Art Zoyd – Phase IV
Style: Avant-Prog Chamber Music, Rock in Opposition
Vibes: Menacing, Ominous, Bleak, Epic, Intense, Gloomy, Angular, Cold, Cinematic, Complex, Determined, Dystopian, Rainy, Sombre
Art Zoyd – Phase IV Read More »
Sombre
We Are Winter’s Blue and Radiant Children – “No More Apocalypse Father”
Mathieu Ball, Efrim Manuel Menuck, Jonathan Downs, Patch
Style: Post-Rock, Experimental Rock
Vibes: Dystopian, Weary, Rebellious, Apocalyptic, Heartfelt, Mournful, Moody, Murky, Raw, Communal, Winter, Hypnotic
We Are Winter’s Blue and Radiant Children – “No More Apocalypse Father” Read More »
Elfin Saddle – Devastates
Style: Progressive Folk, Chamber Rock
Vibes: Animist, Passionate, Apocalyptic, Journeying, Nature, Urgent, Adventure, Earthy, Epic, Intimate, Mysterious, Philosophical, Sombre, Political
Elfin Saddle – Devastates Read More »
Harvestman – Tryptich
Style: Pagan Dub-Folk, Tribal Ambientdub
Vibes: Ancestral, Pagan, Forest, Ritualistic, Apocalyptic, Haunting, Tribal, Meditative, Moody, Spiritual, Autumnal, Nocturnal, Ominous, Sombre, Pastoral
Harvestman – Tryptich Read More »
BIG|BRAVE – A Chaos of Flowers
featuring Patrick Shiroishi, Marisa Anderson, Tashi Dorji
Style: Doomgaze, Slowcore, Post-Rock, Drone Metal, Noise Rock
Vibes: Introspective, Poetic, Gloomy, Cathartic, Funereal, Bittersweet, Heartfelt, Sombre, Patient, Deconstructed, Intimate, Western, Melancholy, Powerful, Depressive, Haunting, Brooding, Winter
BIG|BRAVE – A Chaos of Flowers Read More »
Myriam Gendron – Mayday
featuring Zoh Amba, Marisa Anderson, Jim White, Bill Nace, Cédric Dind-Lavoie
Style: Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibes: Weary, Intimate, Sombre, Mournful, Reflective, Warm, Melancholy, Mellow,, Lonely, Reflective, Bittersweet, Restrained
Myriam Gendron – Mayday Read More »
Alanis Obomsawin – Bush Lady
Styles: Chamber Music, Abenaki Folk
Moods: Sombre, Elegant, Ritualistic, Reflective, Sentimental, Poetic, Flowing
Themes: , Colonial History, Waban-Aki Folklore, Storytelling, Political
Alanis Obomsawin – Bush Lady Read More »
Meril Wubslin – Faire ça
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 »
Beth Gibbons – Lives Outgrown
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 »
Dirty Three – Whatever You Love, You Are
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 »
Brother Ahh – Move Ever Onwards
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 »
Andrew Weathers – A Cardinal with a Sign of Blood
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 »
Robert Wyatt – Cuckooland
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 »
Daniel Bachman – Almanac Behind
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 »
Esmerine – Dalmak
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.
Xylouris White – The Sisypheans
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 »
Fern Knight – Music for Witches and Alchemists
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 »
John Coltrane – Kulu Sé Mama
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 »
POLT. – While I Am Decaying Like a Rotten Thing, Like a Garment That Is Moth-Eaten
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 »
Ilhan Mimaroglu – Sing Me a Song of Songmy
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 »
Shizuka – Heavenly Persona
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 »
Murcof – Remembranza
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 »
David Sylvian – Manafon
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 »
Ali Sethi & Nicolas Jaar – Initha
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 »
Elijah McLaughlin Ensemble – III
Style: American Primitivism, Post-Minimalism, Ambient Americana
Vibes: Contemplative, Nature, Pastoral, Sombre, Focused, Hypnotic, Rootsy, Aquatic, Meditative
Elijah McLaughlin Ensemble – III Read More »
Art Bears – Winter Songs
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 »
Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool
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 »
The Roots – Things Fall Apart
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 »
Natalie Rose LeBrecht – Holy Prana Open Game
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 »
Monypeny + Meanstreetz – The Beating Stutter of Hope
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 »
Lankum – False Lankum
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 »
Black Ox Orkestar – Nisht Azoy
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 »
David Sylvian – Blemish
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 »
The Revolutionary Ensemble – The People’s Republic
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 »
Rustin Man – Drift Code
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Art Pop, Chamber-Jazz
Vibes: Autumnal, Sombre, Introspective, Vaudeville, Lush, Sentimental, Theatric, Surreal, Storytelling, Haunting
Rustin Man – Drift Code Read More »
Espers
Style: Wyrd Folk, Progressive Folk, Acid Folk
Moods: Forest, Sombre, Enchanting, Gloomy, Mystical, Medieval, sombre, Melancholy, Mellow, Mysterious
Tom Rapp – Stardancer
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 »
The Velvet Underground
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 »
Jeff Buckley – Grace
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 »
Ahleuchatistas – Arrebato
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 – Anguish
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
Pererin – Haul ar yr eira
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 »
Scorces – Vivre avec la bête
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 »
The Knife – Silent Shout
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 »
Brand New – Daisy
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
Mogwai – Young Team
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 »
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – The Letting Go
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 »
Bardo Pond – On the Ellipse
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 »
Jack Rose – Raag Manifestos
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 »
Jackie-O Motherfucker – Flags of the Sacred Harp
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 »
Angel Bat David – The Oracle
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 »
Om – Live
Style: Spiritual Metal, Stoner Rock, Mantra Drone, Heavy Psych
Moods: Meditative, Epic, Spiritual, Sombre, Stoned
Musical Qualities: Live, Slow, Heavy, Riffs, Chants, Repetitive, Dynamic
Sharon Van Etten – We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong
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 »
Moor Mother – Jazz Codes
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 »
Richard Dawson – Ruby Cord
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 »
Jessica Moss – Galaxy Heart
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 »
Bark Psychosis – Codename: Dustsucker
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 »
Old Fire – Voids
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
Swans – leaving meaning.
