Pridjevi - Pridjevi (2014)

Pridjevi is from Croatia of three songwriters including one of which from a band I posted 3 years ago, East-Ra. Like East-Ra's albums this release is psychedelic and slightly avant-garde, however Pridjevi is seems to belong more to the sister genre dream pop. The songs are composed with incredible talent that is immediately heard in the first track, using a fine mixture of Eastern and Western elements befitting Croatia's position in the transitional area of Europe, which is only enhanced by the siren singing in Croatian (I assume). Likewise brilliantly uses electronic effects to subtly create a soundscape that summons to mind any manner of Eastern European fantasies. Perhaps, I've been overly historical in my references, a thing I can do easily; but if I have it is disingenuous superbly modern and engaging. Just look at that fucking album art, surrealist to an extreme. I found this album quite literally intoxicating and cannot recommend it enough.

To be had here:
Pridjevi - Pridjevi

Purée Dure - Dans les jardins du temple (2014)

Woke up to find this as my only new email the other day and I decided that instead of my usual routine of hearing depressing news first thing from NPR or the BBC as I get dressed I'd play whatever this French-looking thing is. I'm glad I did so as I was pretty immediately enjoying the sound of this jazzy electronic music. The horn playing is heavy on the top with a really catchy mixture of percussion and electronically produced effects backing it up. I won't call it smooth, because it isn't that snooze-fest bullshit sort of jazz, however it is subtly crafted and hypnotic with its repetition. It isn't officially released until the 24th of April, but it can be streamed now and bought digitally. I hope it has the alluring affect on you that its had on me.

To be had here:
Purée Dure - Dans les jardins du temple

Car Seat Headrest - Nervous Young Man (2013)

I've long been a fan of this artist believing his lo-fi songwriting to be some of the best that ever got submitted to the blog. Last time I noticed that he didn't notify me that he had a release I wrongfully chastised him, but this time I am glad he is still out there making music at all. His name is William Toledo but Car Seat Headrest is his moniker for his music. And that music is a warm, mildly psychedelic indie singer-songwriter that structured fantastically for my lo-fi loving ears. He doesn't shy away from long tracks, routinely going over 5 minutes but a few times exceeding 15. All this allows for a song to shift throughout as any listener to post-tock will know, but this isn't post-rock, rather it's lo-fi rock and roll that is at moments garage, others shoegazey, and still others pop but throughout it is a wonderful application of relatively few instruments into an amazingly cohesively sound. Moreover, like I recently praised the Secret Motorbikes for, these songs beg you to paid attention to the lyrics and absorb a message beyond the song, and this especially true because of the often sparse use of noisy instrumentation that makes a void to be filled, and is done so effectively. This is a rather long album, just so you all know, but totally worth it should you allow yourself the time. Additionally, if you like this you'll love his other releases including the previously posted Twin Fantasy and Monomania.

To be had here:

Car Seat Headrest - Nervous Young Man

Kanoi - Miles Away From Home: Live At Arnbach (2014)

I am pretty fucking excited to share this album. Firstly, it was recorded live in the town of Osttirol, Austria. Secondly, found this album to be notable, and not just because it is a live recording, which is a relatively rare thing for this blog. Because while the live recording does give it an atmosphere that makes one wish to be at the venue, it also strips the whole album of a polished feel and makes it more lo-fi and visceral. I cannot stress enough that you just keep listening despite the sorta slow start, it really does grow into a genuine pleasure to hear the ambient soundscapes evolve into shoegaze tracks with twisty psychedelic guitar parts. I can't stress it enough, this guitar playing is like a slow motion rocket to the moon. Also the German banter between tracks has a charm that has sparked the strongest sense of wanderlust in me. It is sorta like reading the part of a novel by Hermann Hesse where the character realizes they need to pick their shit up and move. What I mean is that the tracks are epic. Sonic journey's in their own right that provide a sense of movement despite the physical passiveness of listening. The whole album is really fucking awesome and I cannot stop listening to it. 

To be had here:
Kanoi - Miles Away From Home: Live At Arnbach

Ah God - Ah Fuck (2013)

This almost slipped past us in all the submissions, but I was digging rather deep into the pile the other day and it caught my eye. A Portland, Oregon based shoegaze/post-punk band is just the sort of thing I am in the mood for this evening, so probably far overdue I here's Ah God. It is really lo-fi, in case you're worried. They've truly carried forth that post-punk DIY approach by having everything washed out further than soda can on the high seas, it the lyrics are nearly completely indecipherable and the bass and guitar booming with fuzz. Back when this was submitted a music video was sent along, which you can still watch, but it is for their new single "Total Dose" that is also on bandcamp for free. Good for anyone that liked Wavepool Abortion or The Dictaphone. Only now that I finished writing this shit up did I think that this is something Amazing Larry should have gonna a crack at first...

