Public Service Broadcasting "Inform Educate Entertain" (2013)

 Thanks to Brady and his Youtube channel Objectivity I was introduced to this fantastic musical project that takes stock audio from national archives and uses it alongside instrumentals to create a retrospective peak into the past using music to guide the mood and narratives of times gone by. Behind the name are two English musicians, Willgoose and Wrigglesworth who have been playing together for five years now and have released an EP and two full lengths, of which this was their first.

An interesting observation to make clear from the get go is that nothing here feels "nostalgic". In the same way Kraftwerk envisioned aspects of society both in the past and future, PSB feels like it "takes you there" more than it does remember it. The electronic leads, dense atmospheric synths and brooding indie guitars build up rocking atmospheres dripped with developing leads that continually grow and interchange with one another in a big layered sound that balances its density carefully.

Each song revolves around a set of samples the instrumentals correlate with. For example "Signal 30" is the records most "aggressive" sound with big distortion indie leads taking charge of the track, strumming out burgeoning riffs while archive samples play out sounds of cars crashing and an aggressive chap who's annoyed at a motorist. It may not be the best example but the chemistry between the two works on every track. Despite this the instrumentals could easily stand on their own.

The record has fantastic production. Each track may start with a few gentler shades of sound, but quickly the melodies and layers build up and a flood of sound heads towards the listener, peaking the songs in the big moments that often end the songs. The initial attraction to this project was its concept, but the writing and composition has revealed itself to have much class and depth that can be enjoyed without the samples context. A strong record that will continue to grow on me I'm sure.

Favorite Songs: Inform - Educate - Entertain, Night Mail, Everest

Rating: 7/10

Birocratic "Beets 2" (2013)

Following up on the first "Beets" record I got exactly what I was hoping for. The first was short, too reminiscent of Nujabes and showed a spark of a unique sound which has blossomed on this record. NYC producer Biro has put together a second, short, installment of instrumentals clocking in at just seventeen minutes. "Frontusis" and "Ergo" two lush, melodic, sleepy Jazz Hop numbers that are decent but once again emulate the Nujabes style to the point of deception. They are great instrumentals, but the other six tracks all follow Biro's unique sound and further experiment with the vocal chops that made his tracks stand out on the first record.

Putting the best first, the record kicks off with two unforgettable beats, "Since You've Asked" flirts dangerously with compression as the baseline, kicks and vocal samples compete for volume, pushing one another back and forth, poised in an entrancing manor. Between the beat and bass two female vocal lines harmonize and play off one another as Biro chops and churns the lead vocals to end the audible lyrics with half cut words that play a charming melody with a quite genius touch to it. "Prismatic" follows with an upbeat moving track full of groove and jive with a zany melodic lead that hits hard like a hook. The song eventually breaks to a smooth, phased vocal cut that build the atmosphere up for one final kick of the zany lead before a seamless u-turn transition leads into "Round 1".

With the other tracks on this record Biro demonstrates more of his unique chemistry for matching chopped up vocals and samples. On "Herocratic" we get a taste of a break composed of chopped piano and synth to craft a new tune that sounds like a straight cut on first listen. These strengths are blossoming and Biro is showing much promise, the production was tight and consistent for a short collection of instrumentals showcasing his talent. Beets 3 is out, its longer and I'm now rather excited to hear what it has to offer!

Favorite Tracks: Since You've Asked, Prismatic, You Were

Rating: 5/10

Jan Amit "Around And Above" (2013)

After enjoying Jan's most recent release "Flowertraces" I was compelled to seek out more of the Russians discography but given the steep record price, I refrained from splashing out and completing my collection, instead I picked up this record first and it turned out to be a very different from my expectations.

"Around And Above" comes from the same universe as "Flowertraces", but is very much on a different level. Its dreary, bleak and moves at a snails pace through tracks driven by atmosphere which lack the charm or depth to engage. That may be a little harsh, but the opening tracks and others in the listening drone through pleasant, chilled, dreamy soundscapes that lack a point or direction. Its an ambiance that drifts under the listener instead of through them. A couple of tracks offered a spark of energy and engagement but most of the record I found myself awaiting the next track. I don't want to be too critical, its supposed to be on a calmer, softer level, but it crosses a personal threshold.