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 »
Red House Painters – Down Colorful Hill
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 »
Daniel Rossen – You Belong There
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 »
Sélène Saint-Aimé – Potomitan
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 »
Fursaxa – Mycorrhizae Realm
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 »
Six Organs of Admittance / Charalambides – Songs from the Entoptic Garden Vol. 2
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 »
Mickey Newbury – Better Days
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 »
David Sylvian – Brilliant Trees
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 »
Sathima Bea Benjamin – Windsong
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 »
Material – Temporary Music
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 »
Songs: Ohia – Love & Work: The Lioness Sessions
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 »
John Carter – Fields
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 »
Catherine Ribeiro + Alpes – Ame debout
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 »
Hardin & Russell – Ring of Bone
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
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Portishead – Roseland NYC Live
Style: Trip-Hop
Vibe: Noir, Brooding, Sensual, Passionate, Melancholy, Angsty, Sombre, Mysterious, Cinematic, Anxious, Sad, Dark
Musical Qualities: Orchestral, Live, Lush, Dense, Rhythmic, Sampling
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mewithoutYou – Brother, Sister
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
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David Sylvian – Gone To Earth
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
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Günter Schickert – Überfällig
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
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Moor Mother – Black Encyclopedia of the Air
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
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Circuit Des Yeux – -io
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 »
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Skeleton Tree
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 »
Charlie Haden / Liberation Music Orchestra – Ballad of the Fallen
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
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Swans – The Glowing Man
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
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Susan Alcorn Quintet – Pedernal
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 »
Neil Young – On the Beach
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Ditch Americana, Country Rock, Folk Rock
Moods: Loner, Introspective, Melancholy, Alienation, Bittersweet, Apocalyptic, Depressive, Lonely, Sombre, Rebellious
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Six Organs of Admittance – Luminous Night
Style: Progressive Folk, Acid Folk
Vibe: Nocturnal, Medieval, Psychedelic, Brooding, Sombre, Sentimental
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Droney, Progressive
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Mourning [A] BLKstar – The Cycle
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 »
BIG|BRAVE – Au De La
Style: Drone-Metal, Post-Metal
Vibe: Cathartic, Murky, Suspenseful, Passionate, Sombre, Powerful, Dark
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Minimalistic, Heavy, Fuzzy, Feedback
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Meril Wubslin – Alors Quoi
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 »
Magnolia Electric Co. – Fading Trails
Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Country-Rock
Vibe: Lonely, Determined, Melancholy, Longing, Introspective, Rural, Sombre
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Land of Kush – Sand Enigma
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
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Gil Scott-Heron – Pieces of a Man
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
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Osamu Kitajima – Benzaiten
Style: Progressive Acid-Folk, Ritual-Folk, Psych
Moods: Sombre, Earthy, Ritualistic, Psychedelic, Brooding, Exploratory, Mysterious, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Acoustic, Percussive, Rhythmic, Complex, Dynamic
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Natural Snow Buildings – The Snowbringer’s Cult
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.
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Flying Saucer Attack – Further
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 »
David Bowie – Black Star
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
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Sixteen Horsepower – Folklore
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
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Mogwai – Mr. Beast
Style: Post-Rock, Shoegaze, Slowcore
Vibe: Cinematic, Moody, Contemplative, Focused, Fuzzy, Melancholy, Sombre, Cathartic
Musical Attributes: Dynamic, Melodic, Noisy, Repetitive, Slow, Atmospheric, Polyphonic
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Brand New – The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me
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 »
Portishead – Portishead
Style: Trip-Hop
Vibe: Noir, Nocturnal, Sad, Dark, Witchy, Sinister, Depressive, Angsty, Anxious, Sombre, Introspective
Instrumentation: Vocals, Turntables, Sampling, Guitar, Keyboards, Synth, Drums
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Espers – II
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
Swans – Soundtracks for the Blind
Originally released on CD in 1996 on Young God Records First vinyl pressing (2018) Format: LPx4
Swans – Soundtracks for the Blind Read More »