New Releases 7/31 - Testament, Sinsect

Changing up the blog output just a little bit this week, instead of a Sunday-Wednesday post. Tuesdays will feature New Releases, Thursdays will feature Backcatalog Additions, Sundays will continue to be Sunday Morning Blues. Not sure if the change will bring better reviews, but I'm hoping it will.

New Releases From 7/31

Sinsect

Broken Heroes Vol. Three

Label: Self Released (Bandcamp Site)
Genre: Noise, Industrial, Ambient

The third in the Broken Heroes series. With each volume of three tracks Sinsect has taken his music into darker and slightly noisier places. Vol. Three keeps going down the same hole, this one is a very dark set of songs. While still the same kind of power-noise/industrial Sinsect is known for, they also veer towards a very dark ambient sound. Additionally the three tracks have a bit of a theme to their naming, with loss being the overall scheme of things. While I enjoyed the first two volumes, it's volume three that feels the most coherent, and is the best of the three I think. The progression is like walking down a path, deeper into woods that are growing darker with each note.

Testament

Dark Roots Of Earth

Label: Nuclear Blast

Genre: Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal

The first time I put this album on for a spin I had to double check it was the new one, and that I hadn't accidentally put on one of their late 80s/early 90s albums. I haven't really checked in with Testament in a long time and wasn't sure how their sound had evolved. It hasn't, not terribly much. Which is both a good thing, I like their sound as it was, and slightly jarring as the new record sounds so close to their older stuff.

But, after a few listens the songs are simply rehashed versions from Souls Of Black or Practice What You Preach, nor are they mere continuations of the death-metally sounding stuff from Low. It's a new record, to be judged on it's own merit. Testament still has it's chops - solid thrash metal with visits into the grumbly mess of death metal. It's a pretty good album for metal fans and more solid proof that 80s thrash can last the ages (if you're a good enough band) without needing many changes.

Between Testament and Overkill you can get all the solid thrash you need both old and new. And I love that about them. So what does stand out here to set it apart? Well, three tracks have gotten me to pause and tap along to the rhythm; Rise Up, Native Blood, and True American Hate. Each of these pounds out a catchy rhythm, and gives me that band-your-head feeling I love so much.

A good album, a good band, and a great "new old school" feeling to it. I may have to go back and pick up the Limited Edition version with the bonus tracks and DVD extras. . .

Week Of 5/15 - Rock, Glitch, and House

Alright, bit of a low mix this week, two double disc releases loaded up for my listening pleasure.

New And Recent Releases:

Squarepusher
Ufubulum
Label: Warp Records
Released: 5/15 2012
Genre: Glitch, Noise, Experimental

A combination of harmonies, tweaks, barely there and then gone again rhythms, and layered melodies usually describes Squarepusher. This release has less layers, a more stripped down approach to the sound-scape, rhythms stay longer and become more identifiable. Even if long and drawn out. It's an excellent piece of music, all the way through, the whole thing never really lets itself fade out. The glitches and tweaks never settle, even when they find a pattern there's the feeling they'll immediately snap out and do something weird. If you want a break from the standard musical concept, but don't want to stray too far off the beaten path, this is a good selection - a return to form for Squarepusher, without actually going backwards.

The Rough Guide To Psychedelic Africa
with Sir Victor Uwaifo
Label: World Music Network
Released: March 2012
Genre: Rock, Psychedelic

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, most of my exposure to anything psychedelic is 60s American Rock Which is mostly hit or miss. This, well, it's mostly funk influenced jazz than rock with too much guitar and a horn section. It's good, listenable and easy to dance to though. It's mostly music from the 60s and 70s from Africa, you can hear the imitation of culture going on, a decidedly not American approach to American funkadelic. It's also surprisingly mellow music. All in all, a good listen, something to put on at parties when you need dance music that isn't all bass rhythms and heavy beats.


I honestly I have no idea where to start with the bonus disc on one. From my understanding Victor Uwaifo was not only a huge influence on Nigerian music in the 60s, 70s, and beyond. As well as businessman, sculptor, and general artist. This is a re-issue of his Ekassa album, all thr tracks are titled with a number. Again, less psychedelic and more funkadelic. Some really smooth guitar rhythms, though.

