Samstag, Dezember 22, 2018

The Neon Judgement - Early Tapes

The Neon Judgement - Early Tapes



Dark Entries has dug deep into the early days of the Belgian cassette scene to release two tapes by The Neon Judgment in the form of one vinyl LP for the first time ever! These pioneers of underground electronic music hail from the small town of Leuven near Brussels, Belgium and gave birth to the New Beat and EBM scenes worldwide in 1981/2 with the release of their first two cassettes--neatly compiled here as "Early Tapes". Always a consistent duo of Dirk Da Davo (synthesizers, vocals) and TB Frank (guitar, drum machine, vocals) The Neon Judgment worked in a parallel world alongside Suicide, Cabaret Voltaire, and the Deutsche Neue Welle recording under the watchful eyes of Roland Beelen (Antler-Subway) & Ludo Camerberlin (A Blaze Colour).
Arriving just in time to celebrate the Neon Judgment's 30th anniversary, "Early Tapes" showcases the band's brash and seedy lyrics, with raw synth stabs and repetitive drum machine beats adding to this rhythmic discourse. The result is a combination of lo-fi technology and emotional sincerity to create a sound both warm yet alienating that has stood the test of time and 30 years later, still evokes the same magic. The 10 songs on this LP were remastered from the original cassette masters resulting in a cohesive, gritty, maniacal dance program that sounds more relevant today than ever. Each sleeve is hand numbered in limited edition copies of 500 with an 11x11 lyric sheet including rare photos, a mini poster and two silk screened die-cut diagrams taken from the band's original synthesizer workbooks.

BUY VINYL: http://www.darkentriesrecords.com/store/dark-entries/de-007-neon-judgement-early-tapes/#tab-description

http://www.theneonjudgement.com/

Donnerstag, Dezember 20, 2018

Say Sue Me - "Christmas, It's Not A Biggie" EP

Say Sue Me - "Christmas, It's Not A Biggie" EP


Say Sue Me - Christmas, Its Not A Biggie (Damnably/Electric Muse 2019)



Say Sue Me are a surf-inspired indie rock quartet from Busan, South Korea. Friends since 5th grade Jae Young (Bass) and Kim Byungkyu (guitar) were introduced to drummer kang Semin and then they heard Sumi Choi’s speaking voice and decided she should be the singer. Sumi turned out to be a natural at songwriting and guitar.
Formed in 2012, they released their 1st album [We’ve Sobered Up] in 2013 and EP [Big Summer Night] in 2014 on Korean Indie label Electric Muse.


Surf-inspired indie rock/pop quartet Say Sue Me release a special Christmas themed (one-sided 12" in white) EP this December. Recorded by Hakju Chun at Mushroom Recording in Seoul & and mastered by Matthew Barhart at Chicago Mastering Service.
Released Dec 7th.
Order Vinyl/Digital @ https://saysueme.bandcamp.com/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/SaySueMe1/

In their own words:
“We can’t recall since when, but we had always thought that we wanted to make a Christmas record. It seems that the old bands had a Christmas album and we wanted to do something like that. The idea has been decided since around 2014, when we finished making our first album, ‘We’ve sobered up.’ Starting with sketches of ‘Out of Bed’ in 2014, ‘Christmas, It’s Not A Biggie’ in 2015, ‘Too Expensive Christmas Tree’ in 2016, and ‘After This Winter’ in 2017, we made this EP by collecting carols from every winter. We recorded with Hakju Chun, our Engineer at Mushroom Recording in Seoul, and it seemed that four different genres of music could be bundled into this project by his sound engineering that made good use of the features of Christmas albums. Christmas in Korea differs in that it is not necessarily a tradition per se, but does not seem to be very different from other countries. The street is full of people with rosy faces and people gather to spend time with everyone they love.”

