Style: Slowcore, Singer/Songwriter
Moods: Depressive, Existential Late Night Bus Rides, Autumnal, Lethargic, Introspective, Moody, Alienation, Sad, Misanthropic, Sombre, Melancholic, Poetic, Pessimistic, Breakup, Sentimental, Lonely
Musical Qualities: Slow, Sparse, Atmospheric
Style: Free Psych, Experimental Rock, Surf, Arabic Folk
Vibe: Desert, Mystical, Manic, Ritualistic, Tribal, Surreal, Eccentric, Playful, Psychedelic, Spiritual, Eclectic, Raw
Musical Qualities: Riffs, Dissonant, Fuzzy, Dynamic, Improvisation
Style: Chamber Rock, Slowcore, Post-Rock
Vibe: Aquatic, Melancholy, Flowing, Patient, Soothing, Meditative, Longing, Lonely, Dreamy, Mellow, Lethargic
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Loose, Soft, Instrumental, Loops, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Violin, Drums, Electric Guitar, Loops, Melodica, Piano, Harmonica
Style: Psych Folk, American Primitive Guitar, Ritual-Folk
Vibe: Forest, Ritualistic, Seeking, Mystical, Witchy, Nocturnal, Adventure
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Droney, Fingerstyle, Loose, Percussive, Modal, Raga
Style: Southern Rap, Psychedelic Hip-Hop, Neo-Soul
Vibe: Futuristic, Spacey, Philosophical, Surreal, Urban, Cerebral, Confident, Conscious, Storytelling, Determined, Conceptual
Musical Qualities: Technical, Progressive, Lyrical, Sampling, Group Vocals, Rhythmic
Style: Experimental Rock, Noise Rock
Vibe: Angsty, Hypnotic, Muscular, Deconstructed, Anxious, Aggressive, Surreal, Moody
Musical Qualities: Noisy, Dissonant, Repetitive, Rhythmic, Improvisation, Spoken Word
Style: Bedroom Psych, Drone, Noise Pop, Shoegaze, Space Folk
Vibe: Nocturnal, Murky, Dreamy, Introspective, Hazy, Hypnotic, Intimate, Washy, Ritualistic
Musical Qualities: Feedback, Drone, Atmospheric, Noisey, Lo-Fi
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Slowcore, Alt-Country, Loner Folk
Vibe: Existential, Warm, Morning, Spiritual, Deadpan, Peaceful, Poetic, Introspective, Lonely, Melancholy, Mellow, Contemplative, Intimate
Musical Qualities: Slow, Lo-fi, Lush, Soft, Sparse, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Pedal Steel, Piano, Hammond Organ, Guitar, Trumpet, Drums, Drum Machine, Hurdy Gurdy, French Horn
Style: Lo-Fi Songwriter, Loner Folk, Slowcore
Vibe: Intimate, Sad, Ethereal, Hypnotic, Heartfelt, Stream of Consciousness, Introspective, Longing, Depressive, Lonely, Melancholy, Loss
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Acoustic, Lo-Fi, Minimalistic, Raw, Repetitive
Style: Drill & Bass, Future Jazz, IDM
Vibe: Mechanical, Winter, Energetic, Urban, Nocturnal, Chaotic, Cold, Anxious, Futuristic, Mysterious, Surreal
Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Instrumental, Technical, Complex, Sampling, Fast
Instrumentation: Drum Machines, Fretless Bass, Electric Bass, Sampler, Synthesizers, Keyboards
Style: Trip-Hop
Vibe: Noir, Brooding, Sensual, Passionate, Melancholy, Angsty, Sombre, Mysterious, Cinematic, Anxious, Sad, Dark
Musical Qualities: Orchestral, Live, Lush, Dense, Rhythmic, Sampling
Style: Gnawa, Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Ceremonial, Hypnotic, Communal, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Uplifting, Serpentine, Warm, Desert, Tribal
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Acoustic, Repetitive, Chants, Improvisation, Microtonal
Instrumentation: Guimbri, Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, Group Vocals, Clapping
Featuring Jim O’Rourke, Josh Abrams, Rob Mazurek, Chad Taylor, John McEntire, Julie Pomerleau, & Archer Prewitt
Style: Chamber Pop, Jazz Pop, Lounge Music
Influences: Bossa Nova, Math Rock, Post-Rock
Vibe: Gentle, Breezy, Intricate, Summer, Intertwined, Mellow, Bright, Smooth
Musical Qualities: Lush, Soft, Polished, Melodic
Style: Braindance / IDM, Acid Techno
Vibe: Anxious, Ominous, Romantic, Aggressive, Playful, Bittersweet, Surreal, Mechanical
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Melodic, Instrumental, Noisy, Repetitive
Instrumentation: Drum Machine, Synthesizers, Organ, Sampling, Drums, Percussion
Style: Psych, Shoegaze, Free Rock
Vibe: Cathartic, Searching, Cryptic, Heartfelt, Warm, Hypnotic, Sensual, Meandering, Nocturnal, Lethargic, Introspective
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Dense, Washy, Riffs, Lo-fi, Loose
