Guruzsmás - Fordítsd ki a szűrödet! (2015)

I spend a lot of time reading foreign literature in translation, I bring it up here often enough for that to not shock anyone. I really like to find it from Eastern Europe, I got stacks of writers from those nations I've yet to get a chance to read, but I always feel a strong urge to know more about it, to experience more of their culture. Therefore, I get a thrill when I see an Eastern European band has submitted an album. Some of them that I've posted over the years are still in my regular rotation and are among my favorites to share with friends. I can see this easily being what'll happen with this new full-length from Guruzsmás.

Earlier this year Guruzsmás released an EP, Az Élő Csizmaszár​\​The Living Bootleg, that I recall with great fondness. It serves as a wonderful prelude to this longer effort. Both showing the mutli-faceted nature of their compositions. They've pulled from a great many influences ranging from the traditional folk music of the Balkans, Ottoman territories and Eastern Europe in general to the more experimental expressions of rock and roll such as psychedelic and progressive rock, which let's not forget where hugely popular throughout Europe in the 60s and 70s. A notion visually reinforced by the album's cover art, an artistic perversion of the Byzantine imperial eagle. The songs are fast, polyrhythmic affairs, with familiar scales combined with loud, fuzzy guitars that would be equally at home in a heavy metal song. Even without a curiosity of their nearest of Easts like I've got, anyone that appreciates a superbly crafted progressive album will find Fordítsd ki a szűrödet! to their liking.

To be had here:
Guruzsmás - Fordítsd ki a szűrödet!

EP Grab Bag vol. 99

Here for this 99th Grab Bag I have band from just two countries, Greece and Canada. A combination that came to be just from me noticing I had a supply of EPs from each of these nations at the ready in the pile of submissions. With one exception, they're all from two cities, Athens and Toronto. Odd how that all works out like that. Anyhow, enjoy this Graeco-Canadian display.

To be had here:
Lazy Aftershow - The Legacy Of Automobiles (2015)

The awaited return of one of my favorite Greek bands. Lazy Aftershow are from Thessaloniki and have been on the blog a couple of times already. Here we have their latest EP, with a title the strikes close to home living here in the Motor City. The music is kraut-inspired post-rock yet there is a jazzy sound to be heard in these tunes as well. It is the most excellent use of horns. Reminds me of a sci-fi noir show, maybe something like Cowboy Bebop. I've been playing first thing in the morning for a few days and I like more each time.

Meeko Cheech - Miss Bolivia (2015)

Toronto's Meeko Cheech makes noisy dark pop songs. They don't conform too much to a style, but there is a noticable influence of gothic rock and post-punk in Miss Bolivia. The vocals are nicely understated, overwhelmed by the multiple layers of sound happening around them. The structure of the songs simultaneously erratic and perfectly transitional. It all flows together magnificently, but not in the way one might expect the rhythm to go. If you are won over by Miss Bolivia I don't know how to help you.

Violent Cartoons - Violent Cartoons EP (2015)

Jumping back to Greece, this time to the capital city of Athens, we've an EP of experimental psychedelia. While a being a psych-rock album undoubtedly, it undeniably a progressive rock EP at heart. The songs also feel like they could belong to a Zach Hill sort of noise outfit as the drums seem to be the first thing you notice, then the quick, often angular, guitar playing. Also, when picking anthropomorphic cartoons for the albums art, it seems the guitarist got the short stick with a bunny rabbit compared to a bear and alligator....

The Flying Museum Band - Smoke & Variety (2015)

Time for a Canadian band again, and one that stands out considerably among what's been posted as of late. The Flying Museum Band is an Americana, or Canadania they they've charmingly tagged it, band. Country style twang and soulful singing but this didn't stop them from throwing in rock guitar riffs, abundant horns squealing as if in a jazz concert and lacks nothing in pop hooks. You'll see, it all falls together most admirably, perhaps most beautifully in "Wishin' on a Wild Heart," at least to my ear.

