Why didn't anyone tell me the third Snailface album, IV, was out? They were my #1 Free of 2010, and my #8 Next 10 Metal of 2009.
As usual, this one's Name Your Price as well. At their main band's website, you can check out this explanatory post.
Showing posts with label Free Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Free Music. Show all posts
Friday, December 6, 2013
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Various releases - Gnod (#8, 2012)
I'd actually say 2012 was kind of a mess for Gnod overall. But it was an interesting year, though maybe the last that I'm fully into... But no tellin' for sure!
"Genocider" from Chaudelande, Vol. 2 (2012)
If you've been following Gnod closely, you've probably heard this old-school tune quite a few times. Maybe even have a few live recordings of it. Volume II eases in spare & slow with "Man on the Wire," switches up to a Buttholesque double-drum tribal segment, then cools out smooth for the drone-disco final third. And the party ends with another live staple "Entrance" (last 10 minutes of silence optional). Most of it's comprised of jammed-out berserkr drones and anguished howls. Typical.
Check out the combined V.1/V.2 CD-edition over at Bandcamp. Also includes a different-version bonus track of...
"5th Sun" from 7" single (2012)
Then there was the ltd-ed ["very"], now-OOP surprise single from Ireland's Trensmat Records. A label worth closely watching... Plus I think I like the trippy b-side version even better!
Innerspace Broadcasts, Vol. 3 by Black Gnod [Gnod + Black Bombain] (2012)
Further, there was a super-ltd-ed [of 160], now-OOP surprise livejam collaboration with Portugal's Black Bombain on Leeds' Cardinal Fuzz. That's the whole CD right there!
Wow. I'm a little surprised to find it, but there's Rocket Recordings' own ltd-ed [of 1,000], now-OOP split-EP with $hit + $hine. Just don't find myself listening to this one all that often.
"Visions of Load" from Chaudelande, Vol. 1 (2011)
O yeah, and there's a 2013 official video for "Visions of Load" off Chaudelande, Vol. 1 (part of #3, 2011). That tune appears on the only live Gnod tape currently downloadable from their SoundCloud.
"Genocider" from Chaudelande, Vol. 2 (2012)
If you've been following Gnod closely, you've probably heard this old-school tune quite a few times. Maybe even have a few live recordings of it. Volume II eases in spare & slow with "Man on the Wire," switches up to a Buttholesque double-drum tribal segment, then cools out smooth for the drone-disco final third. And the party ends with another live staple "Entrance" (last 10 minutes of silence optional). Most of it's comprised of jammed-out berserkr drones and anguished howls. Typical.
Check out the combined V.1/V.2 CD-edition over at Bandcamp. Also includes a different-version bonus track of...
"5th Sun" from 7" single (2012)
Then there was the ltd-ed ["very"], now-OOP surprise single from Ireland's Trensmat Records. A label worth closely watching... Plus I think I like the trippy b-side version even better!
Innerspace Broadcasts, Vol. 3 by Black Gnod [Gnod + Black Bombain] (2012)
Further, there was a super-ltd-ed [of 160], now-OOP surprise livejam collaboration with Portugal's Black Bombain on Leeds' Cardinal Fuzz. That's the whole CD right there!
Wow. I'm a little surprised to find it, but there's Rocket Recordings' own ltd-ed [of 1,000], now-OOP split-EP with $hit + $hine. Just don't find myself listening to this one all that often.
"Visions of Load" from Chaudelande, Vol. 1 (2011)
O yeah, and there's a 2013 official video for "Visions of Load" off Chaudelande, Vol. 1 (part of #3, 2011). That tune appears on the only live Gnod tape currently downloadable from their SoundCloud.
Genre - Machine Noise-Drone
Official/tumblr - ingnodwetrust.tumblr.com/
Myspace - myspace.com/gnodgnod
Location - Salford, England
Review - Writing About Music blog
Download - Amazon, iTunes
Purchase - Chaudelande, Vol. 2
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Octopus Projector
I saw this new record at End of an Ear in Austin a couple of weeks back, but hadn't heard any of the tunes. Pretty cool, yeah?
"Sharpteeth" by Octopus Project, from Fever Forms (2013)
I think the only real Octopus Project I've covered so far is the Thunderbeam game Soundtrack (#10 of 2012's Top Ten Archival / Re-releases / Soundtracks / Compilations / Live / Misc...).
"Whitby" by Octopus Project, from Fever Forms (2013)
Lo-fi stop-motion origami-mation?
I swear I discovered Octopus Project opening for Pong years ago. Not like Brian Epstein discovered, just 'learned about.'
"Stereoscopic Trailer #2" for Fever Forms (2013)
And check out #1.
Plus there's a free download of the song "Perhap" right here.
Of course there was a limited edition with sold-out 3-D Viewmaster + reel! Here's where you order.
"Sharpteeth" by Octopus Project, from Fever Forms (2013)
I think the only real Octopus Project I've covered so far is the Thunderbeam game Soundtrack (#10 of 2012's Top Ten Archival / Re-releases / Soundtracks / Compilations / Live / Misc...).
"Whitby" by Octopus Project, from Fever Forms (2013)
Lo-fi stop-motion origami-mation?
I swear I discovered Octopus Project opening for Pong years ago. Not like Brian Epstein discovered, just 'learned about.'
"Stereoscopic Trailer #2" for Fever Forms (2013)
And check out #1.
Plus there's a free download of the song "Perhap" right here.
Of course there was a limited edition with sold-out 3-D Viewmaster + reel! Here's where you order.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
VII - Maserati (#7, 2012)
Another quality record from Maserati, after a few all-timers.
Top Ten!
"The Eliminator" from VII (2012)
Pseudo-single, or whatever you call an internet-released preview track to hype your upcoming album. In the old days, it was a single... and it came on a vinyl disc!
"Abracadabracab" from VII (2012)
As catchy & all-out as that one was, I suggest exploring the elektro-deluxe landscapes of this epic mid-album centerpiece. The whole record's real nice - another one with the textured LP cover as well...
Hey, who is that on "Synthesizer [Assisted By]"?? Why, if it isn't Steve Moore of Zombi (co-#5, 2012)!
"Solar Exodus/Lunar Drift" from VII (2012)
Just because, I made this video of a coupla atypical Maserati tracks. Vocoder & synths & something different. I like it.
Here are two recent, officially-sanctioned live bootlegs from Georgia: Athens, 10/26/2013 & Atlanta, 07/18/2013.
"Saw Her" by Vincas, from Blood Bleeds (2012)
Garage-rockist side project of Maserati's bassist. Pretty good stuff, I'd definitely go see 'em live.
Nevertheless, uncool that they got major gear ripped off in Chicago recently. If you can spare any help, check this out.
And here's a recent, officially-sanctioned Vincas bootleg from Athens: 08/03/2013!
Genre - Motorik Delay-Action Post-Rock
Official - ihaveadagger.net/
Myspace - myspace.com/maseratirocks
Location - Athens, GA
Review - American:Aftermath
Download - Amazon, iTunes
Purchase - Temporary Residence Ltd.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Elemental - Demdike Stare (#4, 2012)
Sooooo... Elemental, by Demdike Stare (#8 of 2010, #3 Free Mixes of 2010 & #9 Archival Release, 2012). It's massive, already too massive as it was coming out as 4 vinyl parts - to be housed in a massive art-book binder.
Eventually a 2xCD collection was released with most of the vinyl, some alternate version replacements, and some bonus tracks... with different track order. So the original vinyl series kicked off with "Mephisto's Lament" - the second tune on the CD's, following "New Use for Old Circuits," which is not on the vinyl.
Demdike Stare - Elemental (2CD Version) by modernlove
That's the whole 2xCD release right there. There's a 20-second-longer non-(Alternate Version) of "Unction" on the vinyl. Alternates are the vinyl deep cuts, but the big 'hits,' like "Mephisto's Lament" and "Violetta," transfer in their original form.
"Mnemosyne" from Elemental 2: Violetta @ 33.3 (2011)
That one comes over the same, but you have to be careful to get the right speed. Two YouTubers have put it up at 33-1/3 rpm... a mistake I myself have made. And here again, I think I'll side with the slower, wronger speed. Speaking of slower, I very much like the non-vinyl, 'bonus' CD tracks "Shade" and "10th Floor Stairwell."
