What’s up dudes!? Hopefully everybody had a decent weekend. If not hopefully this week in music will help you forget about it, because I’ve got a ton of gems in store for you all this week. To start, let’s look at this cassette tape from Bridgetown Records headman Kevin Greenspon.
This stuff popped up in the middle of last week on Altered Zones, and after listening to the featured track I felt like I needed to hear the rest. Not just because I liked what I had heard, but I thought it was unique. Greenspon creates small life-like biospheres in each of these new tracks, coming at you with some serious warmth and passion. The delayed guitars are beyond gratifying as they swirl and surge over your head, immediately throwing you right in the midst of an echoed out dream world where anything is possible, but not exactly all good things. Many different moods present themselves in the music as you change from one track to the other – suggesting that each song is on it’s own when it comes down to mood. Basically it’s up to whatever you think. Either way, the sonic textures, grittiness, and delayed guitars go a long way in painting lush, vast soundscapes, wherein you’ll definitely find some ineffable love for this music. Be sure to check out these thought-provoking songs right below, and buy the cassette before it’s gone for good, because it’s very affordable.
Machine Shop –
Atrophied –
My Rating: 7/10 Genre/ Tags: Ambient, Experimental Rose Window Cassette: Tracklist:
1.) Machine Shop
2.) Heart on Chain
3.) X.A. Assembly
4.) Atrophied
Kevin Greenspon on Myspace
Kevin Greenspon – Official Website BUY the cassette only from Life’s Blood before it’s gone – Limited to 51 !!
So I recently saw this 7″ in a record store in Philly, but I didn’t think anything of it. Little did I know this music would turn up on the interweb right before my eyes, almost like a sign that I should have picked it up that day at the record store. Well no more wondering what could have been, because I have the music here for you guys today, and I must say that this stuff totally caught me off guard. Definitely didn’t know what to expect before listening, but I can say right away that this stuff rules. If you were already aware of this, then I’m sure you know the story behind it – follow this link (or the one below) with more information if yr curious!
Opening track “Blinkgürtel” has it all – sonic textures, heavy face-melting guitars, clashing tom-driven drumming, a pulsing bass line – these elements joined together create a hell of an intoxicating song, and it forces you to sit right down in the middle of everything and do your best to figure it all out. There’s definitely a mysterious vibe weaved in, but there’s also an element of simplicity that is genuinely breathtaking. I say breathtaking because a song with such limited instrumentation still manages to go so in depth, and you’re there left wondering how on Earth this stuff got so intense. At first you didn’t think anything of it, but before you know it it’s already sucked you in and there’s nothing you can do but crack the Hallogallo code. Which I am still attempting to do myself. Do yourself the awesome favor of listening to “Blinkgürtel”, and hopefully it’ll get some thoughts brewing in your skull. You should in turn leave those thoughts in the comments section directly below this post.
What’s up people. I didn’t really have anything prepared for today, so I kind of just went searching for anything and took the first thing I could find. I usually don’t do this sort of thing, but time is an issue today. I’m waiting on a good amount of new wax to come in the mail, so don’t get used to this – but more on those things later this week.
With the stuff I have here today, it’s simply going to be a hit or a miss. I’ll say it right up front that the two songs on this 7″ are not for everybody. It might even be a stretch to refer to them as “songs”, let alone music in general. These two tracks are more or less the noisy experimental escapades of David Payne, the main man behind the Fossils moniker since it’s birth in 2004. He’s been putting out countless cassette tapes, CD-R’s, and various formats of vinyl ever since the beginning – see a full comprehensive list right here – and this is apparently one of the latest releases.
I’ll say it again that this stuff isn’t for everybody – it’s definitely more of an acquired taste sort of thing. If you like thought-provoking sounds that paint a strange landscape in your mind, then this could be just for you. Parts of the track “War Puzzle” sound as if you’re standing on an extremely windy runway while an airplane slowly comes down to the ground to make it’s landing. If there’s anything this stuff is going to do for you, it’s bound to paint a vivid picture, as long as you keep an open mind and don’t dismiss the stuff before you’ve even listened all the way. Check out the B-side “War Puzzle” right below. Leave comments too, because I want know what you all think.
War Puzzle –
My Rating: 4.5/10 Genre/ Tags: Noise, Ambient, Experimental, whathaveyou The Golden Door 7″: Tracklist:
1.) The Golden Door
2.) War Puzzle
Check out the extensive Fossils discography @ Discogs
Fossils on Myspace
Fossils on Last.fm
Fossils on Facebook
Don’t think this one is left to buy anywhere…it’s limited to 100 from Kye Records
What’s up people. Today’s music of focus comes from a man you may already be familiar with. If you’ve ever heard bands like Foreign Born and Fool’s Gold, then you’re already halfway there.