HOLY LIMBO - First Circle EP (2015)

And finally, back to Greece with a band that carries on he fusions of genres that seems to be a under-riding theme of this Grab Bag. Holy Limbo claims to make indie rock with downtempo soundscapes behind. As they're too jaunty to be post-rock, I can see why they'd go the circuitous route of describing it as they have. Whatever you wanna call it, this EP is beautiful and has no small dose of epic-ness from the soundscape backgrounds. Far from a lesson in contrast, it is an example of how to seamlessly blend styles.

Garbanotas Bosistas - Above Us (2015)

I'm a geography nerd if you can imagine such a thing exists. Anyone who spends an inordinate time studying any map placed before them would know what I mean. There is an allure to filling in all the unknown parts with increasing detail. Imagining the explorers and cartographers that lead the way for what would become the extremely mixed 'blessing' of European hegemony across Earth. Just like shooting an enemy in video game to access the next level, you know it mightn't have been any good to explore that area for all the casualties, but it's a thrilling proposition in the abstract nonetheless. Though my ancestors doubtless engaged in this actual geographic expansion, the closest thing I get is it is filling in my knowledge of a far flung musical scene I had little opportunity to be exposed to.

The Baltic States are largely a musical mystery to me.  While we've written up Lithuanian bands before, it's far from a common occurrence. My recollection can only summon memories of the metal band Spirale and Amazing Larry's second Scenes of a City post on the capital city, Vilnius. This left me very curious and eager when I saw that the Lithuanian band, Garbanotas Bosistas, had sent us an album to hear.

Now that I've made such a deal in my meandering typing above about this band being from the Baltic States, there's little reason anyone listening to it would necessarily assume this. Excepting, of course, a familiarity with the Lithuanian language, which some of the songs are sung in. Better yet, they switch between languages in the same song, creating a profoundly worldly strangeness. At they're core Garbanotas Bosistas are a neo-psychedelic outfit with the noticeable influence of prog and krautrock. The songs are unique and very different from what I'd expected going in, even different from what I'd thought I'd hear from psychedelic rock in general but still befitting the term.

To be had here:
Garbanotas Bosistas - Above Us

Arnold Fish - In The Land Of The Elephant Blues (2015)

Hearing In The Land Of The Elephant Blues is a rather unique and interesting experience. As with all music, any of the particular moving parts bear similarities and influences from other artists, yet the key is in the reconstitution of these elements into a fresh and invoking manner. Arnold Fish has drawn from all over the realms of psychedelia, garage rock, pop music and even progressive rock. It is rather purposefully and delightfully bombastic in incorporating these influences, as you'll hear in the dreamily effected vocals, buzzing guitar riffs and most excellent organ playing. It is all trippy and a bit over the top, pulling from some of the weirder aspects of 60s rock and not afraid to play it up further. That said the songs are not alienating nor mere novelties, but rather they're remarkably catchy in their own way. There are some outstanding tracks such as "A Colorful Festival," "The Boogeymen" and "Lady Harrington," however I imagine a fan of garage/psychedelia will be hard pressed to find a song that isn't entertaining.

I believe the best comparison for Arnold Fish from anything posted recently is Max Mayall Fine, though replacing Fine's liberal horn flourishes and jazzy world music vibe for a decidedly more psychedelic and progressive style. What the share is the energy and a skillful adaptation of genres into an idiosyncratic fusion. Finally, this album was released by the Athens, GA label, Garden of Dreams Records (aka G.O.D. Records). Seems they've got a few interesting things out, including a compilation which looks worthwhile.

