Wil Bolton - Whorl (2014)

Greece may have its problems, but music aint one of them. Sound in Silence is one of the best indie labels the nation has, and their constant search for atmospheric classical and post-rock acts throughout Europe is commendable. The steady stream of releases can be daunting to new listeners looking to jump into the label's extensive back catalog, making Britain's Wil Bolton a perfect jumping on point.

I don't have a classical background, so I feel I like the language required to describe this music effectively. It is minimal and brooding, with enough layers to allow multiple peelings. Nothing about this is over-the-top; it sits back, takes its time, and lets the listener paint its purpose and meaning.

It is available on 200 limited edition CDs. I am sure it costs a bit to get it out of Greece, but a lovely addition to your collection it would make.

Get it here:
Wil Bolton - Whorl (2014)

sleepersecond - we take no refuge, but we are home (2014)

More atmospheric stylings, this time from the Philippine's own sleepersecond. I can just imagine these lush tracks being put together in a small bedroom in Manila as people on the street rushed to work and back again. All the while one lone gentleman crafts a Christopher Nolan worthy soundtrack to the minuscule moments lost by those in a rush. None of the passer-bys know of the music being arranged to fit these moments of their lives, but the score continues. Pullsing, pushing, and then pulling back to let the street breath.



Get it here:
sleepersecond - we take no refuge, but we are home (2014)

Sonaluna - Face Down in Fabulous (2014)

I happened to miss a friend's wedding in India recently, much to my regret. I have never been to the place, and I am sure it would have been a wild ride both at the event and in any related travel through the country. Along with China, India is often considered a rising force in world politics and culture, with media outlets increasingly looking to make a buck in said countries by appealing to various tastes in music and film. However, not enough time has been spent finding new, youthful projects from the underground that may be making the next big record. Sonaluna's newest release is not that, but it is an interesting glimpse into the electronic music community of Mumbai.

Sonaluna has been making music for soundtracks and films for some time, and has had small bits of fame for her compositions. Minimalist in nature, many sound like a young woman putting proper musical training to work behind newly acquired synthesizers and sequencers. This may not be groundbreaking stuff (though I especially dug the EP's title track), there is enough interesting elements to separate it from its competitors and warrants a listen or two.

Get it here:
Sonaluna - Face Down in Fabulous (2014)

EP Grab Bag vol. 32

Some fine submissions from the last two months that I am just now getting around to posting.

Pilgrimage – EP (2013)

Some great twinkly post-rock from Florida.  If you had told me these guys toured with the Appleseed Cast in 2004, I would not have doubted you. These kids could ride that new wave of Emocore that seems to be picking up steam from the East, but without all the residual style crap that modern radio has put on the style. “Police, Don’t Shoot me” is my favorite track off this EP, with its dueling guitar licks and full-throated impassioned growling. 

Dally – The Shine (2013)

On the other coast (and what sounds like another world) comes the LA group fronted by Green Gerry. Dreamy and distant is the order of the day, as these songs sound like they were recorded in an abandoned porn shop with a microphone that was placed in the restaurant next door. It works surprisingly well for this group’s first EP, and helps capture the isolation and disenchantment reflected in the morose lyrics accompanied by surprisingly appealing and clever tunes. 

Treasure of Grundo – Dýsantzú (2013)

I was worried I was in for an audible pummeling when I read this band’s description and saw the cover to the record. Industrial noise is getting less and less play on my turntable in the last few years. Perhaps an effect of growing older and more boring perhaps, but likely that I simply have lost contact with some of the stronger acts putting that kind of music together. But I was pleasantly surprised by what I found on this Netherlands based bands record. This is cinematic stuff that is much closer to gloom-pop than anything I expected to find. “I Karestan” is the standout track on this bad boy. 

Crimes – Thin Sunlight (2013)

Now this is what I’m talking about.  Reverb heavy garage rock with girl/boy vocal harmonious from Minneapolis? Yes please! I am sure these kids are tired of being compared to the Raveonettes, but if you are a fan of that style of garage rock, you have no reason not to buy the vinyl Crimes is selling. The well constructed vocal harmonies separate them from the pack (see the track “Wind Thistle”), and since they are going on tour this summer, you should catch them when they come to town. You know they will have nothing but shitty beer on hand, so help a touring group and buy them some top-shelf shit.

Lullatone - Melody Design Library (2006)

I am big on film scores, and have a soft spot in my heart for folks who make their own lo-fi symphonies for films that don’t exist. Most film scores and soundtracks have to be minimal in nature as not to take away the audience’s attention from the action on the screen, but still help set the tone and mood of the moment. Lullatone from Japan fits this mold perfectly.

This release, made up of small snippets of music made with creaky toy instruments and a fondness for sublime melodies, is just what any inspiring director would look for in their piece of film. Even if not attached to a film, Lullatone’s music is great music to score your personal life as you go about your daily business during this holiday season.

Get it here:
Lullatone - Melody Design Library (2006)

Ali Helnwein - Strange Creations (2012)

Ali Helnwein’s music is great Halloween fodder when you have exhausted your trashy garage-rock collection, and are looking for your own private backing track as you drift through your neighborhood half drunk and hopped up on candy. Released on cassette by Spring Break Tapes, this is probably the only tape I own from an artist that can boast that they have earned an Emmy. All that respectability permeates from this release!

Strange Creations calls to mind Danny Elfman’s Tim Burton soundtracks, as Ali weaves minimal string arrangements to perfectly fill an empty space. Tracks like “Greed” are whimsical yet sinister, reminding the listener that once the sun goes down, familiar places take on a baleful quality. As much as I enjoy Black Metal and Drone cassettes, this is the first tape I have played that my girlfriend also enjoyed, and I can sincerely say that this release should be in as many hands as possible.

Buy it here:
Ali Helnwein - Strange Creations (2012)