Despite a lack of engagement, the records aesthetic is gorgeous. A calm lull of pristine sounds that gracefully drift through the tracks like clouds on a placid day. Theres moments where the record perks up with a beat accompanied by the glitched out electronic noises that where a big characteristic of "Flowertraces". The instrument pallets used on the two records are almost identical, however the ideas behind them are very much not. Its an inoffensive record that misses the mark and the charming, dazzling aesthetics can't save from the bland and dull nature of these songs.

Favorite Songs: L'âme, Lettur But Mikill, We Believe In Humans

Rating: 3/10

The Reign Of Kindo "Play With Fire" (2013)

It's been a while since a band has immediately grabbed my attention, having me seeking out their records based on one song, but "The Reign Of Kindo" did exactly that. One of my first thoughts was pondering if there was once a time I would of turned my nose up at this. Where I've taught myself how to appreciate more varieties of music, Ive learned to hear what the artist is expressing, as opposed to what I want to hear. Kindo's aesthetic on an initial impression is poppy, classy and far from the feast of anger and aggression I'm used to. Through that aesthetic I hear a mighty and fierce musical force of expression projected with true intensity and energy that I may of once not heard.

But enough about my experience, Kindo are an American five piece band from New York who describe themselves as "Makers of music". Their rich and illustrious songs elevated by a range of studio musicians who accompany the five, giving them an arsenal of instruments and styles to pull from at any point. Kindo will be no oddity of sound, but their style truly distorts genre boundaries and expectations despite feeling so grounded and "regular". Drawing their main structural influences from Jazz Rock, Pop and Progressive Rock, the band dazzle with an array of subtle influences that creep into the various tracks, so much so you can hear inklings of Indie, Alternative, Soul, Swing, Big Band and even Latin in the layers of instrumentation that back the core group. Whats charming is how intelligent and natural the compositions are, and how much they put into a track yet leaving a big space for singer Joseph Secchiaroli's stunning, powerful voice to fill. Its a chemistry of musical perfection, delivered with a timeless pop sensibility.

The record is a solid one, variety, flow and consistency run from start to end (almost), yet the group set a very high bar with the ferocious opener "The Hero, The Saint, The Tyrant, & The Terrorist", delivering the albums best riffs, moments, build up and exquisite vocal hooks. The rest of the record doesn't quite reach the same intensity but their is plenty to enjoy and a few calmer numbers that personally I don't think catch the same spirit and charm as the upbeat songs. The production is fantastic, so much so I had at no point given a single thought to it, every instrument is audible, balanced and mixed to give and easy listening experience that carriers a lot of weight.

The final three tracks fizzle out a little for me, "Romancing A Stranger" making a meal of an obvious infatuation and "I Hate Music", really good instrumentally but lyrically it made be wince a little, I feel its pointless to make broad sweeping judgments on pop culture and whats played on the radio. The frank and blunt lyrical delivery just furthered the lack of connection to the point of view. Great record, the band have huge potential and I look forward to hearing their next release!

Favorite Songs: The Hero, The Saint, The Tyrant, & The Terrorist, Sing When No One's Around, Feeling In The Night, Sunshine

Rating: 7/10

Fractal "Luminate" (2013)

Consisting of just three tracks, this short EP from Baltimore based DJ "Fractal" serves as chilled yet energetic amalgamation of styles that pulls from House, Drum & Bass, Dubstep and Ethereal through a dreamy ambient overtone. The tracks "Breath" and "Same Side" have a fluid, dynamic flow, sharing a comparable pallet of airy vocal leads, bright Ethereal synths and a warm robust bass that glues the Dub like snare and kick into the fold. The two share similar leads and melodies, but "Breath" steals the show with its progression and climax to an almighty moment that conveys a stunning, beautiful lead vocal that conjoins with a surreal wave of oozing Ethereal synth and pounding energy from the bass and drums that leaves one feeling unsure if they want to dance or lay down.