To be had here:
Arnold Fish - In The Land Of The Elephant Blues

The Lascope - Red Rough Fur (2015)

A few years back, I dug deep into the psychedelic sounds of Germany in the 60s and 70s. While the country is not the first to come to mind when considering the acid soaked genre, a fair share of classic bands came out of the country and influenced future sounds on the continent. The Lascope sound more like a bunch of American gents sitting around Santa Cruz to my ear, but the sound they create is worth a listen to even a passing fan of psych music. Just check out the title track; what starts off as an ethereal country ditty goes full on prog in its second half. Drunk motorcycle gangs grinding up lines of coke come to mind when the rustic bluesy riff of Speech for the Owls drops, and the outlaw status is completed when the distortion is turned up to 11. I would mix the vocals deeper into the rack if I were recording this bad boy, but it earned more than a few listens this morning. 

Get it here:

The Lascope - Red Rough Fur (2015)

Scenes Of A City, Vol. 1: Guayaquil, Ecuador

This is the first in a series I hope to develop where I pick a random city and post some musical examples of what's going on there. 

Guayaquil is a city close to the size of Houston. The largest city in Ecuador, it's a bustling port with plenty of delicious seafood, plenty of football fans, and strangely enough, plenty of great psychedelic rock bands. This is perhaps not so strange, except for the fact that, until now, the only Ecuadorian musician I knew of was the 1990's one hit wonder Gerardo, whose "Rico Suave" song was equally hilarious and terrifying for it's almost cartoonish machismo. But this garage/psych revival of today seems to be just as international today as it was in the 1960s, if these bands are any indication.

Espumita - Vacaciones Infinitas (2014)

Male and female vocals adorn this psychedelic garage EP by a band named after the sugary, light brown crema of a specially prepared espresso shot. These songs are more sweet than bitter, and more mid-tempo than one might expect from a caffeine-related band name, but a solid example of Ecuador's young bands dabbling in the mind-expanding production effects we've all come to love from the psychedelic genre.

The Stoneheads - S/T (2013)

Here we have a more stripped down garage band along the lines of Russia's Karova's Milkshake. The production reminds me of crisp, warm, and clean values of the late 1970s, giving these 4 songs an aura that they could almost be bluesy Soft Boys b-sides. They have a track called "The Ballad of Rita Jones", which I'd like to think is an homage to Os Mutantes member Rita Lee Jones, but that may be a stretch. Elements of the Kinks also. Super good EP, this one.

Macho Muchacho - Eme Eme (2012)

I threw this one in as a wild card... and wild it certainly is, showing that Ecuador's musicians are also making forays into the tangled experimental sounds of math rock. Bringing to mind bands like Don Caballero and Battles, these instrumental tracks are beautifully ordered chaos, displaying some the most fantastically inventive guitar playing I've heard in awhile. While some atmospheric psych is thrown in as well, this one might be for progressive music listeners.

De Pelucas - Al Boom (2014)

This one's a full length and probably the strongest offering of the bunch, if for no other reason that it's a psychedelic surf rock record with streaks of darkness throughout. Tracks 6 and 7 especially. Each has a moment where a strange instrument comes into the mix.. I'm pretty sure it's some sort of bowed string instrument, cello maybe, and the effect is haunting. Judging by pictures of the band, they're a trio and they're all young as hell. Which is always great to see, even if it makes me feel slightly like an old man who wasted his youth. Deserves repeated listens.

Grime Kings - Honeymooning (2014)

Grime Kings is the work of an Ottawa-based musician named Callum Runciman. Although it sounds like a full band plays these 11 songs on 'Honeymooning", his second full length, the credits specifically state that all songs and instruments are by the hand of Callum. So, he's a bit of a phenom, as you are about to hear should you be smart enough to sit with this record ASAP. Super proficient and inventive musicianship, production, and chord progressions.. especially for a guy that, from what I understand, is in his early 20s.

Perhaps youth is why these songs, which are like lo-fi progressive pop songs with a fever, are so cerebral. Fewer years obliterating brain cells with alcohol. But you know how when you get a high fever and you become dizzy and your thoughts are crooked and slightly manic? Callum Runciman must feel like that all the time. Luckily his music doesn't suffer for it.