To be had here:
Ah God - Ah Fuck

Sprïng - Celebrations (2014)

Sprïng might have an umlaut but don't let them fool you into believing they're a Nordic metal band, though I would not be surprised if they've listened to some of heavy rock from Scandinavia. In reality they're from Vancouver and make psychedelic rock that incorporates some elements of both hard and math rock in their guitar freak outs and intermittent use of choppy, angular playing. However, naturally for a psychedelic band they've got influence from 60s groups to numerous to name. This isn't to say they'll don't have melodic and dreamy tracks as well, but rather that they vacillate among a range of tones while very skillfully maintaining a theme throughout the album, which is a sort of surrealistic yet happy. The music is blends their various instruments, as they're all multi-instrumentalist, into a just-chaotic-enough state. Finally, while all the members are experienced musicians that've played in several different groups, a couple of them were in SSRIs, which I hadn't heard of previously but are also quite awesome (and on bandcamp still).

To be had here:
Sprïng - Celebrations

EP Grab Bag vol. 56

Here are what I pulled out from the inbox this time, with a bit more of a mix in genres which I hope will keep everyone pleased.

To be had here:

Yelephants - You Look Divorced (2014)

Lo-fi garage rock from New Orleans to begin this bag with. No reason not to come right out with it, this EP is fucking golden. Washed out singing, fuzzed out guitars and smashing cymbals are a highway straight to my music-loving heart and Yelephants are exceeding the speed limit. Can't recommend it enough, most especially if you liked last grab bag's Geyser and another favorite of mine, Fun Guns.

Teenage Exorcists - Teenage Exorcists (2014)

If you listen to the podcast you'll have already heard at least one track from these guys and know that we're united in our unabashed love it, even, almost unbelievably, Craig. It sum it up for others, it is wonderful summertime garage pop from California like their friends the Summer Twins that Elvis posted recently. Pay attention to the lyrics, as they are a huge part of how charming this band is. With any luck they won't keep us waiting for a full-length.



Honks Berry - Painted EP (2014)

Change of pace to some electronic music, a rather genre-defining style but certainly on the mellower side. Coming all the way from Sweden this EP was released by the Brooklyn label, Outward Records. The songs have rather eclectic instrumentation mixed with ambient sounds for a tender, jazzy vibe. Some of the instruments even sound like children's toys which adds a whimsical element. I nice way to come down after all the garage rock before you give yourself a nervous disorder or whatever.

Great Reversals & Sunlight Ascending - Split 7" (2014)

Two bands to check out with this 7" and it is available still on vinyl at their website for $5, and they're kind enough to let you have it digitally regardless (just click on the other image on the left side of the page to get to the other track). Great Reversals are a Detroit band with hardcore/post-metal sound and Sunlight Ascending are a more strictly instrumental post-rock group. While Great Reversals don't play a style I often find myself seeking out I did find this track to be righteous. Sunlight Ascending seem to have firm handle on how to make building and suspenseful post-rock song. Overall a good initial exposure to each of these bands and hopefully only a preview of what they're gonna produce.

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)

Thollem/Chase – Dub Narcotic Session (2014)

I woke up this morning looking for some experimental music. Something off-kilter and disjointed to complement the poppy melodies discussed on the previous day’s podcast. While gazing at my awesome physique in the shower, I listened to the newest episode of the legendary Beats in Space podcast, and made it my goal to dig deep into the submission box for something weird and otherworldly. Thankfully New Atlantis Records was there to make my day.

Thollem/Chase are two mainstays of the experimental music scene in New York. Thollem McDonas is an established pianist, and Brian Chase is the drummer for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. This set was recorded live for K Records Dub Narcotic Sessions, and is everything you want from both your jazz and your punk: intensity, uncertainty, and a willingness to buck any known trend to make something new and remarkable. This isn't music for a swinging dance party or a Mohawk gathering of crusty types. This is music to demolish even the most jaded and far-reaching music aficionado. Enter if you dare.

Get it here:
Thollem/Chase – Dub Narcotic Session (2014)

Space Rock Mountain Podcast 4

Submissions

1.       Feefawfum – Sourpuss

2.       Geyser – Feel it All Day

3.       L’orange – Her Sins

4.       Teenage Exorcists - You Make Me a Hippie

5.       The Moofs – Xanax

Lost and Found

1.       Onuinu – Always Awkward

2.       Nolan Strong and the Diablos – Yea Baby, It’s Because of You

3.       Weekend – Rosaries

Life Through Music

1.       The Who - I’m One