Styles: Slowcore, New Folk, Trip-Hop, Neo-Psychedelia
Vibes: Brooding, Hypnotic, Haunting, Cryptic, Focused, Shadowy, Sombre, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Dub, Percussive, Beats, Loops, Rhythmic, Atmospheric
Instrumentation: Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Keyboard
Meril Wubslin – Faire ça Read More »
On the Surface
Style: Chamber Folk, Progressive Songwriter, Art Rock
Vibes: Brooding, Autumnal, Reflective, Weary, Bittersweet, Longing, Sombre, Melancholy, Mysterious
Themes: Existential, Impermanence, Time, Love, Death, Philosophical
Beth Gibbons – Lives Outgrown Read More »
Style: Slowcore, Post-Rock, Chamber Rock
Vibes: Drifting, Weary, Longing, Celestial, Melancholy, Summer Nights, Patient, Responsive, Flowing, Sombre, Passionate, Kinetic
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Loose, Melodic, Slow, Atmospheric, Improvisation
Dirty Three – Whatever You Love, You Are Read More »
Vibes: Ethereal, Communal, Healing, Flowing, Heartfelt, Devotional, Conscious, Utopian, Warm, Intertwined, Spiritual, Uplifting, Sombre, Nature, Peaceful, Sentimental, Comforting, Compassionate, Psychedelic
Brother Ahh – Move Ever Onwards Read More »
Style: Electroacoustic, Ambient Americana
Vibes: Reflective, Personal, Tender, Desert, Conversational, Haunting, Meditative, Western, Sombre, Rural, Mellow, Meandering, Intimate, Heartfelt
Andrew Weathers – A Cardinal with a Sign of Blood Read More »
LPx2, Domino Recordings, 2003 / 2008 repress featuring Karen Mantler, Annie Whitehead, Gilad Atzman, David Gilmour, Brian Eno, Paul Weller ON THE SURFACE Style: Progressive Pop, Jazz-Rock, Canterbury Scene Vibes: Surreal, Sombre, Conscious, Dystopian, Ethereal, Ominous, Absurd, Colorful, Gloomy, Mournful, Plaintive, Restrained Themes: Liberation, History, War, Political (Anti-imperialist Critique, Socialism), Existential, Philosophical Instrumentation: Vocals, Keyboards,
Robert Wyatt – Cuckooland Read More »
Style: Glitch-Folk, Collage Folk, American Primitivism, Ambient Americana
Vibes: Apocalyptic, Pastoral, Hypnotic, Reflective, Sombre, Ominous, Meditative
Themes: Ecology, Weather Events, Climate Breakdown, Political
Daniel Bachman – Almanac Behind Read More »
Whilst in Istanbul for an artist residency, the adventurous Montreal chamber rock group recorded Dalmak with an ensemble of Turkish musicians, augmenting their core sound of cello, marimba, and drums with the saz, darbuka, bendir and several other instruments used in Turkish and Arabic folk music. Epic, modal themes emerge from watery beds of minimalistic polyrhythms and suspenseful string arrangments. While often sombre, mournful or foreboding, the musi seems driven by a collective sense of spiritual determination and hope.
