Lizards Exist - Lizards Exist (2014)

I've mentioned before, though it was appropriately been a while since, that my musical listening goes through cyclical phases. I'll be real into garage rock for example, maybe for weeks, then suddenly it'll lose its appeal and I'll be all about folk or post-rock or whatever I stumble into next. All this to eventually find my way back to listening to a bunch of garage rock. This helps and hurts writing up albums, for if the submitted material aligns with my listening preferences at the moment it is a blissful experience for all. However, if it isn't what I'm jazzed about at the time I sometimes have to sit on the album until I know I can give a fair shake. So here's an well overdue but hopefully better for it write up on the Croatian outfit, Lizard's Exist.

Lizards Exist have an identifiable era they've associated themselves with, namely the period of psychedelia that began at the very end of the 60s and blossomed in the 70s that displayed the characteristics that would create progressive rock. To explain better, I mean they're long, instrumental songs that have either improvisation or what is to appear as such done within a psychedelic style. Therefore the sound of this album is purposefully vintage, and they've executed this fantastically, particularly with the keyboard and snyth playing. Also, despite my fears that this was going to be prog rock that I found distasteful such as Yes, my enjoyment of the spacey psychedelic theme won out. I genuinely found myself riveted to my computer chair, wanting to hear where they went with these elongated tracks next. Finally, the space music aspects of Lizards Exist make me want to compare it to Cosmique and Travancore, though all three of these bands have very different approaches.

To be had here:
Lizards Exist - Lizards Exist

P.S. They're looking for a label for a vinyl LP.

EP Grab Bag vol. 57

Alright, this one is a lo-fi rock heavy Grab Bag, but then again this is a lo-fi rock heavy blog, so you should be prepared. A mix of fresh submissions and a couple I pulled out of from the stack the built up during my time in the wilderness.

To be had here:

Skull Practitioners - st1 (2014)

It is nice to start a grab bag with rock and roll, especially if it is heavy garage punk. Skull Practitioners are a New York City band that plays loud, screeching punk rock filled with noisy thrashing and buzzing guitar. I'd say it is heavier than even the rash of garage rock bands including Yelephants, Geyser and White Owl. It is like the crazy tracks by Parts & Labor, Eat Skull or Numbers but with more of the bluesy rock vibe retained. A wild and exciting EP that I enjoyed thoroughly.

qualchan. - all my friends are going visceral. (2014)

Now here is something unlike most everything else posted lately. This release is tagged as "chopped and screwed" and I won't be able to conjure a better descriptor than that. It is seconds of songs placed into an order than must only make sense to the fella that made it. Jumps all over the place in a very eccentric fashion, making use of R&B, rock, pop standards, folk, soundtracks and even spoken word clips. Let yourself go and have your brain rattled up by this sound collage, what is the worst that could happen?

Black Pages - Acoustic (2014)

Black Pages is the moniker for an Orlando-dwelling garage rocker I believe as submitted a few times and I simply cannot recall if I ever posted. However, I am confident I've written on this set of acoustic tracks he's recently put out. They're short, clamorous songs but they are exceedingly catchy. He's got some chops, this guy. Also in the quite likely case that I just think I wrote him up before but I really just listened to it and forgot to, I am gonna recommend his whole discography.

Silkies - Never Tell a Lie EP (2013)

Can't have too much lo-fi in your diet, so here's some garage pop from Austin. Silkies sound they tunes are infused with all sorts of wonderful influences of surf, garage and 60s girl groups and bubblegum pop. Just for very brief tracks here yet it is still enough for me to be impressed. The singing is perhaps the highlight and for the same reasons I like Summer Twins and Best Coast, and I could stand for many more female lead garage bands. However, this isn't a one trick band, the song writing shows even in the short songs that they're know exactly what they're doing. Listen to this a get ready for summer.

Car Seat Headrest - Starving While Living (2013)

If you've been reading lately you'll find this artist familiar, for it just days ago that I posted an overdue write-up of his latest full-length, Nervous Young Man. Thing is, I love this guy's music and I didn't wanna miss a second chance to stress this why not sharing his wonderful EP that also was released even before that LP. Fantastic lo-fi psychedelic songwriting with themes of anxiety, self-loathing and a nice dose of existentialism. At the same time I've never felt like any of the tracks are downers, just frank lyrically and amazing musically.

Grey Czar - The Men Who Harvest the Sea (2014)

A little rock and roll from Salzburg, Austria to wrap up this Grab Bag. This EP sounds like progressive rock to my ear, but I am not sure what they'd call it. Jazzy guitar riffs and poetic lyrics seem pretty prog though. The tracks are solid, and when they cut loose with their playing it really is captivating. If you experience like me it'll take a minute or two for the singing to grow on you, but it likely will should you give it enough time to establish a tone. Wish they had listed some influences because I'd be curious to hear them.

