Style: Kosmische Jazz, Progressive Electronic, New Age
Vibe: Healing, Cosmic, Warm, Ethereal, Colorful, Uplifting, Spiritual, Exploratory, Heartfelt, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Repetitive, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Atmospheric, Instrumental
Instrumentation: Keyboards, Synthesizers, Upright Bass, Saxophone, Electric Guitar, Drums, Flute, Harp
Rich Ruth – I Survived, It’s Over Read More »
Style: Experimental Singer/Songwriter, Warped Folk Ballads
Vibe: Gentle, Woozy, Romantic, Reflective, Intertwined, Poetic, Warm
Musical Qualities: Crooning Vocals, Improvised Experimental Guitar, Looping
Eric Chenaux – Say Laura Read More »
Vibe: Anthemic, Communal, Uplifting, Colorful, Celebratory, Spiritual, Mournful, Healing, Bittersweet
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Thematic, Percussive, Acoustic, Lush, Instrumental
Instrumentation: Percussion, Drums, Trumpet, Keyboard, Piano, Cello, Upright Bass, Violin, Baritone Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute, String Quartet
Style: Spiritual Jazz
Kahil El’Zabar’s America the Beautiful Read More »
Style: Chamber Pop, Post-Rock, Chamber Jazz, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Reflective, Warm, Intertwined, Nature, Breezy, Spiritual, Morning, Apocalyptic, Uplifting
Musical Qualities: Lush, Soft, Suite, Melodic
Instrumentation: Vocals, Soprano Saxophone, Piano, Trumpet, Upright Bass, Electric Guitar, Drums, Cello, Reed Organ, Viola, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet
Modern Nature – Island of Noise Read More »
Style: Sophisti-Pop, Synth Pop, New Wave, Art Rock
Vibe: Detached, Existential, Luxurious, Angsty, Deadpan, Poetic, Dance, Melancholy, Cryptic, Anxious
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Polished, Rhythmic, Lyrical
Destroyer – LABYRINTHITIS Read More »
Style: Future Jazz, Free Jazz Theater, Jazz Poetry
Vibe: cathartic, cerebral, dystopian, energetic, futuristic, bombastic, intense, noisy, passionate, poetic, political, powerful, rebellious, urban, heavy, AfroFuturist
Musical Attributes: Complex, Conceptual, Dense, Dissonant, Spoken Word, Theatric, Progressive, Polyphonic, Improvisation
Moor Mother – Circuit City Read More »
Style: Dream Folk, Jazz-Folk, Warped Americana
Vibes: Warm Melancholy, Springtime Reflection, Rootsy, Early Afternoons in the Garden, Dreamy, Intertwined, Heartfelt
Musical Qualities: Lush; Improvised Arrangements; Studio-as-an-Instrument, Melodic, Vocal Fx
Instrumentation: Banjo, Saxophone, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Flute, Acoustic Bass, Synthesizers, Piano
Sam Amidon – Sam Amidon Read More »
Style: Psych-Jazz, Jazz-Funk, Spiritual Jazz, Afrobeat
Vibe: Sunny, Mysterious, Triumphant, Groovy, Serpentine, Psychedelic, Warm, Spiritual, Ancient, Cosmic, Eclectic, Energetic, Mystical, Retro-Futuristic
Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Percussive, Thematic, Polyphonic, Suite
King Khan – The Infinite Ones Read More »
Style: Organic Beat Music, Spiritual Jazz, Cosmic Folk
Vibe: Intertwined, Hypnotic, Earthy, Warm, Spiritual, Cosmic
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Percussive, Acoustic, Improvisation, Electro-Acoustic, Beats
Instrumentation: Clarinet, Keyboards, Piano, Drum Machine, Percussion, Cornet, Upright Bass, Pocket Trumpet
Angel Bad Dawid – Transition East Read More »
a collection of 50+ essential releases from 2021
Deep Rotations: 2021 — 50+ Essential Records Read More »
Style: Avant-Folk, Tribal Drone-Doom, Southeast Asian Folk Music