Not to be negative, this kind of low-down spooky doomtronics seems to be on the way out for Demdike. Maybe just temporary until the next major project? Or yet another great act's style evolving away from what I dig? Only time will tell...
"Violetta" from Elemental 2: Violetta (2011)
Official video released when the vinyl pack was just launching. Anyway, the whole thing's pretty great - sometimes rhythmically inventive, sometimes moody & weird, sometimes something else... The CD's are streamable up there, and the vinyl's probably moot at this point. Couple more cool videos, then I'll wrap it up.
"Erosion of Mediocrity" from Elemental 3: Rose (2012)
Great tune, great video!
"Dauerlinie" from Elemental 4: Iris (2012)
Another favorite track for me. These last three made the digital transition unscathed. Okay, okay...
In February (of 2012), Demdike Stare also dropped a free Modern Love mix/Elemental podcast, "Irrational Advice" - worth checking out. (Tracklist info at the bottom of this post.)
So then there was/is the Slant Azymuth project between them & Andy Votel. For whatever reason, I've listened to this very few times. I never actively disliked it - maybe because it's vinyl only, and so less convenient? But I don't think that's the whole reason. Hold on, I'm going to listen to it now...
"Intervision 1" by Slant Azymuth, from Slant Azymuth (2012)
Maybe I've been put off by the first track/intro, "Gray Equidae," over a minute of cello scrapings & nonsense. (Maybe it's the cover art?) After that, the record alternates between Intervisions [above] and pieces with 'real' names. Like "Black Crolyn," which keeps it short but is still kinda nonsense - rhythmical this time. And yet "Intervision 2" is a little more like it.
"Helican Scan" by Slant Azymuth, from Slant Azymuth (2012)
Hey, I think I might be warming up to (parts of) this! The last couple are a 3rd, final, short Intervision [okay] and "U-Matic Thrill." Despite the name, this last track isn't a New Power Generation-era Prince jam. It's probably the most Demdikesque on the album. So, yeah... despite some weak points, I don't think I had given Slant Azymuth a fair shake. Pretty decent overall!
Eventually a 2xCD collection was released with most of the vinyl, some alternate version replacements, and some bonus tracks... with different track order. So the original vinyl series kicked off with "Mephisto's Lament" - the second tune on the CD's, following "New Use for Old Circuits," which is not on the vinyl.
Demdike Stare - Elemental (2CD Version) by modernlove
That's the whole 2xCD release right there. There's a 20-second-longer non-(Alternate Version) of "Unction" on the vinyl. Alternates are the vinyl deep cuts, but the big 'hits,' like "Mephisto's Lament" and "Violetta," transfer in their original form.
"Mnemosyne" from Elemental 2: Violetta @ 33.3 (2011)
That one comes over the same, but you have to be careful to get the right speed. Two YouTubers have put it up at 33-1/3 rpm... a mistake I myself have made. And here again, I think I'll side with the slower, wronger speed. Speaking of slower, I very much like the non-vinyl, 'bonus' CD tracks "Shade" and "10th Floor Stairwell."
Not to be negative, this kind of low-down spooky doomtronics seems to be on the way out for Demdike. Maybe just temporary until the next major project? Or yet another great act's style evolving away from what I dig? Only time will tell...
"Violetta" from Elemental 2: Violetta (2011)
Official video released when the vinyl pack was just launching. Anyway, the whole thing's pretty great - sometimes rhythmically inventive, sometimes moody & weird, sometimes something else... The CD's are streamable up there, and the vinyl's probably moot at this point. Couple more cool videos, then I'll wrap it up.
"Erosion of Mediocrity" from Elemental 3: Rose (2012)
Great tune, great video!
"Dauerlinie" from Elemental 4: Iris (2012)
Another favorite track for me. These last three made the digital transition unscathed. Okay, okay...
In February (of 2012), Demdike Stare also dropped a free Modern Love mix/Elemental podcast, "Irrational Advice" - worth checking out. (Tracklist info at the bottom of this post.)
So then there was/is the Slant Azymuth project between them & Andy Votel. For whatever reason, I've listened to this very few times. I never actively disliked it - maybe because it's vinyl only, and so less convenient? But I don't think that's the whole reason. Hold on, I'm going to listen to it now...
"Intervision 1" by Slant Azymuth, from Slant Azymuth (2012)
Maybe I've been put off by the first track/intro, "Gray Equidae," over a minute of cello scrapings & nonsense. (Maybe it's the cover art?) After that, the record alternates between Intervisions [above] and pieces with 'real' names. Like "Black Crolyn," which keeps it short but is still kinda nonsense - rhythmical this time. And yet "Intervision 2" is a little more like it.
"Helican Scan" by Slant Azymuth, from Slant Azymuth (2012)
Hey, I think I might be warming up to (parts of) this! The last couple are a 3rd, final, short Intervision [okay] and "U-Matic Thrill." Despite the name, this last track isn't a New Power Generation-era Prince jam. It's probably the most Demdikesque on the album. So, yeah... despite some weak points, I don't think I had given Slant Azymuth a fair shake. Pretty decent overall!
Genre - Dark Occult-Dub Ambient
Official/Myspace - myspace.com/pookawig
Location - Lancashire, Britain
Review - Austinist
Download - Amazon, iTunes
Purchase - Forced Exposure
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Live Goat
This was originally going to be just an overall Psych Fest update - but some people aren't posting up all their live videos yet. I know you were filming!!
Anyway, given all the stuff happening around Goat (#1, 2012), I think it warrants yet another post about them.
"Run to Your Mama" from World Music (2012)
New-ish official video (and there's even something unofficial). Maybe you missed the RSD Remixes of that song? No sweat - MP3's are available at Amazon & at Boomkat. Hell, looks like they've still got some of the 12"s over at Forced Exposure.
Obviously, Goat's been touring America recently (getting to Psych Fest...), so check some of this out:
"Goathead" - live at Music Hall of Williamsburg, 4/23/2013
Yeah, Goat in concert! How'd you like to be able to download that whole show as an authorized recording? The whole show. Thanks again, NYCtaper!
O, there's also video of the full Philadelphia, PA show at Johnny Brenda's - same basic set: Diarabi, Golden Dawn, Disco Fever, Stone Goat, Let It Bleed, Dream Building, Run To Your Mama, Goathead, Goatman, Goatlord, Det som aldrig förändras, and the encore - The Sun, The Moon.
"The Sun, The Moon" - live at Austin Psych Fest, 4/28/2013
Or check out the encore from Psych Fest, either way. Lotsa fun was had by all. Someone else shot during "Let It Bleed." The only thing I'd suggest was maybe some brighter lights for more stage action visibility, but that's a minor thing. They (both Goat and the crowd) tore it up!
Also, you might not know a couple of tunes on the setlist - I sure didn't. But "Dreambuilding" and "Stone Goat" are the double-A sides of their new/upcoming single. Stream the first (???) A-side from Pitchfork. Out already in Sweden on 12", another 2 versions are out in early June. American pre-order via Sub-Pop, and Euro pre-order via Rough Trade (on Rocket Recordings, both are 7").
Anyway, given all the stuff happening around Goat (#1, 2012), I think it warrants yet another post about them.
"Run to Your Mama" from World Music (2012)
New-ish official video (and there's even something unofficial). Maybe you missed the RSD Remixes of that song? No sweat - MP3's are available at Amazon & at Boomkat. Hell, looks like they've still got some of the 12"s over at Forced Exposure.
Obviously, Goat's been touring America recently (getting to Psych Fest...), so check some of this out:
"Goathead" - live at Music Hall of Williamsburg, 4/23/2013
Yeah, Goat in concert! How'd you like to be able to download that whole show as an authorized recording? The whole show. Thanks again, NYCtaper!
O, there's also video of the full Philadelphia, PA show at Johnny Brenda's - same basic set: Diarabi, Golden Dawn, Disco Fever, Stone Goat, Let It Bleed, Dream Building, Run To Your Mama, Goathead, Goatman, Goatlord, Det som aldrig förändras, and the encore - The Sun, The Moon.
"The Sun, The Moon" - live at Austin Psych Fest, 4/28/2013
Or check out the encore from Psych Fest, either way. Lotsa fun was had by all. Someone else shot during "Let It Bleed." The only thing I'd suggest was maybe some brighter lights for more stage action visibility, but that's a minor thing. They (both Goat and the crowd) tore it up!