However, at times "Honeymooning" delivers so many ideas that songs can sort of explode, leaving smears of color slowly dripping down your walls. The danger with this, is being able to reign that chaos back into something that's both cohesive and relateable. Experimentalism is best when you can still make some sense out of it - without having to be a musician yourself. Grime Kings goes to both extremes: at times engaging and at times alien. The turnover happens quickly enough, though, that you're never left waiting long before you're reminded that you're listening to some very unique and very, very fucking awesome rock music.

Grime Kings - Honeymooning

Spirale - Labirintas (2013)

To be blunt, this is me stepping outside of my usual realm music I know something about and have spent countless hours listening to. I haven't ever been indoctrinated in the finer qualities and aspects of metal nor have I many emotional ties to the genre, really only listening to one band that could be called as much, that being Black Sabbath and then only the early stuff. Nevertheless, I felt like it would be good to give this album a listen. While it is still not what I usually would seek out, I guess a perk of being a music reviewer is getting a chance to hear all sorts of shit, and I was not disappointed in selecting Spirale. Sure it is heavy, guitar-blasting and rapid I didn't find to lack many of the qualities I enjoy about both garage and post-rock. Of course, this is more experimental metal with influence of math rock and prog, so I knew that'd be all slanted in my favor, but I don't think I should discount how much I liked this hard and fast rock. It's laced with spoken word bits in various languages and bass lines that made me smile. I was genuinely pumped by the end of it and I would be curious to hear what the those of you more acquainted with metal have to say about it. Does remind me a little of Matmos, Maserati and their ilk but naturally a bit heavier still. Not of usual cup of tea, but one I very well could revisit.

To be had here:
Spirale - Labirintas

Emperors of Gnouv – Masters of the Galaxy (2014)

Lord knows I love me some Prog music! Yep, even the stuff that others hate, so feel safe sending me your concept albums about the life cycle of a salamander without fear of chastisement. Anyone who sends in a submission with text detailing the space odyssey their record is attempting to emulate gets a few points in my book. Better yet, as I am preparing to head back down to San Diego in the next few days (and record a special edition of the podcast related to said city), I was eager to pull together a few submissions from the sunny city by the border. In walks Emperors of Gnouv to meet both demands. With a band name like that, and a record titled “Masters of the Galaxy,” you know a psychedelic experience is just on the horizon.

The group has crafted some beautiful and melodic progressive rock that brings to mind Camel and early Genesis records. Lots of odd time signatures and processed guitar lines are placed next to tricky base lines are stacked on high, with few vocals to be found. Best yet, this stuff is danceable and fresh enough to be put on stage with dance punk acts, and the drug addled crowd would hardly know the difference. I’m looking forward to seeing what these guys do next.

Get it here:
Emperors of Gnouv – Masters of the Galaxy (2014)

lightsystem - Lost Language (2013)

Los Angeles has seen a sizable, consistent, progressive music scene develop over the last two decades. When you have  a city with so many cultures and ideas forced to mix together, it is hard not to follow your music down the fusion proverbial hole. Some have borrowed from the 60s and 70s British scene, others embracing the metal and dark drone sounds. lightsystem seem to take from both while still charting the road Tool has well worn.

When the first track Glossolalia came through, other than the moody atmospherics one comes to expect from prog, I got a distinct whiff of Sting's Soul Cages, which was a pleasant surprise. I don't think I have ever recieved a press release from a band claiming to sound like Sting, so I hope they add that to their bio. Once the band worked its magic on their opening jam, it was time for the larger-than-life guitars and existential lyric embellishments. Well crafted epic tracks that did not drag or feel monotonous.

If this wasn't conceived as a soundtrack to some film, it should have been. Overall a very enjoyable release, I just wish I had a physical copy and was not limited to mp3 files.