Style: Cretan Folk Music, Avant-Folk
Vibes: Passionate, Mythic, Sombre, Rootsy, Spiritual, Warm, Poetic
Instrumentation: Vocals, Lute, Drums, Lyra, Mandolin, Oud, Cello
Xylouris White – The Sisypheans Read More »
featuring members of Espers, The Eyesores & Jesse Sparhawk
Style: Acid Folk, Progressive Chamber-Folk
Vibes: Mystical, Forest, Flowing, Sombre, Medieval, Witchy, Eerie, Fantasy, Melancholy, Autumnal, Eerie, Mysterious
Fern Knight – Music for Witches and Alchemists Read More »
with Elvin Jones, Jimmy Garrison, McCoy Tyner, Pharoah Sanders, Donald Garrett, Juno Lewis, Frank Butler
Style: Spiritual Jazz
Vibes: Ritualistic, Healing, Devotional, Tender, Earthy, Warm, Sombre, Communal, Poetic, Passionate, Hypnotic
John Coltrane – Kulu Sé Mama Read More »
Style: Slowcore, Post-Rock
Vibes: Gloomy, Intertwined, Stark, Brooding, Depressive, Disaffected, Hazy, Hypnotic, Melancholy, Mellow, Monotone, Moody, Raw, Sombre, Weary
Musical Qualities: Riffs, Loops, Slow, Lo-Fi, Repetitive
POLT. – While I Am Decaying Like a Rotten Thing, Like a Garment That Is Moth-Eaten Read More »
Style: Avant-Garde Classical, Electro-Acoustic, Tape Music, Creative Music, Third Stream
Vibes: Ominous, Sombre, Anxious, Cinematic, Dystopian, Surreal, Poetic, Chaotic, Cold, Complex, Eclectic, Exploratory
Themes: Political, Colonialism, War, Death, Liberation, History
Musical Qualities: Orchestral, Collage, Polyphonic, Dynamic, Spoken Word, Dense, Progressive, Sampling, Choral, Improvisation
Ilhan Mimaroglu – Sing Me a Song of Songmy Read More »
Style: Shoegaze, Psych, Noise Rock, Slowcore, Ethereal Wave
Vibes: Raw, Gloomy, Cathartic, Lonely, Depressive, Rainy, Nocturnal, Sensual, Hazy, Sombre, Sentimental, Melancholy
Musical Qualities: Noisy, Dynamic, Lo-Fi, Fuzzy
Shizuka – Heavenly Persona Read More »
Styles: Chamber Ambient, Dark Ambient, Glitch, Ambient Techno
Vibes: Nocturnal, Brooding, Eerie, Mysterious, Cinematic, Dark, Desolate, Hypnotic, Melancholy, Mournful, Mysterious, Ominous, Shadowy, Sombre, Suspenseful
Musical Qualities: Micro-Sampling, Electro-Acoustic, Glitchy, Atmospheric, Instrumental, Orchestral, Beats
Murcof – Remembranza Read More »
Marcio Mattos, Sachiko M, Tetuzi Akiyama
Style: EAI, Experimental Songwriter, Reductionism
Vibes: Sombre, Forest, Depressive, Nocturnal, Introspective, Apathetic, Poetic, Open, Death, Visceral, Mysterious, Anguish, Bleak, Alienation
David Sylvian – Manafon Read More »
Style: Sufi Music, Ambient Pop, Progressive Electronic, Electroacoustic
Vibes: Longing, Mysterious, Nocturnal, Sombre, Ethereal, Dance, Futuristic, Romantic
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Electro-acoustic, Sampling, Glitchy, Noisy, Soft
Ali Sethi & Nicolas Jaar – Initha Read More »
Style: American Primitivism, Post-Minimalism, Ambient Americana
Vibes: Contemplative, Nature, Pastoral, Sombre, Focused, Hypnotic, Rootsy, Aquatic, Meditative
Elijah McLaughlin Ensemble – III Read More »
Fred Frith, Chris Cutler, Dagmar Krause
Style: Rock in Opposition, Avant-Prog, Tape Music, Chamber Rock
Vibes: Dystopian, Sombre, Winter, Ominous, Anxious, Cold, Disturbing, Knotty, Suspenseful, Theatric, Eccentric
Musical Qualities: Dissonant, Complex, Uncommon Time Signatures, Extended Technique, Loops, Technical, Progressive, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Art Bears – Winter Songs Read More »
Style: Art Rock, Orchestral-Rock, Electronic-Influenced, Krautrock-Influenced
Vibe: Lonely, Sterile, Cold, Depressive, Breakup, Introspective, Sad, Sombre, Reflective, Hypnotic, Motorik
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Polished, Orchestral, Pulse, Melodic, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool Read More »
Style: Hip-Hop [East Coast, Jazz-Rap, Conscious, Boom Bap]
Vibes: Poetic, Confident, Storytelling, Communal, Urban, Conscious, Sombre, Cinematic