The records production has its instruments tightly packed together and competing for volume in a compression heavy mix that is becoming rather commonplace in post-Dubstep electronic music. Its well executed on this record and has the kicks and leads punching through the dreamy wall of synth effectively. The first track "Luminate" is a great example, a song littered with samples, noises and glittery leads that continually pound through the bass lines backing. Its a tight composition of numbers that ends before it gets going and the disappointment, as often with EPs, is the length, a lack of substance, however that can't fault the songs here which are charactered and immersible.

Favorite Track: Breath

Rating: 3/10

A$AP Ferg "Trap Lord" (2013)

"Trap Lord" is the debut album of New York rapper / producer A$AP Ferg, a member of the A$AP Mob, a Hip Hop collective consisting of 14 members who have been active since 2007,  finding success in recent years. I found my way to this record looking for "Trap" music, a term used in Southern Hip Hop in the early 90s that has seen a wave of revival and innovation in recent years in both Hip Hop and Dance music. "Trap Lord" was a record of two halves, one great, the other awful, so we will start with the good. 

There is a stylistic formula at work on this record that doesn't take long to break down. Ferg's production follows some core principles that doesn't stray to far track to track. The kits are tight, sharp and cut finely. Crisp claps and snares groove with sudden kicks that leave a big space that even the sterile hi-hats don't touch, they rattle and stutter at varying tempos creating dynamic grooves that even the occasional reverb soaked snare doesn't touch. It leaves much room for the instruments to fill and the compositional arrangements have their own style not afraid to bring in minimalism with frequent kick and snare dropping. Filling the space the kit leaves are minimal leads from a variety of electronic sounds that rarely move beyond one or two layers. The melodies are simple, consisting of a few notes that repeat over and over. Its easy to strip down, but built up these songs build a contrasting air of swagger and paranoia that paint an image criminal wealth and looking over your shoulder. Further stylizing the sound, the vocals come with distant echo affirmation shouts and aren't afraid of using pitch shifts and effects in places.

Ferg's rapping is both rigid and laid back, his flow is often tight and repetitive, choosing words to fit a tight rhythm that loops over, occasionally Ferg suddenly shifts gears to double the tempo of his lyrics. Spitting stiff his tone and delivery is contrasting, sounding casual, often slurring or drawing out words, mispronouncing to fit a rhyme he creates a lot of substance and style. But thats where the good ends for me, the lyrical content of this record his ruthlessly misogynistic and graphic. Between boisterous sexism and degrading imaginary their is little substance that grabs me. Not a line sticks in the mind, even if the flows are enjoyable what their rapping about is hardly. On "402" and "Dump Dump" Ferg hits a low as he shows his self centered moral-less attitude, glorifying his promiscuous behavior and rubbing salt in the wound, depicting his victim crying on the record. I enjoyed the instrumentals, but the lyrical content leaves nothing to return to once the beats dry out.

Favorite Songs: Let It Go, Shabba, Lord, Hood Pope, Fergivicous, Cocaine Castles

Rating: 5/10

Russian Circles "Memorial" (2013)

Russian Circles are an American three piece instrumental Post-Metal band from Chicago who formed over ten years ago in 2004. This is their fifth full length release and my first exposure to this band who are receiving much critical acclaim at this moment in time. "Memorial" has been a curious listen for me, a slow burner of which my appreciation for has steadily grown with each passing listen. Its one that calmly drifts into the background, yet with more familiarity becomes increasingly captivating and indulgent. Its a bi-polarizing record that can be gentle and soothing in its calmer, melodic moments and morose in its dark and heavy passages that are orchestrated through dense atmospheres of metallic shoe-gazing.

With no room for cheap tricks, hooks or verse chorus structures, Russian Circles create a constant evolution of sound where each moment feel as relevant as the next. Each song expands and contracts, grows and flourishes in climactic glory before fizzling out in a wash of atmosphere that leads into the next moment. The guitars sound enormous as they wrap there selfs in layers of thick sound, achieved by reverb and echoing effects that amplify and build up the grand moods. The drumming is a commanding and driving force that guides these songs too their destination with thoughtful rhythms and crashing symbols that create a thick layer of noise above the thoughtfully composed base snare grooves that subtly magnitude the music without crashing into the spotlight.