Vibe: Ceremonial, Apocalyptic, Aggressive, Hypnotic, Murky, Shadowy, Dark, Tribal
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Acoustic, Fuzzy, Heavy, Loops, Noisy, Repetitive, Droney, Extended Technique, Electroacoustic
Instrumentation: Homemade Bamboo Instruments, Electroacoustic Treatments, Percussion, Throat Singing, Chants
Style: Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Warm, Spring, Rootsy, Peaceful, Tender, Morning, Rustic, Lethargic, Nature
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies, Melodic
Michael Hurley – The Time of the Foxgloves Read More »
Style: Slowcore, Post-Rock, Progressive Songwriter
Vibe: Oceanic, Ethereal, Unstable, Intimate, Bittersweet, Tamed Wilderness, Reflective, Gentle, Exploratory, Hypnotic, Pastoral, Poetic
Mess Esque – Mess Esque Read More »
Style: Bedroom Pop, Psychedelic Soul
Vibe: Woozy, Groovy, Ethereal, Hazy, Catchy
Curt Sydnor – The Consort Read More »
Style: Free Jazz, Future Jazz, Jazz Poetry, Liberation Music
Vibe: Ritualistic, Triumphant, Aquatic, Communal, Futuristic, Philosophical, Poetic, Anthemic, Cerebral, Confident, Conscious, Determined, Epic, Existential, Groovy, Healing, Heavy, Liberation, Political, Powerful, Rebellious, Evocative, Mystical, Intertwined
Musical Qualities: Thematic, Collective Improvisation, Acoustic Instrumentation, Spoken Word, Progressive Structures, Rhythmic, Polyphonic, Dynamic, Complex, Dub Fx
Irreversible Entanglements – Open the Gates Read More »
Style: Future Jazz, Organic Beat Music, Jazz Rap, Collage Pop
Vibe: Triumphant, Spiritual, Quilted, Poetic, Communal, Conscious, Christian
Musical Qualities: Sound Collage, Vignettes, Sampling, Beats, Rapping, Spoken Word, Rhythmic, Polished, Loops
Jamire Williams – But Only After You Have Suffered Read More »
Style: Progressive Pop, Baroque Pop
Vibe: Epic, Surreal, Haunting, Ethereal, Passionate, Dramatic, Dreamy, Romantic (LP1), Triumphant, Fantasy, Uplifting (LP1), Grandiose, Theatric, Brooding (LP2), Spacey (LP2)
Musical Qualities: Dense, Orchestral, Progressive, Polyphonic, Polished, Melodic, Rhythmic
Spellling – The Turning Wheel Read More »
Style: Creative Music, Future Jazz, Organic Beat Music, Pan-Americana, Art Pop
Vibe: Romantic, Sci-Fi, Determined, Triumphant, Colorful, Eclectic, Communal, Futuristic, Groovy, Rootsy, Spiritual, Warm
Musical Qualities: Thematic, Polyphonic, Percussive, Polyrythmic, Percussive, Improvisation, Electro-Acoustic, Progressive
Ben Lamar Gay – Open Arms to Open Us Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Drone, Free Folk
Vibe: Ritualistic, Hypnotic, Cathartic, Earthy, Psychedelic, Communal
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Drone, Improvisation, Live, Dissonant, Instrumental, Dynamic
Instrumentation: Piano, Fiddle, Harmonium, Gong, Bells, Singing Bowl, Percussion, Banjo
Pelt – Reticence / Resistance Read More »
Style: Free Jazz
Vibe: Powerful, Energetic, Cosmic, Kinetic, Driving
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dynamic, Acoustic, Instrumental
Instrumentation: Upright Bass, Sitar (w/ Electronics), Drums, Saxophone
Luke Stewart & Jarvis Earnshaw Quartet Read More »
Style: Noise Pop, Glitch Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Hyper Dream Pop, Shoegaze
Vibe: Disorienting, Woozy, Messy, Dreamy, Futuristic, Chaotic, Surreal, Dystopian, Cryptic, Alienation, Bittersweet, Colorful, Energetic, Washy, Urban,
Musical Qualities: Noisy, Dense, Catchy, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Vocal Manipulation, Suite, Melodic, Progressive
Spirit of the Beehive – Entertainment, Death Read More »
Style: Experimental Hip-Hop