Musical Qualities: Lush, Sampling, Progressive, Rhythmic, Lyrical, Studio-as-an-Instrument
The Roots – Things Fall Apart Read More »
eaturing Mick Turner, Jim White & David Hackner
Style: Neoclassical New Age
Vibe: Celestial, Flowing, Cosmic, Healing, Ethereal, Heartfelt, Sombre, Spiritual, Longing, Meditative
Instrumentation: Vocals, Synthesizers, Piano, Electric Guitar, Drums, Woodwinds, EWI
Natalie Rose LeBrecht – Holy Prana Open Game Read More »
Style: Free Improvisation, Psychedelic Noise, Drone
Vibe: Ritualistic, Hypnotic, Spiritual, Desert, Nocturnal, Eerie, Meditative, Sombre
Musical Qualities: Noisy, Improvisation, Droney
Instrumentation: Drums, Electric Guitar, Shaahi Baaja
Monypeny + Meanstreetz – The Beating Stutter of Hope Read More »
Style: Irish Folk, Dark Folk, Avant-Folk, Acoustic Drone
Vibe: Haunting, Sombre, Rootsy, Storytelling, Ominous, Melancholy, Dark, Death, Intense, Ritualistic, Spiritual
Lankum – False Lankum Read More »
Style: Klezmer, Chamber-Folk, Balkan Folk Music
Moods: Sombre, Passionate, Mournful, Intertwined, Cathartic, Reflective, Rootsy, Dark, Spiritual
Instrumentation: Clarinet, Violin, Acoustic Guitar, Upright Bass, Mandolin, Saz, Cymbalom, Percussion
Black Ox Orkestar – Nisht Azoy Read More »
featuring Derek Bailey & Fennesz
Style: Experimental Songwriter, Electroacoustic, Reductionism
Vibe: Lonely, Winter, Reflective, Sombre, Cold, Breakup, Depressive, Surreal, Meditative, Desolate
Musical Qualities: Electro-Acoustic, Glitchy, Sparse, Soft, Dissonant
David Sylvian – Blemish Read More »
Personnel:
Leroy Jenkins
Sirone
Jerome Cooper
Style: Creative Music, Free Jazz, Avant-Garde Chamber Jazz
Moods: Intertwined, Sombre, Ritualistic, Exploratory, Urban, Contemplative, Impressionistic, Colorful, Political, Open, Free, Abstract
The Revolutionary Ensemble – The People’s Republic Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Art Pop, Chamber-Jazz
Vibes: Autumnal, Sombre, Introspective, Vaudeville, Lush, Sentimental, Theatric, Surreal, Storytelling, Haunting
Rustin Man – Drift Code Read More »
Style: Wyrd Folk, Progressive Folk, Acid Folk
Moods: Forest, Sombre, Enchanting, Gloomy, Mystical, Medieval, sombre, Melancholy, Mellow, Mysterious
Style: Folk-Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Acid Folk, Country-influenced
Moods: Autumnal, Moody, Sombre, Bittersweet, Conscious, Eclectic, Melancholy, Political, Mellow, Morning, Mournful, Retro, Psychedelic, Rebellious, Warm
Instrumentation: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Flute, Piano, Organ, Dumbek, Bongos, Drums, Congas, Cello, Vibraphone, Harmonica, Banjo, Mandolin, Wind Chimes, Vocal Harmonies, Bells
Tom Rapp – Stardancer Read More »
Style: Folk Rock, Art Rock, Pop Rock
Moods: Bittersweet, Breakup, Alienation, Melancholy, Urban, Autumnal, Mellow, Introspective, Depressive, Intimate, Love, Sombre, Lonely
Musical Qualities: Soft, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic
The Velvet Underground Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Art-Rock
Moods: Longing, Bittersweet, Passionate, Heartbreak, Angsty, Sentimental, Romantic, Introspective, Sensual, Existential, Poetic, Sad, Sombre
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Lush, Melodic, Polished Production, Orchestral Arrangements, Gospel Background Vocals
Jeff Buckley – Grace Read More »
Style: Avant-Prog, Math Rock
Moods: Visceral, Angular, Hypnotic, Heavy, Deconstructed, Cold, Bombastic
Musical Qualities: Dissonant, Loops, Uncommon Time Signatures, Riffs, Percussive, Instrumental, Dynamic, Improvisation, Noisy, Repetitive, Rhythmic
Ahleuchatistas – Arrebato Read More »
Anguish is a collaboration between German improvisers Mats Gustafsson & Andres Werliin of the Fire! Orchestra, Hans Joachim Irmler of FaUst, and Will Brooks & Mike Mare of industrial hip-hop legends Dälek.