Also, you might not know a couple of tunes on the setlist - I sure didn't. But "Dreambuilding" and "Stone Goat" are the double-A sides of their new/upcoming single. Stream the first (???) A-side from Pitchfork. Out already in Sweden on 12", another 2 versions are out in early June. American pre-order via Sub-Pop, and Euro pre-order via Rough Trade (on Rocket Recordings, both are 7").
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Jelatinous Xube PsychmyX ~
Astral Headspace, Vol. 10
Sorry for being so lazy recently. I've been working on a theme for the next blog comp - first it was best of 2012, then Indonesian post-rock, then role-playing soundtracks... but in the end, this new one could only be for the next Austin Psych Fest.
Following the original partial line-up announcement, they've now put out the full schedule - yeah! Newly added?
Roky Erickson ~ The Raveonettes ~ OM ~ Silver Apples ~
Kaleidoscope (UK) ~ Tamaryn ~ Suuns ~ Besnard Lakes ~
Indian Jewelry ~ Bass Drum of Death ~ Night Beats ~
No Joy ~ Young Magic ~ Wall of Death ~ Holy Wave ~
Ride into the Sun ~ Hearts in Space
YEAH!!
This ended up as an interesting collection. Previous comps have featured a lot of this year's artists - which you can explore via the brand-new index, or the links in the "Astral Headspace Comps" section to the right. So we have a lot of newcomers & deep cuts. Plus a Flammarion woodcut cover concept!
[current download link]
... which will eventually appear only at the Comp Index.
1. "Rad Times" - Black Bananas
New project from Jennifer of Royal Trux! MP3 from Pitchfork.
2. "Tiny Spiders" - The Soft Moon
Psych Fest semi-regulars return for another round in Austin. MP3 straight outta Stereogum. The Soft Moon also appeared on blog-comp-series Vol. 5.
3. "See Forever (revisited)" - Indian Jewelry
Houston's own(ly) Psych Fest troopers, this MP3 off from band's Soundcloud... Indian Jewelry also also appeared on blog-comp-series Vol. 5, and also also also Vol. 6 and Vol. 8. The latest album Peel It (#16, 2012) available from the Psych Fest label: Reveberation Appreciation Society.
4. "Oscillations (1968)" [edit] - Silver Apples
Really old-school, the various Silver Apples snippets here come from the official website. Silver Apples appeared on blog-comp Vol. 5, live with Grails!
5. "It Will Never Be" - White Fence
Been hearing a lot about this dude - sounds prolific. MP3 was from Pitchfork.
6. "Puppet on a String" - Night Beats
Seattle Texas-garage rockers, MP3 from PressWolf Soundcloud. You can also get their record via Psych Fest label.
7. "Sea Lion Goth Blues" - The Growlers
Growlers!!! I forget, probably from PureHoney Soundcloud.
8. "Corvalis" - DIIV
Dive, diV,D11v? MP3 from Pitchfork - also had one o' theirs on the previous comp.
9. "I Am Blind" - Elephant Stone
Someone told me this dude plays sitar for The Black Angels - and I heard he's from Canadia. Sounds good. MP3 de The Decibel Tolls. Okay, new album on R.A.S. label too.
10. "Streams of Sorrow" [edit]- Silver Apples with Sonic Boom
Or Spectrum, or that guy from Spacemen 3... (also playing Psych Fest!) From their collaboration EP A Lake of Teardrops (1998).
11. "Good Clues" - Gary War
Don't know much, except that he covers APP for a totem. Also from New Raytheonport (2008), whole album on the Internet Archive.
12. "Golden Truth" - Holy Wave
Another one with a new release on the Psych Fest label. I think they've been added to the expanding Maserati/Soft Moon tour, coming to Houston in... March, I think? Snagged the MP3 from ReverbNation. March 12th at Fitzgerald's!
13. "Burning Mirrors" - Lumerians
Lumerians are veterans of an earlier Psych Fest event, and also appeared on blog-comp-series Vol. 6. This MP3 track comes from Prefix Mag.
14. "Now (revisited)" - The Holydrug Couple
I thought I'd put the Holydruggers on a comp before, but looks like it was just a Chilean-themed Facebook collection post. MP3 from the band Soundcloud - could have also gone with one of the free versions of "Ancient Land" available from their Bandcamp.
15. "Special A" - Ttotals
Just did a Google. Looks like the keywords are "Nashville" and "duo." Would you like to know more? (That was a Starship Troopers film reference!) Got this tune from band's Soundcloud.
16. "Lovefingers" [edit] - Silver Apples Another sample from the 1968 s/t album!
17. "100" - Vinyl Williams
HA! This guy's stage name made me think he was like a hip-hop DJ or something. Not even... apparently it's a play on his true given name. MP3 from the vinyl soundcloud (which should totally be a thing).
18. "Spoon" - Boris
Boris are from Japan, this MP3 is from Pitchfork. They appeared on comps Vol. 1 & Vol. 2. First two! Also my #6 Album of 2007.
19. "She Owns the Streets" - The Raveonettes
I was going to guess France, but no! Denmark... since 2001? Huh. MP3 from Filter Magazine. "Copenhagen" is a fun word to say, just roll it around in your mouth.
20. "All Tangled Up" - Woodsman
Hey, full circular. I discovered Woodsman while prepping for Austin Psych Fest 2011 (#4 Live, 2011), and then they ended up as my #2 Albums of 2011. And due to their free-music generosity, they wound up on blog-comp-series Vol. 5, Vol. 6, Vol. 7, Vol. 8, and Vol. 9. And now, thanks to Stereogum, Volume 10.
21. "Dia 36" (Os Mutantes cover) - The Trip
Since Os Mutantes (#15, 1969) pre-date free MP3 downloads, I found this Brazilian group/duo covering their fellow Brasileiros from their Soundcloud.
22. "Aldhechen Manin" - Tinariwen
Last year's Psych Fest (#1 Live, 2012) featured Bombino, a quite-jammin' Tuareg band. Well, Tinariwen were the originators! MP3 downloaded from band's Soundcloud.
23. "Cremation Ghat II" - OM
Let's see... Om were the rhythm section of the legendary Sleep, and stuck it out when that band split. Later the drummer bailed, and was replaced by Emil Amos (of Grails, Holy Sons). I believe they're still just a duo now. Another from Stereogum MP3.
24. "Anthem" [edit] - Silver Apples with Jimi
From their collaboration back in the late-'60s! I wonder if The Simeon enjoys watching Super Troopers (2001)...
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
A Post-Education Drink
I saw the Space City Rock review of the most recent release from My Education (opener, #3 Live Show 2011) sometime last month, and I'm clearing out my backlog of blog-post-drafts!
Not sure why the player wants to start with Track #5, but you can play it & buy it over at Bandcamp too. They're instrumental post-rock from Austin, TX - also mostly pretty good.
"A Drink For All My Friends" live May 21, 2011
I'm not sure exactly what the Violinist Sessions are, except for: live music + Denton, TX. Looks worth exploring though - here's the page for the My Education sesh (w/ free D/L too).
Ok, here's the band's official website. And I think I might jump on one of the remaining 50 copies of the vinyl Sound Mass LP (2011).
Not sure why the player wants to start with Track #5, but you can play it & buy it over at Bandcamp too. They're instrumental post-rock from Austin, TX - also mostly pretty good.
"A Drink For All My Friends" live May 21, 2011
I'm not sure exactly what the Violinist Sessions are, except for: live music + Denton, TX. Looks worth exploring though - here's the page for the My Education sesh (w/ free D/L too).
Ok, here's the band's official website. And I think I might jump on one of the remaining 50 copies of the vinyl Sound Mass LP (2011).
Monday, January 28, 2013
Surf's Down!
Time to do some blog Spring Cleaning, cleaning house, house-cleaning... on the old leftovers.
According to Facebook, "Ryan of Taifas and JT of The Escatones decided to start a label." Behind this link to Fayetteville's Taifas Bandcamp is some ***NSFW*** cover art, but on a free album download!
Southern Surf Punk and Roll Vol. 1 (2012) is a Free Download from the label Bandcamp. Description & tags would indicate "Texas (Houston), Arkansas, Oklahoma (Tulsa), Nebraska, and Kansas" - which is pretty wide-ranging!
"Open Up Your Mind" from Bad Things Don't EP (2012)
Ft. Smith, Arkansas' Pagiins do the third track, and they have Bandcamp, with a couple of free 2012 EP's.