Vibe: Futuristic, Mellow, Aquatic, Brooding, Cryptic, Haunting, Liberation, Philosophical, Poetic, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Sombre, Sci-Fi
Musical Qualities: Rap, Vocal Manipulations, Glitchy, Sampling, Digital, Spoken Word, Catchy, Suite, Percussive, Sound Collage
Moor Mother – Black Encyclopedia of the Air Read More »
Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Post-Minimalism, Kosmische, Ambient, Progressive Electronic
Vibe: Cosmic, Hypnotic, Eclectic, Psychedelic, Focused
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Shredding, Droney, Improvisation, Minimalistic, Repetitive, Riffs
Six Organs of Admittance – The Veiled Sea Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Dance Score, Experimental Rock
Influences: Krautrock, IDM, Industrial, Drone
Vibe: Dystopian, Motorik, Mechanical, Ominous, Paranoid, Gloomy, Cold, Suspenseful
Musical Qualities: Driving, Repetitive, Rhythmic, Atmospheric, Droney
Fly Pan Am – Frontera Read More »
Style: Post-Punk, Math Rock, Art Rock
Vibes/Moods: Alienation, Overstimulated, Anxious, Urban, Eccentric, Anthemic, Satirical, Dystopian, Angular, Chaotic, Colorful, Urban, Philosophical, Playful
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Dissonant, Riffs, Dynamic, Dense, Melodic, Rhythmic
Media Jeweler – The Sublime Sculpture of Being Alive Read More »
Style: Free Pop, Bedroom Psych, Progressive Soul
Vibe: Spontaneous, Woozy, Imaginative, Brooding, Surreal, Loose, Eclectic, Raw, Playful, Fuzzy, Psychedelic, Colorful
Musical Qualities: Post-Production, Progressive, Vocal Harmonies, Manipulated Vocals, Studio Improvisation, Distorted
Lightman Jarvis Ecstatic Band – Banned Read More »
Style: Neoclassical Darkwave, Symphonic Rock, Singer-Songwriter
Moods/Vibe: Cathartic, Brooding, Sombre, Mystical, Epic, Ominous, Motorik, Spiritual, Cinematic, Powerful, Mourning, Funereal
Musical Qualities: Orchestral, Driving, Lush, Dense
Circuit Des Yeux – -io Read More »
Featuring Laraaji, Shabaka Hutching, Sam Gendel, Jamire Williams, Aaron Shaw, Sharada, Jamael Dean, Nate Mercereau, Jira ><, Adam Rudolph, Devin Daniels
Style: Ambient Jazz, Ambient Beats, New Age
Vibe: Healing, Airy, Soothing, Woozy, Peaceful, Hypnotic, Aquatic, Communal, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Improvisation, Beats, Sampling, Sound Sculpture, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Field Recordings
Carlos Niño & Friends – More Energy Fields, Current Read More »
Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Progressive Electronic, Art Pop
Vibe: Psychedelic, Groove, Cryptic, Mysterious, Surreal, Warm, Headphone Album
Musical Qualities: Melodic, Lush, Progressive, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Style: Dream Country, Slow-Drip Americana, Gothic Country, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Sedated, Nocturnal, Contemplative, Dreamy, Haunting, Pastoral, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Slow, Sparse, Acoustic, Lyrical
Jakob Battick – Rabbit’s Moon Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Folk, Drone Rock
Vibe: Passionate, Hypnotic, Weary, Cathartic, Rootsy, Sorrowful
Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Driving, Droney, Dynamic
The Body & Big | Brave – Leaving None but Small Birds Read More »
Style: Avant-Chamber Jazz, Poly-Free Improvisation
Vibe: Abstract, Open, Suspenseful
Musical Attributes: Thematic Collective Improvisation, Instrumental
Instrumentation: Slide Guitar, Violin, Electric Guitar, Drums, Upright Bass
Susan Alcorn Quintet – Pedernal Read More »
