Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Aquatic, Atmospheric, Exploratory, Hallucinogenic, Abstract
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Sampling, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Sonic explorations and research from the outer groove
Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Aquatic, Atmospheric, Exploratory, Hallucinogenic, Abstract
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Sampling, Studio-as-an-Instrument
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 Attributes: Electro-acoustic, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive
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
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Experimental Big Band
Vibe: Cosmic, Energetic, Passionate, Colorful
Musical Attributes: Complex, Dynamic, Progressive, Suite, Polyrhythmic, Spoken Word
Style: Chamber Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Intimate, Introspective, Melancholy, Bittersweet
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Melodic, Polished, Lush
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
Released in 2020 on Anti- Records Artist: Deradoorian Format: LPx2 Style: Psych Rock, Kosmische-Influenced Vibe: Introspective, Mystical, Spiritual, Confident, Conscious, … 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.
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
Style: Free Jazz
Vibe: Abstract, Communal, Powerful
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Complex, Collective Improvisation, Thematic
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
Style: Progressive Pop, Synth Pop, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Colorful, Epic, Existential, Imaginative, Spiritual, Catchy, Love
Musical Attributes: Dense, Melodic, Lush, Polished, Progressive
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.
Style: Psych / Prog / Experimental Rock
Vibe: Bombastic, Hallucinogenic, Chaotic, Energetic, Psychedelic
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Dense, Complex, Rhythmic, Riffs, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Technical, Odd Time Signatures
Style: Post-Rock, Art Rock, Industrial-influenced
Vibe: Atmospheric, Cold, Dark, Epic, Ethereal, Ominous, Winter
Style: Singer-Songwriter, Folk-Pop, Jazz-Folk
Vibe: Bittersweet, Introspective, Longing, Poetic
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
Style: Psychedelic Folk, Chamber Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Dreamy, Morning, Mellow, Nature, Hallucinogenic, Peaceful, Introspective, Psychedelic, Soothing
Style: Abstract Groove, Jazz Fusion, Raga Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz, Ambient Jazz
Vibe: Exploratory, Abstract, Mysterious, Chaotic, Hypnotic, Psychedelic, Suspenseful
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Polyrhythmic, Rhythmic, Dense, Complex, Polyphonic
Featuring Dave Holland, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Bennie Maupin, Jack DeJohnette, Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, Airto Moreira and others
A brooding, droney cover of Neil Young’s Revolution Blues.
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
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.
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]
The Invisible Comes to Us is a haunting, modern take on Appalachian and Irish folk songs. Beautiful close-harmonies, banjos and acoustic guitars are juxtaposed with droning atmospheres of woodwinds, Moog bass, pump organ, and euphonium. Guest musicians include Jim White on drums and Susan Alcorn on slide guitar.
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Jazz-Folk
Vibe: Passionate, Sensual, Exploratory, Loner, Primal
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Live, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Congas, Vibraphone, Electric Bass, Drums
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.
Style: Psychedelic Folk, Drone-Folk, Lo-Fi Songwriter, Neo-Psychedelia
Vibe: Loner, Nocturnal, Forest, Sombre, Autumnal, Spacey
Musical Attributes: Lo-Fi, Noisy, Atmospheric, Droney
While the luminescent drones and angelic simulacra of Deepak Verbera expanded out into the cosmos, Botany’s newest LP feels more rooted in the soil of our material reality. The bass heavy beats and impassioned vocal samples inspire movement and action rather than contemplation alone, not to say the results aren’t heady. Rich tapestries of resonant acoustic instruments (harps, flutes, percussion, strings), woozy synths, and warm tape hiss are as intricate as ever and easy to lose (or find?) yourself in. Recommended to fans of Flying Lotus’ Until the Quiet Comes, Boards of Canada, and Alice Coltrane.
