Style: New Weird Americana??Vibe: Bluesy, Contemplative, Earthy, Morning, Pastoral, Rootsy, Rustic, Psychedelic, Warm??Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Percussive, Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Electronics
Califone – Roomsound Read More »
Style: Primitivist Theater, Avant-Folk Minimalism, Drone
Vibe: Pastoral, Alienation, Hypnotic, Abstract
Musical Attributes: Sparse, Theatrical, Repetitive, Minimalist, Acoustic
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Voices, Organ, Cello, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Saxophone
David Grubbs – The Coxcomb [Review] Read More »
Style: New Weird Americana, Post-Modern Appalachia, Jazz-Folk
Vibe: Autumnal, Earthy, Imaginative, Lush, Morning, Peaceful, Rootsy, Rustic, Warm, Contemplative
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Melodic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Improvisation, Progressive, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Fiddle, Drums, Banjo, Vocals, Percussion, Saxophone, Acoustic Guitar, Drum Machine, Percussion, Electric Bass, Organ Synthesizers, Flute
Collaborators: Leo Abrahams, Shahzad Ismaily, Sam Gendel,
Milford Graves, Chris Vatalaro, James Sultan
Sam Amidon – The Following Mountain Read More »
Style: Progressive Folk-Rock, Psych-Folk, Raga Rock
Vibe: Mysterious, Earthy, Eclectic, Epic, Exploratory, Psychedelic, Ritualistic, Tribal
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Dynamic, Acoustic, Complex
Ghost – Lama Rabi Rabi Read More »
Style: Free Rock, Experimental Rock
Vibe: Triumphant, Complex, Exploratory, Dynamic, Energetic, Cathartic, Loose, Fluid
Musical Attributes: Instrumental, Improvisation, Modal, Melodic
Chris Corsano & Bill Orcutt – Made Out of Sound Read More »
Style: Tishoumaren, Desert Blues, Psych
Vibe: Hypnotic, Desert, Groovy, Energetic, Warm, Uplifting, Conscious, Passionate, Psychedelic
Mdou Moctar – Afrique Victime Read More »
Style: Avant Jazz-Funk, Abstract Groove
Vibe: Eccentric, Energetic, Groovy, Angular, Sunny, Triumphant
Musical Attributes: Dissonant, Experimental Vocals, Improvisation, Rhythmic, Polished Production
Sonny & Linda Sharrock – Paradise Read More »
Style: Spiritual Jazz??
Vibe: Joyful, Passionate, Spiritual, Uplifting, Warm, Love, Colorful, Communal, Cosmic, Earthy, Energetic, Groovy
??Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Chants, Africa-Influenced, India-Influenced, Improvisation, Polyrhythmic, Percussive
Pharoah Sanders – Wisdom Through Music Read More »
Style: Drone, Experimental Rock, Post-Rock??
Vibe: Murky, Meandering, Exploratory, Nocturnal, Mysterious, Psychedelic, Earthy, Nature??
Musical Attributes: Droney, Noisy, Instrumental, Headphone Album
Tarentel – Ghetto Beats on the Surface of the Sun (#1) Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Experimental Rock, Drone
Vibe: Exploratory, Meandering, Murky, Hypnotic, Psychedelic, Deconstructed, Earthy
Musical Attributes: Drone, Noisy, Repetitive, Instrumental, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Tarentel – Ghetto Beats on the Surface of the Sun (#2) Read More »
Style: Ritual Folk, Dhrupad, Free Folk
Vibe: Meditative, Mysterious, Psychedelic, Spiritual, Earthy, Hypnotic
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Drone, Improvisation, Instrumental, Repetitive, Raga
Pelt – Pearls from the River Read More »
Bobb Trimble’s 1980 debut (originally released on his own label) contains nightmarish folk-pop that fits on the fringe of the loner-psych lineage of Syd Barrett and modern bedroom-psych artists like Alex G or Holy Sons.?
Bobb Trimble – Iron Curtain Innocence [Review] Read More »
Style: Progressive Post-Hardcore??