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)

Glaze of Cathexis – Prophecies of the All Seeing Sage (2013)

I feel a bit bad for all those folks who flock to Roswell hoping to study mankind’s possible first contact with Alien life. Little do they know that aliens have been visiting our planet for some time. No, they didn’t build the pyramids and start the evolutionary process. Don’t be ridiculous! They did come to fuck hot broads, drink, and make out-of-this world tunes. Danton, Franklin, Sun-Ra, and a short little extraterrestrial living in Japan called Glaze of Cathexis. I saw him at the recent Conference for Alien Existence in Las Vegas. Nice event by the way, but the drinks were far too expensive.

Glaze of Cathexis comes from a long tradition of alien life creating and fucking with human musical stylings to make something truly otherworldly. This is the kind of stuff kids in the 1960s were really into while smoking a shit load of pot and taking acid. Nothing tongue and cheek about this band’s delivery; they are believers. I was told not to take acid at work, but this record just can’t help a little trip. I may even play “Silver Ganges and Mecca” as I wait for my own trip to Norgel 5.

Get it here:

Glaze of Cathexis – Prophecies of the All Seeing Sage (2013)

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)

Evasive Backflip - EP #1

These kids sent us a video not too long ago showcasing just how strong this group could be live in the studio. As it was not accompanied with a proper release, I simply watched and enjoyed it and then went on to further submissions. Well, they got their act together and have put out their first EP, and it is a massive 5 song set.  I am surprised how short this release is when it is clocked, because as I was listening to it, the tracks crammed in so many good ideas it felt like they were running through every decent chord progression they were familiar with. The band is from Chicago, and they have clearly learned from their city’s rich musical terrain. If Touch and Go Records doesn’t pick these guys up, it will be their loss. Too many bands that fall into this highly-technical side of rock often forget that music should be fun; a mindset Evasive Backflip has not succumbed to. Recommended as a substitute for a videogame's boring soundtrack or a dance party with your cat.

Lisabi - Senseless (2012)

Prog is treated by some to be the ugly, fattened alternate reality to the more "real" punk and garage rock sounds that came to replace it in popularity and hip credibility. That's a shame really, and I say that as a very committed garage rock aficionado. I like my music dirty and fast. I dare say that I also enjoy well studied musicianship that puts a premium on intricate solos.

The passion, authenticity, and immediacy of any 3 chord punk song can be heard in Brazil's native sons Lisabi. Their new release, "Senseless" takes Prog and throws out all the references to Tolkien and replaces them with anger and angst at the modern world. Half the songs are in the band's own tongue, something I am always happy to see. Best of all, these kids are on tour in the US this July, and that means you have a chance to come out and help them along their way. This record is a mere 4 bucks, but their first release is absolutely free. So get them cholo!

Get it here:
Lisabi - Senseless (2012)

Romero - Take the Potion (2013)

Now, this is some awesome stuff. Huge, Black Sabbath inspired riffs with sludgy, weed hazed head-banging passion, and you have the new release from Romero. For a 3 piece, these guys have a subterranean, layered sound that’s comfortable enough with itself to take from Prog when the opportunity arises. I can’t help but feel this group is the evil doppelganger to Merlin’s Magic Music Box, a group I wrote about here some time ago.

The title track from the record is still ringing in my head, and you can download it for free or buy one of those vinyl record thingies. Let’s hope they go out on the road and hit up the West Coast this coming summer.

Get this bad boy here:
Romero - Take the Potion (2013)

As Mountains - Monolight (2012)

My father is from Belgium. You know, that tiny little country in Europe that is known for waffles and chocolate. His parents came to the U.S. after the Second World War and eventually settled in the Bay Area in California. My father was around for the entire punk and psychedelic music scene Northern Cali was known for in the 60s and 70s, but I am pretty sure he didn’t take part in any of it. What a shame.

 So I was pleased to receive a submission from As Mountains, a post-rock band from Hasselt, Belgium. They have a very hygienic, trained sound that clearly owes a great deal to the experienced members of the genre that reached success in the 2000s. As I blasted these tracks through the stereo, my ears were engulfed by walls of guitar sound, all while the drums got louder and more aggressive as the band built to their climax. Well executed, but typical post-rock stuff. What separates this act from the rest in the field is the playful, nearly joyful, guitar plucking that accompanies many of the tracks. Listening to Matching Clouds in Lucerne actually brought a Sarah Records vibe, which was a pleasant surprise.

Get it here:
As Mountains - Monolight (2012)

1926 - I don't want to be with U (2012)

As we approach Thanksgiving here in America, many of us are taking long drives to reach our family and/or hometowns. I have a rather scenic drive ahead, but in some parts of the country, the drive can be bleak and seemingly endless. Before the advent of portable music, you would simply switch to whatever local radio station you could pick up, and hope for some interesting tunes to keep you company and your mind from turning to mush from boredom.