Style: Raga-Jazz, Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Spiritual, Peaceful, Uplifting
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Improvisation, Instrumental, Indian-Influenced, Technical
Style: Electro-Jazz, Free Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz
Vibe: Cosmic, Futuristic, Spacey
Musical Attributes: Complex, Live, Improvisation
Style: Art Pop, Trip-Hop, Synth-Pop
Vibe: Brooding, Groovy, Passionate, Sensual, Heartfelt, Futuristic, Breakup, Love
Musical Attributes: Catchy, Lyrical, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Atmospheric
Style: Progressive Electronic
Influences: Kosmische Musik, Industrial, Drone, Shoegaze
Vibe: Angsty, Dystopian, Cathartic, Mechanical, Depressive, Futuristic, Hypnotic, Intimate, Loner, Spacey, Raw, Murky
Musical Attributes: Drone, Loops, Noisy Analogue Synthesizers, Drum Machine, Atmospheric, Motorik, Lo-fi, Vocal Manipulation
Format: LPx3
Style: Post-Bop, Avant-Garde Jazz
Vibe: Bombastic, Passionate, Energetic, Intense, Manic, Playful
Musical Attributes: Complex, Dynamic, Live, Improvisation, Acoustic, Instrumental, Polyphonic, Progressive, Rhythmic
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: 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
Style: Free Jazz, Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Abstract, Active Listening, Chaotic, Energetic, Raw, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Improvisation (Collective, Thematic, Free), Live, Lo-Fi, Instrumental, Acoustic
Style: Free Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz
Vibe: Triumphant, Energetic, Epic, Exploratory, Loose, Spiritual, Suspenseful, Angular, Chaotic
Musical Attributes: Polyphonic, Progressive, Complex, Dissonant, Dynamic, Technical, Acoustic, Improvisation (Collective, Thematic), Instrumental
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Black Liberation Music, Vocal Jazz
Vibe: Triumphant, Uplifting, Conscious, Groovy, Passionate, Poetic, Cathartic, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Dynamic, Acoustic, Progressive, Rhythmic, Technical, Melodic, Complex
Style: Progressive Electronic, Experimental
Vibe/Mood: Ethereal, Spacey, Futuristic, Mysterious, Suspenseful, impressionistic
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Instrumental, Studio-as-an-instrument (Loops, Editing, Dubs), Vignettes, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Synthesizer, Drum Machine
Style: Noise Pop, Chamber Pop, Indie Rock
Vibe: Passionate, Triumphant, Uplifting, Communal, Driving, Energetic, Messy, Chaotic, Anthemic
Style: Modern Soul, Art Pop
Vibe: Reflective, Lush, Mellow, Confident, Groovy, Introspective, Summer, Warm
Musical Attributes: Melodic, Soft, Suite, Vignettes, Polished, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Beats
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
Released in 1971 on Atlantic Records Format: LP Style: Progressive Rock Vibe: Triumphant, Epic, Complex, Energetic, Warm, Lush Musical Attributes: … More
Style: Experimental Singer-Songwriter, Soul Blues, Psychedelic Soul
Vibe: Imaginative, Bluesy, Cathartic, Conscious, Cosmic, Spiritual, Heartfelt, Passionate, Psychedelic, Rootsy, Bittersweet, Poetic
Lyrical Themes: Existential, Afro-Futurism, History, Racism, Reflective
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Lyrical, Improvisation, Raw, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Instrumentation: Vocals, Piano, Synthesizers, Keyboards, Saxophone, Trombone, Percussion
The free-form psychedelia and tribal “group therapy” of Sunburned Hand of the Man are in great hands with producer Kieran Hebden (Four Tet)—his dubs and cuts transform their usually lo-fi, meandering jams into something much more immediate, without losing any of their exploratory and spontaneous energy. Recommended for fans of polyrhythmic Afro-inspired percussion, dubbed out production, communal sound rituals, and dense psychedelia.
Style: American Primitivism, Singer/Songwriter, Folk, Raga
Vibe: Mystical, Nature, Open, Passionate, Pastoral, Peaceful, Airy, Contemplative, Earthy, Impressionistic, Meditative, Morning, Spring, Spiritual,
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Indian-Influenced, Sparse, Technical
One can only imagine how Ayler bringing more commercial styles like R&B, Rock, and Gospel into his avant-garde music messed with critics and fans alike when it came out—the way it looked like commercial pandering to the Free Jazz listeners but was probably still too weird for new listeners. It helps to remember that Ayler came from R&B and went straight to the Free Spiritual Jazz of the early 60s, making Jazz critics highly skeptical skeptical by not climbing the bebop ranks like Coltrane before plunging into freedom. On New Grass, Ayler really started to synthesize the spiritual elements of many forms of Great Black Music, making more accessible music not as a way of selling out, but a way of sharing his beautiful spiritual message and sound with a wider audience. Plus this thing has Bernard Purdie on drums so of course it slaps.