Style: Cosmic Blues, Jazz Fusion, Spiritual Jazz, Abstract Groove
Vibe: Cathartic, Kinetic, Energized, Exploratory, Cosmic, Spiritual, Propulsive
Musical Qualities: Power Trio, Collective Improvisation, Rhythmic, Dynamic, Loose, Instrumental, Ostinato
William Parker – Mayan Space Station Read More »
Style: Hip-Hop (Hardcore, Boom-Bap, Experimental, East Coast)
Vibe: Gritty, Ritualistic, Ominous, Dystopian, Philosophical, Futuristic, Apocalyptic, Cold, Cryptic, Dark, Philosophical, Political, Surreal, Woozy, Conscious
Musical Qualities: Sampling, Beats, Percussive, Noisy, Lyrical, Spoken Word, Rhythmic
Moor Mother & billy woods – Brass Read More »
Style: Ritual Folk, Drone
Vibe: Ancient, Forest, Meditative, Ritualistic, Intimate, Devotional, Earthy, Nature, Autumnal, Contemplative
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Field Recordings, Drone, Atmospheric, Sparse, Suite
Fletcher Tucker – Unlit Trail Read More »
Style: Abstract Groove, Psychedelic Funk, Cosmic Blues, Trip-Hop
Vibe: Stream-of-Consciousness, Reflective, Futuristic, Mechanical, Jagged, Groovy, Psychedelic, Spacey, Poetic, Driving, Anxious
Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Dub, Cut Up, Vocal Improvisation, Dense, Percussive
Lonnie Holley & Matthew E. White – Broken Mirror Read More »
Style: Future Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz
Vibe: History, Collage, Futuristic, Eclectic, Complex
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Percussive, Electro-Acoustic, Spoken Word, Suite
Aquiles Navarro & Tcheser Holmes Read More »
Style: Trip-Hop, Ambient Pop, Electronic
Vibe: Nocturnal, Moody, Melancholy, Ethereal, Detached, Lonely, Cold, Heartfelt, Depressive
Musical Qualities: Sampling, Atmospheric, Slow, Mellow
Burial + Four Tet + Thom Yorke – Her Revolution / His Rope Read More »
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Progressive Fusion
Vibe: Nocturnal, Groovy, Primal, Surreal, Alien, Propulsive, Powerful, Seductive, Suspenseful, Moody, Monochromatic
Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Polyphonic, Complex, Dissonant, Extended Technique, Thematic Improvisation, Repetition, Experimental Vocals
Style: Progressive Bluegrass, Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Energetic, Heartfelt, Rootsy, Communal, Passionate, Sunny, Warm
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lyrical, Fast, Technical
Instrumentation: Mandolin, Fiddle, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Banjo, Upright Bass
Sturgill Simpson – Cuttin Grass – Vol. 2 (Cowboy Arms Sessions) Read More »
Style: Americana, Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Slowcore
Vibe: Moody, Cryptic, Grim, Playful, Surreal, Stark, Sexual, Bittersweet, Warm, Dark Humor
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Acoustic, Melodic, Sparse
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billie & Matt Sweeney – Superwolves Read More »
Joshua Abrams – Guimbri
Chad Taylor – Mbira
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Percussive, Repetitive, Sparse, Acoustic, Minimalist
Mind Maintenance – Mind Maintenance Read More »
Style: Drone, Tape Music, Ambient, Drone-Folk
Vibe: Nocturnal, Haunting, Hypnotic, Ethereal, Meditative, Warm, Nature, Nostalgia
Musical Qualities: Sound Collage, Instrumental, Field Recordings, Collage, Electro-Acoustic, Noisy, Home Recording, Vignettes
Instrumentation: Tapes, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Piano, Drum Machine, Synthesizers, Bass, Keyboard, Percussion, Bass Clarinet (B2)
Ilyas Ahmed & Jefre Cantu-Ledesma – You Can See Your Own Way Out Read More »