Christmas, It’s Not A Biggie
It is a carol song in surf and rockabilly style of the 50s ~ 60s. You can expect someone might have a hard time during this period because of the coldness of winter, and be sad and depressed about the passing of another year. Yet strangely most people during Christmas seem happy and warm. I want to think that Christmas is not a biggie, but for some reason I feel like I can be a better person during this time

About Say Sue Me:
Jaeyoung Ha (Bass) and Byungkyu Kim (guitar) have been friends since 5th grade. They met drummer Semin Kang and played in bands together since winter of 2012. On meeting Sumi Choi, they immediately offered her a spot as the vocalist in a new band that would become Say Sue Me. Sumi turned out to be a natural at song writing. Semin sadly suffered trauma from a fall during the making of their second album. New drummer Changwon Kim stands in while they await Semin’s recovery.
Following well-anticipated showcases at SXSW in 2018, they released sophomore album ‘Where We Were Together’ and a Record Store Day special covers EP ‘It’s Just A Short Walk!’ and the "Just Joking Around" single. Their blend of indie rock, dream pop and surf has been widely met with critical acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork, The Fader, Stereogum, NPR, BBC6Music KEXP, i-D, Dazed, ELLE and many more.
The band toured the UK/Europe twice this year and have been anounced for SXSW2019.

Recent Press:
Pitchfork “…delicate, bruising music about indecision and loneliness (and lots of drinking).”
MTV “…your new favorite indie rock band from Korea!”
Billboard “Korean indie quartet Say Sue Me is on the up-and-up…”
NPR “…jangly indie-pop, handclap-rich girl-group classics and the lightly rumbling sounds of early surf-rock. At once stylish and timeless…”
Stereogum “…evokes late-album indie-rock epics such as Yo La Tengo’s “We’re An American Band” or Pavement’s “Fillmore Jive”…"
KEXP “…jangle-pop hooks, stunning vocal melodies, and intricate guitarwork that stands up proudly against some of their influences like Yo La Tengo and Pavement…”
The Fader “Really sweet, melodic rock that makes me feel like I’m in high school.”
Bandcamp Daily “…Nary a song on Say Sue Me isn’t a total ear worm.”

Sonntag, Dezember 16, 2018

THE WAiiT - Fairy Tales MV

THE WAiiT - Fairy Tales MV


THE WAiiT is a Taiwan neo-psychedelic rock band founded by Frey and Lili in 2016. The group began as a home recording project. Frey writes, records, produces the music. Lili provides insight and inspiration, artwork and makes music videos. As a touring act, the project consists of Frey (guitar, vocals), Lili (bass, vocals), Sherry (drums).

The band was initially formed as a home studio project in 2016. Frey and Lili had worked together for years before these projects. In November 2015, the duo just finished their previous band Oscilloscope who formed in 2014 and played hard rock music. “I want to create a new style of rock music. It should be vintage and tastes like grunge” Lili said. Frey started to listen to the music which Lili suggested, and then wrote songs based on grunge, psychedelic rock.
After six months, the duo uploaded six self-produced tracks to thesixtyone, Sound Cloud and StreetVoice which caught attentions of musicians. At the same time, they enlisted drummer Xavi and started rehearsing as a band. In December 2016, they began playing at some local gigs.

Grease in the Grass
Frey completed the album tracks in October 2016. “As those great bands do, we need a name which is simple but meaningful” Lili said. The duo listed their favorite artists like Nirvana, The Drums, Joy Division and the band was finally named THE WAiiT.
“We love Kurt’s spirit. The word nirvana means people who are waiting to go to the new world” Frey said. “Neither of us like waiting” Lili added. Their self-produced debut album, THE WAiiT, which was released on 11 March 2017.
Tours in 2017 included Hsinchu Not Bad Festival, Taoyuan Ironrose Festival, as well as Spring Scream festival, Winder Music Festival, Hohaiyan Rock Festival and Unlimited Freedom Festival.

Night Out
During Unlimited Freedom Festival, tensions ran high and Lili criticized Xavi's drumming, which she felt was not "in the pocket." Xavi was fired afterwards and replaced by Sherry.
Tour in 2018 included Urban Nomad Opening Freak Out Festival and The Next Big Thing. During Nomad Opening Freak Out Festival, the Treasure music video was nominated for one of the best music videos of Taiwan Music Video Competition. On 7 July, THE WAiiT was invited to the UFORADIO for StreetVoiceonair show.