If you dig this LP, I think he succeeded in this sound direction even more on his following albums Love Cry and Music is the Healing Force of the Universe. Albert Ayler was a pure soul that left this world too soon, grateful for the gifts of music and wisdom he left behind.
Originally released in 2002 on Plug Research Fat Beats Reissue with Quiet Party EP (2017) Format: LPx2, EP on D-Side … More
Style: Post-Rock, Shoegaze, Slowcore
Vibe: Cinematic, Moody, Contemplative, Focused, Fuzzy, Melancholy, Sombre, Cathartic
Musical Attributes: Dynamic, Melodic, Noisy, Repetitive, Slow, Atmospheric, Polyphonic
Style: Loner Folk, Singer Songwriter, Psych Folk
Vibe: Lethargic, Loner, Peaceful, Soothing, Airy, Mellow, Contemplative, Dreamy, Droney, Hypnotic, Intimate, Introspective
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Droney, Slow, Sparse, Soft
Style: Indie Rock
Influences: Shoegaze, Post-Rock, Free Improvisation, Emo
Vibe: accessible, cathartic, contemplative, dynamic, lyrical, passionate, philosophical, poetic
Style: Art Rock, Funk
Vibe: Energetic, Groovy, Spacey, Alienation, Anxious, Catchy, Eccentric, Futuristic, Longing, Passionate, Rhythmic, Spacey, Confident,
Style: Post-Rock, Experimental Rock Vibe: Exploratory, Hypnotic, Meandering, Murky, Mysterious, Nature, Abstract, Aquatic, Driving, Droney, Psychedelic Musical Attributes: Instrumental, Repetitive, Atmospheric, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Loops, Innovative, Dynamic
Style: Soul, Funk Vibe: Bittersweet, Breakup, Groovy, Heartfelt, Smooth, Love, Lush, Romantic, Sensual
Style: Raga-Jazz, Hindustani Classical Music
Vibe: Passionate, Spiritual, Energetic, Focused, Meditative, Peaceful
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Acoustic, Instrumental, Technical
Style: Synth-Funk, Soul
Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Political, Poetic, Spacey
Style: Collage-Pop, Glitch-Folk, Plunderphonics
Vibe: Surreal, Psychedelic, Peaceful, Cerebral, Meditative, Philosophical, Spiritual, Uplifting, Warm, Playful, Hallucinogenic
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Electro-Acoustic, Melodic, Sound Collage, Vocal Manipulation
Style: Soul, Art Pop
Vibe: Confident, Heartfelt, Introspective, Colorful, Triumphant, Uplifting, Urban, Loner
Lyrical Themes: Conscious, Poetic, Political, Personal, Black Pride, Love, Feminist
Musical Attributes: Groovy, Lush, Headphone Album, Polished, Catchy, Technical
Style: Chamber Folk–Pop, Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Warm, Lush, Deadpan, Uplifting, Soothing, Humorous, Soft
Musical Attributes: Lyrical, Melodic, Polished
Style: Dream Pop, Psych Rock
Vibe: Dreamy, Groovy, Psychedelic, Ethereal, Sensual, Love, Nocturnal
Style: Free Jazz, Solo Piano, Free Improvisation
Vibe: Abstract, Complex, Energetic, Intense, Expressive, Exploratory
Musical Attributes: Piano, Solo, Live, Improvisation, Acoustic, Suite, Percussive, Dynamic
Style: Post-Bop, Jazz, Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Uplifting, Straight Ahead
Musical Attributes: Melodic, Technical, Modal, Improvisation
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz
Vibe: Passionate, Spiritual, Exploratory, Triumphant,