Style: Black Classical Music, Spiritual Jazz, Organic Beat Music
Vibe: Kinetic, Spiritual, Playful, Groovy, Exploratory, Elegant, Intertwined, Retro, Loose
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Percussive, Acoustic, Rhythmic, Dubbed Out
Jahari Massamba Unit – Pardon My French Read More »
Style: Hardcore Boom-Bap, Experimental Hip-Hop
Vibe: Gritty, Cerebral, Ominous, Futuristic, Restrained, Cryptic, Spiritual, Storytelling, Urban, Powerful
Musical Qualities: Beats, Sampling, Rhythmic
Armand Hammer & The Alchemist – Haram Read More »
Style: Kosmische Jazz, Analogue Electronic
Vibe: Exploratory, Hypnotic, Adventurous, Mystical, Focused, Spacey
Musical Qualities: Pulse, Improvisation, Instrumental, Headphone Album, Odd Time Signatures, Polyphonic, Progressive
Instrumentation: Flute, Cornet, Organ, Wurlitzer, Synthesizers, Woodwinds, Double Drummers
Rob Frye – Exoplanet Read More »
Personnel:
David Grubbs (Electric Guitar, Vocals)
Rob Mazurek (Piccolo Trumpet, Electronics, Wooden Flute, Percussion, Voice)
Mats Gustafsson (Flute, Fluteophone, Baritone Saxophone, Live Electronics)
Style: Electroacoustic Improvisation, Future Jazz, Experimental Songwriter (B1,
Vibe: Suspenseful, Futuristic, Abstract, Spacious, Cerebral, Eclectic, Exploratory, Open, Patient, Cathartic, Ritualistic
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Electro-Acoustic, Percussive, Noise, Atonality, Dissonance, Dynamic, Live, Atmospheric
The Underflow – Instant Opaque Evening Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock
Vibe: Panoramic, Peaceful, Contemplative, Uplifting, Morning, Breezy, Warm, Open, Mellow
Musical Qualities: Lush, Polished, Melodic, Catchy, Lyrical
Steve Gunn – Other /\ You Read More »
Style: Jazz-Pop, Neo-Soul, Math Rock
Vibe: Groovy, Reflective, Heartfelt, Smooth
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Technical, Polished, Melodic
Style: Progressive Songwriter, Jazz-Rock, Prog-Folk, Post-Rock
Vibe: Spring, Introspective, Warm, Intertwoven, Bright, Colorful, Carefree, Reflective, Personal
Musical Qualities: Lush, Progressive, Odd Time Signatures, Intricate, Dynamic, Polished, Improvisation, Lyrical, Riffs, Orchestral Arrangements
Ryley Walker – Course in Fable Read More »
Style: Art-Rock, Progressive Songwriter, Trip-Hop, Post-Punk
Vibe: Brooding, Woozy, Grimey, Nocturnal, Angsty, Introspective, Surreal, Shadowy
King Krule – Man Alive! Read More »
Style: Jazz-Rock, Abstract Groove, Free Fusion
Vibe: Menacing, Driving, Fuzzy, Complex, Adventurous, Energetic
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Modal, Rhythmic
Instrumentation: Drums, Electric Guitar w/ Fuzz & Fx, Upright Bass
João Lobo – Simorgh Read More »
Style: Wassoulou, Afro-Pop
Vibe: Groovy, Dance, Sunny, Upbeat, Passionate, Catchy, Hypnotic
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Percussive, Group Vocals, Technical
Nahawa Doumbia – Kanawa Read More »
Style: Avant-Soul, Psychedelic Funk, Trip-Hop
Vibe: Heartfelt, Passionate, Raw, Reflective, Communal, Intimate, Afrofuturism, Nocturnal, Political, Mournful, Eclectic, Powerful
Musical Qualities: Progressive, Groovy, Dynamic, Beats
Mourning [A] BLKstar – The Cycle Read More »
Style: Free Pop, Progressive R&B, Psychedelic Soul, Art Pop, Gospel-Influenced
Vibe: Woozy, Ethereal, Cryptic, Impressionistic, Heartfelt, Imaginative, Dramatic, Dreamy, Eclectic
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Lush, Vocal Manipulation, Sampling, Vignettes, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Groovy, Collage
Style: Chamber Rock, Post-Rock