Adding To The Collection:

David Guetta
One More Love
Label: EMI
Released: 2010
Genre: House

Yep, more house music from David Guetta. This time lots of mixes, remixes, and collaborations. It seems that's his general modus operandi - work with another musician who usually provides vocals. While Guetta is a near master at crafting catchy house-dance rhythms and beats, he's really only half the music here, a step between mix-DJ and actual composer. I can't say I don't like this, it's really catchy almost every song has a good hook. I'm just very unexcited by it in general. Still, if you good club music to round out your collection for a more thumping house party, David Guetta is a good choice, especially as this is a double disc set to keep the music going for a while without worry.

Hidden Track:

Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra
Do It With A Rockstar
Label: none - Kickstarter Page
Released: 5/16 2012
Genre: Rock, Punk

Not available to the public yet, a preview track from Amanda Palmer's latest project, which is (as of this writing) on Kickstarter with 8 days to go. It's a pretty good track, nothing like her work with Dresden Dolls though. Lots of 80s throwback. If you liked alt-rock from the 80s, and if this is an indication of the whole album, then any fan of that era will love this. Go back the project and get a hardcopy CD for your collection.

Next Week:
The Hard: KMFDM, Nitzer Ebb, Angelspit. The Soft: Pandora Celtica and a downtempo compilation. Listen Hard!

Week Of 1/10 - Modern Classical, Noise/Glitch

[Notes: Sorry for being late, I participated in the Blackout on Wednesday, and then had trouble accessing my blog yesterday.]

This week I loaded almost all of what's on my Unwoman USB flash drive discography. Only a little bit is left on it I haven't heard. Which will get loaded a little later in the month (next week, maybe the week after). This weeks new release is a short EP from Venetian Snares, a little glitchy noise to break up the cello.

New Releases:
Venetian Snares - Affectionate
Label: Self Released via Bandcamp
Released: 1/11 2011
Genre: noise, glitch
Noise tends towards all harmonics, rhythms tend to feel accidental, and rarely last for long. The beat is nearly nonexistent most of the time. Here we have a short 4-track EP from Venetian Snares that has all the glitchy bits I like from his stuff, highly experimental, and rhythmically erratic. The harmonics go high and low, though not often together. This release almost sees actual rhythm last through a song, but it's quickly broken up. A well paced set, all four tracks flow nicely from one to the next. Before I know it the EP is over and I find I have to hit repeat or find something else to listen to. If only this could carry it's feeling on a little longer, a good problem to have.

Adding To The Collection:
Unwoman - Blossoms
Label: Self Released via Bandcamp
Released: 2007
Genre: Modern Classical
The marked difference here from earlier releases is the loss of industrial undertones, and for the better I think. The cello comes fully to the front with her voice, the song writing is smoother too. Serene is a good word for the feel of this album. Honestly, I only pay a little attention to the lyrics, I like the music (which includes the melody of her voice) on this release. A few songs do stand out from the rest, Witch-Wife and Three Songs Of Shattering, have both made me stop what I'm doing to just listen. A good change of pace from her previous work, and it carries forward to other albums.

Unwoman - The Keys
Label: Self-Released on Bandcamp
Released: 2009
Genre: Modern Classical
Ok, not every album actually makes an impression on me either way. Sometimes, I find an album I consider very... middle. This is one of those. It's not bad, I don't want to turn it off nor am I just waiting for it to finish. But I probably won't listen to this again for a while, it'll simply occupy space in my library. There are three covers here - Running Up That Hill, House Of The Rising Sun, and Hurt. The first could have used a little more punch, more anger to it. The last is just (to be blunt, but not trying to be mean) boring. The House Of The Rising Sun, Unwoman managed to capture the song very nicely, it's an excellent cover, the gem of the album.


Unwoman - The City Single
Label:
Released: 2010
Genre: Modern Classical, Pop
A four track EP with a little more pop element to it that her albums have. at least on the title track. The third song, A Valentine, is the Lewis Carroll poem set to music, a nice touch. Poems and Songs are close enough cousins to make this work well. Past that, it's a four track single, good for completing a collection if you're a fan.

Unwoman - Casualties
Label: Self-Released on Bandcamp
Released: 2010
Genre: Modern Classical
I like this album well enough, nothing really stands out as spectacularly good. But nothing falls behind either, I don't skip tracks. Though I also couldn't pick out a song from this album, it all blends together a little bit in a good kind of way.