Vibe: Angsty, Existential, Cryptic, Anxious, Surreal, Epic, Intense, Intricate
??Musical Attributes: Odd Time Signatures, Progressive, Technical, Polished
Circa Survive – On Letting Go Read More »
Style: Country-Soul, Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Passionate, Rootsy, Rural, Spiritual, Triumphant, Uplifting, Warm, Contemplative, Introspective
Hiss Golden Messenger – Haw Read More »
Style: Appalachian Folk, Folk Blues, American Primitive Guitar??
Vibe: Bittersweet, Rural, Spiritual, Intimate, Pastoral, Warm, Rootsy??
Musical Attributes: Acoustic Fingerstyle, Solo Performance, Sparse, Technical
Elizabeth Cotten – Folksongs and Instrumentals with Guitar Read More »
Style: Prog-Folk, Acid Folk, Kosmische??
Vibe: Pastoral, Forest, Ethereal, Hippie, Psychedelic, Nature, Morning??
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Progressive, Post-Production FX
Style: British-Folk, Jazz-Folk
Vibe: Rootsy, Warm, Mellow, Morning, Rural, Carefree, Breezy
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies, Progressive, Melodic
Pentangle – Reflection Read More »
Style: Progressive Acid-Folk, Ritual-Folk, Psych
Moods: Sombre, Earthy, Ritualistic, Psychedelic, Brooding, Exploratory, Mysterious, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Acoustic, Percussive, Rhythmic, Complex, Dynamic
Osamu Kitajima – Benzaiten Read More »
Style: Experimental Singer-Songwriter, Art Pop, Canterbury Scene, Jazz-Rock
Vibe: Political (Anti-Capitalist, Anti-Imperialist), Satirical, Conscious, Melancholy, Hypnotic
Musical Attributes/Instrumentation: Sparse, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Layered Vocals, Digital Keyboards, Drum Machines, Percussion, Synthesizers, Piano
Robert Wyatt – Old Rottenhat Read More »
Style: Avant-Folk, Experimental, Math-Rock
Vibe: Sporadic, Chaotic, Abstract, Agular, Cerebral
Musical Attributes: Noisy, Glitchy, Collage, Complex, Electro-acoustic, Instrumental, Studio-as-an-instrument
Gastr Del Sol – 20 Songs Less Read More »
Style: Slowcore-Country, Singer-Songwriter
Vibe: Brooding, Hypnotic, Conversational, Reflective, Intimate, Lethargic, Confident, Moody, Overcast
Musical Attributes: Slow, Repetitive, Focused
Cat Power – Moon Pix Read More »
Style: Drone-Doom, Stoner Metal, Post-Metal
Vibe: Suspenseful, Cathartic, Monolithic, Powerful, Hypnotic, Raw
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Droney, Heavy, Noisy, Repetitive, Slow, Suite
boris – boris at last -feedbacker- Read More »
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz
Vibe: Cosmic, Loose, Passionate, Spiritual, Uplifting, Energetic,
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Acoustic, Thematic, Extended Techniques, Vocals, Chants
Albert Ayler – Music is the Healing Force of the Universe Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Free Folk
Vibe: Airy, Bittersweet, Intimate, Love, Poetic, Romantic, Heartfelt
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Sparse, Loose
Kath Bloom & Loren Connors – Restless Faithful Desperate Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Funk
Vibe: Groovy, Afro-Futurism, Hedonistic, Psychedelic, Fantasy, Bombastic, Sexual, Communal, Triumphant, Playful
Funkadelic – Cosmic Slop Read More »
Style: Ambient Lounge Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Hypnogogic Pop
Vibe: Pastel, Mellow, Lush, Nocturnal, Playful, Catchy, Romantic, Soft
Devendra Banhart – Ape in Pink Marble Read More »
Style: Slacker Rock, Indie
Vibe: Existential, Catchy, Angsty, Contemplative, Depressive, Spring
Built to Spill – Keep It like a Secret Read More »
Style: Progressive Rock
Vibe: Epic, Triumphant, Bombastic, Lush, Uplifting, Fantasy
Musical Attributes: Complex, Polyphonic, Progressive, Techncial, Symphonic
Yes – Close to the Edge Read More »
Style: Ambient
Vibe: Enveloping, Intricate, Reflective
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Melodic, Sampling, Tape Hiss, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Looping
fightmaster – quiet for quiet Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Gospel Folk, Bedroom Soul, Experimental Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Woozy, Imaginative, Cryptic, Warm, Ethereal, Stoned