Vibe: Climactic, Triumphant, Epic, Anti-Imperialist, Anthemic, Communal, Apocalyptic, Suspenseful
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Instrumental, Atmospheric, Field Recordings, Progressive, Suite, Droney
Godspeed You! Black Emperor – G_d’s Pee AT STATE’S END! Read More »
Style: Avant-Folk, Future Folk
Vibe: Sombre, Earthy, Hypnotic, Moody, Psychedelic, Shadowy
Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Loops, Percussive, Rhythmic, Repetitive
Meril Wubslin – Alors Quoi Read More »
Style: Organic Beat Music, Instrumental Hip-Hop
Vibe: Hypnotic, Lush, Spiritual, Mellow, Nocturnal, Warm, Eclectic
Musical Qualities: Beats, Sampling, Suite, Percussive, Rhythmic, Vignettes
Madlib – Sound Ancestors Read More »
Style: Free Folk, Cosmic Appalachia, Ambient Folk, Healing Music
Vibe: hypnotic, amorphous, confident, cosmic, dreamy, earthy, ethereal, existential, exploratory, forest, warm, spiritual, spontaneous, soothing, psychedelic, passionate, nature, meditative, hallucinogenic
Musical Qualities: Suite, Electro-Acoustic, Studio-as-an-instrument, Loops, Home Recording, Progressive, Field Recordings
Sarah Louise – Earth Bow Read More »
Style: Psych Rock, Free Rock
Vibe: Psychedelic, Surreal, Ritualistic, Murky, Motorik, Mysterious, Cryptic, Menacing, Suspenseful, Primal
Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Atmospheric, Dynamic, Driving
Sunburned Hand of the Man – Pick a Day to Die Read More »
Style: Country-Soul, Singer/Songwriter, Americana
Vibe: Uplifting, Bittersweet, Introspective, Political, Rural, Mellow, Warm
Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Melodic, Anthemic, Polished, Lyrical
Hiss Golden Messenger – Quietly Blowing It Read More »
Style: Progressive-Pop, Avant-Songwriter, Jazz-Rock, Math-Pop
Vibe: Whispery, Angular, Intimate, Heartfelt, Cerebral, Reflective, Love / Breakup, Restrained, Introspective, Contemplative, Anxious, Loner
Musical Qualities: Odd Time Signatures, Jazz-Influenced, Technical, Dynamic, Lyrical
Wendy Eisenberg – Auto Read More »
Style: Ambient Pop, Jazz Folk, Singer/Songwriter, New Age
Vibe: Uplifting, Ethereal, Eclectic, Passionate, Spiritual, Spring, Lush, Melodic, Joyful
Transmissions: The Music of Beverly Glenn-Copeland Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Jazz, Jam Band, Post-Minimalism, Free Rock
Influences: Tishoumaren, Free Jazz, Kosmische Musik, Minimalism
Vibe: Hypnotic, Communal, Psychedelic, Earthy
Musical Attributes: Collective Thematic Improvisation, Live, Loose, Microtonal, Odd Time Signatures, Repetitive, Percussive
75 Dollar Bill – Live at Tubby’s Read More »
Style: Avant Chamber-Jazz, Vocal Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Ritualistic, Poetic, Complex, Hypnotic, Nocturnal, Passionate, Mellow
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Thematic Improvisation, Rhythmic, Chamber, Percussive
Sélène Saint-Aimé – Mare Undarum Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Jam Band
Vibe: Bluesy, Cosmic, Meandering, Pastoral, Rustic
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Riffs
Style: Gnawa
Vibe: Ritualistic, Hypnotic, Communal
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Percussive, Group Vocals, Chants, Repetition, Improvisation
Innov Gnawa – Lila 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Welcome Home Pup is a a swirling haze of dreamy bedroom-pop and homespun psychedelia that wears its heart on its sleeve.
Recommended if you dig Alex G, Animal Collective (pre-Feels), or American Football
Puppy Soul – Welcome Home Pup [Bandcamp Review] Read More »