"All of my friends are Wolfmen" on Chic-A-Go-Go (11/20/2012)
Omaha, Nebraska's Snake Island! seems like a fun band, and I'll rarely pass up an opportunity to feature the Public Access legend Chic-A-Go-Go.
"Politician" at 3rd Squirrel Records (Georgetown, TX)
Video description calls them "Houston based punk/rock/comedy-core/Carlin-core." Art Institutes official media profile is pretty hilarious:
I think I heard they'd recently broken up. Drag...
I think I'll just push this one out now - grab the free comp & see what you like!
According to Facebook, "Ryan of Taifas and JT of The Escatones decided to start a label." Behind this link to Fayetteville's Taifas Bandcamp is some ***NSFW*** cover art, but on a free album download!
Southern Surf Punk and Roll Vol. 1 (2012) is a Free Download from the label Bandcamp. Description & tags would indicate "Texas (Houston), Arkansas, Oklahoma (Tulsa), Nebraska, and Kansas" - which is pretty wide-ranging!
"Open Up Your Mind" from Bad Things Don't EP (2012)
Ft. Smith, Arkansas' Pagiins do the third track, and they have Bandcamp, with a couple of free 2012 EP's.
"All of my friends are Wolfmen" on Chic-A-Go-Go (11/20/2012)
Omaha, Nebraska's Snake Island! seems like a fun band, and I'll rarely pass up an opportunity to feature the Public Access legend Chic-A-Go-Go.
"Politician" at 3rd Squirrel Records (Georgetown, TX)
Video description calls them "Houston based punk/rock/comedy-core/Carlin-core." Art Institutes official media profile is pretty hilarious:
In 1976, Art Institute were getting regular work playing clubs on Houston's Sunset Strip. It was here that they came to the attention of KISS frontman Gene Simmons, who was so impressed with the band that he paid for their first demo tape. In 1978, their self-titled debut album was released, becoming one of the most successful debut albums ever and bringing hard rock into the musical mainstream.
I think I heard they'd recently broken up. Drag...
I think I'll just push this one out now - grab the free comp & see what you like!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Re-Re-Rifts
Since we were recently talking about related matters...
Rifts (2009) was already a collection of sci-fi electronic material from earlier Oneohtrix Point Never records, so this will be / was an expanded vinyl re-release of a 2xCD set that was a pared-down edition of 3 LP's. Seems sold out everywhere by now... (And as mentioned, I've already covered it extensively once before.)
Check out & download an exclusive track from the box-set, but not from any of the pre-Rifts LP's, but rather a split-cassette. I mean, I don't even know anymore...
"Blue Drive" from KGB Nights / Blue Drive (2009)
Ltd-ed of 125 tapes! I'm guessing you didn't pick that one up either. And something else... why not? Here's the other track from the OPN side of the tape - not sure if it's also on the new box-set.
"Gray-Level Objects Describing Bio Layers" from KGB Nights / Blue Drive (2009)
That is a very fitting video for that song title. Actually, it looks like "KGB Nights" appears on the new vinyl, but not the "GLODBL" one. Which means a track from KGB Man (another Daniel Lopatin group), rather than OPN? Huh.
Rifts (2009) was already a collection of sci-fi electronic material from earlier Oneohtrix Point Never records, so this will be / was an expanded vinyl re-release of a 2xCD set that was a pared-down edition of 3 LP's. Seems sold out everywhere by now... (And as mentioned, I've already covered it extensively once before.)
Check out & download an exclusive track from the box-set, but not from any of the pre-Rifts LP's, but rather a split-cassette. I mean, I don't even know anymore...
"Blue Drive" from KGB Nights / Blue Drive (2009)
Ltd-ed of 125 tapes! I'm guessing you didn't pick that one up either. And something else... why not? Here's the other track from the OPN side of the tape - not sure if it's also on the new box-set.
"Gray-Level Objects Describing Bio Layers" from KGB Nights / Blue Drive (2009)
That is a very fitting video for that song title. Actually, it looks like "KGB Nights" appears on the new vinyl, but not the "GLODBL" one. Which means a track from KGB Man (another Daniel Lopatin group), rather than OPN? Huh.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Index of Astral MP3 Compilation Series
Because of the various issues with online storage (legitimate & otherwise), and the growing number of links to be monitored and updated - I'm setting up this free-standing post as a download & cross-reference index. Somewhat like the earlier Top 10 index and home-brew video index.
In addition to this post, I'll try to keep all the links updated in the "COMPS" section to the right. At this point the format for each comp is: Title linking to the Rapidshare download, and [vol. #] linking to the original post with tracklist & other info.
A couple of other quick notes: These collections all come from either totally legit promotional MP3's offered on the interet for download (see original posts for sources), or with the artists' permission. Also, Rapidshare will delete any files that go 30 days without download activity. If you experience any issues, post over on Facebook, since I usually overlook comments here on the blog itself for too long.
Here's the Astral MP3 Compilation download series... so far.
2009~ Astralnauts Are Go!! vol. 1 [Download / Post]
Beyond the Astral Waves... vol. 2 [Download / Post]
2010~ Cleansing the Headspace: vol. 3 [Download / Post]
Decem per Decem ~ vol. 4 [Download / Post]
2011~ Early through Everything... vol. 5 [Download / Post]
Foreverything II / vol. 6 [Download / Post]
2012~ Gongs to the Tempel - vol. 7 [Download / Post]
Hubble Telescope Discovers Sphinx on Pluto's Moon (vol. 8) [Download / Post]
In vveirdo veritas: vol. 9 [Download / Post]
2013~ Jelatinous Xube PsychmyX ~ vol. 10 [Download / Post]
In addition to this post, I'll try to keep all the links updated in the "COMPS" section to the right. At this point the format for each comp is: Title linking to the Rapidshare download, and [vol. #] linking to the original post with tracklist & other info.
A couple of other quick notes: These collections all come from either totally legit promotional MP3's offered on the interet for download (see original posts for sources), or with the artists' permission. Also, Rapidshare will delete any files that go 30 days without download activity. If you experience any issues, post over on Facebook, since I usually overlook comments here on the blog itself for too long.
Here's the Astral MP3 Compilation download series... so far.
2009~ Astralnauts Are Go!! vol. 1 [Download / Post]
Hey, the bitrates here aren't quite as bad as I'd remembered (just a lot of 128-192). Pretty solid first effort, with several ongoing favorite acts: BTWS, LP4, Boris, Earthless... And probably my favorite cover art. [15 tracks / 2+ hours]
Beyond the Astral Waves... vol. 2 [Download / Post]
Similar line-up as before... with some additional live stuff (Woods & Sebadoh), Psych Fest drone-rock (Black Angels, BJTM, The Asteroid No. 4), and good electronix (Caribou, Fujiya & Miyagi). [19 tracks / ~1¾ hours]
2010~ Cleansing the Headspace: vol. 3 [Download / Post]
Quick review of the tracklist would indicate fairly heavy going. This starts out with Isis, Baroness & Nadja (MBV cover), then towards the end there's Krallice, WITTR, Mastodon & Nadja (a-Ha cover). Other stuff too, with expanded weirdo excerpts. [21 tracks / ~2 hours]
Decem per Decem ~ vol. 4 [Download / Post]
If forced to pick only one of these, this just might be the one. Goes all over the place, but manages to include many blog favorites (sometimes multiply), and it keeps moving along (only one true epic). [27 tracks / ~2¼ hours]
2011~ Early through Everything... vol. 5 [Download / Post]
I hate to sound self-impressed, but I'm pretty impressed with myself. Looking back at these, I got more quality and/or interesting stuff than I thought. Anyway, #5 is about as electronical as #3 was heavy. [28 tracks / ~2½ hours]
Foreverything II / vol. 6 [Download / Post]
Coming just two weeks after Early, this was kind of a direct sequel. I might have been pushing it, drunk on the flood of free MP3's. My cyberweb detective skills were probably peaking right around the same time bands' freeshare policies were. [30 tracks / 2½+ hours]
2012~ Gongs to the Tempel - vol. 7 [Download / Post]
The secret to releasing 3 blog comps in 1 year is to start early! You know this one's great because "I tried to build this one mainly around the 2011 Year End lists." What could be better?? [38 tracks / 3 hours!]
