Sun Dagger - Invisible World (2016)

Another instrumental album, this time from a place a bit more familiar to me. That is to say I have been there several times at least; New Haven, Connecticut. However, if you allow the songs to do their work you'll end up somewhere else completely. Quite psychedelic and pull influence from stoner and space rock Sun Dagger has managed to make remarkably engaging as well as surprisingly unique soundscapes. I've heard a good deal of epic instrumental tracks over the years of writing this blog and having many friends inclined to much such music, but I can't really summon a memory of one that sounds very close to Sun Dagger. There's so many strains of music interwoven it is boggling. At times I feel like I was hearing a funk tune, then it'll be spacey post-rock then to something new, yet all of this done with seamlessly transitioning sounds. Invisible World appears to be a collection of songs recorded at different times over that past few years and are improvised. Making cohesion of this album all the more impressive.

To be had here:
Sun Dagger - Invisible World

Sinoptik - 16​/​58 (2014)

Here again is an prime example of me losing track of a submitted album that was totally undeserving of being overlooked. I hoped my organization would've improved a little by now, but I'm still the same sloppy fool. Hope in one hand, shit in the other and see which fills up sooner, right? Yet, as they say, better late than never.

Now on the bandcamp page it has Chicago is the location of this band, but in the nice email I was sent about them it claims they're actually from Ukraine. The songs, sung in English with a bemusing accent mind you, are a sort of fusion of hard/garage rock with stoner/psychedelic rock. Many guitar flourishes on 16​/​58, crashing symbols and far-out noodling not to be left out either. A little bombast never hurt anyone, I mean progressive rock was a goddamn worldwide phenomenon after all. I genuinely enjoy this type of fast-paced rock and roll. The song "Alex Is Her Name" has become my wake up jam as of late. It's catchy as fuck, deserves to be in an action movie. Similarly I can't shake the tune of "Gold On The Ceiling" from my head. It usually requires a second after finishing the album through. Really there's not a song on the album that isn't exciting and a fine illustration of Western music diffusing around the world and be take on with excellence by musicians elsewhere.

Also, be sure to read the delightful text on the bottom of the bandcamp page, it is one of the better album descriptions I've seen on there, even if it seem less than fully accurate.

To be had here:
Sinoptik - 16​/​58

Kooba Tercu - Kooba Tercu (2015)

Our friends in Greece are back and have sent in another rock album for us all to enjoy. Spinalonga Records has submitted their new release from the band Kooba Tercu. Consisting of Johnny Tercu and his 'crew' musicians from Athens. They've neglected to tag the album on the bandcamp page, and more power to them as what they've produced doesn't fit neatly into any of these genres. That's to be expected, even hoped for. Nevertheless influences are apparent and include psychedelic, post-hardcore and even some metal. This might give the wrong impression if I don't stress how their sound isn't simple to boil down. I guess I have to try anyway, that's what I fucking do here.

They maintain a heavy edge through most of the album but other than that it's hard to pin anything down. The first track "Ukunta" is fucking amazing with the chanting and drums and bass. Hooked me straight away and prepared me for the weird album that follows. The songs are complex in composition, with them distinctly shifting through several styles in a three minute track. Has a healthy degree of post-hardcore abrasive singing, post-rock-like crescendo building, dreamy psychedelic repetition. It's a fine debut and an excellent use of time for those underemployed Greeks. Maybe an increase in artistic output could be the silver lining to all that financial hardship Greece is suffering? If so I look forward to hearing more of it.

To be had here:
Kooba Tercu - Kooba Tercu

The Axeman's Jazz - The Axeman's Jazz (2004)

I must be in the mood for instrumental rock, for here is a second album sans vocals for your listening pleasure this week. You might've noticed the year this was released isn't as recent as the usual post, but this is not unheard of. In fact this album was sent in by the same fine Greek who sent me the belated digital release of his erstwhile band, the Moofs. After the disbanding of the Moofs there was a project with three quarters of the membership that they called the Axeman's Jazz. Very cool name, however absolutely no saxophone to be heard. Rather this eponymous release, originally a cassette that seemingly only recently resurfaced, is lo-fi psychedelic rock. The music of the Axeman's Jazz shares their psychedelic tone with the Moofs, but this project has a rather starkly different feeling. Partially from the lack of vocals and most definitely from a heavy style of playing, at times become similar to stoner rock, the album possesses a more artistic tone of seasoned musicians less concerned about making pop tunes. 