Get it here:
lightsystem - Lost Language (2013)

My People Pray By Starlight/ Yusuke Tsutsumi - Split Cassette (2012)

This is another fine release from out darling label, Old Monster Records. It is a split cassette (at least if bought in a physical format) that features two remarkable bands. Firstly, while they are different stylistically, it is incredible how complimentary the combination one tape works out. Just to be clear, it isn't a collaboration so I'll break it down what I liked form each. My People Pray By Starlight are a post-rock act from California of a mostly middling tempo that allows for both mellowing out and intensifying to create emotionally and compositionally complex instrumental tracks. Guitars are central and voice recording are employed for surrealist mood. Throughly enjoyed it as a I down a whole pot of coffee and it left me hazily delighted. The Japan-based Yusuke Tsutsumi are also post-rock but of a far more ethereal, with voices of a disembodied quality hitting notes in the background of a piano beautifully played. You know, the stuff where ocean sounds aren't out of place. It is done excellently and is a perfectly more surreal way to follow up My People Pray By Starlight. Now all that is left is for me to read some Wolfgang Borchert and slowly lose my mind.

To be had here:
My People Pray By Starlight/ Yusuke Tsutsumi - Split Cassette

Zany Zongas - Intercession (2012)

This is a tape I was sent like, well, prolly two months ago. My bad for sitting on it so long, as I really do appreciate anyone taking the time to mail me a physical copy of their work. Apologies aside, this is the second time I'm writing up the Zany Zongas (those guys at Old Monster Records must be fond of me). Like North Park, this release is an experimental drone/psychedelic experience to which one is easily absorbed. The tracks are all rather lengthy at about 5 to 8 minutes a piece. Thusly even at only four songs it is as long as a regular album. Moreover, because of the length they get to really take the listener on a sonic journey in a very progressive rock sorta way. As usual I was reading something during my first listen, namely Kafka's diaries, and it really made me bug out a bit. Anyhow, Intercession is a fine follow-up to North Park and it is still available on tape if you're nerdy about that like me.

To be had here:

Zany Zongas - Intercession

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

Zany Zongas - North Park (2012)

This California band came to my attention by a cassette I received in the mail from Old Monster Records. As always, thanks for cassettes, it is one of the few sweet spots a cloistered guy like myself gets. The music of Zany Zongas immediately brings easily noted similiarities with the Finnish avant-garde I'm so fond of like Paavoharju and Kemialliset Ystävät. However, Zany Zongas haven't got the folk aspect and are perhaps better thought of as more rock-orientated. I'd refrain from saying any melodies appear, rather it is the use of rock instruments to make their improvised psychedelia that causes me to make such a connection. A strong example of the power of sparsity and experimental rock. Can't recommend enough checking out this album with the biggest headphones you got.

To be had here:
Zany Zongas - North Park

Mother Night - Giants in the Electronic Wallpaper (2011)

Seems I've developed a habit of posting submissions this month. This is group makes it easy for me to do so. It's the third time Mother Night is featured here on Spacerockmountain. New album with a fine title packed full of intense math rock. Perhaps even more than their previous releases this album really embraces the fast, angular guitar that reminds me of Clossamite, Chavez or Don Caballero. Powerful stuff to say the least and highly recommended to anyone that enjoyed their earlier music or the bands I just mentioned. I should be getting something I found on my own soon to post up to break up this submission streak, even if I have to pull it from the dark corners of my hard drive. Meanwhile be awed at how many great artists want to give you free tunes.

To be had here:
Mother Night - Giants in the Electronic Wallpaper

Sioum - I Am Mortal, But Was Fiend (2010)

This was a submission that I was eager to check out upon getting home. Sioum is a three piece instrumental post-rock/post-metal band. As is frequently the case with the post-rock bands they do take their time building up the tension and excitement before really letting loose with some spectacular guitar and drum work, only to slow it down for another escalation. The way I just put it might not convey my admiration of the style properly. I'm a big fan of post-rock or post-metal done right. Moreover, being willing to flux between lighter, more ambient mood and the quick and heavy is all the more reason to give it a listen. Sioum does this transition of sounds in a dramatic and skill fashion, and their use of foley sounds makes the less hectic moments possess a degree of eeriness. I've taken a fancy to listening to this album with my morning coffee for the last few days and it anything but abrasive on my sluggish, recently awoken brain. Simply put: I Am Mortal, But Was Fiend is a beautifully done album.