Music Style
THE WAiiT’s music is influenced by 60’s psychedelic rock, 80’s post punk and 90’s grunge. Frey uses funky and powerful rhythm, as well as arranges exotic melodies and harmonies between vocal, guitar and bass to make people dance. It depends on his experience of playing or listening to the world music like flamenco, samba, tango, military tattoo, etc.
The duo like playing some noises or effects in their songs that make tricks or grunge sounds. “In recent years, the guitar rock has become less and less attractive. It seems that Synthesizer will replace the role of guitar of the band. If there were no guitar’s noise, there would be no rock’n roll” Frey said.
THE WAiiT has two lead vocals. Frey usually sings the songs which have dark, melancholy and strong emotion and Lili sings songs which are negative and aggressive.

https://thewaiitband.wixsite.com/thewaiit

Samstag, Dezember 15, 2018

Chase McBride - Pink Lemonade Album 2018

Chase McBride - Pink Lemonade Album 2018


Chase McBride’s painterly folk is imbued with pop optimism, his sense for rhythm and melody, and his gentle voice. His previous albums Cold Water and Green Shade have found viral success on streaming platforms, but about his latest Pink Lemonade he says “This album, from an aesthetic standpoint, feels the most like me.” The album was co-produced Andrew Heringer (Milo Greene, Avid Dancer, Madi Diaz), prolific songwriter, producer and engineer, and recorded at Heringer’s Mirror Wall Studio in Beachwood Canyon, LA. “He understood the vision that I had for these songs and was adept at channeling that into a recorded version; also creating an environment where I felt comfortable enough to experiment and try sounds whether or not they were going to work...”

Pink Lemonade illuminates McBride’s fine arts training as a painter. The shadows of his folk music are contrasted by his pop music flare. Like an Edward Hopper painting, this exhibition of life, lighting, and shadows, makes every situation interesting, and also leaves room for interpretation. This kind of songcraft allows listeners to envision themselves in the songs.

http://www.chasemcbride.com/

Sasami - Free

Sasami - Free - 12/3/2018 - Paste Studios - New York, NY

SASAMI (Sasami Ashworth) has been making music in the Los Angeles area, in almost every way you can, for the last decade. From playing French horn in orchestras and studios and playing keys, bass, and guitar in local rock bands (Dirt Dress, Cherry Glazerr), to contributing vocals/string/horn arrangements to studio albums (Vagabon, Curtis Harding, Wild Nothing, Hand Habits, etc.) and producing on tracks for other respected artists (Soko), she has gained a reputation as an all-around musical badass.
Photo Mark Ortega
After graduating from the Eastman School of Music in 2012, SASAMI spent her time scoring and making orchestral arrangements for films, commercials and studio albums, as well as being a deeply committed music teacher in Los Angeles. She spent the previous two and a half years touring the world non-stop playing synths in the band Cherry Glazerr and is now taking a turn to focus on her own music. SASAMI's first ever self-released single "Callous" was given Pitchfork's "Best New Track," and this year she has already shared bills with the likes of Japanese Breakfast, Liz Phair, The Breeders, and Blondie.
https://www.sasamiashworth.com/
Posted on 11:25 PM | Categories:

The Learners - Learners High

The Learners - Learners High


LEARNERS - CASSIS OOLONG


In a country where people go through great lengths to dress like it was the 50’s and dance in public to rockabilly music, it’s no surprise that rockabilly bands also exist. One of these is The Learners, and they’ve built a reputation on rockin covers of classics like “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “Rhode Island is Famous for You.” As Japanese people are wont to do, they’ve absolutely mastered the sound through dedication, research and respect, but where to next? The hopeful answer is writing their own songs, and here on this EP “Learners High” we get a glimpse of their future and a showcase of their talent in just six songs.