Style: Trip-Hop, Dub Poetry, Post-Industrial
Vibe: Brooding, Surreal, Mechanical, Feminist, Surreal, Evocative, Muscular, Dreamy, Witchy, Aggressive, Urban, Storytelling, Conversational
Musical Qualities: Spoken Word, Loops, Beats, Dub
Style: Psychedelic / Chamber Folk
Vibe: Pastoral, Spiritual, Sentimental, Haunting, Medieval, Spring, Peaceful
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Progressive, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Cello, Flutes (Kaval, Recorder), Hurdy Gurdy, Drums, Piano, Tanpura, Analogue Synthesizers, Electric Guitar, Tympani, Vibes
Style: Ambient Dub, Post-Rock, Experimental Electronic
Vibe: Hypnotic, Spacey, Mellow, Abstract, Nocturnal
Musical Qualities: Remix, Atmospheric, Rhythmic, Instrumental, Sampling, Loops
LP, Thrill Jockey, 1998 Reissue (2015) Style: Chamber Folk Vibe: Pastoral, Peaceful, Warm, Focused, Morning, Intertwined Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Technical, Melodic Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitars, Acoustic Bass, Classical Guitar, Irish Bazouki, and Dobro
Style: Noise Pop, Shoegaze, Indie Rock
Vibe: Autumnal, Nocturnal, Intimate, Heartfelt, Bittersweet, Eclectic, Sentimental, Romantic, Raw, Reflective
Musical Qualities: Loose, Melodic, Noisy, Driving, Jammy, Vocal Harmonies
Style: Ambient Blues, Solo Electric Guitar
Vibe: Longing, Soothing, Nocturnal, Impressionistic, Lonely, Meditative, Melancholy, Suspenseful,
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Improvisation (solo), Atmospheric, Instrumental, Lo-fi
Style: Lo-Fi Folk, Slowcore Country, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Religious, Raw, Melancholy, Back-Porch, Lethargic, Stark, Intimate, Rustic
Lyrics: Christian, Alienation, Sexual
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Lo-Fi
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Ambient Chamber Jazz, Post-Rock
Vibe: Peaceful, Intimate, Introspective, Spiritual, Reflective, Meditative, Melancholy, Mellow, Sentimental, Ethereal, Autumnal
Musical Qualities: Soft, Sparse, Acoustic, Atmospheric
Instrumentation: Voice, Bassoon, Clarinet, Piano, Upright Bass, Flute, Trumpet, Guitar
Musical Qualities: Polished, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Percussive, Rhythmic, Catchy
Style: Trip-Hop, Post-Rock, Experimental Rock
Vibe: Busy, Chaotic, Nocturnal, Psychedelic, Energetic
Musical Attributes: Odd Time Signatures, Polyrhythmic, Studio-as-an-instrument, Dense, Sampling, Percussive
Style: Post-Rock, Avant-Rock, Experimental Singer/Songwriter, Chamber-Folk
Vibe: Cryptic, Warm, Cerebral, Spring, Exploratory, Eclectic, Melancholy
Musical Attributes: Odd Time Signatures, Progressive Structures, Melodic
Style: Surreal Pop, Imaginative Singer/Songwriter, Prog-Pop, Canterbury Scene
Vibe: Dreamy, Ethereal, Airy, Floating, Surreal, Eclectic, Introspective, Complex, Mellow, Imaginative, Atmospheric
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Melodic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Active listening, Jazz-Influenced
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
Style: Progressive Folk-Rock, Psych-Folk, Raga Rock
Vibe: Mysterious, Earthy, Eclectic, Epic, Exploratory, Psychedelic, Ritualistic, Tribal
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Dynamic, Acoustic, Complex
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
Style: Slowcore-Country, Singer-Songwriter
Vibe: Brooding, Hypnotic, Conversational, Reflective, Intimate, Lethargic, Confident, Moody, Overcast
Musical Attributes: Slow, Repetitive, Focused
Style: Slacker Rock, Indie
Vibe: Existential, Catchy, Angsty, Contemplative, Depressive, Spring
Style: Boom-Bap, Jazz Rap, East Coast Hip Hop
Vibe: Confident, Colorful, Warm, Playful, Poetic, Urban, Conscious
Musical Attributes: Lush, Sampling, Beats
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
Style: Free Folk, Free Improvisation
Vibe: Psychedelic, Ritualistic, Tribal
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Atmospheric, atonal, dissonant, droney, improvisation, percussive, Electro-Acoustic
Style: Psychedelic Folk, Drone-Folk, Lo-Fi Songwriter, Neo-Psychedelia
Vibe: Loner, Nocturnal, Forest, Sombre, Autumnal, Spacey
Musical Attributes: Lo-Fi, Noisy, Atmospheric, Droney
