Surgical, by xas abra

Supremely satisfying sonic experiments from xas abra – brought to us by Engram Recordings.

Surgical is a 10-track album, curiously with each track weighing in at exactly 4 minutes and 34 seconds. Is there an underlying purpose to this? Does it signal that these sounds are perhaps generated, or trimmed from larger improvisational recordings? It’s all quite curious and, in the end, it really does not matter, as the sounds themselves are deeply interesting and engaging to consume.

From fuzzy lo-fi glitches to off-kilter synthetic shredding, xas wields a sonic toolkit of extravagant diversity and force, as layer upon layer of textural waves overlap and merge again and again. With the heavy rhythmic elements added to what could have easily been a pure-drone experiment, the tracks float into “deconstructed club” territory as the warbled synths are consumed by powerful hissing percussion. Don’t underestimate this one as it’s a dense and delicious project!

Download the album now via Engram Recordings bandcamp, and be sure to explore xas’ world further…

another effect, by 2D

Delicious techno deconstruction presented to us by the gang over at Engram Recordings – we have another effect by 2D. Lush and contemplative, 2D takes the listener softly by the hand, leading us through a vibrant yet subtle jungle of sound. Lots of ideas woven together, chillhop grooves, resonating synthetic noodling, techno concepts dismantled and reconstructed into almost a pastiche of modern experimental electronics.

I found myself listening to this one over-and-over again, with repeat listens only deepening my respect and enjoyment. Land Scape 2 and Fiona are hands-down my favorite tracks from the record. Though it is only 7 tracks long – shy a long player but a bit beefy for an EP – the tracks are thick and substantial, hovering around 5 minutes a piece. The combination is actually perfect, I found myself replaying the entire record several times after listening through.

You can download the record now at Name Your Own Price via Engram Recordings Bandcamp page.

ＨＩＧＨＥＲ ＭＩＮＤ ＴＨＯＵＧＨＴ ＩＭＰＬＡＮＴＡＴＩＯＮ by ░▒▓█₳§ᗐM̶R̳█▓▒░

ＨＩＧＨＥＲ ＭＩＮＤ ＴＨＯＵＧＨＴ ＩＭＰＬＡＮＴＡＴＩＯＮ is the latest release from ASVMR, brought to us by Berlin’s Engram Recordings – a thick 3-track exploration into psychedelic harsh fuzz territory.

Taking complete advantage of the labels eclectic and esoteric nature, ASVMR dives deep into the pool of sound for some sonic clam digging. Leading in with pulsing atmospheric percussion, only to be drenched with some seriously potent drone shredding. It’s actually quite an accessible harsh-noise EP – if you are new to the genre and just want to get your toes wet, this could be a fantastic place to start. Click play and embrace the meta-narrative!!

“”“”毛粥”“”” by 李嘉翎

Meandering sonic oddities from 李嘉翎 (puramu) presented by the forward thinking Engram Recordings. This one is packed with some dense and interesting energy – lush drones and bold audio plundering build the atmosphere. Rough and fuzzy, but also quite juicy – maybe it is a new kind of stonefruit?! It’s certainly delicious, and left me wanting more – with the spontaneous tracks never breaching 3 minutes in length. It’s punk-found-sound and I dig it to the max!

[지오 프론트]//[Geo Front] v3.1

The ever-lovely Cats Corp brings us another mix of mallsoft tunes as relaxing as any trip to your local shopping center. Usual culprits here of blissfully chambered sounds, tons of soulful solos and brilliant progressions. Enjoy this 6-track project now at the price you choose via the artists Bandcamp page.

Released November 29th, 2016

MEMORY LOOPS, by FLOWERS

I have recently fallen in love with this album from FLOWERS, brought to us by Dark Pursuits of Washington D.C.

MEMORY LOOPS is a 12 track drone/ambient project with plenty of noise and personality. The compositions range from the subtle and relaxing to pure sonic shredding, and it all works wonderfully together. One after one, FLOWERS constructs unique atmospheres with his exploration of sound. Lo-Fi crackles accompany deep vibrant tones to create a delicious dichotomy that leaves me breathless and wanting for more. The project is available to stream and download via the labels bandcamp.

Favorite Track: 3. COLLISION II

Be Whole, by Sound Awakener

Another one here from Sound Awakener, Be Whole is a 3 track project of harsh noise and wave experiments. These fluttering drones lead you here and there, and some points taking on an animal-like quality, other times more comparable to the sounds of the environment. It breathes in and out, hissing and sputtering its way from start to finish. Highly recommended for Noise fans, gentle enough for Ambient minds.

Favorite Track: 2. Chapter II

Chapter I with fragments recorded in 2012, reworked in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Chapter II first recorded in 2014, reworked in 2015
Chapter III recorded in 2015

released 01 July 2015

All tracks produced by Sound Awakener

Death Dances, by FLOWERS

Dark Pursuits (Washington D.C.) presents us with this great work of dark-ambience, Death Dances. Harsh, obtuse and experimental as hell, this one is a ride from beginning to finish that is sure to leave you coming back for more.

Favorite Track: 5. Laury

released 09 June 2015