Hilde - Hollow Island

Hilde returns with a new covers album "Hollow Island", filled with eight mutant synthpop/tron disco/easy listening tracks for all your cosmic nightclub and cigar room parties' needs. Nine unrecognizable, vocoder-enhanced versions of tracks originally written by My Bloody Valentine, Peter Gabriel, Dusty Springfield, Mylène Farmer, Bruno Martino, Paris Sisters, Interpol and Fiction Factory. It's been a few months since his excellent compilation "Night's Fissure ", so it's great to hear this new conceptual project. It's an entertaining ride from start to finish, you can tell Xavier had a lot of fun recording those.

Download the album here, stream below.

Nattymari - Y​[​i​]​fy topS

Nattymari dropped this screwed pop mixtape they other day, 46 minutes of lean hits and drag edits of pop hits, known and unknown. The caption says it all: "dedicated to a simpler time... when myspace ruled, we spoke in JPGs, curated our Tumblrs and shared and stole our music with Megaupload and Rapidshare.♡(ŐωŐ人)". Grab it here.

Midwife - 2020 (DJ Netflex Heaven's So Far Away Edit)

Last year Midwife dropped their third album "Luminol" which featured a shoegaze cover of The Offspring's hit "Gone Away". Now DJ Netflex picks up where those folks left off, turning their song into an ambient gabber banger. It's beautiful. It actually took me a minute to click where I know this melody from, I haven't touched my "Ixnay on the Hombre" cassette since the early 00s. Support Netflex by buying their edit here.

Nosaj Thing & Julianna Barwick - Blue Hour

Well that's a collab I was not expecting. Nosaj Thing prepares to unleash his fifth studio album via LuckyMe, and "Blue Hour" is his first single. Featuring Julianna Barwick on vocals, the track is dreamy, mellow trip-hop jam that drifts across the space on a simple drum break, carried by an atmospheric synth line and deep bass. You can buy it here.

1797071 - Ka 4 Ko Sen // video

Second, this time video single from 1797071's upcoming debut EP "D1$4PP34R1NG" which will be out September 2nd. The videoclip was directed by SHV from KLONNS. I really love this track, both the beat and vocals work well and make me look forward to the rest of the tape.

Venice Arms - Love Hz

"Love Hz" is a breakbeat extravaganza from Luca Venezia's side project Venice Arms. Released on German label Permanent Vacation, the 3-track EP is a homage to the 90s rave and freestyle days. All the songs are super smooth and enjoyable whether you're plannig to spin them at a party or at home with your headphones on to mellow out. Recommended!

"Love Hz" is out now on bandcamp, stream below.

Big Debbie & Terror Apart - Angel Eyes // video

I recommended that new album from Big Debbie a few days ago, but only new realised there's a video to one of my fav singles from the LP. Using an assortment of analog video mixers, stop-motion and feedback, the clip was produced and put together by Big Debbie Productions (Ursula Yashenko and Caro Yagjian). Heavvy mid 2000's vibes.

Teaching In Trips - Can't Dream

Totally rad new single from Russian witch house producer Teaching in Trips. Carried by a melody that sticks with you for a while after the song stops, "Can't Dream" is both creepily dark and (grave) radio-friendly. There's even a touch of lo-fi phonk vibe towards the end. I'm hooked, reminds me of the addictive collaborations between Mascara and Slow Head, or Gummybear and Zombelle. Support on bandcamp here.

Dancing In Slow Motion - Just For Now

Not much is known about the person behind Dancing In Slow Motion, except from the fact that they MAY be from Canada and their bandcamp is full of slow-mo witch house goodness. "Just For Now" is their latest track that dropped today, a dragged remix of Imogen Heap's "Just For Now" (the track that defined Clams Casino's career). Make sure to explore the whole bandcamp page, it is rad.

Luca Dell' Orso & Justine Forever - Plant Life

Volume four in the Ombra Internationa's D'oro series comes from Luca Dell' Orso and Justine Forever. Their collab is a sultry synthwave jam that seems peferct for riding around on a hot night. You can purchase it here.

1797071 - Phantom

"Phantom" is the first single from the upcoming debut cassette from 1797071, Tokyo-based witchhouse producer and singer Mako (better known as the guitarist of the experimental post-punk outfit Ms.Machine). Slow, pulsing beat with sharp synths carry Mako's ethereal vocals into the hazy mix, channelling both Cocteau Twins and Ritualz. Definitely looking forward to hear the rest of the tape soon! The EP "D1$4PP34R1NG" will be out on Septemeber 2nd via Discipline Production (who released that rad Dead Bitch tape last year). You can preorder cassettes here.

