October #1

Hello ET readers!

Before I start loading this post up with links, I wanted to take a second to thank anyone and everyone who has supported this project from the beginning – I am inspired every day by seeing artists and collectives still producing and curating amazing content, along with a whole new generation of content creators pulling the underground scene into new directions and uncharted territories.

It is in this spirit that I am announcing a slight shift in the blog format to better accommodate both the current underground climate as well as my own personal habits and responsibilities. Moving forward, I will be focusing on posting “Lists” of recommended listens, opposed to individual “Quick Picks” of my findings. I feel this is a logical step, and also one that will be beneficial to both the readers and the artists featured. So without further explanation or excuse, here is the first list to kick off October 2018 – please enjoy browsing and exploring this batch of recommended underground music!!

 

Last Dayz ov Zummer – by Reflections From Nowhere

Released October 5th, 2018 – DMT Tapes FL

The ever-busy DMT Tapes Florida has graced us with another beautiful, meandering release from Reflections From Nowhere – tinged with a slight melancholy and dystopian vibe, the 13 tracks seem to drip from one to the next, laced with droning synths and keys, dusted with downtempo grooves and textures. The tape on a whole is quite a satisfying listen, as I found myself going back for a repeat listen 2/3 times whenever I pressed play… 🛰

 

Rum River Ramble – by Marcus Eads

Released September 30, 2018 – Self Released

Longtime readers will know that I am a fan of Marcus Eads’ stripped back, “Primitive” Americana compositions – so it is no surprise that I am both excited and pleased with his latest offering, Rum River Ramble. In traditional Eads fashion, the album is a peaceful homage to archaic sounds, featuring vibes ranging from swinging mellow melodies to thoughtful blues. Throughout the record, Marcus utilizes not only the Acoustic Guitar, but a peppering of unique instruments like the Dulcimer and Autoharp! Quite the enjoyable listen for a relaxing morning coffee. ☕️

 

Vault of Glass EP – by Doctor Jeep

Released October 5th, 2018 – Self Released

Dark and atmospheric Drum & Bass from UK’s Doctor Jeep – featuring collaborations with Fixate and Cirrus, with remixes from Hyroglifics and Sinistarr). Wonderfully satisfying dark club grooves with flavors of dub and world sounds. 🌍

 

Mental Disorder – by Hybrid Boy

Released October 5th, 2018 – Self Released

New Belgium producer Hybrid Boy presents us with an energetic and bold 3-track EP as a first release on the scene – each track is packed with atmosphere and energy, utilizing extraordinary drumwork and soundscape crafting. Definitely excited to hear more from this young producer in the future! 🌀

 

• CHOON FINDS – Saint Elsewhere •

“Experimental Trip Hop from Vienna/AT” – Saint Elsewhere strings together chilled electronics, downtempo beats and blissful vocals in a small collection of songs uploaded to Choon. Quite interesting stuff, subtle and worth multiple listens 🤙

Listen: Self-Titled 6 Track Album

Whatever it is, Whenever you feel like it, by Heart Eyes

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Colorado label Community Radio Tapes presents us with this beautiful little oddity by Heart Eyes, Whatever it is, Whenever you feel like it is a 6 track tape of glazed bedroom ambience with plenty of emotion.

The tape is quite pleasant with some interesting ideas, though there is a lot of weirdness going on it always remains a comfortable weirdness. The kind that you know won’t harm you. However there is an anxiety to some of the tracks, a looming melancholy that sits really heavy! Do not panic however, it’s a very nice listen and ends on a high note.

You can download the album via bandcamp or purchase a cassette copy from the same page!

Good for

  • Study Sessions
  • Meditation
  • Late Night Chill

Favorite Track: I am crying, I can’t talk

June Apple & Amazing Grace, by Marcus Eads

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As a long-time fan of Marcus Eads‘ work, it’s always nice to see something new pop up on his bandcamp! This time we’ve got a little EP featuring two tunes performed on Dulcimer, June Apple & Amazing Grace. Surely the title of the latter is instantly more recognizable, but Marcus’ version in this take is blissfully slow, to the point where the beat and tempo disappear completely, leaving the track feeling more like avant-poetry than anything! Each track has a delicious warm quality, being recorded both indoors and outdoors. You can grab this along with a ton of other goodies via Bandcamp!

Two traditional songs performed on
mountain dulcimer (C-G-cc tuning)

Recorded at home
December 3, 2016

Track 2 contains a field recording taken along
a stream at Goodin Park in Dayton, MN in
November, 2016

June Apple video:
youtu.be/TqYe-V8AmO4

Thanks for listening