Musical Attributes: Lo-fi, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Vocal Harmonies, Vocal Manipulation, Eclectic, Collage
Yves Jarvis – The Same but by Different Means Read More »
Style: Spiritual Jazz Fusion, Orchestral Jazz
Vibe: Cosmic, Epic, Religious (Hindu), Mysterious, Complex, Passionate, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Technical, Orchestral
Turiya Alice Coltrane & Devadip Carlos Santana – Illuminations Read More »
Style: Jazz Fusion
Vibe: Angular, Complex, Energetic, Triumphant,
Musical Attriubtes: Improvisation, Instrumental, Progressive, Riffs, Technical
Musicians: Larry Corryell, John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, Miroslav Vitous, Billy Cobham
Larry Coryell – Spaces Read More »
Style: Jazz Fusion
Vibe: Futuristic, Groovy, Surreal, Complex, Energetic
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Polished, Technical, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Weather Report – Mr. Gone Read More »
Style: Free Jazz
Vibe: Mysterious, Moody, Complex
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Polyphonic, Instrumental, Acoustic, Dynamic
Personnel: Henry Grimes (Upright Bass), Perry Robinson (Clarinet), Tom Price (Drums)
Henry Grimes Trio – The Call Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Trance Music, Avant-Jazz, Creative Music, Post-Minimalism
Influences: Gnawa, Spiritual Jazz, Raga, Kosmische Musik
Vibe: Earthy, Hypnotic, Meditative, Cosmic, Psychedelic, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Tribal
Musical Attributes: Polyrhythmic, Acoustic, Minimalistic, Improvisation, Percussive, Instrumental
Joshua Abrams – Natural Information Read More »
Style: Boom-Bap, Jazz Rap, East Coast Hip Hop
Vibe: Confident, Colorful, Warm, Playful, Poetic, Urban, Conscious
Musical Attributes: Lush, Sampling, Beats
A Tribe Called Quest – Midnight Marauders Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Math Rock, Post-Hardcore, Slowcore
Vibe: Angsty, Angular, Cold, Heavy, Impressionistic, Suspenseful
Lyrical Themes: Alienation, Existential, Poetic, Storytelling
Musical Attributes: Dynamic, Slow, Dissonant, Raw, Repetitive
Slint – Spiderland Read More »
Style: Soul Jazz, Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Uplifting, Joyful, Anthemic, Communal, Groovy, Spiritual, Spring
Musical Attributes: Complex, Improvisation (Chordal), Rhythmic, Technical, Thematic
Instrumentation: Piano, Upright Bass, Trumpet, Saxophone (Tenor), Flute, Drums, Trombone
The Awakening – Hear, Sense and Feel Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Trip-Hop, Experimental Electronic
Vibe: Nocturnal, Surreal, Introspective, Longing, Alienation, Abstract, Anxious, Dark, Depressive, Eclectic, Love, psychedelic
Yves Tumor – Safe in the Hands of Love Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Jazz, Creative Music, Post-Minimalism
Influences: Gnawa, Kosmische Music, Spiritual Jazz, Minimalism
Vibe: Earthy, Hypnotic, Exploratory, Mysterious, Ritualistic, Psychedelic
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Improvisation, Minimalistic, Percussive, Polyrhythmic
Josh Abrams & Natural Information Society – Representing Read More »
Style: Irish Folk Music, Celtic Folk
Vibe: Rootsy, Passionate, Communal, Depressive, Rebellious, Triumphant
Musical Attributes: Vocal Harmonies, Droney, Acoustic
Lankum – Between the Earth and Sky Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Pop, Progressive Pop
Vibe: Playful, Bittersweet, Satirical, Catchy
Musical Attributes: Lush, Progressive, Melodic, Lyrical, Polished
Jim O’Rourke – Simple Songs Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Goth, Post-Punk
Vibe: Cold, Dark, Moody, Psychedelic, Nihilistic, Nocturnal, Depressive
The Cure – Pornography Read More »
Style: Heavy Metal, Stoner Rock, Doom
Vibe: Heavy, Fuzzy, Anthemic, Dark, Ominous, Paranoid, Rebellious, Riffs, Stoned, Confident
Themes: Alienation, War, Political, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Black Sabbath – Paranoid Read More »