The lo-fi production can be heard, possibly as a result of extracting the tracks back from a cassette if that's indeed how he went about it, so there's some charming crackling but nothing very distracting. Merely as a conjecture, perhaps the twanging and buzzing that make this album warm and trippy were enhanced by these lo-fi work arounds. Then again, I know nothing of technical workings of most any variety. What's for sure is that the songs are wonderful to lose some time and maybe even the sensation of space while listening to. So here's where to get your weekly allowance of robo-tripping in, per Amazing Larry's sage advice.

To be had here:
The Axeman's Jazz - The Axeman's Jazz

EP Grab Bag vol. 79

The inbox has been filling up with EPs lately, which is undoubtedly a good sign for everyone. Moreover, they've been of a real international mix lately and with lo-fi rock and hi-fi post-rock both showing up. I took a day off as I've been losing my fucking mind working too much, oh and nominally to go vote. Therefore this is an extra long Grab Bag placed in no particular order, but hopefully everyone will find a few things they are down with in it.

To be had here:

Kill West - KILL WEST EP (2014)

Kill West hail from Buenos Aires and play garage rock, a fact that you'll find quite believable based on the skeleton surfing on the cover. Reminds me of when I was younger and I'd spend hours flipping through the CDs on the library looking for garage and surf albums based on albums art alone. The reward? Fuzzy, washed out guitars, thumping drums, echoey vocals and warm psychedelic feeling just from turning up the volume. Also, the keyboards on this are great, they add an eerie shoegaze feeling in a most righteous way. Listen straight through, the tracks build toward "Silver Trees," which is some premium listening.

Hideous Sun Demons - Meat (2013)

Stoner-garage-post-punk (like that coinage?) that came outta Perth, Western Australia. The guitars are loud and epic in these tunes, with an early Sabbath vibe, in fact the singing has that quality a bit too. There's no disputing the intensity of the tracks, as he shouts lyrics that I can't understand and the drums pound. The guitar playing steals much of the show, however, with those crazy hard rock riffs and psych-tinged chords. The two longest songs "Monoculture" and "Teenage Dad" really give the band time to show off their chops, in the sort of way that post-anything does well with tracks that are lengthier.

Svarta Stugan - EP3: Aspects of our future selves (2014)

Gothenburg, Sweden is the home of this experimental, post-rock/twee-noise band (they actually tagged it twee-noise, which is fucking awesome). They cite influences like GS!BE and the Greek ambient wizard Vangelis. Purposefully strange, futuristic and chaotic in rhythm the songs oscillate between artsy noise and cinematic flourish. It is finely done and manages to maintain a sort of upbeat mood throughout, hence the twee aspect I suppose and it a change from the prior two installments of EPs from Svarta Stugan, as they're considerably darker.

Red Light Fever - Red Light Fever: Vol. 1 (2014)

Now to San Francisco for something completely different. That applies in an overall sense as well as within the context of this post, as I don't think I have had a band sound quite like this before. Red Light Fever tracks blend genres and on the EP most notably doo-wop, psychedelic and alt-country. To call it a "band" isn't exactly right, as it seems this is a project wherein there's "pairing unacquainted musicians in the studio and challenging them to finish tracking a song in just one day." A very neat concept with very cool results.

The Moon Apes - Plastic Preacher (2014)

From London, England we have a two-piece rock outfit. They've got a lo-fi garage/post-gurnge sort of sound and have the stripped down nature of a two member band that might have one recall early albums by various popular bands, you know the Black Keys, the Kills and the White Stripes just to name a few. The Moon Apes aren't especially akin to any of those and isn't even particularly bluesy, but the songs are compelling in the minimalism and a good start to what could yield a remarkable full-length if they so chose.

The Plodes - High Five Every Animal (2014)

Garage pop sung in a high pitch emanating from Vancouver. Billing themselves as "like The Wiggles but for people who hate themselves," the Plodes are an eccentric rock band with a purposefully juvenile style. Moreover, they've got an accordion player in the midst, and not a shabby one at that. Either the gas fumes from my indoor heater are really getting to me or I really enjoyed this EP and found its comedic approach endearing. Judging by the way my head is tingling, it is some of both.