Big Debbie - Angel Eyes

Pecan Crazy Records, Soft As Milk, Degelite, Collectif Ödl and Throw Pillow Records all collaborated together to put out a tape version of the excellent album "Angel Eyes" from Big Debbie, which originally came out in April. Rad mixture of cold / minimal / dark / and every other wave out there, with a splash of post-industrial, goth, italo and even some jazzy instrumentation thrown in for a good measure. It's an eclectic, future-noir cocktail of underground DIY ethos and meticulously crafted music that sounds both raw, cinematic and fresh. The album features Terror Apart singing on "Angel Eyes" and David L Byrne playing saxophone on "Heartworm". The whole package is wrapped up with a collage by Debbie themselves. Support!

The tapes can be ordered here, but if digital is your thing head over to Debbie's bandcamp here for a copy. Stream below.

Danger Mouse & Black Thought - Strangers feat. A$AP Rocky and Run The Jewels // video

Latest video single from DM & BT's collab album "Cheat Codes" is siiick. Feels like golden era vibe, this album is shaping up so good.

Sniper Bait - The Nature Of Camouflage As A Perceptual Phenomenon

Fresh off the press, Sniper Bait is the latest project from John Katsav (CRAVE / Lieu Noir) that debuted on Paso Inferior Tapes with "The Nature Of Camouflage As A Perceptual Phenomenon". Inspired by "Thomas Koner's drones, Akira Yamaoka, and 90's old school industrial tapes", the album is a riveting sonic assault built on bone crushing drones, intensely expanding walls of noise and serrated manipulations of tape loops. Beautifully dark experience, lets you immerse in this world from the start and won't let go until the last piano key drowns in silence.

The album is available on Paso Inferior bandcamp for $9. Worth every penny. Stream it below.

Seahawks - Beams Of Love (Edit)

Dust off your captain's cap and boat shoes, the smooth cruisers Seahawks are back with a new album! "Infinite Echo" is scheduled to drop November 4th via Cascine, and is being promoted with this mellow, saxy tune "Beams Of Love (Edit)", available to stream/pre-order on their bandcamp. There'll be a vinyl version (of course), personally I cannot wait for the whole thing, they've been one of my fav bands for years now. This is their second LP released through Cascine, after 2019's excellent "Eyes Of The Moon".

Chris Laufman - Bent Like A Spoon // video

Two minutes and fifty secongs of georgous americana from Chris. "Bent Like A Spoon" premiered a few months ago, but this time it's back with an official video directed by Owen Campbell. Melting, so good.

E_Death - Exodus

Edith Underground is now E_DEATH, which could be a temporary change, or not. Anyway, "Exodus" here is her latest demo, a cloud rap instrumental that samples and flips Gr*mes' "Genesis", turning it into a nice slow jam. It reminds me of Friendzone beats actually. Good times.

Marxloh - Sutherland EP

He made me wait four years, but Marxloh, the enigmatic Cape Town based singer/producer behind the Senator Park bandcamp, is back with a brand new "Sutherland EP". It's only two tracks, but honestly I'd be happy with even one, I've been a massive fan of this artist since 2013. His music, split across multiple aliases, merges the post-2010s alt-R&B vibe with dream pop, shoegaze and emo, all sprinkled with witchy touch. Think of a mix between How To Dress Well, SLEEP ∞ OVER and oFF Love, maybe even add Cigarettes After Sex. Yet Marxloh manages to stay in his own ethereal lane filled with sad crooning, doing his own thing. Love it.

The EP is available on Bandcamp here, stream it after the jump.

Ultrafog / Rottenlava II - Hourglass / LCD

I have a soft spot for split tapes, so seeing this new series from Solitude Solutions definitely got me hyped, especially that it brings back Rottenlava II (right after his latest release) and pairs him with experimental ambient producer Ultrafog. "Hourglass", with its flickering remnants of an IDM track that ripple steadily over a course of 5 minutes, makes me think of beatless Mount Kimbie from their "Maybes" era. "LCD" on the other hand is an amazing techno jam, nothing more nothing less, just 100% of pure sonic joy.

The tapes are super limited, and can be still purchased here. Stream below.

Stan K - Termite Wonderland

I honestly don't know how to write about noise music and all its intricacies, personally I find those records hard to digest and enjoy, but there's something unique about this latest album/compilation from the Montreal-based sound designer and noise artist Stan K. Released by Interzone Editions, "Termite Wonderland" consists of two separate and quite different projects released in 2014 ("A Dutch Wonderland") and 2016 ("Termite Trumpet"), both remastered for this tape edition. The first one, created using "broken Italian folk records, feedback loops, FX pedals" is more abstract and chaotic, and sounds like a delirious, chopped up vaporwave from hell. The termite trilogy is more droney, drowning in noise manipulations and distortion. Although it's harsher, I found an odd comfort in listening to it. Weird one, but worth checking out for sure.