Across the eight songs the group offer a diversity of unraveling ideas that in a fair few darker moments utilize some common Metal riffing styles in the most uncharacteristic of ways. It ends with an extension of the opening track, featuring Chelsea Wolfe's vocals that tease a glorious compliment between the two musical forces. At no point in this record is their a moment where the instrumental arrangement is questioned, but her voice brings them to another level. Its an interesting way to end the record which has proved to be an artistic endeavor of rich atmospheres and dense sounds. Although not every track hits the same level of indulgence, its a record that continues to grow on me with every listen.

Favorite Songs: Deficit, 1777, Lebaron, Memorial

Rating: 7/10

Run The Jewels "Run The Jewels" (2013)

Last year I wrote about "Run The Jewels 2", the second album of rap duo Killer Mike & E-LP. At the time I was both impressed and unsure about the record. There were lots of positives, but I found myself quickly tiring of the sound the two established. After the dust settled and time passed, these songs were surfacing in my mind, and my initial understanding of the project expanded as I picked up the record again. Writing about music has highlighted a dimension of music I often overlook, time. Time is change and as I change so does my enjoyment of the music. Often I want to write about "classic" records that in recent weeks I've realized have run their course for me, they have their place in time but whats relevant is what I'm enjoying at this moment, and Run The Jewels is definitely a pleasure right now, so much so I got hold of their first record released the year before.

I'm not sure what I was anticipating, but no surprise this record was more of the same. So much so it made me appreciate the unique style the two established with this project. This first chapter isn't quite as dark, ruthless and tongue in cheek as RTJ2, but doesn't need these things to show its strength. The instrumentals rock some strange approaches to beat creation, lots of abstract, aggressive electronic sounds and leads dance around each other with impacting force. The percussion has the Hip Hop groove, but comes through some detailed rhythms, lots of kicks, claps, snares and hitting sounds coming together in an aggressive nature, creating energetic beats with a depth of intricacy.

If it wasn't for Mike and E-LPs rapping this might not sound like a Hip Hop record, the electronic sounds and forceful rhythms sound like an abstract electronic genre at times. Its a positive that they forge such a unique sound. The twos lyrical content is on point, and on the track "Job Well Done" Mike drops a line that cracks me up "Its like Tyson in the 90s, if I'm loosing take a bite out". Theres not to much else I have to say, more of the same, its all good, 10 solid tracks that don't have an excessive run time. Looking forward to RTJ3.

Favorite Tracks: Ddfn, Job Well Done, No Come Down, Get It, A Christmas Fucking Miracle

Rating: 6/10

Kanye West "Yeezus" (2013)

Kanye West is an American producer / rapper who came up in the 00s through production with Jay-Z. Gaining recognition and acclaim for his beats, he was able to release his first solo full length in 2003. From there his success has continually grown. Hes now arguably one of the biggest names in Hip Hop and popular music. What originally drew me to his music was the forward thinking production and soulful themes rooted in Hip Hops culture and past. Of all the post-90s styles and sounds, Kanye's felt the most like an evolution into the modern era. His first two album where as far as I got. I was apprehensive to listen to "Yeezus" without bringing myself up to speed, there is an apparent void between "Late Registration" and this one, the soulful uplifting sample driven numbers are gone. Here we find electric synthesized minimalism and harsh, noisy aesthetics, coupled with rough and rigid sampling that create a bold and uncompromising sound to which my overall impression was hit and miss.

Tracks like "Black Skinhead" and "Send It Up" do everything right. "Black Skinhead" offers up some simplistic grooving tom and clap percussion accompanied with distorted vocal samples building up to a sublime sub bass kick where Kanye does his 300 romans thing as overly loud drums, peaking both the momentum of the track and volume, as they distort through compression. "Send It Up" accompanies a minimalistic bass kick / thud with a obnoxious siren like sound that follows its own groove. On other tracks it doesn't quite work. Kanye's electronics aesthetics and interrupting cuts are anti indulgent for me, like the screams on "I Am A God" which break up the track, I'm not sure if I like them or not but they indicate a Death Grips influence that could speak to the entire approach to this album, and its the approach that should be applauded. Theres experimentation and ideas at work that really hit the mark, just not on every track. One of the most prominent experimentations was in the rhythm department, a lack of cymbals and excessive minimalism, often letting the synths guide the rhythm, through the bass or not at all. It was quite refreshing, and it worked.