Unwoman - Casualties Instrumentals
Label: Self-Released on Bandcamp
Released: 2010
Genre: Modern Classical
This version of the album absolutely awesome, I love it. It's a completely different tone, feels darker and the atmosphere is gorgeous. Listen to this album with headphones on, good ones. The soundscape here feels a little more ominous at times. And it has nothing to do with her voice being good or bad, but without it her music feels more haunting, larger. All of it feels like one big song, like the version with lyrics nothing is a stand out and nothing gets left behind. I honestly sat with this one on repeat for a few hours while reading, perfect background atmosphere.


Next Week - Al Jorgensen goes country, some older dubstep, a Jpop collection, and House/Club music from Brazil.

Week Ending 4/30 - Industrial, Darkwave, Bhangra/House, Noise

Five new albums this week - three of them New Releases and the other two playing catchup from previous purchases. I actually have a good half dozen albums waiting for me to catch up, I try to only add a manageable amount - so I can actually listen to it all, sometimes that's easier than other times.

New Releases:
Karsh Kale - Cinema
Label: Six Degrees
Released: 4/24 2011
Genre: Bhangra, London-House
This doesn't quite fit under Bhangra completely, Kale is of the breed of Bhangra that the London DJs of Indian heritage have added London-House to. So it's very club-friendly and bouncy. But you can hear the underlying Indian music, this release is even more House than his previous works. The second track, Mallika Jam, shines as an outstanding example of Bhangra-House fusion, and the track Supernova is very bouncy, really fun, but purely a club track (very Juno Reactor, actually). When he does bring in vocals (which is often enough here), they are always Indian.

KMFDM - WTF?!
Label: Metropolis Records/KMFDM Records
Released: 4/24 2011
Genre: Industrial
This is the 17th studio album from KMFDM, and after nearly 3 decades they've still got some punch left. WTF?! brings back some of the glitch of the late 90s KMFDM, while still keeping the 2000s full band sound. There's a little more machine here than in the previous few albums. The opening Krank is a straight up KMFDM name-dropping anthem. Come On - Go Off, Rebels In Kontrol, Lynchmob, and Vive Le Mort, are classic KMFDM, mixing guitars and industrial for a 'classic KMFDM sound'. But the two tracks that really stand out are: Amnesia - which sounds like Sisters Of Mercy getting ahold of a tank and running through the industrial genre like it were paper. And 'Death & Burial Of C.R.' which takes a very old little rhyme and turns it into a very creepy piece. It's the perfect end track to the album - and really comes alive when listened to with headphones,.

OK*Ztein*Ok - Prolet*Kult
Label: KMFDM Records
Released: 4/24 2011
Genre: Noise
When KMFDM finished WTF?! Sascha locked himself in the studio alone and produce this weird little 6-track EP of noise. It's low key, glitchy, barely there beats and rhythms. Vocals are odd snippets of speech and spoken word. If you're into almost structureless adventures into soundscapes then you'll appreciate this. It's not quite the full on layered harmonics of other Experimental/Noise artists, but it's close. Definitely an album to immerse into with headphones.

Filling Out The Collection:
In the continued effort to load up the backlog of music orders, two more from I:Scintilla this week.

Optics Remix Disc
Genre: Darkwave (remixes are Industrial as well)
Released with Optics as a 2-Disc Limited Edition, it's nothing but Remixes of tracks from Optics itself. It's nice, and some interesting things are done with the tracks, but only mixes of The Bells actually stand out, mostly based on the fact that that's the strongest song taken from the Optics Album to work with. Nothing gets too overly-Club Friendly, nothing goes too far out into odd directions either. Overall, it feels like a record label gimmick to put out a Limited Edition release.

Prey On You
Label: Alfa-Matrix
Released: 2009
Genre: Darkwave
The lead single off the latest album "Dying & Falling" - the first two tracks are from that album, the third track is exclusive to the single, and the other 5 are remixes. Prey On You gets three remixes, all of which are pretty good. The Ammunition Remix actually manages to take some of the frantic punch out of the original (which does come out like a machine gun and is an awesome track by itself). The last track Hallowed (and one remix of), is OK, but you can see why it didn't make the final album.

Week3 - Industrial; Noise; Blues

Slow week, an unexpected surprise release to help the Japanse releief funds, an order from earlier in the month finally arrives, and I add a new artist to my roster.