To be had here:
Sioum - I Am Mortal, But Was Fiend

Vulturm - Vineta (2009) & Vivi Di Luce Riflessa b/w Voraussage (2011)

Another submission today, but this one sent me more to listen to so I thought I'd have a bit more to write. These are from an Italian label and one of the artists sent me them for you all to check out. Two drummers and a baritone guitar used to make some spooky, distorted and loud rock. Quite well structured, the songs build nicely and do get rather heavy at points. Plus there are some decently long tracks, which is always something I advocate for with sort of sound. Give the music room to grow and change in there, you know? Anyhow, Vulturm made some worthwhile here so see what you think.

To be had here:




Vineta [320 kbps]













Vivi Di Luce Riflessa b/w Voraussage [320 kbps]

Sigmoid Argonaut - The Noumenon Realm EP (2009)

More submitted material for today's offering. According to the member that sent to this EP, Sigmoid Argonaut was a band. Nevertheless, he was kind enough to share this release for us all to pour into our ears. Believably enough they're spacey as well, but with a math rock feel from the lovely guitar playing flying about. Definitely progressive and bordering on the post-rock at certain moments that works well to create a space-age/futuristic style in my elementary judgment. In fact, as my life as taken on more bar-going and less sitting at home with a six-pack every night, I have seen some bands that can't play half this well in Detroit but spoil even that with dramatic lyrics, or worse the cutely comical lyrics. Beyond my personal feel of lyrics in certain genres, I legitimately think this band had a good and unique a enough sound to be worth hearing. Too bad they're no longer about but I don't think musicians sit idly for too long if they can help it. No art as far as I can find, I sent an e-mail to get the title that isn't tagged but forgot to ask about art.

To be had here:
Sigmoid Argonaut - The Noumenon Realm EP [160 kbps]

YALL - Drink From Between Our Hair

My apologies to patient man that sent me this album, probably more than once. I should be more on top of posted submissions, but it is a habit I've yet to solidly form. Anyhow, my regretful tone is because this group is worthy of a good posting. YALL is from Texas and is the other band of one of the fellers from the Wrestling Club, which I posted on here a bit ago. Like that project, this makes excellent use of math rock-esque angular guitar work and fast-paced tempo shifts. He described it was "grog/noise rock" which works for me. Dude's been running a blog blitz with this EP by the way, so you more than likely have seen it about before, but I felt bad not posting something from an enthusiastic reader, especially if I have been listening to it the last few mornings to much pleasure.

To be had here:
YALL - Drink From Between Our Hair [192 kbps]

Bablicon

Bablicon is far too obscure band for the talent it could tout. In a loose fashion Bablicon can also be included in the greater Elephant 6 family, if your criteria is basically that members of this played in Elephant 6 bands previously. Griffin Rodriguez aka Blue Hawaii who is member of Icy Demons, David McDonnell aka The Dimisher, and perhaps most famous is Jeremy Barnes aka Marta Tennae now leading A Hawk and A Hacksaw as well as formerly working with The Minders. Musically it Bablicon is quite a stretch from the sugary twee pop that Elephant 6 is associated with, but nothing beyond what these seasoned gentlemen were able to do skillfully. Definitely experimental, when I listen I find myself wondering why the term "free jazz" can't be used for this instead of the bullshit that is currently referring to. All of the trio can play a number of instruments and they accordingly make use of this asset. I'd say it is progressive jazzy post-rock improv stuff if that makes any sense. Some call it avant-pop, but I have never even heard of that damned shit.

To be had here: all @ 128 kbps



In A Different City (1999)











The Orange Tapered Moon (2000)










A Flat Inside a Fog: The Cat That Was a Dog (2001)