Musical Attributes: Complex, Modal, Thematic, Acoustic, Live, Improvisation, Dynamic, Instrumental
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Free Jazz
Vibe: Abstract, Communal, Exploratory, Rootsy
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Poly-Free Improvisation, Dynamic
Style: Chamber Pop, Art Pop
Vibe: Lush, Ethereal, Imaginative, Sensual, Storytelling, Surreal, Intricate, Airy, Dreamy
Instrumentation: Vocals, Keyboards (Piano, Harpsichord, etc), Upright Bass, Strings, Drums, Saxophone
Style: Progressive Rock, Psych, Experimental Rock
Vibe: Bombastic, Mystical, Cerebral, Chaotic, Cryptic, Desert, Energetic, Epic, Hallucinogenic, intense, manic, Psychedelic, Complex
Musical Attributes: Dense, Odd Time Signatures, Progressive Structures, Polyrhythmic, Riffs, Technical
Style: Psychedelic Funk
Vibe: Triumphant, Energetic, Anthemic, Communal, Rebellious, Groovy, Sunny, Psychedelic, Powerful, Confident, Eclectic, Complex
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Space Ambient
Vibe: Cosmic, Futuristic, Improvisation, Spacey, Atmospheric
Style: Collage Pop, Glitch-Folk, Plunderphonics
Vibe: Bittersweet, Warm, Eclectic
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Electro-Acoustic
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: Math Rock, Art Rock
Vibe: Angsty, Complex, Cryptic, Moody, Surreal,
Musical Attributes: Odd Time Signatures, Dissonant, Lyrical
Style: Minimalism, Tape Music, Chamber Music
Vibe/Themes: Pulsing, Hypnotic, History, Meditative
Musical Attributes: Repetitive, Sampling, Electro-Acoustic, Spoken Word
Style: Kosmische Musik, Progressive Electronic
Vibe: Spacey, Motorik, Warm, Dreamy, Ethereal, Focused, Futuristic, Pastoral
Musical Attributes: Melodic, Atmospheric, Repetitive, Polished
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: Abstract Funk, Jazz Fusion, Spiritual Jazz
Lineup: Eddie Henderson, Herbie Hancock, Bennie Maupin, Lenny White, Billy Hart, Buster Williams, Pat Gleeson
Vibe: Cosmic, Exploratory, Groovy, Atmospheric, Spacey, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Polyrhythmic, Odd Time Signatures, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Listening to Alex G, one might imagine a young alien sitting alone in his martian bedroom baring his angsty, teenage confessions to his 4-track tape recorder. Yet, at the core of his music, underneath layers of psychedelic guitars, weird pitch-shifted vocals, and occasional lo-fi hiss, lies some genius pop songs that feel simultaneously adolescent and mature.
Recommended for fans of lo-fi experimentation and bedroom pop. Alex seems to pull influences from all over and channel them through his own unique personality and penchant for odd, psychedelic production. Recalls Elliot Smith’s loner acoustic songwriting and drum machines pulled from 80′s pop songs; there’s even a fucked up jazz piano ballad thrown into the mix.
This impressionistic and contemplative collaboration channels deep American folk roots through free flowing improvisations. The panoramic and sensitive drumming of Jim White (Dirty Three, Cat Power, etc) is a perfect match for Marisa Anderson’s primitivist guitar sensibilities, which feel both immediate and abstract.