"Termite Wonderland" tapes are still available for sale here, you can stream the whole thing below.

Ourobonic Plague - Stepping It Lightly Towards The Abyss

After two singles, "Stepping It Lightly Towards The Abyss" has finally landed on my digital doorstep. Consisting of nine tracks, a 27min long megamix and two bonus crambient remixes lifted from both singles that promoted the album, the record is a rollercoaster of emotions, tempos and approaches. At a micro level, it's a mix of dystopian atmospheres, 180BPM jungle beats and brooding bass, occasionally injected with "zone" tracks - four interlude-like compositions that provide a breather from the fast-paced d'n'b extravaganza. However, by taking a step back and looking at the album as a whole, one can't help but notice that there's a feeling of anxiety lingering there, almost like those tracks are a response to the chaos the world is in right now. Maybe that's why the song that appealed to me the most after the first few listens was "Splinters", there's something comforting in the melody hiding behind the drumwork. Really great stuff overall, makes me feel like I'm watching "Uncut Gems" after downing a six-pack of Redbull.

"Stepping It Lightly Towards The Abyss" is out now and can be purchased on bandcamp here. Stream below.

Vidchajj - Lost

Latest transmission from the war zone from Vidchajj, gritty, witchy hip-hop/tekkno beat that stylistically goes back to his early catalogue as Churchterror. Yes please. Stream only.

Shackleton - The Majestic Yes

Shackleton returns to Honest Jon's Records with a new EP "The Majestic Yes", an opium infused selection of sabar drum explorations. There's something profoundly mystic in the way those tracks are constructed, you can totally fall into a trance being surrounded by those sounds. The EP also features a stripped rework of "The Overwhelming Yes" from Mark Ernestus, which sounds like a having a fever dream in a desert; it's equally captivating but also so much different from Shackleton's originals.

"The Majestic Yes" is available from HJR's store, or bandcamp. You can check it out below.

The Discomancer - Date With The Night (YYYs Edit)

I was never a huge fan of bloghouse/electroclash and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but this remix from The Discomancer makes me wanna pick up a baseball bat and smash things up. Energy shot condensed into a 3-minute long capsule. Check it out here, it's free too.

Spike Hellis debut album is out now on vinyl

Spike Hellis' self-titled debut album still remains on the top of my 2022 list (check my review here), so I'm happy to report that it finally got a vinyl treatment. The records, available in three colour variants, can be ordered from their shop here. I doubt those will be there forever so do yourself a favour and grab one. The album deserves it.

TR/ST - The Shore

This one dropped a while ago, but totally missed it. New single from TR/ST, first proper recording since his 2019 double LP "The Destroyer".

Pharmacist - Panopticon / Rosary

New double-A single from Pharmacist, following up his contribution to the "All Blurred Out Vol. 2" compilation from July. "Rosary" in particular is interesting here, very droney, beat-less composition with pulsing alarm sound hovering over it. Sounds like something that would be playing in an Alien movie, where the crew of a ship has to go through a corridor littered with bodies.

Buy the single here, and stream below.

How I Quit Crack - Chittering

How I Quit Crack is a new age / psych-drone project founded by Austin-based Tina Forbis who was joined in 2012 by Chris Cones of Skullcaster. "Chittering" is the first single from their upcoming tape "Dreaming Eros" on Somatic, a follow-up to their 2016 "Wombic" album. 4 minutes and 44 seconds of easy floating through time and space, accompanied by a gentle strumming and random field recordings. Drowsy goodness "for the lovers". The album will be out on September 16, and can be pre-ordered here.

M. Geddes Gengras & Psychic Reality - Zoroaster

Spanish Abstrakce Records has been curating for the past 5 years a series of records called "The Encyclopedia of Civilizations" - split LPs composed as a tribute, or inspired by ancient cultures. "Zoroaster" here is the fourth volume of the series, this time recorded as a collaboration between musicians M. Geddes Gengras and Psychic Reality. Their new agey synth trip, paying homage to Zoroastrianism, smoothly glides through ambient, dub and kosmische landscapes, moulding a record that's both adventurous and relaxing. A fantastic offering from those two artists.

Order the LP here, and stream it below.

Habib - The Desert Grows​.​.​. The Sign Is Near

Experimental gem from Francesco de Gallo's new label Interzone Editions. Habib Bardi is a Montreal-based composer and musician who inhabits the realm of musique concrète, where improvisation meets world music approaches. "The Desert Grows... The Sign Is Near" is certainly not for everyone and definitely needs a right set of mind to get into, but once you are in the zone, it is a unique experience.