Style: Industrial Hip-Hop, Dark Jazz, Post-Industrial, Experimental
Moods: Dystopian, Aggressive, Urban, Poetic, Political, Revolutionary, Cerebral, Existential, Sombre, Dark, Depressive, Cold, Mechanical, Heavy, Apocalyptic, Moody, Brooding, Conscious, Abstract, Cryptic, Industrial, Nocturnal, Ominous, Raw, Philosophical
Musical Qualities: Beats, Dissonant, Noisy, Improvisation, Rhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Instrumentation: Rapping, Sampler, Tenor Saxophone, Synthesizers, Electric Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Electronics, Effect Processing, Vocal Processing
Style: Progressive Folk-Rock, Welsh Folk
Moods: Medieval, Mystical, Sentimental, Epic, Passionate, Earthy, Communal, Intricate
Instrumentation: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Vocal Harmonies, Celtic Harp, Flute, Bodhran, Congas, Bongos, Keyboard, Electric Bass, Recorder, Drums, 12-String Guitar, Mandolin, Mellotron
Pererin – Haul ar yr eira Read More »
Style: Drone, Ritual-Psych
Moods: Haunting, Ritualistic, Nocturnal, Shadowy, Eerie, Meditative, Open, Abstract, Primordial, Summoning, Sombre, Intimate, Mellow, Raw
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Soft, Slow, Repetitive, Droney, Lo-fi, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Electric Guitar, Experimental Vocals
Scorces – Vivre avec la bête Read More »
Style: Electropop, Synth Pop
Moods: Brooding, Angsty, Mechanical, Rebellious, Communist, Aggressive, Cryptic, Conscious, Dance, Dark, Dystopian, Feminist, Futuristic, Nocturnal, Ominous, Passionate, Sombre
The Knife – Silent Shout Read More »
Style: Post-Hardcore, Art Rock, Noise Rock, Emo
Moods: Angsty, Self-Loathing, Misanthropic, Nihilistic, Depressive, Dark, Menacing, Aggressive, Existential, Shadow, Raw, Sombre, Alienation
Musical Qualities: Noisy, Lyrical, Dynamic, Riffs, Dense, Heavy
Style: Slowcore, Noise Rock, Shoegaze, Post-Rock
Moods: Lonely, Melancholy, Rainy, Moody, Sombre, Reflective, Winter, Bombastic, Cathartic, Cold, Epic
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Atmospheric, Slow
Mogwai – Young Team Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk
Moods: Intimate, Romantic, Bittersweet, Reflective, Gentle, Winter, Poetic, Storytelling, Sombre, Longing, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Lush, Lyrical, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Orchestral Arrangements
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – The Letting Go Read More »
Style: Free Psych, Space Rock Revival, Acid Folk, Shoegaze
Moods: Melancholy Nocturnal,, Searching, Lethargic, Stoned, Sombre, Lonely, Cathartic, Suspenseful
Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Riffs, Fuzzy, Climactic, Washy, Improvisation, Loose, Noisy
Bardo Pond – On the Ellipse Read More »
Style: Free Folk, Appalachian Raga, Piedmont Blues
Feelings: Searching, Tangled, Spiritual, Sombre, Intense, Thorny, Introspective, Cathartic, Meditative, Nature, Ominous, Mysterious, Focused, Complex, Hallucinogenic, Forest, Epic, Visceral, Jagged
Musical Qualities: Raga, Acoustic, Polyphonic, Modal, Droney, Technical, Dissonance
Jack Rose – Raag Manifestos Read More »
Style: Free-Folk, Weird Americana
Moods: Weary, Melancholy, Pastoral, Communal, Tender, Meandering, Bittersweet, Hopeful, Rustic, Haunting, Murky, Rainy, Sombre, Rootsy
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Vocal Harmonies, Droney, Thematic, Loose
Jackie-O Motherfucker – Flags of the Sacred Harp Read More »
Style: Organic Beat Music, Bedroom Gospel, Spiritual Jazz
Moods: Heartfelt, Raw, Sombre, Spiritual, Flowing, Passionate, Mournful, Mysterious, Haunting, Cathartic, Eclectic
Musical Qualities: Home Recording, Collage, Beats, Improvisation, Solo, Loose, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Lo-fi
Instrumentation: Clarinet, Vocals, Keyboards, Percussion, Drums
Angel Bat David – The Oracle Read More »