The first two tracks, “CASSIS OOLONG” and “TAKE A TRIP”, are extremely promising as originals written by member Matsuda “Chabe” Gakuji with additional arrangement by the band. “CASSIS OOLONG” is an instant classic about a lonesome girl who uses a cocktail of cassis liqueur and oolong tea to get by, and “TAKE A TRIP” is a sunny jingle for seeing the new world, but more like in the 80’s when Japanese tourists were everywhere and things were still full of wonder, before the Instagram armies ruined it for everyone. Both songs are super catchy and thankfully sung in Japanese to give it that nostalgic Showa flavor. The horns also give it a little lift over a classic rock set up (and get us this much closer to ska). The EP also contains a cover of “Walk Like an Egyptian” which given its popularity we probably don’t need, but are no poorer for having it. In contrast, the covers of Brigitte Bardot’s “Moi Je Joue” sung in French and Fairground Attraction’s “Allelujah” are heartfelt tributes and performed with gusto. The other key highlight of the EP is the cover of The Looking Glass’ “Mirror Man”, translated into Japanese and sung by Hideki Kaji, which is just perfect as a Shibuya-kei spin on an old favorite. On the strength of this EP, The Learners are definitely ready to graduate into the big league. @ https://tokyophonic.com/

Freitag, Dezember 14, 2018

Elephant Gym - Underwater

Elephant Gym - Underwater


ElephantGym - Quilt - Official Music Video


Any purchase includes four additional bonus tracks not available for streaming.
Elephant Gym builds worlds through a bass-driven, jazz-and-funk-inflected writing style that teems with agile, articulate excitement. While commonly associated with the sub-genre of math-rock, Elephant Gym employs their own unique technical candor, with rhythms and melodies that never cross the line into uncomfortable angularity.
Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/elephantgym/
On Underwater, Elephant Gym's latest release and second full-length, there was no single composer overseeing the record. To the end of unlocking new sounds for themselves, each member took turns leading production and compositional roles during the creation of the album. The result is an expansive cohesion of diverse songs which flow in and out of one another like water. Vocal cameos by international collaborators provide another compelling dimension to the record, emboldening a group usually known for their instrumental compositions.
The band explains that "'Underwater' is an idea about a kind of private, mysterious space." It's a place where one may go to ponder or concentrate, to clear one's head, or to just blow off some steam in solitude. So, too, is Underwater fundamentally about immersion: immersion in the chaos of feeling, living in the throes of being human-sized in the infinite expanse of existence. Elephant Gym deftly weaves this universal concept into their signature sound without ever pulling you out of your personal space, leaving you to yourself underwater.
credits
released November 14, 2018

Album Producer: Elephant Gym
Executive Producer: J-Jyun Ciou
Mastering: Brian Elgin [Sentient Sound Labs]

Album Design [InFormat Design Curating]
Art director: Pang Wang
Designer: Tzou Yun-Da

Elephant Gym is
Guitar: Tell Chang
Bass: KT Chang
Drums: Chia-Chin T

The J.O.B. - Highway of Shadows

The J.O.B. - Highway of Shadows


Richmond four-piece rock group, The J.O.B., tear out the pages of an intimate journal in their new album, Highway of Shadows. Documenting every emotional detail encountered in a single lifetime, each track digs deep into the domain of human experience and into the heart and soul of each listener.

Highway of Shadows has no boundaries. No feeling of life, love, or loss is left untouched. Highway of Shadows was produced by Rich Stine (The Head & the Heart).
Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/thejoband/

Looking back on one person’s single existence, it plays out like a film reel of a long trip on an uncharted, unpaved road. Highway of Shadows is just that, a long road collecting sights of things that once were and watching them vanish out of clear view. Each song is a symbol of one of those gathered images. Songs of love and loss such as “Turn Around”, “I Know Better”, and “Unknown Call” examine every complicated turning point in a relationship. Frontman and songwriter, Jim O’Ferrell, reconnects with his experience in the army in “In The Night’s White Noise”, and “Glory Never Comes.” Dynamics of a father and son are explored in the title track, “Highway of Shadows”. O’Ferrell’s anthemic voice roars while a smoky, gritty guitar rounds out the melody as they cruise together. Powerful, full-bodied drums maneuver everything forward with solid pace, precision, and explosive fills.

Fueled by the sheer power of human connection, The J.O.B. began in between O’Ferrell’s deployments from the war in Iraq while searching for a lead guitarist to play his music. The lineup came to be with Jason Crawford on guitar, Eric Bandy on drums, and bassist Jared Merrill filling out the final vocal layer. The love of music and performing is the catalyst that connected four people from four entirely different walks of life to create something honest and passionate.