The album is out now on beautifully designed tapes available for purchase here. Stream it below

Beau Wanzer - My Favourite Fan

Rad new/old joint from Beau Wanzer, lifted from the compilation "Unrealistic Electronics Vol. 1" released a few days ago via freshly minted Spanish label Unrealistic Expectations. The tapes unfortunately sold out a while ago, so try your luck with Discogs, but in the meantime enjoy this gem above. Label's bio says Beau made it 10 years ago, it holds up sooo well.

The compilation can be purchased in digital format on bandcamp here, you can stream it below.

CRAVE - Half Life

Unannounced drop from CRAVE, on the heels of his incredible album "Death Blow" a few months back. The first half of "Half Life" is defined by hellish, semi-shouted verses laid over decaying beats that channel underground southern tapes' circuit from the 90s, only to be followed by cinematic synth transmissions on "Skullduggery". The second half of the EP continues with possessed vocals, this time backed with analog soundscapes on "Party Drugs Leeches" and minimal bass grooves on "Waffles". The whole thing feels like taking a tar-filled bath with a double barrel shotgun aimed at your face. Dark and radical.

"Half Life" came out today and is available for purchase from CRAVE's bandcamp. Stream it below.

Rottenlava II - Rottenlava Vs. Rottenlava II

After a four year hiatus the Japanese cassette label Solitude Solutions returns with a new release from one of their frequent collaborators Rottenlava. After a few sessions with it, I can sense that he seems to be moving away from the deconstructed sci-fi-flavoured electronica present on his previous tape "Mother C", and instead branches out into other, equally fascinating territories. Side A is almost entirely dedicated to a mutant techno sound in the vein of Ivo Pacheco's Masha project (which I adore), so it got me hooked immediately. The 3-minute follow up "西中島シナリオセンター" slows the tempo down and channels industrial synth and drone vibe that feels very underground (literally). On side B, which is a fully fleshed out music suite, we are hit with a wall of rhythmic noise from the get go. Backed with ambient undertones the atmosphere here is actually really calming before it gradually evolves into a minimal, industrial leaning hip-hop beat. A few minutes later it is taken over by a tension building distorted piano that sets the stage for the final droning ambient outro. A lot is going on here, but it's a rewarding listen.

"Rottenlava Vs. Rottenlava II", officially scheduled for tomorrow, can be pre-ordered here, and streamed in full below.

Arkia - A Life Devoted To The Pursuit Of Beauty

Arkia Jahani is back, this time with an album written and released under his first name. "A Life Devoted To The Pursuit Of Beauty" is a collection of nine tracks that follow a seamless and engrossing narrative using synths, processed vocals and electronics. From fuzzy ambience layered with angelic choir on "Hidden Meanings" Arkia transitions through lo-fi dungeon synth to contemporary classical piano pieces, always with calming tranquility and attention to detail. Wonderful testament to his ever-growing talent.

The album is available for purchase on bandcamp here, and can be also streamed below.

Ourobonic Plague - Egregore Jones 2: Activated Sludge

Second and final single before Ourobonic Plague's new album "Stepping It Lightly Towards The Abyss". Inspired by a hypothetical collaboration between Cronenberg and Troma, "Egregore Jones 2: Activated Sludge" is a mutant d&b slasher, hiding behind a mask of industrial grittiness. The track is actually a re-work of "Egregore Jones", which was originally released a month ago through a compilation "Dawn of the Headless Blood Idol". Side B of the single is a crambient remix of the "Egregore Jones 2", stripping it from its drums and adding layers of textured drones and noise, transporting the listener to Wes Craven's Elm Street. Buy the single here, the album will be out on Friday.

[PHYSICS] - Slipstream

So good to open my mailbox today only to be welcomed by this unexpected return of Kevin Skyler aka [PHYSICS] with his new album "Slipstream". It's been five years since his last cosmic synth-disco LP "Starport", and I'm glad to hear new sonic explorations from him. And exploration seems to fit well in the context of this new album - it's a record that slowly glides through the outworldly new age and psych passages, filled with analog synths, spectral drones and tranquil atmospheres. It sounds like a long forgotten and recently unearthed library album, created as a score to a late night space-oriented TV show that got shelved for some reason. Pure bliss.

"Slipstream" came out yesterday and can be purchased here. Stream in below.

New Mexican Stargazers - Aqua Temple

While "Aqua Temple" came out back in January last year, a couple of months ago NMS decided to start taking pre-orders for a vinyl reissue of this album. To celebrate his birthday today, he lowered the price of the record to 18 bucks for one day only, and if that's not a sweet deal for an independently released slab of wax then I don't know what is. The record consists of two 17-minutes long odysseys through crystal clear synth oceans, supported with glimmering drones on side A and low fidelity tribal beats of the lost epoch on side B. Music to chill and meditate.

The vinyl pre-order is still on here so place your order while you can, there's only 100 records being pressed. Stream the album below.