Now lets talk about the "Raplic priest, getting head from nuns". I've never been convinced by Kanye's rapping, and "Yeezus" hasn't changed that. On his first two records there were some pretty appalling verses. The highlight of those albums and more so with "Yeezus" are the beats. I can't think of a single line thats stuck in my mind for anything other than its obnoxious or ridiculous nature, but thats just Kanye's "lyrical wordsmith" style. It's not all bad, his flow and tone, style of rapping is enjoyable, its just the lyrical substance I question, however I commend him for following his own style and establishing himself as a rapper. He doesn't sound like anyone else, but for me hes the producer that needs to stay behind the beats, not the mic. For the things "Yeezus" does right with its beats and instrumentals, its let down by the lack of anything to get into lyrically.

Favorite Tracks: On Sight, Black Skinhead, I'm In It, Send It Up

Rating: 5/10

Pharmakon "Abandon" (2013)

Hailing from New York, USA, Pharmakon is the moniker of Power Noise musician Margaret Chardiet. "Abandon" is her debut full length that confronts the listener musically and visually with its repulsive album art that is powerfully suggestive without any use of explicit imagery. It sets the tone for a depraved and dark record that will unsettle the listener. Unlike much music of this nature Margaret's compositions are in fact composed as opposed to improvisational pieces so often found in Power Noise and Depraved music. It is testament to this record where each track sets an immersible tone by design and explores the darker reaches of the mind with purpose and intent.

The instrumentals of this record are carefully woven soundscapes that brood and drone through lengthy periods. Detailed power synthesizers create an array of textured sounds that are stitched together with a minimalistic edge, forging a cold and unforgiving noise dragged along by slow, bludgeoning thuds and hits resembling a beat to guide a psychotic narrative. On their own the instrumentals are not as intense or abrasive as the overall mood of these songs, individually the instruments are not ear piecing or especially dark, more alien and industrial, but brought together they become nightmarish and dizzying experiences.

Margaret's biggest asset is her voice. The instrumentals set the tone, but it is her phenomenal scream and range of sound that drags you down to hell. Using some slight reverb and at times some additional distortion, these vocals cover a range of dark emotions, at times sounding like a tortured soul held against will, or a malevolent spirit that would inflict such torturous cruelty. On the track "Ache" you hear the two almost at communication with one another. On "Pitted" she executes some tribal, ritualistic clean leads that chant and dance through the fog. The overall execution and production of this record is solid, the crafted nature of the instrumentals and powerful vocals create a confrontational and immersible listening experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Favorite Tracks: Pitted, Crawling On Bruised Knees

Rating: 6/10

Fen "Dustwalker" (2013)

English Black Metal band Fen are a group who captivated my interest with their debut "The Malediction Fields" in 2009. Their sound stood them apart from other bands in the genre by incorporating some Post-Rock elements that gave them a range and diversity that was intriguing and progressive. The bands songs could span a range of moods and incorporate many heavy, or light and melodic moments with effortless fluency. Their sound is charactered by a strong theme of nature, the kind of cold unforgiving beauty the natural world can be without the comforts of the modern age. I saw this band live last year and was, to my surprise, rather disappointed, feeling their live show didn't capture what their recordings did.

Dustwalker failed to grab my attention at first. It wasn't until multiple listens later that I became more engaged with this record, what initially disappointed me is still quite apparent, it is fitting for the right mood, but in the wrong environment the music alone doesn't quite have the spark to captivate my attention. Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between your own enjoyment of art, or the art itself. Maybe there is only the first, but on a long walk in the cold dark of night could this music reveal itself.

Rough around the edges, the albums production is straight forward and unpolished giving it a natural character, not low fidelity, but far from perfection. This plays great in melodic moments that get a hazy distortion from the instruments sharing the space together. The production sets the tone for this record that explores varied themes in long songs that progress through a dynamic range of heavy and melodic moments that are quite awe inspiring in the right mood. The vocals deliver an honest performance with clean leads that bleed the human element into these cold songs. Theres a few golden moments here and there but overall the songs do dull a little as they continually progress through mediocrity. Theres nothing terribly bad happening here, but it just falls short overall.