Style: Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Cosmic, Passionate, Spiritual, Uplifting
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Improvisation (Thematic & Collective), Loose, Percussive
Michael White – Spirit Dance Read More »
Style: Spiritual Folk, Psychedelic Chamber Music, Kosmische, New Age
Vibe: Ritualistic, Religious (Hindu), Hypnotic, Spiritual, Tribal
Musical Attributes Acoustic, Percussive, Raga-Influenced, Chants
Style: Post-Rock, Ambient-Jazz
Vibe: Focused, Futuristic, Mellow, Open, Soothing, Spacey
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Instrumental, Polished, Progressive
Matt Chamberlain, Viktor Krauss, and Dan Phelps – Modular: Sonic Explorations Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Experimental Rock
Influences: Dub, Kosmische Musik, Bossa Nova, Lounge, Minimalism, Jazz, Electronic
Vibe: Contemplative, Eclectic, Focused, Futuristic, Impressionistic, Lush, Meditative, Peaceful, Soothing
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Complex, Digital Production, Percussive, Polyphonic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Loops, Headphone Album, Rhythmic, Pulse, Instrumental, Progressive, Polished
Style: Psychedelic Minimalism, Post-Minimalism, Ritual Folk
Vibe: Ritualistic, Hallucinogenic, Hypnotic, Earthy, Primal, Psychedelic, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Electro-Acoustic, Loops, Minimalistic, Sampling
Instrumentation: Manipulated Vocals, Flute, Synthesizer (Moog), Drum Samples, Vibraphone
Ka Baird – Sapropelic Picnic Read More »
Style: New Weird America, Alt-Country, Psychedelic Americana, Chamber Folk
Vibe: Rustic, Rootsy, Bittersweet, Psychedelic
Musical Attributes: Chamber, Percussive, Studio-as-an-instrument, Rhythmic, Electro-Acoustic, Loops
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Vocals, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Fiddle, Mallet Percussion, Horns, Electronic Percussion, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Piano
Califone – All My Friends Are Funeral Singers Read More »
Style: Free Blues, Free Jazz
Vibe: Bluesy, Triumphant, Anthemic, Cathartic, Passionate
Musical Attributes: Solo Improvisation, Loops (Overdubs), Improvisation, Thematic, Instrumental, Melodic, Distorted
Sonny Sharrock – Guitar Read More »
Style: Psych Pop, Dream Pop, Shoegaze, Neo-Psychedelia
Vibe: Dreamy, Catchy, Lush, Warm, Alienation, Psychedelic, Studio-as-an-instrument
Musical Attributes: Melodic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Headphone Album
Tame Impala – Lonerism Read More »
Style: Ambient Pop, Free Folk, New Age
Vibe: Cosmic, Dreamy, Earthy, Ethereal, Lethargic, Meditative, Mystical, Passionate, Ritualistic, Soothing, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Droney, Slow
Natalie Rose Lebrecht – Mandarava Rose Read More »
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz
Vibe: Ritualistic, Spiritual, Triumphant, Uplifting, Warm, Cathartic, Communal, Cosmic, Energetic, Intense, Passionate
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Acoustic, Live, Polyphonic, Percussive, Multiple Drummers
Pharoah Sanders – Live at the East Read More »
Style: Instrumental Hip-Hop, Plunderphonics
Vibe: Bittersweet, Groovy, Heartfelt, Love, Warm, Lush
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Vignettes, Loops, Sound Collage, Rhythmic, Repetitive
Style: Experimental Singer/Songwriter, Avant-Folk, Drone
Vibe: Winter, Existential, Imaginative, Introspective, Contemplative, Epic, Philosophical, Poetic, Ethereal, Loner, Meditative, Eclectic
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Droney, Lo-Fi, Lyrical, Progressive
Mount Eerie – Sauna Read More »
Genre: Experimental Rock, Brutal Prog, Math Rock
Vibe: Exploratory, Cathartic, Cold, Angular, Adventurous
Musical Attributes: Instrumental, Complex, Loops, Dissonant, Odd Time Signatures, Progressive, Percussive, Dynamic, Improvisation
Ahleuchatistas – Head Full of Poison Read More »
A retrospective curation of some of the amazing music that came out in 2020…including LPs, Cassettes, EPs, Live albums and Archival Releases. Dig In!