Joe Bonamassa - Dust Bowl
I did a full review of his new album Dust Bowl on Wednesday. Blues guitar, mostly a Texas and Chicago feel to this album. This is an addition you won't regret putting in your collection.

Angelspit - Carbon Beauty
Label: Metropolis Records
Released: March 2011
Genre: Industrial; Electropunk

This is a Remix Album from last years studio release, with three new tracks. The remixes here are harder, and a little more glitchy than previous remixes of these tracks. The three new tracks: Glitchbomb; Like It? Lick It!; Toxicgirl, are all hopeful hints of upcoming releases. More glitchy noises, more drums, more guitar. All of it excellent as DestroyX and Zoog continue with their awesome double-vocals assault on music.

OK-ZTEIN-OK - TOHOKO 9.0 Japanese Relief Fund
Label: KMFDM Records
Released: March 23, 2011
Genre: Noise

http://www.kmfdmstore.com
Sascha Konietzko of KMFMD has an upcoming solo release, but in an effort to raise funds to send to Japan after the devastating earthquake and tsunami release previews of three tracks early with an exclusive new track that is made completely from samples of recordings of the earthquake and tsunami. All of it is noise that fits in with Squarepusher or Venetian Snares and their ilk (very little, if any, rhythm, but many layered harmonies). All of the money generated is being sent to Japan, and the digital single is only available through April 26th 2011 to collect the funds. It's a weird little song knowing the source, but the cause is good.

Lou Reed - Metal Machine Music

Released: Summer, 1975
Availability: available, usually easily found - almost always a special order (listed as a Limited Edition)
Label: Buddha Records (Sony Music imprint;) [originally on RCA Records; major label]

Lou Reed is without a doubt one of modern rocks influences. A member of the Velvet Underground, has worked with countless musicians throughout the ages. One of rocks giants.

Metal Machine Music is not music. Says so on the album cover. It comes complete with an utterly made up list of equipment.

Metal Machine Music is two guitars in feedback loops - if you put on a pair of headphones the stereo recording will put a different experience into each ear.

Part One - guitars in a feedback loop. No melody, no beat, no rhythm.

From where I listen, music is a completely visceral emotional response. You can sit people down and discuss for days composition, and execution, and quality, and everything else. But when the lights go out, all your left with is "Do I like it or not?"

From there the real discussion starts, what does it make you feel? The same song can evoke different emotions depending on the mood you started listening to it in, and sometimes the same song will always lock step you back to one single emotion. When we encounter new music is as important as what new music we encounter.

Part Two - guitars in a feedback loop, for another 16 minutes.

I could present thousands of words on the history, value, revelations, commentary and influence this album had on the music industry. The number of people who went "wow!" and the number of people are just utterly pissed off this even exists.

Here's some of the things I've done listening to this album:
Fall asleep listening to it; Clean my house; meditate; given me a migraine; soothed and relaxed my nerves; driven people out of the room leaving me in peace.

I usually put it on a very low volume and let it become background noise, overwhelming all other forms of background noise a city has to offer.

Part Thee - see part two.

Zeitkratzer managed to make a live version of this album. Translated to notes and played by orchestra. It is currently more easily found than the standard release album.

You could consider this album as a Koan. Or you could consider it as a bunch of noise. Maybe both.

There is no middle ground here, you can either listen to an hour of two guitars feeding back into amplifiers, or you have to immediately turn it off. Sometimes I can only listen to one part. Sometimes I sit on the edge throughout the entire toneless rhythmless mess of noise - captivated and fascinated by it all.

Part Four - the last several seconds actually picks up a repeating rhythm. On the original record release some of the LPs had a locked groove so this suddenly rhythmic portion would repeat until you physically stopped the record player. On the CD is lasts barely over two minutes before ending. (secretly I wish they took it all the way to the edge of the CDs recording limits.)

If you can find it (I don't believe it's that hard, but it's not that easy either) I suggested finding the "Inanition" by Controlled Bleeding, the song 'Hymn From The Shadows' is another piece that goes especially well with headphones and the quiet subtlety of that track provides an excellent counter point. If you can't find it, any quiet long piece of ambient music works as well, some suggestions:
Future Sound Of London - Lifeforms Paths 1-7 (single, possibly out of print as well)
Any recordings of Buddhst Monks (I have several, new age shops love to stock these)
Any of Chopin's Nocturnes

So what is this? Besides over an hour of two guitars stuck in a feedback loop?

Depends on when you ask me.