Hubble Telescope Discovers Sphinx on Pluto's Moon (vol. 8) [Download / Post]
... and following up in February. I think that "also a bunch of random other stuff" might describe this better than "Split amongst the upcoming and previous Austin Psych Fests." But maybe if you squint. Some really good music nevertheless. [46 tracks / ~3¾ hours!!]
In vveirdo veritas: vol. 9 [Download / Post]
This starts off looking like a Best of 2012, veers into a ditch of weirdness, then cruises some pop landscape, before returning home in time for the holidays. Even reined it in to [20 tracks / 1½+ hours].
2013~ Jelatinous Xube PsychmyX ~ vol. 10 [Download / Post]
What can I say? It's a bunch of people playing this year's Austin Psych Fest, so it's gotta be outta sight, right? 'Tis... [24 tracks / 2¼+ hours]
Monday, January 21, 2013
Post-Rock Indonesia
This is a map of Indonesia:
Along the lines of the ritual Drone/Ambient scene of Finland and the depressive Black Metal of Iran, we must now add the modern Post-Rock of Indonesia. This post will be part exploration & part map resource, lots of information & links densely packed in - with a minimum of embedded images & videos.
Thanks to Keith Henderson’s list on Aural Innovation's 2012 staff picks, I was lead to the 4 free-download compilations offered by Post Rock Indonesia:
Henderson specifically mentions the bands Little Space Donkey & Under The Big Bright Yellow Sun, so let's start off with them - and then the primary compilation that he listed. And on & on...
"Anumerta" from Dreamer's Manifesto EP (2011)
I found some info about the Jakarta band Little Space Donkey. The primary result was that most of their songs appear on their latest EP Dreamer's Manifesto, "released in Bandcamp on May 2011." (A free download link located on their Tumblr!) Also that the tune "Eleven Brave Warriors on That Field," was included on Volume 2 of the Beyond The Sky comp released by Invasi Record, a netlabel out of Bandung, Indonesia. Free Invasi releases are still available at The Archive.
Their first EP, Collection of Songs That We Will Never Play Live, Ever (2010, on Probablyworse.org) follows Rule #21 of Black Metal to a tee.
Anyway, here's a super-new video: "Save Your Youth from the Early Nervous" - which appears to be from an even earlier EP... We're Halfway There (2009???). LSD are also on Facebook and Twitter as well.
Under the big bright yellow sun - time is near by utbbys Postrock
And then there's Under The Big Bright Yellow Sun, from Bandung. You can stream or buy Painting of Life (2012) from Bandcamp.
I also found the earlier "Song Before Sunset" and even earlier live "Journey to Never Ending Road." Here's the H&D comp song played live & recent. Lots more on YouTube, and they're on Facebook and Twitter as well.
In general, a good place to search for some (but definitely not all) of this music is on the official Kanal PostRockIndonesia on YouTube.
Hope & Dreams - V/A (2012)
Information ~ Stream ~ direct Download
So this was the actual (free) compilation album that Henderson listed as one of his tops among 2012. I'm just going straight down the tracklist - links flying everywhere, maybe a video or two for something special. Feel free to listen to the comp, download whatever, and click around!
01. BOW (Burial Of World) – "Welcome"
Hahaha! I honestly didn't intend to start off embedding the first video. I'll try to restrain myself. But the slideshow brings up a point that I wanted to make: the Indonesian archipelago looks beautiful & exotic. So far most everything I've heard from these albums is both much better and much less exotic & distinctly Indonesian than I'd expected. Everyone seems to know the Post-Rock formula(e) and stick to it, to a surprisingly consistent degree. About the only angle I could go with might be that a lot is in the style of Mono, from Japan (whom Burial of World cover), rather than say Tortoise or Maserati - but that feels like a stretch.
Ok, back to BOW - nice tune. They've got a work in progress on Soundcloud, and a 2012 live "Shoki" for free download. Here's a YouTube search for further exploration.
02. Angina (New Dehli, India) - "Come On, Run!"
Already we're beyond the borders! (The comps will get less & less Indonesia-centric as we progress...) Based on all the disconnected links from Indian Bands Hub, they've either renamed or broken up. MySpace is still up, though - looks like we might now be dealing with Anuragi instead. Direct download for Angina's Lost in Reverie mini-album (2010). There's at least one more release, but it all just got too confusing.
03. Sepatu Usang - "Today Is Sunday"
From Malang, East Java - I think the only MLK samples, and a counter-example of Indonesiatic musical influence. Specifically in the live instrumentation on this jam and on that one. Here's a studio "Small Friend," possibly from their free-download album Jumprit Singit (2011)?
[Edit 1/23: Also found downloads at Sepatu Usang Reverbnation!]
04. Cuacamendung – "Realized"
Straight outta Samarinda! They also do a cover (maybe of This Will Destroy You?). Check out their Soundcloud page with a few free songs. Here are a couple of those live: "Laugh Is The New Cry" and "11:11pm."
[Edit 1/23: Same with Cuaca Mendung Reverbnation!]
05. Scenic - "Fakeness Around Us" (and live)
East Jakarta troop - not much out there, but check out Soundcloud with D/L's. Well, someone made a cool video for "Fallen Angel." There are apparently other singles out there... somewhere.
06. My Violainé Morning - "The Downtown Lights"
This band seems to have quite the robust internet presence - including their official website, with its own Downloads section. Plus their own Soundcloud page (also w/ some downloads) and YouTube channel... (and various songs around on YouTube.) Their 2011 album, Next Episode of This World , is even up on Amazon. Nice job!
07. Little Space Donkey - "Anumerta" (live)
08. Watch The Clouds – "Nope"
Any other information on these guys? Nope.
09. Distorsi Alam Timur – "Pray"
Of the two MySpace options, I'm going with this one. And here's a live set at the Backyard Cafe in Kemang, Jakarta.
10. Asphoria - "Living in a World of Atrocity" (demo)
This band from Bogor maintains an extensive Soundcloud, YouTube channel, and their own blog. Looks like an official video for "A Day That I'm No Good At"... I'm starting to suspect this is not actually a post-rock band.
11. Under The Big Bright Yellow Sun - "Time Is Near" [see above]
12. Others - "I Life at the Messy World"
Hey, I've noticed that I like this one - it has stood out from the pack! Here new comers metal band with post-rock influence from surabaya. Looks like valid download links might be the The Sirens Sound. Not very much more, so I'll wrap up this comp (only 3 to go!) with "Intro," "If There's No Tomorrow" (EPIC!), Others' Facebook, and MySpace.
Last Home, Indonesia! - V/A (2012)
Information ~ Stream (SC) ~ Stream (BC) ~ direct Download
Quite a bit shorter tracklist, so I'm going to continue with that approach for now.
<*Band descriptions from id-postrock translated by Google & me!>
01. Heima - "December"
<*The band that I think is oriented with the icelandic music like Sigur ros... it's that cold-coooooold.....!>
Not Icelandic, no - they're from Jakarta. Couple of relevant YouTube channels to scope, if interested: Heima-001 and Heima-002. There's also Facebook and MySpace. Couple of versions of that one song at Soundcloud. Single-song direct download link here.
02. Suara Hati - "Dream in Mine"
<*Solo, besides famous in its rock music scene.. it also stores the genre the band is post-rock/instrumental and one of them is Suara Hati.>
03. My Violainé Morning - "Color of condensed vapour in the sky"
<*Derived from Bandung armed with shoegazing instrumental music rock.Yupss!!! it's My Violaine Morning! I think successful band released the album "The next episode of the world" which was released by the Japanese label called "Happy Prince" who had released God Is An Astronaut's album.>
04. Stupidzero - "Anomalia dan Keyakinan"
<*This is what I say has been driving the music scene. glitchy Instrumental rock / noise from northern Sumatra to be exact. >
"Tiga Kali Lebih Tenang" by Stupidzero, from totalfeedback vol 6
"Sumatra." Just two tracks at Soundcloud. Check out a live cover of "Heart-Shaped Box," which is where I think that video footage comes from. I dig this band's vibe, mang... There's also a Facebook.
Stumbled across GRUNGEE JUMPING! #2: Indonesian Raw and Noise Compilations (2012) during my search. It does appear you can both stream & download from Reverbnation - so check that out too!
[Edit 1/23: Also found Stupidzero Reverbnation with downloads!]