BIG SEARCH is the moniker for recording artist Matt Popieluch, who is indeed the lead man in Foreign Born, and who also records with Fool’s Gold. Big Search is more of a solo project for Popieluch, unlike the other two bands I just named. According to the SC Distribution website, Popieluch has been working on and off on Big Search projects since as early as 1999, dating back to when he was still in college, spanning an array of “90-minute ‘albums’ destined for the vacuum of obscurity.” While most of these albums probably won’t ever see the light of day, this one here made it through the process, and it’s called “Lay of the Land”. It’s a nine-track album, spanning just over 35 minutes in length, and it was put out in vinyl and digital format from the St. Ives label – with the vinyl format being limited to just 200 copies, coming in hand-made covers designed by no other than the people behind the music – click the picture above and zoom in for more detail.
Before you jump to any conclusions, it’s probably a good idea to let you know something up front. If you’re expecting this to be exactly like anything from Fool’s Gold or Foreign Born, then you might be a bit upset. Parts of the album here and there might give nods back to Popieluch’s other bands, but for the most part, this album would fall into the ‘experimental’ category. Two of the most prominent songs that would fit into this category would be the guitar and banjo instrumental tracks.
“Banjo Instrumental” (which you can hear on the BS Myspace), is a constantly growing song, with layers of jangly, barnyard sounding banjo. Pretty much the same goes for “Guitar Instrumental” (only it’s a guitar this time), but the reason I even bother saying this is because they’re both genuinely interesting and certainly make for a unique listen – they paint an abstract picture in your mind, but the focus of that picture is up to you, depending on how these two songs make you feel. I think that’s part of the premise with these two tracks, too. They’re included in there to throw you off balance and get you thinking – not about anything in particular – but nonetheless to get some thoughts brewing, either about the music or what have you. Leave some comments on the post and let us know how these songs make you feel, because I’d love to hear your side of the story.
Aside from these two instrumental tracks, there’s still plenty more musical paths to be taken on this record. I’ve left you guys with as many songs as I possibly can, just make sure you check out “French Doors” and “Flyer’s Fall”, which are both equally awesome tracks. The Myspace has even more from the record, so with the exception of a few songs, you can pretty much hear all 35 minutes of this record on the web. And other than that Myspace page and this post on the Styrofoam Drone, I don’t know of any other place where you can hear these songs, so I think that’s what you’d consider to be somewhat of an ‘exclusive’. Oh yeah! So please enjoy, and leave some comments!
Lay of the Land –
French Doors –
Flyer’s Fall –
Guitar Instrumental –
My Rating: 7/10 Genre/ Tags: Experimental, Pop, Folk Lay of the Land: Tracklist:
1.) That’s All (Light On)
2.) Lay of the Land
3.) French Doors
4.) Grades
5.) Banjo Instrumental
6.) We Know
7.) Flyer’s Fall
8.) Guitar Instrumental
9.) Listen Up, You Understand
Big Search on Myspace BUY the LP directly from Insound – Limited to 200 w/ hand made covers
Hey dudes!! It was a busy weekend here at the Drone. After that post with the new Panda Bear 7″, the hit count shot up a significant amount – an amount big enough to shatter our previous record of pageviews (in a 24 hour period) by over 100 hits! So for that, I must thank all of you viewers. If I could personally shake each and every one of your hands, I would. Sadly, that probably won’t ever happen, although I would like it. So now you’re probably wondering what’s in store for the upcoming week. To start things off, we’ve got the debut LP from Pennsylvanian dark-pop band SOARS. This is their first official release, and it comes from La Société Expéditionnaire, also located in Pennsylvania.
For starters, this debut LP comes jam-packed with constantly fluctuating moods and feelings, as songs can go from one extreme to the other within short periods of time. For the most part, there’s almost always a creepy, foreboding feel weaved into the songs. The presence of a dark, murky energy hangs over your head, instigating you to make the wrong decisions – kind of like when the devil and an angel are depicted in movies and cartoons as hanging out on your shoulder, always giving you advice on what or what not to do. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, see this picture right here. While all of this goes on, there’s an uplifting, spiritual ambiance that without a doubt contradicts the other qualities of the music that I just described. Sometimes it’s extremely difficult to decide which one over-shadows the other more – like in the song “Figurehead”. The ambiance comes shining through, and once it does, it may make it hard for you to decide what you actually think of the music.
