STRFLL - Goodbye

We're ending the year with a dope mixtape from STRFLL. Featuring Hater4e, Salem, Three Wishes, Dirtr4t, D040 and loads more. Thank you for lurking here, watch out for new year (including an interview with STRFLL themself). Grab the mix here.

Mater Suspiria Vision - Hotel Trancesylvania

The latest release from Mater Suspiria Vision "Hotel Trancesylvania" landed in my mailbox many moons ago, but for some reason I've delayed this review for months. Since I got it, the album has been on constant replay. I actually loved it so much I managed to get MSV agree to let me release it via Dagger Forest on tape, complete with bonus tracks and remixes. Phantasma Disques obviously did a CDR version too. In my opinion, it's their finest record in years, bridging the gap between their original DIY production style and contemporary experimentation. Hypnagogic drones set the stage for layers of eerie synths and haunting ambience, complemented by ghostly vocals from Æchidna Morgan Kamen and trippy contributions from Shazzula. The latter's input to the LP proves how much chemistry and mutual understanding is between her and Cosmotropia de Xam, which leaves me yearning for a potential Shazzula/MSV album. Tracks like "Power Of Intensity" or "Crawler's Revenge" pay homage to the Disaro days, without sounding derivative or trying to resurrect a bygone era. On the contrary, they cement the band's legacy as an underground tour-de-force and originator. Ultimately the album is a thrilling and wholly immersive journey into the world of one of the most innovative artists of the post-internet era.

Order the CD here, tape here and stream the whole album below.

V.A. - The Explicit Name = ה​ש​ם ה​מ​פ​ו​ר​ש

Short but excellent compilation of japanese witch-leaning underground, released by ㆟体発火 (Body Ignition) with the incredible artwork done by the ever-amazing Mako from 1797071. Mellow hip-hop and phonk beats from Wetssid, spooky witch tunes from 1797071, dancehall drag from Ψυχή and hypnagogic ambient from Yako Kana. Great stuff all around. It's released in digital format only, but if you want to treat yourself it also comes in a package with a branded lighter housed in a heart-shaped case.

Grab it here, stream below.

Sona Nyl - Chroniques De Vampires, Vourdalaks Et Autres Non​-​morts

Sona Nyl is one of many aliases of French composer and sound designer Ludovic Leprêtre. His latest album "Chroniques De Vampires, Vourdalaks Et Autres Non-morts" dropped a couple of weeks ago via DMP on tape and as a free digital download. Eerie synth explorations for all the library music freaks and ghouls. Fans of spooky ambient, dungeon synth minimalism and cinematic drones will find themselves at home here. If Finders Keepers, Mondo or Folklore Tapes ring a bell, this one's for you.

Grab the super-limited tapes here, and stream the LP below.

Umbra Abra - Priestess Of The Vine

I discovered Umbra Abra thanks to E_DEATH who recommended them during our interview. "Priestess Of The Vine" seems to be their first miscellaneous release (EP in length, but as per Bandcamp description a collection of random tracks). Its sounds sits somewhere between more club-friendly take on deconstructed club and injected with a good dose of hyperpop shenanigans. "Crone" on top of that has some dungeon synth elements too. One to watch.

Download the release here, and stream after the jump.

Monomorte - The Wiccan (Alt Versions)

Blink-and-you-miss-it release from Monomorte, available only until January 1st, 2024. Four tracks that form "The Wiccan (Alt Versions)" were sourced from the recording sessions for Monomorte's incredible "The Wiccan". This new release gives us a glimpse into the process of the artist as well as shares some unused tracks from that period.

Get the record here, it won't last long.

Kuroi Ame - Sacred Era: Alt Versions, B Sides and Rarities Collection

Kuroi Ame's "Sacred" album is one of the highlights of the dreampunk genre. Released in 2018 by Pure Life, it's been on a stready rotation in my speakers, so it's a nice surprise to hear this B-sides album that collects all the rare fragments scattered around during the composition of the original record. Minimal, fragile and intriguing, a great entrée to the full-length main course.

Buy the album here, and check it out in full below.