Style: Psychedelic Funk
Vibe: Apocalyptic, Communal, Cryptic, Earthy, Energetic, Epic, Groovy, Heavy, Philosophical, Playful, Political, Psychedelic, Riffs, Stoned, Eclectic
Style: Glitch-Folk, IDM
Vibe: Autumnal, Peaceful, Warm, Uplifting, Nature, Love
Musical Attributes: Electro-Acoustic, Sampling, Melodic, Repetitive
Style: Progressive Rock, Experimental Rock
Vibe: Epic, Psychedelic, Chaotic, Bombastic, Cerebral, Complex, Cryptic, Energetic, Ominous, Intense
Musical Attributes: Dense, Polyphonic, Technical, Odd Time Signatures, Headphone Album, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Progressive
Originally released in 1972 on CBS Records 2019 Superior Viaduct Reissue Format: LP Style: Free Improvisation, Ambient Jazz, Drone Vibe: Ritualistic, … More
Style: Avant-Garde Big Band, Free Jazz
Vibe: Cerebral, Bombastic, Energetic, Complex, Abstract
Musical Attributes: Dense, Poly-Free Improvisation, Polyphonic, Dynamic, Instrumental, Technical, Innovative
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz
Vibe: Communal, Earthy, Energetic, Hypnotic, Intense, Loose, Mystical, Passionate, Spiritual, Tribal, Uplifting, Warm, Dance
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Complex, Collective Improvisation, Percussive, Dense, Thematic, Suite
An obscure release from the great creative label ESP-Disk, containing exploratory, mysterious and playful improvisations from The Sea Ensemble—the husband/wife duo of Zusaan Fasteau and Donald Rafael Garrett. While they are both trained musicians and multi-instrumentalists, an uninhibited childish spirit permeates this release, as can be seen in Donald’s crude but visionary cover drawing; Yet the recording also feels imbued with ancient wisdom, as heard in their primal and instinctive vocalizations throughout the album
Style: Psychedelic Soul, Psychedelic Funk, R&B
Vibe: Confident, Conscious, Sensual, Sexy, Romantic, Groovy, Headphone Album
Musical Attributes: Rhythmic, Lush, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Technical
Style: Emo, Indie Rock, Post-Hardcore
Vibe: Introspective, Angsty, Dark, Depressive, Introspective, Passionate, Poetic, Sombre
Themes: Personal, Self-Loathing, Regret, Death, Alienation
Style: Glitch-Pop, IDM, Electronic Rock
Vibe: Moody, Groovy, Glitchy, Mechanical, Dance, Futuristic
Musical Attributes: Loops, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Polished, Live Instrumentation, Digital Post-Production
The sludge oozing out of this record is so toxic that all traces of metal have nearly disintegrated, and the fumes cause nightmarish hallucinations to any who inhale.
Style: Free-Sludge, Avant-Metal, Free Improvisation
Vibe: Primal, Murky, Aggressive, Hallucinogenic, Cathartic, Complex
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Dissonant, Noisy, Progressive
Style: Free Improvisation, Post-Minimalism, Trance Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz
Vibe: Suspenseful, Hypnotic, Epic, Anxious, Impressionistic
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Repetitive, Droney, Dissonant, Electro-Acoustic, Collective Improvisation, Minimalistic
Religious allegory, profane thoughts, and lustful confessions intertwine on Human Behavior’s third LP; Kedimum is a brooding suite of psychological chamber folk that introspects into a conflicted mind, struggling to reconcile matters of indoctrinated faith, natural human desires, and internalized guilt. Primary songwriter Andres Parada is joined by a sympathetic cast of vocalists to create a vivid sonic drama complete with choral vocals and spoken word passages to complement his haunting narrations. The intricate and shadowy arrangements blend distorted electronic beats with a wide array of acoustic instrumentation, including banjo, clarinet, accordian, acoustic guitar, violin, ehru, and cello.
Originally released in 2005 on Locust
Drag City Reissue (2020)
Format: LP
Style: Chamber Folk
Vibe: Mellow, Morning, Melancholy, Rootsy, Ethereal
Released in 1965 on Impulse! Records
Format: LP
Style: Free Jazz
Vibe: Passionate, Complex, Fiery, Political
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Acoustic, Progressive, Polyphonic, Odd Time Signatures
“The five-piece band synthesise contemporary classical forms – most often recalling Steve Reich or Philip Glass – and marry them to the looseness and improvisational nature of jazz and the dynamics of head-nodding electronic music. Stateless is at once both carefully composed and freely flowing. The compositions included here are more about rhythm, texture and contrast than definable melodies and harmonic structures.” – Scott Wallace [Sydney Scoop]
Style: Post-Rock, Space Rock, Kosmische-Influenced
Vibe: Driving, Motorik, Nocturnal, Urban, Focused, Energetic, Futuristic
Style: British Folk, Country-Influenced
Vibe: Contemplative, Earthy, Introspective, Melancholy, Rootsy, Rural, Storytelling
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies, Lyrical, Melodic, Simple, Sparse