Favorite Tracks: Spectre, Reflections

Rating: 4/10

Lord Lovidicus "Kyndill Og Steinn" (2013)

Lord Lovidicus is a project of Crow, one-man-band and multi instrumentalist, who i have had the pleasure of communicating with as I've followed him progressing as an artist. LL once represented the essence of Dungeon Synth, Crows vision beyond the genres restraints has allowed him to evolve the once low-fi, minimalist sound into a rich, textural construct with clean, approachable instruments, yet completely retaining the themes and style of Dungeon Synth. Across his discography you can follow the evolution, with never a  dull moment I have always been engrossed in LL, and this, his 12th release under the Lord Lovidicus moniker, i have chosen to write about as possibly the most accessible album for those of you reading.

The album opens with "The Madauding Passage" and quickly we are plunged into an ancient, feudal, sometimes mystic environment, with gradual pounding drums, crashing symbols and subtle buzz saw synth. As the lead introduces itself, its quickly overpowered by a roaring horn like sound thats again accompanied by more instrumentation. In this short moment the tone is set and we are immersed in a rich, expansive and layered sound. Across the course of the song the drums and crashing symbols pound as many instruments and sounds feature. This is a theme followed across the album and Crow utilizes an assortment of sounds that build the themes and topics as he explores the melodies of his inspiration.

One of Crows biggest strengths is his avoidance of hooks. There is rarely a moment that the instrumentation is simplified or given a "catchy" vibe. At all times the music is focused, the notation is rich and exploitative. This quality has a strange effect on me personally. I find myself unable to remember a lot of the melodies, however when listening they are thoroughly enjoyable, i have a similar experience with Classical, and it makes a lot of sense when you consider how layered these songs can be, and how they are great through the unison of the instruments, rather then a focus on just one. The only criticism I have is with the production, the instruments are loud and sometimes a bit shrill, they can often collide with one another and peak some frequencies. With this said i do wonder if this works in the records favor, it adds a touch of rough around the edges which sits well with the themes this album explores. As always a fine effort from Crow.

Favorite Songs: Crystalline Fountains Of Vitality, Ghost Wind Within The Mist

Rating 5/10

Aeons Confer "Symphonies Of Saturnus" (2013)

In the blink of an eye 10 years passed by wondering if we would ever hear from this band again. 2003's wondrous "Soul Of The Universe" left a lasting impression. With 17 minutes of bliss and 10 years of absence I was both excited and dreading listening to their first full length. Time changes bands, but a decade without a whisper made me wonder if we would have anything left of the original sound. I'm happy to say they still have it, the astral "vibe" is there, but their sound has evolved, they have not been frozen on ice.

The symphonic component of Aeons's sound is the most reminiscent, still providing its subtle influences, acting as the backbone that adds distinguishable character to the rest of the sound. Theres no piano interludes or many leading moments, but they are not absent here. The sound is more oriented around the guitars providing classic thrashy, aggressive riffs that, in unison with the rhythm section, thump and pound crushing groove after groove. The songs are well developed, pretty typical for this era of Metal, but the quality of musicianship and presence of astral symphonics does set them above the bar.

On the vocal front Aeons's is a very different band, with obvious line up changes their new vocalists fit the mold well. Providing many guttural and screaming ranges, theres a much needed variety on display which also comes with some delightful clean leads, comparable to ICS Vortex, that steal the show on "Probe", a song that sounds like it could of been on there 2003 release. Overall its a well written and produced album, but its biggest flaw is its length. Clocking in at nearly 80 minutes the duller moments become more noticeable as the listen draws on. Its great that Aeons are back! I hope to catch them on the road soon.

Favorite Songs: ESP, Probe, Renaissance, 

Rating: 6/10

Tim Shiel "Duet" (2013)

Tim Shiel is a musician and radio DJ who's music I picked up for free on bandcamp after a recommendation from a commenter here on the blog! Electronic can be such a broad term for music, as can Ambient, this is a Ambient Electronic project with a similar feel to C418, however despite some similarities Tim yields his own memorable vibes and soundscapes that i am continuing to enjoy.