05. Roommate - "Megumi on fire"
<*The band's music embraced alternative / indie but slightly spiced elements of post-rock...>
06. Musikari - "Hujan Tropis"
<*This hails from outside Samarinda. enlivening the Borneo music scene post-rock / instrumental in my Indonesia. So the band has a good following when they see themselves going consistently...>
07. Strangenoisemaker - "Welcome Home"
<*From jogja with music instrumental / electronic / ambient, Strangenoisemaker is an instrumental / electronic unit in jogja which also helped to enliven the indie scene in sana. though it was a vacuum... but, we must wait for the best works of them :) >
From Yogyakarta. I found a random MBV cover, a Blur cover & some others on MySpace.
And that's it for Last Home, Indonesia!
SEA Compilation: Solitude - V/A (2012)
Information ~ Stream ~ direct Download
Here we're going well beyond Indonesia, around into the region & the Philippines... I'm thinking "SEA" actually means "South East Asia," although Indonesia has been part of a few thalassocracies, most notably the Srivijaya and Majapahit empires. In which case, things should start speeding up now.
Solitude tracklist:
01. Hon Narongrit - "Raining in Summer" (Thailand)
Official video to kick this one off! Check out their Bandcamp, Pure Volume and YouTube channel. Someone else (or the same: ช่องของ) has put up "Night Life."
02. Damn Dirty Apes - "E Minor Bells" (Malaysia)
Are those dudes at Rudyard's? These guys had Valve State Dreams (2002), Ape Kill Ape (2004) and appear on the very recent Mull; Debauch to Kuala Lumpor (component three) comp (2012). Albums maybe here. O yeah, and MySpace. You're probably better off just hitting this YouTube search actually.
03. Sound of Silence - "Waiting" (Indonesia)
I think this is the correct S.o.S.: "Jakarta Frustasi." And if so, then Soundcloud! And maybe ever here... If you believe Facebook, looks like new songs are going to Reverbnation.
04. Paint The Sky Red - "Like Flowers In Ultraviolet" (Singapore)
I'm a big fan of having your own Bandcamp - it's almost as good as having free downloads. They've also got a YouTube channel, and here's a couple of live videos. Stil not entirely sure what TVsessions is/are, but it's shown up quite a bit. So good for them!
[Edit 1/23: Finally located their Soundcloud with a downloadable live-set, plus two tracks!]
05. As The City Sleeps - "Out of C" (Philippines)
Soundcloud (multiple downloads)... Facebook... YouTube channel.
06. A Slow in Dance - "Back to The Brightside" (Indonesia)
Not entirely sure how this band name works, but they do have the Bandcamp - with free downloads!! Also check out the earlier album "We Hate This, But We Need To Survive."
07. Slow Shutter - "Empty My Brain" (Thailand)
I'm only seeing 1 track on Bandcamp, but I'll leave the link here for future reference... Also with the YouTube channel: ช่องของ (love Thai writing).
08. Arajua - "Sky" (Singapore)
Thought we might have covered this group already, but not so. Another of the Bandcamp singles, with more tracks at Soundcloud (including some other relevant music). You'll probably find more with this YouTube search than without.
09. Time Keeper - "Walk in Time" (Vietnam)
I've gotten the impression this Saigon duo's big hit was "Get One." They're on both Bandcamp and Soundcloud (the 2 main songs, both downloadable). I think "Medley Album" was some kinda preview-promo-teaser... Here's a translated article & something else.
10. tide/edit - "Status" (Philippines)
I don't know why, but I'm glad there's a Filipino band/artist going by 'time/edit'. They have the official site, the Bandcamp site (w/ free 2011 demo), song "Return," and a bunch of others around YouTube.
11. Away the Ways - "5 o'clock" (Thailand)
Start with the 2-songle Bandcamp, they have some YouTube channel, and here's one more live video.
12. Under The Big Bright Yellow Sun - "Threshold" (Indonesia)
We've already covered these guys, but I don't think I linked to this YouTube search. Hit it!
13. Silent Scenery - "Twilight Pulse" (Malaysia)
Or the comp version? Yeah, they got Soundcloud, and MySpace, and the YouTube channel. Pretty cool - plenty to explore!
[Edit 1/23: Found their Reverbnation page with few downloads...]
14. Angina - "Lost in Reverie" (India)
I got Arajua confused with Angina and Anuraji. Totally different!
15. The Metaphor - "Rebirth" [live] (Malaysia)
"When We Were Once Lost" from their YouTube channel, and there's another related channel. They have Facebook and MySpace and a related Soundcloud.
16. Monochrome - "Gray Sky Manila" [live] (Philippines)
Check out band info on Castpel - first time I've heard of it! Other than YouTube results, results, results... there's always Facebook.
Wait, wait, wait. "Between Tranquility and Impending Death" is billed as: Monochrome x Garapata (vs.?). Which is also posted on their FB, and apparently this Garapata [fictional character]... well, "garapata is a tick."
17. Robot - "Lying on Earth" [live] (Indonesia)
The band's name: Robot. Explore the extensive Soundcloud (with significant D/L's)... Also, Facebook and MySpace still. From FB, "Download our latest EP Between Earth and The Sky (2011): Link"
18. Anechois - "Your Absence Is Permanent" [live] (Singapore)
Lotsa webbing for the last one here - an official URL (Bandcamp) & a bountiful Soundcloud... An official YouTube channel. I wanna check out this Baybeats Festival in Singapore. YouTube poster Nurmaisha Ghani calls this Best song ever! More TVsessions & a general YouTube search.
One final globe-trotting compilation to go!
Destination - V/A (2012)
Information ~ Stream ~ direct Download
We're now heading well beyond Indonesia itself, southeast Asia even, and into The World...
1. Qibe - "Pulau Dewata" (Jakarta)
At lease we're starting in Indonesia. Shorter entries as we finish up... Free songs on Bandcamp, Soundcloud, this official YouTube playlist, from their official YouTube channel.
2. Astralia - "Glacial" (Barcelona, España)
You'd think from Australia, but not even close. Like that one! Free music on Bandcamp, Soundcloud... and some stuff around YouTube search.
3. Master Theory - "Alena And Her Quiet Thoughts" (Prague, Czech Republic)
Some tunes at either Bandcamp or Soundcloud.
4. Eyes Like Mirrors - "Meadows Breathe Beneathe Mountains" (Johannesburg, South Africa)
These guys have a Tumblr! There's a n-y-p EP on Bandcamp, and 1 tune on Soundcloud. I also found "An Untold Introduction" to a mystery Demo (2008). I see they also make music under the name Lemuria sometimes: single's out on their Bandcamp.
Tumblr brings news of another free netlabel comp: Mine All Mine Two Hundred (2011) [D/L @ B/C] from Mine All Mine! Records in Madison, Wisc.
5. 6LA8 - "Our Dog Eat Dog World of Heroic News Reporting" (Karachi, Pakistan)
Quite a bit more synthtastic than usual. Lotsa links, so here they are: Bandcamp, Soundcloud, official YouTube channel or this YouTube playlist, The Sirens Sound and Prog Archives.
6. Helios - "In Everything Was Given" (Portland, Oregon, USA)
I actually own an album by this guy: Eingya (2006) on Type Records. Seems to have been self-releasing since Unleft (2010)?
Here's the official label site wit a Free Music section. There's stuff on Soundcloud, and also YouTube album-playlist. The dude's got an official Vimeo channel, which covers all of his various music projects.
7. Willshare - "Anger of Forsaken" [live] (Bangkok, Thailand)
The same one tune streaming at Bandcamp or Soundcloud - for which there's an official video, from their YouTube channel (along with live stuff). Also a recent video teaser for the comp track's upcoming official video, I guess...
8. A Shelter in the Desert - "It's Raining" (Ciudad de México, Mexico)
Getting closer to my neighborhood here... A 2012 album on Bandcamp (free D/L link), and some more on Soundcloud.
9. Fuentes - "July Wish" (Jakarta)
Originally I could only find that one's A-side on Soundcloud. The song "Mola Mola" (new version) is probably them too. But then a big break came (from last.fm), and I found the Facebook & an apparent YouTube channel.
10. Love From Bombs - "Cracovia" (Poland +Palermo +Chile)
Most info I found on this international project kept leading me back to the Tiny Voices netlabel - on Soundcloud & with blog. So peep that!
11. This Patch of Sky - "With Morning Comes Hope" (Eugene, OR)
U.S.A. They have an official website, a Bandcamp, and a Soundcloud. Here's a general YouTube search.