Style: Trip-Hop, U.K. Hip-Hop
Vibe: Dark, Nocturnal, Sexual, Surreal, Eclectic, Introspective, Love
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Beats, Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Lyrical
Style: Chamber Folk–Pop, Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Warm, Lush, Deadpan, Uplifting, Soothing, Humorous, Soft
Musical Attributes: Lyrical, Melodic, Polished
Style: Trip-Hop
Vibe: Moody, Urban, Dystopian, Eclectic, Nocturnal, Dark, Melancholy, Groovy
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Dynamic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Polished
Style: East Coast Hip-Hop, Boom Bap, Jazz Rap
Vibe: Conscious, Uplifting, Groovy, Confident, Urban
Lyrics/Themes: Philosophical, Political, Black Pride, Racism, Spiritual, Islam
Musical Attributes: Lyrical, Sampling, Beats, Turntables, Live Instrumentation (Rhodes, Electric Bass)
Style: Progressive Pop, Space Age Pop
Influences: Kosmische Musik, Bossa Nova, French Pop, Lounge
Vibe: Spacey, Lush, Retro-Futuristic, Catchy, Groovy, Motorik, Nocturnal, Uplifting
Musical Attributes: Melodic, Headphone Album, Odd Time Signatures, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive, Lyrical
Lyrics: Philosophical, Political, Communist, Bi-Lingual (English and French)
Instrumentation: Synthesizers, Vibraphone, Drums, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Vocals, Brass, Strings, Keys (Organ, Clavinet, Harpsichord, Wurlitzer)
Style: Trip-Hop
Vibe: Noir, Nocturnal, Sad, Dark, Witchy, Sinister, Depressive, Angsty, Anxious, Sombre, Introspective
Instrumentation: Vocals, Turntables, Sampling, Guitar, Keyboards, Synth, Drums
Style: IDM, Trip-Hop, Electro-Jazz, Drum n’ Bass
Vibe: Nocturnal, Surreal, Futuristic, Energetic, Mechanical, Ominous, Urban
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Complex, Rhythmic, Repetitive
Originally released on CD in 1996 on Young God Records First vinyl pressing (2018) Format: LPx4
Originally released in 1997 Plain Records reissue (2010) Format LPx2
Originally released in 1998 Exiled Records reissue (2016) Format: LPx2, blank D-side
Originally released in 1995 on Creation Records 2012 Music On Vinyl reissue Format: LP
Originally Released in 1994 on Circa Records 2017 Fire Records reissue Format: LPx2, 45 RPM
Originally released in 1997 on Thrill Jockey Records 2012 Reissue on translucent red vinyl Format: LP
Originally released in 1996 on Thrill Jockey Records 2017 Reissue on clear vinyl Format:: LP
Released in 1999 on Drag City Records Format: LP Includes Poster
Originally released in 1998 on Virgin Records Bootleg pressing Format: LPx2 Purchase (2017 Official Reissue)
Originally released in 1994 2013 Light In the Attic Reissue Format: LPx2
Originally released in 1991 on Jive Records 2000s reissue Format: LPx2
Originally released in 1996 on Kranky Records 2016 Reissue Format: LPx2
Originally released in 1998 on Up Records 2019 Numero Group Reissue Format: LP
Released in 1997 on Drag City Records Format: LP
Style: Experimental Rock, Post-Rock
Influences: Kosmische Musik, Minimalism
Vibe: Minimalistic, Exploratory, Spacey, Raw, Noisy, Abstract
Musical Attributes: Instrumental, Repetitive, Analogue Recording
Originally released in 1994 on Thrill Jockey Records 2016 reissue Recorded November 29 thru December 5, 1993
Originally released in 1999 2009 reissue on FatCat Records Format: LPx2, 180
Released in 1999 on Drag City Records Format: LP
Released in 1996 on Mo Wax Records Format: LPx2
Released in 1998 on Warp Records Format: LP
Released in 1999 on Warner Bros Original [PIAS] Pressing Format: LPx2, including bonus tracks not on CD version
Released in 1991 on Touch and Go Records 2000’s pressing Format: LP
Originally released in 1999 on Chemikal Underground 2014 Deluxe Pressing Format: LPx4 box set, includes poster
On experimental musician David Grubb’s first dedicated songwriter outing, he synthesizes technical bluegrass banjo and fingerstyle acoustic guitar playing with imaginative arrangements, abrupt stylistic shifts, philosophical questioning lyrics, improvisation, and drones. Featured musicians include drummer John McEntire (Tortoise, The Sea and Cake), bassist Josh Abrams (Natural Information Society), and drone violinist Tony Conrad.