Secret Geometry - Buffalo Way (2014)

Finally, something a bit closer to where I dwell, Secret Geometry are only a 3 hour drive across Michigan in the state's second biggest city, Grand Rapids. I do believe I posted their first EP that came out two years back, and it is good to see they're still at it. Only a two song release, but both are excellent psychedelic garage rock. I can only hope this is a signal of more to come and more rapidly, not to make a pun.

Strange Lords - Strange Lords (2014)

Strange Lords is a two-piece outfit operating mainly out of Gainsville, Florida. The bands is comprised of Waylon Thornton, who usually releases music under as Waylon Thornton and the Heavy Hands, and Andrew Seward, who was formerly the bassist for Against Me! (a band I best recall as achieving considerable fame among classmates). It has been a minute since I've heard releases that either of these musicians would have been involved in, but I don't think you'll really need to be familiar with their histories to get what's going on with this album. It is intensely lo-fi rock and roll that prizes fuzzy guitar and thunderous drums above all else. Sure there are surf flourishes, stoner rock and vaguely psychedelic cord progressions or keyboard playing in the mix to give the albums texture, but the main this is some fast, short, almost entirely instrumental tracks that's rather bare bones rock. While not all the tracks are surf-esque the ones that are caught my ear the most including "Carroneros" and "Amano-Iwato." Although the final track is worth waiting for as it is has a very neat western sort of thing going on. A good start, and it will be interesting to hear what they produce with another release, especially if they push themselves something even more strange. I suppose there's another monster themed contender for the Drunken Draculas to have to worry about.

To be had here:

Strange Lords - Strange Lords

EP Grab Bag vol. 53

Well, I am hung over. All that post podcast celebrating resulted in a very inebriated state. Let’s hope some recent submissions will help me push through it. 

Dusty Mush – ST 12 Inch (2014)

Things are off to a good start, as nothing cures a fuzzy head like some fuzzy rock. These lads are from Paris, and while they have released versions of these tracks on a previous release, this is record sounds more realized. Old metal heads who never got used to the post-Slayer era would feel right at home with the Mods and burnouts in this band’s fan base. 

Sunlight Ascending – Momentum Wheel (2014)

I was a little worried when I heard the band’s name, but this is alright stuff. Twinkly, produced, instrumental post-rock that borrows from the well the Appleseed Cast dug on their Low Level Owl releases. I also have to give it to these kids: for living in Detroit, they come up with some very pretty music that surely sounds out of place in their neighborhood. 

Dan Svizeny – ST Tape (2013)

Where is my bloody coffee? How can I have so many things to get me drunk and nothing to help bring me out of it? You might hear Mr. Svizeny’s music at a coffee shop where tattooed cool-kids hang out. Minimal drum machines meet fuzzy guitars; eat cake, and lay back to take in the secluded vocals. No need to hurry, it is a rainy day and all. 

Twink – Happy Houses (2013)

I had a few assumptions come to mind when I received a release from a band called “Twink.” Little did I know that there was no probability I could prepare myself for what was actually in store. Toy instruments are used to create pretty little instrumental ditties. A children’s animated show could use some of this stuff, but to acid induced haze required to make such music likely wouldn’t go over well with the studio executives. 

Towns – Get By (2014)

I need to get myself out the door, so dwelling on a touring band may help get my feet moving. This British act is currently playing gigs throughout their homeland, and is preparing to drop a full length in the coming months. This single from said record (Young at Heart) is everything you liked about the early 90s English music scene, minus the Gallagher brothers. Highly recommended. 

Walrus – Glam Returns (2014)

This band is a lot like In-N-Out: they sell only 3 variations of their burger, but you don’t want more than that because they do it so well. I first came across this band when they put out a split tape back in September, but the 4 tracks on this EP have seen them get closer to a noisy, lo-fi aptness. Great vocal range and delivery from the front man, as the band knows just when to relax and let the lyrics stand on their own.  Keep it coming.