Essential Spins of 2020 Read More »
Style: Progressive Electronic, Hypnogogic Pop, Neo-Psychedelia
Vibe: Surreal, Nostalgia, Sentimental, Catchy, Futuristic, Longing, Melancholy, Woozy, Uplifting, Eclectic
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Sound Collage, Progressive
Oneohtrix Point Never – Magic Oneohtrix Point Never Read More »
Style: Free Folk, Free Improvisation
Vibe: Psychedelic, Ritualistic, Tribal
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Atmospheric, atonal, dissonant, droney, improvisation, percussive, Electro-Acoustic
Toho Sara – Eastern Most Read More »
Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Aquatic, Atmospheric, Exploratory, Hallucinogenic, Abstract
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Sampling, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Animal Collective – Bridge to Quiet Read More »
Style: Organic Beat Music, Tribal Ambient, Ritual Psych-Folk, Progressive Electronic
Vibe: Hallucinogenic, Exploratory, Mysterious, Meditative, Hypnotic
Musical Attributes: Electro-Acoustic, Beats, Percussive, Polyphonic, Loops
Nuke Watch – Countdown Read More »
Style: Experimental, Electro-Acoustic, Noise, Drone
Vibe: Eerie, Noisy, Suspenseful
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Electro-acoustic, Improvisation (Solo), Dynamic, Atonal, Loops
Instrumentation: Electric Cello with Effects
Style: Nomadic Future Folk, Organic Beat Music, South African Folk, Progressive Folk??
Vibe: Heartfelt, Imaginative, Futuristic, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Earthy, Psychedelic
??Musical Qualities: Electro-acoustic, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive
dumama + kechou- Buffering Juju Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Rock, Free Rock, Jam Band, Tishoumaren-Influenced
Vibe: Groovy, Hypnotic, Colorful, Ritualistic, Communal, Psychedelic
Musical Attributes: Microtonal (Just Intonation), Improvisation (Collective), Instrumental, Progressive, Repetitive, Rhythmic, Thematic
Decolonize Your Mind Society – A Courteous Invitation to an Uninhabited Anabatic Prism Read More »
Style: Folk Rock, Chamber Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Influences: Celtic Folk, Trip-Hop, Bluegrass, North African Music, Arabic Folk, Blues
Vibe: Misty, Reflective, Warm, Eclectic, Sentimental, Sensitive, Romantic, Peaceful, Mystical
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Polished
Robert Plant – Carry Fire Read More »
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Experimental Big Band
Vibe: Cosmic, Energetic, Passionate, Colorful
Musical Attributes: Complex, Dynamic, Progressive, Suite, Polyrhythmic, Spoken Word
Rob Mazurek’s Exploding Star Orchestra – Dimensional Stardust Read More »
Style: Chamber Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Intimate, Introspective, Melancholy, Bittersweet
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Melodic, Polished, Lush
Helena Deland – Someone New Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Post-Minimalism, Progressive Folk
Influences: Kosmische Musik, American Primitive Guitar, Minimalism
Vibe: Airy, Nocturnal, Pastoral, Peaceful, Focused, Imaginative, Impressionistic, Contemplative, Warm
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Instrumental, Progressive, Pulse, Odd Time Signatures, Pulse, Dynamic, Headphone Album, Minimalistic
Ezra Feinberg – Recumbent Speech Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Art Rock, Shoegaze-Influenced
Vibe: Anthemic, Cathartic, Passionate, Philosophical, Poetic, Spiritual, Existential, Bittersweet