Duets is an absorbing listen, a record that can sit in both the back and foreground of your mind, its gentle and relaxing, yet intricate with a sense of detail. The melodic leads are poised in a balance between being the focus, and being part of the atmosphere. The rhythm section his is nicely arranged with many variations and details, sometimes making effective use of wobbles and harsher sounds that splice between the gently crafted rhythms.

This album has an array of passionately engineered sounds and beats composed together with care. As a whole it comes a little short with a couple of the tracks falling behind the mark set by the more memorable tracks on the record. In its best moments its an indulging listen, but at other times its a bit tame. I look forward to hearing more from Tim in the future.

Favorite Tracks: Theme From Duet, Nay, Exchange, Arete II

Rating: 6/10

C418 "Minecraft Volume Beta" (2013)

When this album dropped it somehow went under my radar, as both a C418 and Minecraft fan, it bemuses me somewhat that I missed it, but i finally made the time, and time is certainly what it is. Clocking in at 140 minutes this may be one of the longest album I've listened to, and for all thats good here, its the length that bugs me. I like albums, I like the listening experience, but it is hard in our busy lives to dedicate that time without interruption. Perhaps this isn't an album as such though, I do believe these are the songs that play throughout the game, however my music setting is muted so I wouldn't know any better!

So whats on display in this album? A lot, theres 30 tracks of lush soundtracks for your imagination to drift into. From quiet moody ambiance to quirky melodic leads and dramatic symphonies, there is a vast range of emotion, style and beauty in this record. C418 has a vast range of instruments and they are all crafted with a character that paints his sound on even the most routine of devices. Every composition here is lovely, in its own way.

For all thats good to be said i felt there was a lack of direction or momentum that took these tracks anywhere. Individually they shine, but as a collective the album drifts through many quiet spaces that drown out the more memorable moments. This makes sense, its a soundtrack for a game where the songs will creep in and out at random, and for that its fantastic, but as an album it's not quite what I'm looking for.

Favorite Tracks: Aria Math, Dead Voxel, Alpha, Ballad Of The Cats, The End

Rating: 6/10

Chelsea Wolfe "Pain Is Beauty" (2013)

This "review" is premature, i often like to reach a point with a record where i feel the music well and understand it. Right now I'm excited and drunk on the nectar of a new sound, a new niche has been carved in my mind. I don't yet fully understand it, but I'm entranced by its beauty and want to share it with the world.

The music of Chelsea Wolfe was recommend to me by a friend and all i know of her at this point is her music. She's got a stunning, ghostly voice with much passion and sadness that drifts like morning fog trough instrumentals so curiously poised between contrasting instrumentation that paints its own eerie and haunting place in time. This record has as a listening experience has been fruitful with 12 deep, rich and varied songs that are a pleasure for keen ears.

Juxtaposition is the theme that hits me hard on these tracks. There is a unique balance in the song writing, where the uplifting, more positive instruments can be offset by a contrasting sound or use of re-verb / low-fi recording techniques to create an eerie and unsettling undercurrent found throughout the songs in this album. Chelsea's ethereal voice soaks these tracks with emotional deeps that give me goosebumps every time. The instrumentals here are unlike anything I've heard before, and her voice trumps it all.

Favorite Tracks: We Hit A Wall, The Warden, Sick, Kings

Rating: 8/10

Erang "Another World Another Time" (2013)

If i remember correctly, I discovered the music of Erang through a PM on youtube. This was just when Erang released his first album and it is always nice to get a recommendation, but its something a bit more special when you can communicate with the artists directly, one of the many great things about this internet age. Since then i have closely followed and enjoyed everything hes released.

I picked this album to review because its my favorite, make sense right? Its also the most important Erang record from my perspective. On this record the musical themes and sounds of  the "Tome era", the ambient, eerie dungeon synth, evolve, flourish and become much more matured. This progression continues with the next two albums, but for me here is where it started.

Dungeon Synth is an unrealized genre, for its untimely history and nieche. I find it difficult to describe in words where this music goes, probably because it is "other worldly" and ancient. The appeal is in the mystery of what and where these forgotten places are, and Erang on this album and beyond really expands on where this genre can go.

Favorite Tracks: The Kingdom Of Erang, The Foresters Grandson, Forever Lost In An Endless Dream

Rating: 6/10