The J.O.B. are storytellers, taking authentic human experiences and reflecting them like a mirror onto their audience. Giving a voice to those that may have buried their own somewhere deep inside, their music is a true companion that makes people’s emotions relevant and meaningful. Every face in the crowd is an individual opportunity to form a bond. Performing live is where the rubber meets the road, and The J.O.B. travel at full speed while also taking time to appreciate every stop along the way.

http://www.thejoband.com/

New full length album 'Highway Of Shadows' is out now!'
Click HERE to support: https://www.gofundme.com/thejoband

Highway of Shadows by The J.O.B. on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/7K8F606P39bkTPNGiXGTKK

Donnerstag, Dezember 13, 2018

Church Girls - No Patience

Church Girls - No Patience

Biography
Formed in 2014 by Mariel Beaumont, Church Girls is on a quest to tap into listeners’ emotional marrow by lyrically confessing a resistance to growing up, espousing a tendency towards self-destruction, showing the pains of communication, and celebrating the ways we work to become better humans a little at a time.
photo by: Neil McCarty Photography

The 2016 EP Thousand Lives received local praise for its “introspective lyrics that complement pop melodies beautifully” (WXPN). The 2018 single Young Planes was described by PopMatters as "a restless, urgent piece that fuses the fire and burning punk zeal of early Sleater-Kinney with the post-millennial anxieties and indie melodies of Angel Olsen."

Their new EP Home was released Sept 7 2018 via Chatterbot Records. "Sparkling indie rock that surrounds lithe vocal melodies with wreaths of guitar" - Bandcamp's New & Notable. The group is touring extensively throughout the US & UK to support the record.
http://www.church-girls.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Lp6hXrpbIv2le9TCGi68F

Mittwoch, Dezember 12, 2018

Sarah May - Nothing to You

Sarah May - Nothing to You


About
London born singer-songwriter-producer, musically venting the woes of being a female in the modern world.
Photo by Jason Chang

Biography
Sarah began singing as a small child, and has performed in front of audiences since a very young age which included being involved in theatre productions. At the age of 9 she started writing lyrics, and recorded her first original song when she was 14 years old. She released her first CD of original songs at the age of 17, and has since continued to write, play, and release music as well as obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Sarah taught herself keyboard and guitar to write songs, and eventually began experimenting with music production. She has, to date, penned more than 100 songs, covering topics such as; love and heartache, depression, addiction, politics, sexism, partying, financial hardship as well as others, her lyrics are known for being honest and sentimental, yet witty.
Sarah has collaborated with various different musicians and has been a member of several bands over the years in a variety of genres, and has performed across Europe and Asia.

https://sarahmay.me/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3qLBhswyOt5dYSv3RinYjp

Samstag, Dezember 01, 2018

P.A. Hülsenbeck — Garden Of Stone

P.A. Hülsenbeck — Garden Of Stone


P.A. Hülsenbeck — »Garden Of Stone« LP/CD/Digital
Can be purchased:
physical — shop.altinvillage.de/product/p-a-hu…tone-pre-order
digital — altinvillage.bandcamp.com/album/garden-of-stone
Photo: Casey Ayers

At first glance »Garden Of Stone«, the inaugural solo record by P.A. Hülsenbeck, seems to ripple serpentine. Scales over flesh topple softly as a snake piles high in the dim. A texture nearly like an overcoat, a shape almost like a huddled body. Almost, until Hülsenbeck’s hand beckons you into the reality that this is no snake, this is P.A. himself. »Garden Of Stone« is a molt, a shedding of one old thing to reveal something new. But instead of the shirking off of some glistening scaled skin the record's nine pieces shed the raw human experience and from its depths rises Hülsenbeck.