While all of this is going on, there’s still other qualities to the music. In just about every last song, there’s some sort of repetitive, electronic percussion. Considering that most of these songs fall into the longer category, this percussion tends to get a bit stale, and usually pretty quickly. It doesn’t give the songs that much depth, as it just continues to repeat over and over again, making some of these songs difficult to get into. Tracks like “Young Adult” and “Figurehead” escape this downfall by getting heavier and denser without ever loosening their grip, of course, until the song ends. Find out for yourself with the tracks I have for you below, and as always, don’t forget to come back for more tomorrow.
Throw Yourself Apart –
Figurehead –
Young Adult –
My Rating: 6/10 Genre/ Tags: Experimental, Pop, Ambient Soars: Tracklist:
1.) Introduction
2.) The Sun Breaks Every Way But One
3.) Throw Yourself Apart
4.) Escape on High
5.) Ditches
6.) Figurehead
7.) Young Adult
8.) Monolith
Soars – Official Website
Soars on Myspace BUY the self-titled LP directly from the label – Limited to 500 on colored vinyl !
It’s another 7″ from PANDA BEAR today. That means we must be getting closer to the release of his much-anticipated full length album “Tomboy”, which they say is supposed to drop sometime in the Fall of 2010. Thus far, this is the second installment in a string of 7″ records that are being released up until the full album finally drops. As a quick side note, you can check out the first 7″ right here. With the second 7″ now released, there can’t be that much more time to go, because Winter is just around the corner. Which makes me wonder how many more of these 7-inchers there are still to come. I guess only time will tell, so while we wait, why don’t we check out this new 7″?
Most places across the web already have a decent description of these songs, so I kind of feel redundant going into anything specific. Plus, I have to be at work in under an hour, so I’m not going to go crazy. “You Can Count On Me” is a “gentle duet between Panda Bear and himself, glimmering with third world melodic overtones – an ethereal uplifting number that is over before you become too familiar.” The track barely lasts over two minutes long, so that definitely makes sense. You can hear it for yourself right below. Then flip over to the B-side for the deliciously awesome “Alsatian Darn”. It’s yet another shiny, glimmering track that nearly doubles the length of the first song. Lots of pitter-patter, clapping, and unusually clicking sound effects overshadow the song, bringing thoughts to mind like “What was that?” Be sure to check this one out below too, because it’s shaping up to be quite an awesome full length once it’s finally out. Not sure where you can still pick up this sold out, limited-edition-of-500 7″, but I left you guys with the best links I could find. Good luck!
You Can Count On Me –
Alsatian Darn –
My Rating: 7.5/10 Genre/ Tags: Experimental, Dub, Pop You Can Count On Me 7″: Tracklist:
1.) You Can Count On Me
2.) Alsatian Darn
BUY the 7″ from Norman Records – from the UK
Panda Bear on Myspace Panda Bear – Tomboy 7″ previously posted on the Drone
This is the best I could find on eBay!
In case you weren’t already aware, I’ll fill you in. Pocahaunted is no longer a band. Sorry for being so blunt, but yes, it’s sad and true. They announced their break up back in August, and as that article states, “the band has been going on for four years in multiple configurations and after all this time we’ve just decided to move on.” There you have it, folks. You can read the rest of that article if you want more details, but nonetheless, that was certainly some crushing news when it was first announced. Now, about two months after the initial announcement, they’re putting the final nail in the Pocahaunted casket. This 7″ we have here today would be the final actions from Pocahaunted, coming from their premier label Not Not Fun out of Los Angeles, CA.
This final release from Pocahaunted comes with two songs, starting with “Threshold” on the A-side, and “Echolocation” on the flip side. Totaled together, both of these songs make for over ten minutes of pure Pocahaunted bliss. “Threshold” incorporates a complete mess of swirling sounds, dub-like bass lines, and a polished lead guitar that keeps you in it’s grip from beginning to end. During the final two minutes of the song is when things unquestionably start to get crazy, and then it all changes up again before the final minute of the song. After some tribal-like chants that intoxicating lead guitar comes back to do no other than force you to get up and move, and shortly after this you’re going to be aching to hear the song again. A great track indeed with unusual song patterns that evokes thoughts like “I wonder what’s coming next.” Without a doubt, a perfect fit-in with the rest of the Pocahaunted catalog. Flip that 7″ over for the slowed down and much more relaxed “Echolocation”. Check them both out right below!