Style: Spiritual Metal, Stoner Rock, Mantra Drone, Heavy Psych
Moods: Meditative, Epic, Spiritual, Sombre, Stoned
Musical Qualities: Live, Slow, Heavy, Riffs, Chants, Repetitive, Dynamic
Styles: Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock, Synth Pop
Moods: Longing, Reflective, Heartbreak, Autumnal, Sentimental, Anthemic, Apocalyptic, Dramatic, Lonely
Musical Qualities: Lush, Polished, Melodic, Lyrical, Atmospheric
Sharon Van Etten – We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong Read More »
Style: Jazz Rap, Great Black Music, Experimental Hip-Hop, Future Jazz
Moods: Conscious, Surreal, Futuristic, Mystical, Uplifting, Warm, History, Cryptic, Poetic, Storytelling, Spiritual, Ethereal, Eclectic, Sombre, Summer, Political
Musical Qualities: Lush, Lyrical, Suite, Beats
Moor Mother – Jazz Codes Read More »
Style: Progressive Songwriter, Prog-Folk, Art Rock
Moods: Sombre, Epic, Lonely, Futuristic, Dystopian, Cryptic, Melancholy, Poetic, Mythic
Themes: Alienation, Apocalypse, Medieval, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Qualities: Progressive Structures, Lush Arrangements, Storytelling, Suite, Conceptual, Complex
Richard Dawson – Ruby Cord Read More »
Styles: Chamber Drone, Electro-Acoustic, Free Improvisation, Post-Rock
Moods: Apocalyptic, Sombre, Cathartic, Nature, Exploratory, Spiritual, Angsty, Anthemic, Aquatic, Brooding, cathartic, Heartfelt, Mournful, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Droney, Electro-Acoustic, Thematic, Repetitive, Loops, Fuzzy
Jessica Moss – Galaxy Heart Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Trip-Hop, Dub, Slowcore
Moods: Brooding, Urban, Nocturnal, Sombre, Reflective, Autumnal, Melancholy, Patient, Longing, Dreamy, Moody, Introspective
Musical Qualities: Sampling, Slow, Soft, Lush, Dynamic, Atmospheric
Bark Psychosis – Codename: Dustsucker Read More »
features vocals from Bill Callahan, Emily Cross (Loma), Adam Torres, & Julia Holter
Style: Haunted Folk, Ambient Americana, Southern Gothic
Moods: Desolate, Bleak, Haunting, Western, Cinematic, Stark, Sombre, Rustic, Melancholy, Brooding, Contemplative, Depressive, Nocturnal, Alienation, Dystopian, Impressionistic, Lonely, Moody, Mournful, Mythic, Noir, Personal
Musical Qualities: Suite, Atmospheric, Slow, Sampling, Electro-acoustic, Droney
Style: Gothic Americana, Neo-Folk, Post-Rock
Moods: Brooding, Existential, Shadowy, Eerie, Sombre, Spiritual, Apocalyptic, Contemplative, Cryptic, Hypnotic, Focused, Nihilistic, Patient, Philosophical, Suspenseful
Musical Qualities: Slow, Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Repetitive, Lyrical, Droney, Rhythmic, Atmospheric
Swans – leaving meaning. Read More »
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
Red House Painters – Down Colorful Hill Read More »
Style: Progressive Chamber-Folk
Moods: Imaginative, Reflective, Cryptic, Evocative, Cathartic, Sombre, Introspective, Haunting, Dreamy, Poetic, Surreal, Ethereal
Musical Qualities: Lush, Progressive, Acoustic, Dense, Technical, Polished
Instrumentation: Nylon Guitar, Piano, Drums, Bassoon, Upright Bass, Cello, Synthesizer
Daniel Rossen – You Belong There Read More »
Style: Avant-garde Chamber Jazz, Afro-Carribean Jazz, Gwoka
Moods/Themes: Ancestry, Ritualistic, Meditative, Hypnotic, Communal, Rootsy, Poetic, Sombre, Elegant, Flowing, Warm, Mystical
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Percussive, Acoustic, Repetitive, Improvisation, Technical
Instrumentation: Upright Bass, Bèlè Drum, Ka Drum, Trumpet, Tenor Saxophone, Vocals, Cello, Violin
Sélène Saint-Aimé – Potomitan Read More »
Style: Free-Folk, Ritual-Drone
Vibe: Nature, Mystical, Ritualistic, Dreamy, Forest, Hallucinogenic, Nocturnal, Hypnotic, Sombre
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Droney, Repetitive, Mantra, Electroacoustic
Instrumentation: Harmonium, Vocals, Guitar, Harp, Cello, Flute