P. A.’s voice, much like his image on the album cover, is hidden under each piece. He uses his voice as an instrument that drifts in from somewhere deep, dark, and below. In front, around, above, and underneath swim guitar, synthesizer, koto, saxophone, trumpet, horn, drums, and bass to provide a soft, lush foundation. From somewhere distant, each note carries the gentle scent of tall pines, forgotten cabins, and damp but breezy oceans. Each piece in this album reminisces of a well laid plot, they swell to retreat, ebb to flow and just as a distortion begins to drift in, some swift wind carries the melody away. P.A. Hülsenbeck's music is the outcome of the search for sound, a polyphonic reflexion of the music itself. It is organic. It moves in the darkness and dances in the open—exposed and forever drifting.

When after Hülsenbeck's first band Sizarr ceased to exist, the musician radicalized his language under the Doomhound moniker. After one year of touring he finally began to shed his electronic hide to reveal something gentle and new. Here is his skin. Hülsenbeck’s new album dances the way flesh might, whether it be by serpent or some other body. This is a response to P. A.’s research in the corporeal realm. Beginning in Leipzig / Germany, P.A. became engulfed in techniques that explore the relationships between body and mind through exercises in expressive movement improvisation. In other words, he began to dance. And through those physical techniques, he found the philosophy that from now on determines his approach: turn the inside out without question and give it freely to the outside world. A process in which Hülsenbeck routinely finds himself practicing in the distinctive dreamland of »Garden Of Stone«.

It is here in this seemingly bleak landscape of hard and nothing that he realizes: he is surrounded by everything he needs—he just has to put the pieces together. It is most obvious when listening to the debut's first single »A Serpent Of Velour«: »When the scorpion kissed a careless heart / It was yearning to be torn apart«. The music becomes a journey—this stone garden begins to blossom. Here is where we get to know a Self that is both observant and exposed to the observed. Insects crawl over fabric, memories fade away, desire emerges. While »Anima«, »Säule« and »Vessel« are instrumental, the other six pieces on »Garden Of Stone« tell stories that conjure up a person who blossoms in the ether behind: P.A. Hülsenbeck is truly himself.

The record was produced by the Berlin based musician in collaboration with his friend Tim Roth. It was recorded by Joe Haege and Fritz Brückner (both of White Wine). Fritz has also played Bassoon on »Survey«. Drums played by Johannes Döpping, Electric Bass and Upright Bass by Johannes Weber, Horn and Trumpet by Max Kraft. Everything else played by Hülsenbeck.


Samstag, November 10, 2018

Irene Xia - Unique Soul

Irene Xia - Unique Soul


Irene Xia is a Singer/ Songwriter in Taiwan who plays Guitar.
Most songs she described are the stories of life, there are some beautiful fantasy, the difficulties encountered, and the thirst for the freedom of mind.

Tomii Chan - Not A Good Day To Die

Tomii Chan - Not A Good Day To Die (part of it)

"This Is Not A Good Day To Die" is the second full-length album from Hong Kong-based singer-songwriter Tomii Chan.
A return to the singer's favorite fundamental blues and country music, along with all the subtler experimental influences and ideas he has.
A journey of self-questioning and an examination on contradictions, from man-women relationships to the wandering around the exits and decisions of life while actions are hindered by confusions in the world of "This Is Not A Good Day To Die".

A singer-songwriter, since 2016. The mixture of the blues with progressive ideas from a bit of everywhere, occasionally writes folk-oriented music.

Starting his career in Hong Kong since 2013, Tomii Chan is a music producer/composer/singer-songwriter.
From his first funk band Tri-deuces (2013 – 2016) to the folk/alternative band Stranded Whale (since 2015), the background as a band member and once a session guitarist enabled Tomii to develop his skills in music production and guitar playing, as well as a variety of other instruments.

Sonntag, Oktober 28, 2018

Yarune Sonouchi - Breathing - MV

Yarune Sonouchi - Breathing [Official Music Video]


A female singer, Yarune Sonouchi, who is playing vigorous live activities mainly in Tokyo.
A song that brings universal values with popular melodies and pop, Yarune's airless feeling
and singing voice creates a unique world, Get popular with the live house scene in Tokyo.
Photo from:  sonouchiyarune.com/

Listen more here!： https://ssm.lnk.to/kokyu

Official Site：
https://sonouchiyarune.com/
Twitter：https://twitter.com/sonouchi_yarune
Abonnieren Posts (Atom)