12. The Allstar Project - "Light for a Thousand Night" (Leiria, Portugal)
Lotsa links, so here they are: official, Soundcloud, MySpace, official YouTube channel, The Sirens Sound and Prog Archives. They're even on Amazon MP3!
Maybe more information than you needed/wanted...
Along the lines of the ritual Drone/Ambient scene of Finland and the depressive Black Metal of Iran, we must now add the modern Post-Rock of Indonesia. This post will be part exploration & part map resource, lots of information & links densely packed in - with a minimum of embedded images & videos.
Thanks to Keith Henderson’s list on Aural Innovation's 2012 staff picks, I was lead to the 4 free-download compilations offered by Post Rock Indonesia:
Hope & Dreams [download].
Last Home, Indonesia! [download].
Solitude [download].
and Destination [download].
Henderson specifically mentions the bands Little Space Donkey & Under The Big Bright Yellow Sun, so let's start off with them - and then the primary compilation that he listed. And on & on...
"Anumerta" from Dreamer's Manifesto EP (2011)
I found some info about the Jakarta band Little Space Donkey. The primary result was that most of their songs appear on their latest EP Dreamer's Manifesto, "released in Bandcamp on May 2011." (A free download link located on their Tumblr!) Also that the tune "Eleven Brave Warriors on That Field," was included on Volume 2 of the Beyond The Sky comp released by Invasi Record, a netlabel out of Bandung, Indonesia. Free Invasi releases are still available at The Archive.
Their first EP, Collection of Songs That We Will Never Play Live, Ever (2010, on Probablyworse.org) follows Rule #21 of Black Metal to a tee.
101 Rules of Black Metal
21. Make sure your album goes out of print about 3 years after its release... so it becomes 'cult'.
Anyway, here's a super-new video: "Save Your Youth from the Early Nervous" - which appears to be from an even earlier EP... We're Halfway There (2009???). LSD are also on Facebook and Twitter as well.
Under the big bright yellow sun - time is near by utbbys Postrock
And then there's Under The Big Bright Yellow Sun, from Bandung. You can stream or buy Painting of Life (2012) from Bandcamp.
I also found the earlier "Song Before Sunset" and even earlier live "Journey to Never Ending Road." Here's the H&D comp song played live & recent. Lots more on YouTube, and they're on Facebook and Twitter as well.
In general, a good place to search for some (but definitely not all) of this music is on the official Kanal PostRockIndonesia on YouTube.
Hope & Dreams - V/A (2012)
Information ~ Stream ~ direct Download
So this was the actual (free) compilation album that Henderson listed as one of his tops among 2012. I'm just going straight down the tracklist - links flying everywhere, maybe a video or two for something special. Feel free to listen to the comp, download whatever, and click around!
01. BOW (Burial Of World) – "Welcome"
Hahaha! I honestly didn't intend to start off embedding the first video. I'll try to restrain myself. But the slideshow brings up a point that I wanted to make: the Indonesian archipelago looks beautiful & exotic. So far most everything I've heard from these albums is both much better and much less exotic & distinctly Indonesian than I'd expected. Everyone seems to know the Post-Rock formula(e) and stick to it, to a surprisingly consistent degree. About the only angle I could go with might be that a lot is in the style of Mono, from Japan (whom Burial of World cover), rather than say Tortoise or Maserati - but that feels like a stretch.
Ok, back to BOW - nice tune. They've got a work in progress on Soundcloud, and a 2012 live "Shoki" for free download. Here's a YouTube search for further exploration.
02. Angina (New Dehli, India) - "Come On, Run!"
Already we're beyond the borders! (The comps will get less & less Indonesia-centric as we progress...) Based on all the disconnected links from Indian Bands Hub, they've either renamed or broken up. MySpace is still up, though - looks like we might now be dealing with Anuragi instead. Direct download for Angina's Lost in Reverie mini-album (2010). There's at least one more release, but it all just got too confusing.
03. Sepatu Usang - "Today Is Sunday"
From Malang, East Java - I think the only MLK samples, and a counter-example of Indonesiatic musical influence. Specifically in the live instrumentation on this jam and on that one. Here's a studio "Small Friend," possibly from their free-download album Jumprit Singit (2011)?
[Edit 1/23: Also found downloads at Sepatu Usang Reverbnation!]
04. Cuacamendung – "Realized"
Straight outta Samarinda! They also do a cover (maybe of This Will Destroy You?). Check out their Soundcloud page with a few free songs. Here are a couple of those live: "Laugh Is The New Cry" and "11:11pm."
[Edit 1/23: Same with Cuaca Mendung Reverbnation!]
05. Scenic - "Fakeness Around Us" (and live)
East Jakarta troop - not much out there, but check out Soundcloud with D/L's. Well, someone made a cool video for "Fallen Angel." There are apparently other singles out there... somewhere.
06. My Violainé Morning - "The Downtown Lights"
This band seems to have quite the robust internet presence - including their official website, with its own Downloads section. Plus their own Soundcloud page (also w/ some downloads) and YouTube channel... (and various songs around on YouTube.) Their 2011 album, Next Episode of This World , is even up on Amazon. Nice job!
07. Little Space Donkey - "Anumerta" (live)
08. Watch The Clouds – "Nope"
Any other information on these guys? Nope.
09. Distorsi Alam Timur – "Pray"
Of the two MySpace options, I'm going with this one. And here's a live set at the Backyard Cafe in Kemang, Jakarta.
10. Asphoria - "Living in a World of Atrocity" (demo)
This band from Bogor maintains an extensive Soundcloud, YouTube channel, and their own blog. Looks like an official video for "A Day That I'm No Good At"... I'm starting to suspect this is not actually a post-rock band.
11. Under The Big Bright Yellow Sun - "Time Is Near" [see above]
12. Others - "I Life at the Messy World"
Hey, I've noticed that I like this one - it has stood out from the pack! Here new comers metal band with post-rock influence from surabaya. Looks like valid download links might be the The Sirens Sound. Not very much more, so I'll wrap up this comp (only 3 to go!) with "Intro," "If There's No Tomorrow" (EPIC!), Others' Facebook, and MySpace.
Last Home, Indonesia! - V/A (2012)
Information ~ Stream (SC) ~ Stream (BC) ~ direct Download
Quite a bit shorter tracklist, so I'm going to continue with that approach for now.
<*Band descriptions from id-postrock translated by Google & me!>
01. Heima - "December"
<*The band that I think is oriented with the icelandic music like Sigur ros... it's that cold-coooooold.....!>
Not Icelandic, no - they're from Jakarta. Couple of relevant YouTube channels to scope, if interested: Heima-001 and Heima-002. There's also Facebook and MySpace. Couple of versions of that one song at Soundcloud. Single-song direct download link here.
02. Suara Hati - "Dream in Mine"
<*Solo, besides famous in its rock music scene.. it also stores the genre the band is post-rock/instrumental and one of them is Suara Hati.>
03. My Violainé Morning - "Color of condensed vapour in the sky"
<*Derived from Bandung armed with shoegazing instrumental music rock.Yupss!!! it's My Violaine Morning! I think successful band released the album "The next episode of the world" which was released by the Japanese label called "Happy Prince" who had released God Is An Astronaut's album.>
04. Stupidzero - "Anomalia dan Keyakinan"
<*This is what I say has been driving the music scene. glitchy Instrumental rock / noise from northern Sumatra to be exact. >
"Tiga Kali Lebih Tenang" by Stupidzero, from totalfeedback vol 6
"Sumatra." Just two tracks at Soundcloud. Check out a live cover of "Heart-Shaped Box," which is where I think that video footage comes from. I dig this band's vibe, mang... There's also a Facebook.
Stumbled across GRUNGEE JUMPING! #2: Indonesian Raw and Noise Compilations (2012) during my search. It does appear you can both stream & download from Reverbnation - so check that out too!
[Edit 1/23: Also found Stupidzero Reverbnation with downloads!]
05. Roommate - "Megumi on fire"
<*The band's music embraced alternative / indie but slightly spiced elements of post-rock...>
06. Musikari - "Hujan Tropis"
<*This hails from outside Samarinda. enlivening the Borneo music scene post-rock / instrumental in my Indonesia. So the band has a good following when they see themselves going consistently...>
07. Strangenoisemaker - "Welcome Home"
<*From jogja with music instrumental / electronic / ambient, Strangenoisemaker is an instrumental / electronic unit in jogja which also helped to enliven the indie scene in sana. though it was a vacuum... but, we must wait for the best works of them :) >
From Yogyakarta. I found a random MBV cover, a Blur cover & some others on MySpace.