LUFTWAFFE is a band, and they hail from the far side of the Schuylkill River in West Philadelphia. If you’re from the area, maybe you’ve heard of them. If not, then you probably haven’t heard of Luftwaffe just yet. There’s another band named Luftwaffe from Chicago, but that’s not who were focused on, just so you don’t get confused. Our Luftwaffe, from Philadelphia, has been hard at work all Summer long to prepare their debut 7″ for the world. They recorded the record together themselves in their bedrooms this Summer, without the air-conditioning on, and now they’re putting out the record themselves as well. The 7″ should be ready sometime this month, so what better time to talk about Luftwaffe? I should probably mention that these guys are cool enough to also give away the entire 7″ for FREE on their Bandcamp page, so check that out while it’s still free!
If they had to describe their music themselves, they would call it “swampy, scattered pop music”. This is certainly an accurate description. The basis of their songs definitely comes from pop-influenced music, but it’s what they do with their sound effects and electronics that makes the songs unique – or “scattered”. They have a great balance of pop and electronics in their songs, and it stands out. The effects aren’t too overbearing or over the top – because seriously, how many times have you heard a song that was just too ridiculous with the sounds? These guys make their effects fit in just right, and it gives the songs much more depth, helping to create a significantly more interesting listen. Find out for yourself with the two songs below. “Old Friends” has a hazy layer of Summer humidity spread out over it’s constant, friendly beeping, while “Never Let Me Go” has an otherworldly, jungle-like feel to it. Get lost in the hypnotizing guitars and the shake of the tambourine as Luftwaffe takes you to the other side. This stuff is great – so please enjoy it. Don’t forget to download your copy of the 7″, because I’m sure it won’t be free forever.
Never Let Me Go –
Old Friends –
My Rating: 7/10 Genre/ Tags: Pop, Experimental, Electronic Quiet Summer 7″: Tracklist:
1.) Never Let Me Go
2.) Old Friends
3.) Warm Blood
DOWNLOAD the 7″ for FREE on the Luftwaffe Bandcamp
For a good while, the WHITE DENIM camp was pretty silent. No announcements of any new records or tours or anything of the sort, even through the past Summer. Been waiting for them to tour the East coast for waaay too long at this point – the waiting is starting to get old. And then – just over a week ago, seemingly out of nowhere – White Denim announced that they had a brand new, free full length record for everybody to download. Talk about surprises.
Packaged along with their exciting announcement, they revealed that they had a brand new guitarist in the band, that they would be touring the West coast in October (go figure), and that they had ANOTHER new record to share with the world in due time. So let’s recap that all real quick: They have a new guitarist and his name is Austin Jenkins. They’re starting their tour of the West coast on October 16th in their home state of Texas, and last but not least, the announcement of their TWO new records. The first is the one that’s free for download. The second would be their third official full length album. That third album is still untitled, but they’ve been hard at work all summer, and they should be wrapping it all up by the end of October. In case yr wondering where I got all this information (because I would be myself), then follow this link here, and here.
So in the mean time while we wait for this third record, White Denim was nice enough to set these other songs free and call it “Last Day of Summer”. They say “This record is something we made as a little summer retreat from our ongoing work on the third full length. Many of these tunes have been bouncing around since the formation of the band back in 06.” So there you have it – that’s the story behind the songs. You can read the rest of that quote right here, where you can also download the record, and even support the band for their efforts. And maybe you should think twice about supporting! Think about it – they just basically released a full length album for free – something that definitely takes up mounds of valuable time and effort. Something they could also make much more money on if they pleased – but no! They did this for the fans. So do them a huge favor and show some support! They’ll need it on their upcoming tour!
Now, divert your attention to the music – in case you can’t do that just yet, first download the album. Now start listening! You’ll first notice the track “I’d Have It Just the Way We Were”, which was originally on their second album “Fits”. Only they changed it up a bit this time. Then comes the joyous, smile-inducing piano in the beautiful mess of the second track “Home Together”.
Seriously though, it’s really hard to write about these White Denim songs. Nothing ever settles down – there’s constant movement all the time. They never keep a sound or pattern going for too long so you can pin it down. It’s like they don’t want you to stop dancing – ever. Things are usually like a huge, sprawling mess that only White Denim could decipher. One song ends, and the other one starts – no drawn out intros or anything that might get old too quickly. They’re constantly seeking out what’s next – whether it’s the chiming, jazzy, elevator-like music of “Incaviglia” with it’s gorgeous guitar playing and unsettling drums. Or the straight down and dirty grit of the song “Champ” – which kind of drifts into space about halfway through – there’s guaranteed to be something to tickle your fancy on this new batch of WD songs.
