Zeropolis’ is made up of dark and sinister soundscapes, drones and production that make a lasting impression on the most hardened listener. The Missing Ensemble’s sonic constructions demand your attention and probably something of the physical apparatus reproducing these sonic constructions as well. An ambitious release excitingly packaged it is clear from the beginning that… Continue reading The Missing Ensemble, Zeropolis [Low Impedance Recordings – LOZ08, 2007]
Tokyo Mask, Hinterlands [Low Impedance Recordings – LOZ07, 2007]
Hinterlands is the name of a really good full-length album by Tokyo Mask out on Low Impedance Recordings a label clearly on a mission and responsible for an achievement in clarity. The eight-track album is a sinister story and is comprised of slow moving tracks filled with heavy beats, electronics and the occasional acoustic element.… Continue reading Tokyo Mask, Hinterlands [Low Impedance Recordings – LOZ07, 2007]
Mormo, Wasting 500 Sounds [Low Impedance Recordings – LOZ06, 2006]
In early 2006 the label Low Impedance Recordings released the debut album Loftway by the artist Kamotek and it was subsequently written about here. Not much was heard thereafter, however the label has since then shown a remarkable show of force and proving it are three recent excellent as they are different releases by: Mormo,… Continue reading Mormo, Wasting 500 Sounds [Low Impedance Recordings – LOZ06, 2006]
Ölvis, Bravado [Resonant – RESCD021, 2007]
One of the usual suspects at Resonant goes by the name of Ölvis. The quality of this artist’s productions is flawless and the Ölvis’ Bravado album is not an exception. This 60’s inspired adventure has a large sound, filled with strings and live-sounding setting on the drum section all fused with a countless (well almost)… Continue reading Ölvis, Bravado [Resonant – RESCD021, 2007]
Platform, 2 [Minimal Resource Manipulation – RMCDR03, 2007]
A most excellent follow-up to the debut album on the same label released in 2006. There is a delightful crispiness to both sounds and production, not forgetting the rhythms making it all progressing nicely. That is manifested as the track numbers increase their sequential value. Tiny is one example as good as any other. I… Continue reading Platform, 2 [Minimal Resource Manipulation – RMCDR03, 2007]
Carta, The Glass Bottom Boat [Resonant – RESCD026, 2007]
Carta’s full-length album The Glass Bottom Boat is filled with more than competent pop-music. 10 tracks long and yet another success for this consistent label. The artwork and packaging as good as any previous release and the album is due for release any day now on Resonant (AUG 2007) of course.
Small Sails, Similar Anniversaries [Resonant – RESCD025, 2007]
Another debut album on Resonant this time around they did not make the stop half way the Atlantic. Instead they continued west to that big land known as America. Small Sails is apparently a trio and with Similar Anniversaries they clearly show that they move comfortably in the pop-genre. You get some not dangerous yet… Continue reading Small Sails, Similar Anniversaries [Resonant – RESCD025, 2007]
Stafrænn Häkon, Gummi [Resonant – RESCD023, 2007]
Gummi is an album filled with well-produced pop-oriented (Icelandic) music and very much a Resonant affair. It is all about ultra clean production where every sonic element seem to be in exactly the right place, including vocals oozing of disappear. Stafrænn Häkon’s full-length album Gummi is more than competent pop-music. The album is out now… Continue reading Stafrænn Häkon, Gummi [Resonant – RESCD023, 2007]
Port-Royal, Afraid to Dance [Resonant – RESCD024, 2007]
The long-awaited follow-up to their 2005 Flares album does not disappoint. Port-royal’s dramatic guitar-filled music is executed to perfection throughout the 10 tracks on the CD. In comparison with their previous album the dramatic effects are not as big and the focus or interest in beats is noticeably stronger in Afraid to Dance. However, they’re… Continue reading Port-Royal, Afraid to Dance [Resonant – RESCD024, 2007]
Electricwest, Drawing Plans for Delicate Evasion [Boltfish Recordings – BOLT038, 2007]
A brilliant debut album by an artist called Electricwest (the parents most likely would be calling Pat Benolkin for dinner) released by Boltfish Recordings. The mood is set straight away in the opening track The Nightshift with slow but reliable hip hop beats laying the foundation pared with atmosphere setting synthetic sounds and warm subbass… Continue reading Electricwest, Drawing Plans for Delicate Evasion [Boltfish Recordings – BOLT038, 2007]