Thankfully, we live in an era when just about any sound is at our fingertips at the drop of a hat, and Poland's 1926 has produced a fine soundtrack to at least part of your journey. The group has created a long, expansive track that melds the shoegaze fuzz of Slowdive to the post-rock leanings of bands like A Silver Mt. Zion. This is well recorded stuff, with nice builds and crescendos that will have you head banging as you cross your own desolate landscape.

Get it here:
1926 - I don't want to be with u (2012)

Irureta - 100% Pure Sport (2012)

Everything about Irureta points to them being a French band, but I can’t for the life of me pin down if that’s true or not. The good folks at Teflon Beast Records released this prog-heavy pop record just a few months back, and I have enjoyed the cassette tape since receiving it. With the exception of the French sound clips tastefully placed during intros, the record is made up of psychedelic jamming that is sure to impress anyone who happens to read this blog consistently. L'Arret Gite Ethnique/Patinage Mental is still my favorite track off this full length, with its winding synthesizer and pulsing bass line preserving my interest for the duration of the 6 minute jam. Well worth a listen, even if you can't buy the cassette.

Get it here: Irureta - 100% Pure Sport (2012)

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

Kiran Leonard - The Big Fish (2011)

This submission is rather unique, as I don't think I've many teenagers, let alone a 15 year old send in an album before. However, I am not posting it per the novelty of the artist's age, but rather for the fact that it is an exceptionally wild and fantastic experimental/progressive rock album. By golly gumdrop, first track is a 26 and half minute long odyssey. There's no need to spoil the experience by describing what happens in the songs too much, but I will assure you it is pretty captivating if you're a fan of progressive or krautrock. It is out there yet doesn't get busy and without sampling and prerecorded beats. This kid has gotta either really like messing around with the guitar or he's got way too much time on his hands. Check it out and see what I'm on about.

To be had here:
Kiran Leonard - The Big Fish

Os Mundi - Latin Mass (1970) & 43 Minuten (1972)

Despite what looks like the name of a band from Portugal, Os Mundi is a German band from Berlin. Found them after I got the German Oak album, but found they weren't very similar. They released two strange, in fact differently strange, albums in the 1970s. Both can be called generally progressive rock but carry in them disparate conceits. Latin Mass is a conversion of a Latin mass from church into a dreamy, meandering sonic adventure. Therefore the lyrics are really just the words of the mass sung over the wild progrock they deftly produced. Rarely, but not unique, as I did read that this was done previous to their go at it. Pretty wild nonetheless. Their second full-length, 43 Minuten, is not a concept album. Instead it is more run-of-the-mill progressive rock album, but I suppose that is a relative term in the world of progrock. 43 Minuten infuses folk and jazz, the latter mostly in horn flourishes scattered all about. In case the linguistic references has you wondering, it is sung in English, but several tracks are instrumental.

To be had here:





Latin Mass [192 bkps]











43 Minuten [192 kbps]

Les Mogol (Moğollar) - Dances and Rhythms of Turkey of Yesterday and Today (1971)

Les Mogol was the named used by the Turkish band Moğollar when they released an album in France in 1971. Moğollar was a band of large importance in the development of the genre called Anatolian rock, otherwise called Turkish ethno rock. Basically the genre is a mixture of the 60s and 70s psychedelic and progressive rock with traditional Turkish instruments and themes. Like other fusions, such as Nigerian afrobeat, the results are incredibly unique. I wish I knew more about the individual artists involved in this album's, and indeed the whole scene's, creation and evolution, but alas I am not knowledgeable about Turkish music. However, like my other recent posts I am hoping to share my growing interest in the more obscure musical styles of the world, and I do plead with your to share with me anything you might have, which I'll willing allow you to post here, galdly link to elsewhere, or listen to so as to post on it myself. Time to give it little, pilgrims.

To be had here:
Les Mogol - Dances and Rhythms of Turkey of Yesterday and Today [192 VBR kbps]