Fursaxa – Mycorrhizae Realm Read More »
Style: Ritual Folk, Psych-Folk, Free Folk
Vibe: Ritualistic, Mysterious, Raw, Seeking, Nocturnal, Forest, Witchy, Sombre, Shadowy, Hypnotic
Musical Qualities: Droney, Acoustic, Improvisation
Six Organs of Admittance / Charalambides – Songs from the Entoptic Garden Vol. 2 Read More »
Style: Country, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Bittersweet, Reflective, Breakup, Intimate, Introspective, Melancholy, Poetic, Sombre, Longing
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Sparse, Acoustic, Slow
Mickey Newbury – Better Days Read More »
featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto, Holger Czukay, Jon Hassell, Danny Thompson, & Mark Isham
Style: Sophisti-Pop, Art Pop, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Longing, Introspective, Elegant, Ethereal, Sentimental, Sleek, Melancholy, Contemplative, Autumnal, Mellow, Sombre, Nocturnal
Musical Qualities: Polished Production, Melodic, Rhythmic
David Sylvian – Brilliant Trees Read More »
Personnel: Sathima Bea Benjamin – Vocals; Kenny Barron – Piano; Buster Williams – Upright Bass; Billy Higgins – Drums
Style: Vocal Jazz, Spiritual Jazz, Ballads, Traditional
Vibe: Healing, Flowing, Warm, Airy, Spiritual, Soothing, Sombre, Heartfelt, Elegant, Uplifting, Bittersweet, Intimate, Morning, Peaceful, Reflective, Rootsy, Sentimental,
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Soft, Improvisation, Slow, Polished, Lyrical, Lush
Sathima Bea Benjamin – Windsong Read More »
Style: Industrial Jazz-Funk, Abstract Fusion, No Wave
Vibe: Futuristic, Menacing, Cold, Groovy, Mechanical, Hypnotic, Industrial, Dystopian
Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Repetitive, Dub Production, Instrumental, Percussive, Sampling
Instrumentation: Saxophone, Electric Bass, Drums, Percussion, Electric Guitar, Rhythm Box, Prepared Piano, Clarinet
Material – Temporary Music Read More »
Style: Lo-Fi Singer/Songwriter, Slowcore, Alt-Country
Vibe: Intimate, Depressive, Romantic, Nocturnal, Sombre, Tender, Haunting, Dark, Lethargic, Lonely, Longing, Love, Poetic, Raw
Songs: Ohia – Love & Work: The Lioness Sessions Read More »
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Country-Jazz, Jazz Theater
Vibe: Rural, Historical, Sombre, Resolute, Intertwined, Passionate, Storytelling, Determined, Resolute, Heartfelt, Complex, Theatric, Conceptual
Musical Qualities: Suite, Acoustic, Progressive, Collective Improvisation, Polyphonic, Dynamic, Technical
John Carter – Fields Read More »
Style: Progressive Folk, Avant-Folk
Vibe: Brooding, Visceral, Witchy, Sombre, Forest, Intense, Driving, Passionate, Rebellious
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Progressive, Experimental Vocals
Instrumentation: Organ, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Vocals
Catherine Ribeiro + Alpes – Ame debout Read More »
Style: Country, Folk
Vibes: Melancholy, Desert, Western, Sombre, Lonely, Sad, Breezy, Peaceful, Dreamy
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies, Lush
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Dobro, Piano, Fiddle, Trombone, Saxophone, Sousaphone, Trumpet, Flute, Congas, Electric Bass
Hardin & Russell – Ring of Bone Read More »
Style: Trip-Hop
Vibe: Noir, Brooding, Sensual, Passionate, Melancholy, Angsty, Sombre, Mysterious, Cinematic, Anxious, Sad, Dark
Musical Qualities: Orchestral, Live, Lush, Dense, Rhythmic, Sampling
Portishead – Roseland NYC Live Read More »
Style: Post-Hardcore, Art Rock, Folk-Influenced
Vibe: Spiritual, Poetic, Angsty, Introspective, Psychedelic, Energetic, Autumnal, Passionate, Sombre
Themes: Existential, Religious (Christian), Personal, Allegory, Symbolic, Philosophical
Musical Qualities: Spoken Word, Shouting, Groovy, Lush, Dense, Dynamic, Progressive
mewithoutYou – Brother, Sister Read More »
Style: Ambient Pop, Progressive Pop (LP1), Ambient (LP2)