Spiral - Mind Trip in A Minor (2012)

This is the second time appearing on Spacerockmountain for this New Mexican psychedelic/progressive rock band, Spiral. Like the previous albums, The Traveler and The Capital in Ruins, this release is a highly cinematic and epic effort, sometimes reaching close to macabre (just look at that creepy album art). Heavily effected vocals, building instrumentation and shifting melodies make it hard to not pay attention while it's playing. Does as fine a job as the other stuff they've sent into me for all the same reasons, so I do recommend it to any and all that enjoyed their other work or other albums I've tagged at progressive. They're only selling it on their bandcamp page without streaming but gave me permission to share it via another file service for readers, so take advantage of that and throw them the $3 if wanna help them out.

To be had here:
Spiral - Mind Trip in A Minor

EP Grab Bag vol. 18

Here's what I've got to offer out of the old submissions box. I think it is a pretty fair crowd of EPs to be heard and none of them the garage rock or lo-fi whatnots I preach about. Good to get around with music even if it is discouraged in other facets of life.

To be had here:

Marble Lion - Foliage EP (2011)

A four song EP from a Montreal based band. They've got a pop/noise sound going on incorporates spoken word and ambient sounds to provide the songs with a cinematic vibe. They've got a sweet middling tone that's between cheerful and gloomy. Lends the EP that profoundness normally the realm of post-rock epics but in shorter doses.
 

Tres Face Von Dingo/Goat Lightning - C.D.D 1-5-3 (2011)

A split album with 5:1 ratio of songs between Tres Face Von Dingo and Goat Lightning. How these cats decided to make a split is unknown to me, as one's tagged from Missoula and Boston for the other. Fuzzed out, jangly sort of numbers from the former with a singer that's vaguely reminiscence on Coner Oberst. The latter's offering is a psychedelic electronic tracks that imaginatively loops about (note: they linked me to something else orginally, but it's all good). Purchasable at the label's site.


Johnny Newman - Late Summer, Red River (2012)

This fella's a folk musician whose reference to nature in his lyrics are picturesque. Does remind me of acts like the Tallest Man On Earth, Josephine Foster or even Pete Seeger, yet his vocals are more plain-spoken and clear than either of them. His poetic use of words makes for as fine traditional folk as I've heard lately. Streaming via bandcamp and to be bought for $6.




 Tuber - Tuber EP 12" (2012)

This is a real fresh one for a change. Tuber is an instrumental post-rock from Greece with the membership consisting of three brothers. They play on the heavier side of post-rock so many would likely aver to classify it as stoner rock. Whatever terminology makes you more comfortable is fine but the music shouldn't be underestimated. Epic is something these boys have got down to an art, makes me wanna go back and listen to Maserati and Tracer AMC.

Spiral - The Traveler (2012) & The Capital in Ruins (2011)

An interesting project from Albuquerque, wherein these fellas are aiming to make a story in three parts via space rock/prog rock albums. So far the first two parts are completed and downloadable, both filled with epically long tracks that are as much a poetic story as psychedelic rock. Almost seems like the sort of thing one might stumble across as a rare recording by a 1970s German progressive rock collective, but even better as the lyrics can be read on their bandcamp page. They provide an overview of the story on the page for The Capital in Ruins. However, even if you're now down for story time, it is the music is worth hearing if you're a fan of haunting psych/prog rock or have a thing for long-ass tracks. Certainly gotta give them credit for being so ambitious.

To be had here:




The Traveler











The Capital in Ruins

Projeto Trator - A Bombástica Barafunda do Batizado (2007) & O Caldo Vai Azedar (2009)

Projeto Trator are a Brazilian stoner rock duo that sent me two of their EPs the other day. One of the perks of writing a music blog is that people will ignore what I usually post up and submit music that I'd otherwise be very unlikely to listen to. These songs by Projeto Trator are a fine example of the sort of stuff I would not go hunting for but now that it has been dropped on my digital doorstep I am pleasantly surprised. Perhaps it shouldn't shock me, as stoner rock/sludge does share key elements with what I do often seek out, lo-fidelity recording, loud guitar, and exciting percussion. However, I can't help but be reminded of my teenage years when I'd commonly find myself traveling around in my pal's shitty minivan with an over-sized sound system blasting some rather mediocre metal. This set of EPs straddles that gulf between my metalhead friend's taste and my bluesy, garage rock predilection in a way that is remarkably listenable. If only I could've gotten my hands of this for him to play in the death-wagon of an automobile at the time.

To be had here:




A Bombástica Barafunda do Batizado [256 kbps]












O Caldo Vai Azedar [320 kbps]