There’s so much that could be said about the music. Sadly, I’d probably be here all day talking about it if I could, too. Other songs like “Our Get” and “New Coat” start going in opposite directions, but nothing unfamiliar for White Denim. “Our Get” somewhat reminds me of “Syncn” from the end of “Fits”, with that head in the clouds feeling. While “New Coat” is just another undeniably perfect song. It’s got that reassuring and warm, sun-in yr-eyes feeling that only White Denim could possibly whip up. Just trust me when I say, that each and every one of these songs has something unique and fresh about them – there’s a reason to like every last song on the album. If this is how their free album turns out, just imagine what it’s gonna be like when we have to pay for the music! YES! BRING THAT SHIT ON RIGHT NOW!
Home Together –
Tony Fatti –
Champ –
Our Get –
New Coat –
My Rating: 9/10 Genre/ Tags: Garage Rock, Indie Rock, Experimental Last Day of Summer: Tracklist:
1.) I’d Have It Just the Way We Were
2.) Home Together
3.) Tony Fatti
4.) If You’re Changing
5.) Incaviglia
6.) Light Light Light
7.) Some Wild Going Outward
8.) Champ
9.) Shy Billy
10.) Our Get
11.) Through Your Windows
12.) New Coat
BUY White Denim releases directly from Insound DOWNLOAD Last Day of Summer completely for FREE – Don’t forget to donate!
White Denim on Myspace
White Denim – Fits & Workout Holiday previously on the Drone
What’s up? Today looks like another lousy day in Philadelphia. The forecast calls for rain basically all day. The same thing happened yesterday day too – it’s such a bummer. If there was anything that made my rainy day exciting yesterday it was the fact that my brand new copy of the new WOMEN album “Public Strain” came in the mail.
That’s right, Women have a new album out, and it’s official release date is today, September 28th! In most places across the web (like Insound, and Aural Exploits), if you buy the album, it’ll come packaged with a limited edition 7″ featuring two new and unheard Women songs. That’s the 7″ I have here for you guys today. So the only way it seems to get this one yourself is to buy the new Women album from one of those places I just listed. I also actually saw they were offering the 7″ with purchase of the new album at my local record store, so that might be your best option. Either route you choose, please keep in mind – they only have the 7-inchers “while supplies last”, so order carefully!
First up on the A-side is a song called “Service Animal”, and the guitar work is enough to make yr head spin right off your shoulders. Spikey, spiny, and jagged guitars cut at your throat for most of the song, which at times has both noisy rock and pop qualities, while a rubbery, fat and slappy bass guitar keeps the song in order. The guitar progressions you can hear in this song are absolutely flawless, and they might actually catch you off guard at times. No wonder that guy on Pitchfork said “When you’re trying to tell a guy at your New Year’s Eve party where guitar-based indie rock is headed right now, remember to include Women” (the quote is at the very bottom of the list). But yeah, it’s pretty clear what he meant. This song “Service Animal” illustrates that quote perfectly.
Flip that 7″ over for another highly enjoyable listen, this time with a song called “Grey Skies”. It’s funny though, because with the way this song sounds, the sky seems like it would be any other color than the dull and unexciting color of grey. It’s much more laid back and delicate than the A-side was, and this song would go somewhat perfectly with a stroll through the park on a beautiful, cloudless day without a worry in the world. Definitely pure bliss up in this track.
It’s odd – I feel like both of these tracks could have been on “Public Strain”. Maybe they just ran out of space or something, because these two songs are like the answer to that “…To Be Continued” feeling you get once that epic album closer “Eyesore” finally fades out on their new album. Seriously though, if you haven’t heard that song yet, you’ve been missing out. It just might be my favorite of the year at this point. Check out both of the songs from the 7″ below, and please make time for a quick listen of “Eyesore”. You won’t be sorry – trust me.
PS – Women come to Philadelphia on October 10th @ Johnny Brenda’s
Service Animal –
Grey Skies –
Eyesore –
My Rating: 8.5/10 Genre/ Tags: Lo-Fi, Indie Rock, Experimental Service Animal 7″: Tracklist:
1.) Service Animal
2.) Grey Skies
Women on Myspace BUY the new Women LP “Public Strain” from Insound – The 7″ comes with yr order (while supplies last!)
Styrofoam Drone 