Originally released in 1991 on Polydor 2011 pressing on Ba Da Bing Records Format: LP
Originally released in 1999 on Temporary Residence 2016 expanded edition
Originally released in 1993 on Duophonic Records This pressing was released in 2012 on 1972 Records Format: LPx2
Doug McComb’s first album as Brokeback is imbued with pastoral Impressionism, experimentalism, and a sense of Zen contentment. The record is mostly centered around his Bass VI, a short-scale bass with six strings that is trebly enough to function in both guitar and bass roles. This versatile instrument is usually wet with chorus and reverb that sculpt a fluid, aquatic tone to complement the slow, tranquil melodies. Outside of some solo pieces Doug is joined by a variety of accompaniment including lap steel guitar, synth, upright bass, Rhodes, vocals from Mary Hansen, and light percussion provided by producer/Tortoise bandmate John McEntire. This is a record that can be appreciated from a passive impressionistic standpoint, as well as under the microscopic attention of an engaged ear. (Follow link for full review)
Recommended for fans of Tortoise or Ennio Morricone’s spaghetti Western soundtracks
The third album from the Melbourne (Au) violin/guitar/drum trio consists of loose, drifting instrumentals that conjure images of vast, open plains. Though the music here is often melancholic and lethargic, it is occasionally swept up with bursts of passionate energy and possessed by cathartic longing (especially the pleading and utterly beautiful violin solo on “Warren’s Lament”). All three instrumentalists have very individual styles that complement and dialogue with each other in refreshingly unique ways.
“Side A is cut at 45rpm and features “Moya”, a broiling cascade of upward scales that repeatedly explodes beyond its own threshold. “BBF3” on Side B clocks in at 18 minutes, and was the band’s most lyrical, multi-movement music to date — more elaborated melodic figures wind around an angry spoken-word field recording (infamously culminating in the recital of the speaker’s poem — verses lifted straight from Iron Maiden)”
Style: Singer/Songwriter
Subgenres: Slowcore, Country, Folk
Vibe: Depressive, Intimate, Lonely, Sad, Introspective, Raw, Loner
Musical Attributes: Lo-fi, Sparse, Raw, Simple
Originally released in 1996 on Thrill Jockey Records 2012 pressing
Originally released in 1995 on Mute Records 2015 Pressing
Space Age Pop
The apocalyptic sounds of spiritual warfare.
Album Information: Released in 1997 on Constellation Records Format: LP, includes inserts, a flyer, and a penny smashed by a train
Album Information: This album was self-released on CD in 1997 This pressing was released by Constellation Records in 2013 Format: 2xLP, 180g, Includes die-cut sleeve with 4 alternative cover inserts
Album Information: Released in 1996 on Matador Records
Album Information: Originally released in 1993 on Creation Records This pressing was manufactured in 2011 by Music on Vinyl for Sony Music
Album Information: Originally released in 1996 on Duophonic Records This pressing was released in 2013 on 1972 Records Produced by John McEntire & the Groop Recorded in London and Chicago Format: LPx2
Album Information: Released on Palace Records in 1999
An introspective, instrumental journey of pastoral fingerstyle guitar, occasionally joined by piano, synth and horn arrangements
