (literally) is Radical Face with a more electronic, indie-rock-dance-glitch style to it.
There are, of course, so many more artists that define the indietronica genre that The Postal Service helped spark, but I need my beauty sleep. If you want more recommendations (and I do mean more, I have hundreds of artists that fall into this category of music), contact me.