And that's it for Last Home, Indonesia!
SEA Compilation: Solitude - V/A (2012)
Information ~ Stream ~ direct Download
Here we're going well beyond Indonesia, around into the region & the Philippines... I'm thinking "SEA" actually means "South East Asia," although Indonesia has been part of a few thalassocracies, most notably the Srivijaya and Majapahit empires. In which case, things should start speeding up now.
Solitude tracklist:
01. Hon Narongrit - "Raining in Summer" (Thailand)
Official video to kick this one off! Check out their Bandcamp, Pure Volume and YouTube channel. Someone else (or the same: ช่องของ) has put up "Night Life."
02. Damn Dirty Apes - "E Minor Bells" (Malaysia)
Are those dudes at Rudyard's? These guys had Valve State Dreams (2002), Ape Kill Ape (2004) and appear on the very recent Mull; Debauch to Kuala Lumpor (component three) comp (2012). Albums maybe here. O yeah, and MySpace. You're probably better off just hitting this YouTube search actually.
03. Sound of Silence - "Waiting" (Indonesia)
I think this is the correct S.o.S.: "Jakarta Frustasi." And if so, then Soundcloud! And maybe ever here... If you believe Facebook, looks like new songs are going to Reverbnation.
04. Paint The Sky Red - "Like Flowers In Ultraviolet" (Singapore)
I'm a big fan of having your own Bandcamp - it's almost as good as having free downloads. They've also got a YouTube channel, and here's a couple of live videos. Stil not entirely sure what TVsessions is/are, but it's shown up quite a bit. So good for them!
[Edit 1/23: Finally located their Soundcloud with a downloadable live-set, plus two tracks!]
05. As The City Sleeps - "Out of C" (Philippines)
Soundcloud (multiple downloads)... Facebook... YouTube channel.
06. A Slow in Dance - "Back to The Brightside" (Indonesia)
Not entirely sure how this band name works, but they do have the Bandcamp - with free downloads!! Also check out the earlier album "We Hate This, But We Need To Survive."
07. Slow Shutter - "Empty My Brain" (Thailand)
I'm only seeing 1 track on Bandcamp, but I'll leave the link here for future reference... Also with the YouTube channel: ช่องของ (love Thai writing).
08. Arajua - "Sky" (Singapore)
Thought we might have covered this group already, but not so. Another of the Bandcamp singles, with more tracks at Soundcloud (including some other relevant music). You'll probably find more with this YouTube search than without.
09. Time Keeper - "Walk in Time" (Vietnam)
I've gotten the impression this Saigon duo's big hit was "Get One." They're on both Bandcamp and Soundcloud (the 2 main songs, both downloadable). I think "Medley Album" was some kinda preview-promo-teaser... Here's a translated article & something else.
10. tide/edit - "Status" (Philippines)
I don't know why, but I'm glad there's a Filipino band/artist going by 'time/edit'. They have the official site, the Bandcamp site (w/ free 2011 demo), song "Return," and a bunch of others around YouTube.
11. Away the Ways - "5 o'clock" (Thailand)
Start with the 2-songle Bandcamp, they have some YouTube channel, and here's one more live video.
12. Under The Big Bright Yellow Sun - "Threshold" (Indonesia)
We've already covered these guys, but I don't think I linked to this YouTube search. Hit it!
13. Silent Scenery - "Twilight Pulse" (Malaysia)
Or the comp version? Yeah, they got Soundcloud, and MySpace, and the YouTube channel. Pretty cool - plenty to explore!
[Edit 1/23: Found their Reverbnation page with few downloads...]
14. Angina - "Lost in Reverie" (India)
I got Arajua confused with Angina and Anuraji. Totally different!
15. The Metaphor - "Rebirth" [live] (Malaysia)
"When We Were Once Lost" from their YouTube channel, and there's another related channel. They have Facebook and MySpace and a related Soundcloud.
16. Monochrome - "Gray Sky Manila" [live] (Philippines)
Check out band info on Castpel - first time I've heard of it! Other than YouTube results, results, results... there's always Facebook.
Wait, wait, wait. "Between Tranquility and Impending Death" is billed as: Monochrome x Garapata (vs.?). Which is also posted on their FB, and apparently this Garapata [fictional character]... well, "garapata is a tick."
17. Robot - "Lying on Earth" [live] (Indonesia)
The band's name: Robot. Explore the extensive Soundcloud (with significant D/L's)... Also, Facebook and MySpace still. From FB, "Download our latest EP Between Earth and The Sky (2011): Link"
18. Anechois - "Your Absence Is Permanent" [live] (Singapore)
Lotsa webbing for the last one here - an official URL (Bandcamp) & a bountiful Soundcloud... An official YouTube channel. I wanna check out this Baybeats Festival in Singapore. YouTube poster Nurmaisha Ghani calls this Best song ever! More TVsessions & a general YouTube search.
One final globe-trotting compilation to go!
Destination - V/A (2012)
Information ~ Stream ~ direct Download
We're now heading well beyond Indonesia itself, southeast Asia even, and into The World...
1. Qibe - "Pulau Dewata" (Jakarta)
At lease we're starting in Indonesia. Shorter entries as we finish up... Free songs on Bandcamp, Soundcloud, this official YouTube playlist, from their official YouTube channel.
2. Astralia - "Glacial" (Barcelona, España)
You'd think from Australia, but not even close. Like that one! Free music on Bandcamp, Soundcloud... and some stuff around YouTube search.
3. Master Theory - "Alena And Her Quiet Thoughts" (Prague, Czech Republic)
Some tunes at either Bandcamp or Soundcloud.
4. Eyes Like Mirrors - "Meadows Breathe Beneathe Mountains" (Johannesburg, South Africa)
These guys have a Tumblr! There's a n-y-p EP on Bandcamp, and 1 tune on Soundcloud. I also found "An Untold Introduction" to a mystery Demo (2008). I see they also make music under the name Lemuria sometimes: single's out on their Bandcamp.
Tumblr brings news of another free netlabel comp: Mine All Mine Two Hundred (2011) [D/L @ B/C] from Mine All Mine! Records in Madison, Wisc.
5. 6LA8 - "Our Dog Eat Dog World of Heroic News Reporting" (Karachi, Pakistan)
Quite a bit more synthtastic than usual. Lotsa links, so here they are: Bandcamp, Soundcloud, official YouTube channel or this YouTube playlist, The Sirens Sound and Prog Archives.
6. Helios - "In Everything Was Given" (Portland, Oregon, USA)
I actually own an album by this guy: Eingya (2006) on Type Records. Seems to have been self-releasing since Unleft (2010)?
Here's the official label site wit a Free Music section. There's stuff on Soundcloud, and also YouTube album-playlist. The dude's got an official Vimeo channel, which covers all of his various music projects.
7. Willshare - "Anger of Forsaken" [live] (Bangkok, Thailand)
The same one tune streaming at Bandcamp or Soundcloud - for which there's an official video, from their YouTube channel (along with live stuff). Also a recent video teaser for the comp track's upcoming official video, I guess...
8. A Shelter in the Desert - "It's Raining" (Ciudad de México, Mexico)
Getting closer to my neighborhood here... A 2012 album on Bandcamp (free D/L link), and some more on Soundcloud.
9. Fuentes - "July Wish" (Jakarta)
Originally I could only find that one's A-side on Soundcloud. The song "Mola Mola" (new version) is probably them too. But then a big break came (from last.fm), and I found the Facebook & an apparent YouTube channel.
10. Love From Bombs - "Cracovia" (Poland +Palermo +Chile)
Most info I found on this international project kept leading me back to the Tiny Voices netlabel - on Soundcloud & with blog. So peep that!
11. This Patch of Sky - "With Morning Comes Hope" (Eugene, OR)
U.S.A. They have an official website, a Bandcamp, and a Soundcloud. Here's a general YouTube search.
12. The Allstar Project - "Light for a Thousand Night" (Leiria, Portugal)
Lotsa links, so here they are: official, Soundcloud, MySpace, official YouTube channel, The Sirens Sound and Prog Archives. They're even on Amazon MP3!
Maybe more information than you needed/wanted...
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