Os Mutantes

For years I've maintained that I have no favorite band, and whichever band might be the nearest to that status fluxes far too often for it to be realistic. This is only partially true. Ever since I first heard a song by Os Mutantes (meaning 'the mutants') I have religiously listened to them everyday for years. Nevertheless, in a very typical American fashion, I haven't a damned clue what they are actually saying in most all of the songs. What I do know is it is the most amazing sounding music that I can imagine, and the Portuguese singing blends and enhances it to an astounding degree. I wake up to, drive my car whilst, and entertain everyone from my grandfather to girls I desire to become intimate with Os Mutantes. I am told by Brazilians, or those other persons in the know, that the music is very politically charged, and was very important in Brazilian culture, who has experience harsh military dictatorship in the past. However, when I heard it I see it as the fountainhead from which all the best American and Canadian indie pop for the last 3 decades have sprung. Just as it is nearly impossible to avoid influence of the Beatles or the Velvet Underground, Os Mutantes belongs in the legendarily foundational music catalogs world over. When first listening, and even after considerable time spent with it, the music is hard to imagine being produced in 1960s Brazil. A benefit of them being this old too is that their discography is already pretty large, if not huge, and widely available. Because of this I have never tired of them, always finding a new affection for a track I had previously paid little attention to. I am going to post all of their main albums, and a collection of singles and rarities, and I'll tell you which songs I've gotten stuck on recently thereupon, not just what are normally considered the hits. The last two albums (not to count the compilation) are different, they changed to a more progressive rock sound, and the last one only features a single original member in it, but is considered a laudable prog album nonetheless. I do apologize for not knowing more about what they are singing of, if you are Brazilian or know anyway do please share your feelings, and if there is a desire there is one album they made with some of their more popular songs in English, so you can get a translation there, but I forgot to upload it this time. I sure hope you've heard most of this before, but if not this is a huge must pilgrims.

To be had here:



Os Mutantes (1968) [160 kbps]
Current Obsessions: A Minha Menina, Senhor F, Tempo No Tempo









Mutantes (1969) [192 kbps]
Current Obsessions: Rita Lee, Mágica










Divina Comédia Ou Ando Meio Desligado (1970) [128 kbps]
Current Obsessions: Hey Boy, Ave Lucifer









Jardim Elétrico (1971) [128 kbps]
Current Obsessions: Benvinda, Lady, Lady










E Seus Cometas no País do Baurets (1972) [192 kbps]
Current Obsessions: Vida de Cachorro, Cantor de Mambo, Rua Augusta









"A" e o "Z" (1973) [128 kbps]

Current Obsessions: A E O Z, Uma Pessoa Só (Here their sound become more progressive rock) TELL ME IF THE TRACKS ARE MESSED UP








Tudo foi feito pelo sol (1974) [160 kbps]
Current Obsessions: Pitágoras










Compactos e Raridades [192 VBR kbps]
Current Obsessions: Apocalipse, Balada Do Amigo

Norrbottens Järn - Drömmarnas Värld (1975)

I was blown out of my mind the first time I heard this album; it certainly doesn't seem like something that should have culturally defused to reach me. I do think thanks for that goes to lost-in-tyme, an excellent if sometimes embattled blog that specializes in finding old jems. Beyond the fact that it is over a decade older than me, which has never really prevented my enjoyment before, there is that it is a strange album even for its time. Psychedelic-folk is the best label I can think of, but it doesn't stress the oddness. Of course, I haven't a damned clue if this sort of album was even weird to the Swedish generation that saw its creation, and I heavily doubt many even know what it is. It definately gives an aura of mystery in pondering about what they were thinking in Luleå, Sweden upon forming this group. The name is even weird to me, with Norrbottens Järn being translated as Norrbotten's Iron for me by a Norwegian friend. Let me give you the run down, it is 70s rock and folk with strong European differences from what was the norm in America. Most obviously it is sung completely in Swedish, with the only words I can understand being "David Bowie" but is is said 'Ba-owie.' The mood slides around from guitars and drums to chorus-style refrains to solos on the accordion (I shit you not). "Konserverad Gröt" is the best song for sure, and you must really listen to is fully through to understand why. "Diskoplast & Hippievadd" features the before mentioned accordion throughout, not be to missed. Overall it is extremely psychedelic and reminds me of perhaps what Devendra Banhart and his cohort might be doing if they embraced electric guitars more and liked to sing in Swedish. Cool as fuck, rest assured.

To be had here:
Norrbottens Järn - Drömmarnas Värld [256 kbps]

Green Milk From The Planet Orange - City Calls Revolution (2005)

Green Milk From The Planet Orange, besides having an extremely unusual name, makes some righteous psychedelic music. Born from the remains of defunct group No Rest for the Dead, these Tokyo-based young men do the experimental thing with the usual Japanese flare, such as all members being referred to only by initials. The songs are unique sounding, straddling between the noise of Boredoms and the extended rhythms of kraut rock bands like Can and Faust. City Calls Revolution has only four tracks, nevertheless is most certainly a full-length album. The first track "Concrete City Breakdown" finishes just shy of 20 minutes while the epic finale "A Day in the Planet Orange" is just over 38. Despite the exciting nature of the music, they know very well how to compose songs and there is a well-planned execution to them. Green Milk From The Planet Orange might be a mouthful to say, but they're anything but difficult to listen to.

To be had here (192 kbps):
Green Milk From The Planet Orange - City Calls Revolution