Vibe: Ethereal, Introspective, Sombre, Sentimental, Spiritual, Winter, Lush, Meditative, Longing, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Progressive, Polyphonic, Polyrhythmic, Polished, Ballads
David Sylvian – Gone To Earth Read More »
Style: Loner Psych, Kosmische, Tape Music, Berlin School, Inner Space Music
Vibe: Nocturnal, Introspective, Exploratory, Hypnotic, Brooding, Contemplative, Mysterious, Suspenseful, Sombre, Loner, Hallucinogenic, Paranoid, Aquatic, Haunting
Musical Qualities: Studio-as-an-Instrument, Pulse, Loops, Atmospheric, Echoey
Günter Schickert – Überfällig 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: 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 »
On this mournful offering, Cave’s poetic reflections on loss, longing, and loneliness slowly float down a river of gloomy synth drones, somber strings, and sparse piano. While not exactly uplifting, the album has a sense of peace and beauty that continues up through the repeating final refrain, “and it’s alright now”.
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Skeleton Tree Read More »
Style: Experimental Big Band, Avant-Garde Jazz, Flamenco
Vibe: Mournful, Communal, Political, Anthemic, Conceptual, Conscious, Liberation, Sombre, Traditional
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Suite, Acoustic, Complex, Dynamic, Thematic Improvisation, Instrumental, Orchestral, political, Technical
Charlie Haden / Liberation Music Orchestra – Ballad of the Fallen Read More »
Style: Experimental Rock, Post Rock
Vibe: Cathartic, Visceral, Spiritual, Brooding, Shadowy, Apocalyptic, Ritualistic, Suspenseful, Climactic, Dark, Powerful, Heavy, Cryptic, Philosophical, Surreal, Epic, Hypnotic, Sombre, Meditative, Mysterious, Monolithic, Longing, Existential, Disorienting
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Repetitive, Dense, Crescendo, Rhythmic, Droney
Swans – The Glowing Man 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: Singer/Songwriter, Ditch Americana, Country Rock, Folk Rock
Moods: Loner, Introspective, Melancholy, Alienation, Bittersweet, Apocalyptic, Depressive, Lonely, Sombre, Rebellious
Neil Young – On the Beach Read More »
Style: Progressive Folk, Acid Folk
Vibe: Nocturnal, Medieval, Psychedelic, Brooding, Sombre, Sentimental
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Droney, Progressive
Six Organs of Admittance – Luminous Night 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: Drone-Metal, Post-Metal
Vibe: Cathartic, Murky, Suspenseful, Passionate, Sombre, Powerful, Dark
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Minimalistic, Heavy, Fuzzy, Feedback
BIG|BRAVE – Au De La 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: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Country-Rock
Vibe: Lonely, Determined, Melancholy, Longing, Introspective, Rural, Sombre
Magnolia Electric Co. – Fading Trails Read More »
Style: Avant-Garde Big Band, Arabic/Egyptian Folk, Psychedelic Jazz
Vibe: Intense, Sombre, Cathartic, Psychedelic, Complex, Ritualistic, Communal
Musical Qualities: Dense, Progressive, Dissonant, Acoustic, Percussive
Instrumentation: Santur, Upright Bass, Piano, Saxophones, Vocals, Percussion, Drums, Clarinet, Flute, Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello), Keyboards, Synthesizer, lap Steel Guitar, Electronics, Harp
Land of Kush – Sand Enigma Read More »
Style: Soul Jazz, Singer/Songwriter, Jazz-Funk
Vibe: Conscious, Bittersweet, Political, Uplifting, Sunny, Warm, Urban, Sombre, Poetic, Contemplative, Observant, Passionate, Determined, Confident
Musical Qualities: Groovy, Lush, Spoken Word, Technical
Gil Scott-Heron – Pieces of a Man 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 »
Amidst the icy winds of tribal drones and pagan folk rituals, there are moments of mystical serenity in the music of Natural Snow Buildings, like serendipitously finding warm shelter while lost in a punishing blizzard.