Musical Attributes: Dynamic, Lyrical, Improvisation, Polished
Young Jesus – Welcome to Conceptual Beach Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Chamber Folk
Vibe: Catchy, Eclectic, Groovy, Mellow, Soft, Soothing, Uplifting
Musical Attributes: Lush, Atmospheric, Complex, Polished
Thanya Iyer – Kind Read More »
Style: Ambient, Progressive Electronic
Vibe: Cosmic, Psychedelic, Exploratory, Atmospheric, Meandering
Ghost Coast / CMFRTR / Hidden Music – Energy Hum Volume One Read More »
Style: Loner Folk, Psych Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Introspective, Loner, Dark, Nocturnal, Psychedelic
Lyrical Themes: Philosophical, Existential, Death, Personal
Holy Sons – Raw & Disfigured Read More »
Style: Psych Rock, Kosmische-Influenced
Vibe: Introspective, Mystical, Spiritual, Confident, Conscious, Existential, Hypnotic, Motorik, Psychedelic, Uplifting
Deradoorian – Find the Sun Read More »
Psychedelic electro-acoustics and earthy minimalism from long-running avant-folk group Spires that in the Sunset Rise. The multi-instrumentalist duo of Ka Baird and Taralie Peterson ritualistically loop and layer a hypnotic tapestry of pre-verbal vocalizations, upright bass, flute, saxophone, synth, and autoharp, running each instrument through trippy stereo delays, visually represented by the two minute-apart clocks next to each other on the album cover. While not as witchy or jarring as the their early releases, Psychic Oscillations finds the band as entrancing as ever.
Spires that in the Sunset Rise – Psychic Oscillations [Review] Read More »
Style: South African Jazz, Spiritual Jazz, Progressive Jazz
Vibe: Conscious, Intense, Ritualistic, Cathartic
Lyrical Themes: History, Politics, Death, Spirituality
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Complex, Spoken Word, Technical
Shabaka & the Ancestors – We Are Sent Here by History Read More »
with Ken Vandermark, Jim Baker, Avreeayl Ra & Edward L. Wilkerson, Jr.
Style: Free Jazz
Vibes: Powerful, Ritualistic, Abstract, Communal, Responsive, Mysterious, Spiritual, Suspenseful, Adventurous
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Complex, Collective Improvisation, Thematic, Live, Ostinato
Luke Stewart – Exposure Quintet Read More »
Style: Art Pop, Trip-Hop, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Existential, Brooding, Cathartic, Exploratory, Futuristic, Heartfelt, Introspective, Sentimental
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Loops, Polished, Lush, Progressive, Headphone Album, Lyrical
Loma – Don’t Shy Away Read More »
Style: Progressive Pop, Synth Pop, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Colorful, Epic, Existential, Imaginative, Spiritual, Catchy, Love
Musical Attributes: Dense, Melodic, Lush, Polished, Progressive
Sufjan Stevens – The Ascension Read More »
This lost slab of mythical prog doesn’t shy away from indulging in the retro pleasures of instrumental psych-jammage and triumphant jazz-rock. The atmospheric guitar, spacey Moog, and Hammond organ playing are both epic and economical, nary a note wasted. Philip Grondahl’s violin playing on the opening track is especially heroic, recalling the flights of Jean-Luc Ponty or Mahavishnu’s Jerry Goodman. Despite their collective starward gaze, Klyfta remains firmly grounded by the tightness of the rhythm section. Aside from the explosive entropy of the first track (beginning with Anders Strand’s expansive upright bass solo), the grooves focus on repetitive momentum with unwavering determination.
Klyfta – Cosmic Pilgrimage: The Klyfta Tapes (1972-1975) Read More »
Style: Psych / Prog / Experimental Rock
Vibe: Bombastic, Hallucinogenic, Chaotic, Energetic, Psychedelic
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Dense, Complex, Rhythmic, Riffs, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Technical, Odd Time Signatures
Omar Rodriguez Lopez – Old Money Read More »
Style: Art Rock, Trip-Hop, Neo-Psychedelia, Hypnagogic Pop
Vibe: Nocturnal, Romantic, Dramatic, Eclectic, Energetic, Imaginative, Love, Sexual, Surreal, Woozy, Elegant
Musical Attributes: Polished, Progressive, Catchy, Dense, Rhythmic, Lush
Yves Tumor – Heaven to a Tortured Mind Read More »
Style: Bedroom Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Lo-Fi Songwriter
Vibe: Breezy, Eclectic, Ethereal, Intimate, Loner, Mellow, Peaceful, Psychedelic, Soothing, Stoned, Warm
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Lo-fi, Lush, Melodic, Catchy, Soft
Yves Jarvis – Sundry Rock Song Stock Read More »
Style: Organic Beat Music, Tribal Ambient, Gamelan, Post-Minimalism
Vibe: Earthy, Ethereal, Hypnotic, Soothing, Tribal, Warm
Musical Attributes: Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Loops, Rhythmic, Electro-Acoustic, Minimalistic
Asa Tone – Temporary Music Read More »
Style: Creative Music, Black Liberation Music, Avant-Garde Jazz
Vibe: Communal, Triumphant, Conscious, Earthy, Futuristic, Passionate, Political, Rebellious, Theatric
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Spoken Word, Suite, Percussive, Progressive, Live, Group Vocals
Damon Locks’ Black Monument Ensemble Read More »
Style: Abstract Groove, Jazz Fusion, Raga Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz, Ambient Jazz
Vibe: Exploratory, Abstract, Mysterious, Chaotic, Hypnotic, Psychedelic, Suspenseful
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Polyrhythmic, Rhythmic, Dense, Complex, Polyphonic
Featuring Dave Holland, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Bennie Maupin, Jack DeJohnette, Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, Airto Moreira and others
Miles Davis – Double Image Read More »
A brooding, droney cover of Neil Young’s Revolution Blues.
Jakob Battick & Tongue Depressor – Revolution Blues Read More »
Released in 2020 on Other People Records
Artist: Nicolas Jaar
Format: LPx2
Style: Progressive Electronic, Ambient Pop, Sound Sculpture
Vibe: Introspective, Mysterious, Nocturnal, Shadowy, Abstract, Dark, Hypnotic, Meditative
Musical Attributes: Electro-Acoustic, Progressive, Digital, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Nicolas Jaar – Cenizas Read More »
Blending elements of math rock, shoegaze, and early indie rock, Shuttering’s latest is an intimate expression of fluctuating emotional landscapes, with lyrical themes revolving around co-dependent relationships, anxiety, and healing from past trauma. How to Drown’s primary charm lies in its delicate balance between raw pathos and instrumental complexity.
[Follow link for full review]
Shutterings – How to Drown [Bandcamp Review] Read More »
Composer and upright bassist Spencer Zahn crafts a peaceful album of impressionistic and pastoral jazz that recalls Talk Talk, ECM Records, In a Silent Way, and Bill Frisell. The atmospheres are open and washy thanks to sweeping piano gestures and Dave Harrington’s guitar loopery, while the slow, rolling rhythms of drummer Kenny Wollesen and percussionist Mauro Refosco keep the results grounded.
Spencer Zahn – Sunday Painter Read More »
Style: Jazz Fusion, Future Jazz, Post-Rock
Vibe: Forest, Knotty, Intricate, Nature, Impressionistic, Mysterious
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Modal
[Click for album overview, listening links, and more information]
David Lord – Forest Standards, Vol. 2 Read More »
Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Psych Pop
Vibe: Catchy, Colorful, Hallucinogenic, Hypnotic, Psychedelic, Stoned, Summer, Sunny, Surreal, Warm
Musical Attributes: Loops, Sampling, Lush, Melodic, Rhythmic
Panda Bear – Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Vibe: Cinematic, Contemplative, Focused, Hypnotic, Mellow, Peaceful, Spacey, Stoned
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Riffs, Instrumental
featuring members of Grails and Slint
Watter – This World Read More »
Overview
Bass clarinet, pedal steel guitar, and synthesizer swirling together into a highly immersive and emotive combination of voices. Truly beautiful soundscapes that melt the worry away, with moments of quiet catharsis that I don’t experience very often in ambient music.
Golden Retriever & Chuck Johnson – Rain Shadow Read More »