Natural Snow Buildings – The Snowbringer’s Cult Read More »
Style: Psychedelic Folk, Drone-Folk, Lo-Fi Songwriter, Neo-Psychedelia
Vibe: Loner, Nocturnal, Forest, Sombre, Autumnal, Spacey
Musical Attributes: Lo-Fi, Noisy, Atmospheric, Droney
Flying Saucer Attack – Further Read More »
Style: Art Rock, Jazz-Rock
Vibe: Introspective, Moody, Passionate, Sentimental, Sombre, Conceptual
Musical Attributes: Lyrical, Complex, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Rhythmic, Progressive
Lyrical Themes: Death, Existential, Personal, Reflective
David Bowie – Black Star Read More »
Style: Gothic Country, Americana, Chamber Folk?Vibe: Rustic, Sombre, Murky, Rootsy, Ominous, Loner, Western, Melancholy, Moody, Dark?Musical Attributes: Acoustic Instrumentation (Banjo, Upright Bass, Cello, Acoustic Guitar, Accordion, Piano), Atmospheric, Droney, Slow, Lyrical?Lyrical Themes: Alienation, Religious, Christian, Storytelling
Sixteen Horsepower – Folklore Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Shoegaze, Slowcore
Vibe: Cinematic, Moody, Contemplative, Focused, Fuzzy, Melancholy, Sombre, Cathartic
Musical Attributes: Dynamic, Melodic, Noisy, Repetitive, Slow, Atmospheric, Polyphonic
Mogwai – Mr. Beast Read More »
Style: Emo, Indie Rock, Post-Hardcore
Vibe: Introspective, Angsty, Dark, Depressive, Introspective, Passionate, Poetic, Sombre
Themes: Personal, Self-Loathing, Regret, Death, Alienation
Brand New – The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me Read More »
Style: Trip-Hop
Vibe: Noir, Nocturnal, Sad, Dark, Witchy, Sinister, Depressive, Angsty, Anxious, Sombre, Introspective
Instrumentation: Vocals, Turntables, Sampling, Guitar, Keyboards, Synth, Drums
Portishead – Portishead Read More »
Released in 2006 on Drag City Records Format: LP Style: Progressive Folk, Psych Folk Vibe: Melancholy, Psychedelic, Nocturnal, Sombre, Forest Musical Attributes: Melodic, Dynamic, Lush
Originally released on CD in 1996 on Young God Records First vinyl pressing (2018) Format: LPx4
Swans – Soundtracks for the Blind Read More »
Originally Released in 1994 on Circa Records 2017 Fire Records reissue Format: LPx2, 45 RPM
Bark Psychosis – Hex Read More »
Released in 2008 on Mercury Records Format: LPx2, 45rpm
Portishead – Third Read More »
Released in 2010 on Constellation Records Format: 10″x2
Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra – Kollaps Tradixionales Read More »
Released in 2012 on Constellation Records Format: LP + 7″
Godspeed You! Black Emperor – ‘Allelujah! Don’t Bend, Ascend Read More »
