Tag Archives: Avantgarde

Boxhead Ensemble – Quartets

by ·

★★☆☆☆ = Eh, fine

Sounds like?

effect-laden modern classical

Moods

Cerebral

Thoughts

I can't tell if it's because I listened to this with ear buds or if it's recorded in a certain way but it felt very much 'in my head'. These tracks have space and build tension at times as well as create feelings of intimacy. Reminds me of an indie version of the Kronos quartet.

On second listen I was especially bored, just OK.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Boxhead-Ensemble-Quartets/release/198661

Listen!

Spotify


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Boxhead Ensemble – Quartets

Description: Album Review of Boxhead Ensemble – Quartets


Rating: 2 out of 5

 

Magik Markers – Boss

by ·

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

Desert spooky kind of spoken word folk with tense instrumentation

Moods

Enlightenment

Thoughts

Enjoyable, reminds me of Sonic youth a bit. The aggressiveness and slight angularity is something I probably would've liked when I was younger but not something I'm as attracted to now, definitely reaching for chiller songs overall.

I like her spoken word lyrics. She's got a kind of all knowing confidence that works really well, it's hard to imagine these songs succeeding without her.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Magik-Markers-Boss/release/8170173

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwmUKg5Sp3Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUu60J19xpU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA2cV-s8W84

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrYS9FW73EA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmYEZJ9r8VI

Spotify


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Magik Markers – Boss

Description: Album Review of Magik Markers – Boss


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

The Durutti Column – The Return Of The Durutti Column

by ·

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?

electric guitar and bass over a very basic midi drum machine

Moods

A sunny day noodle with friends

Thoughts

Plays like a personal jam amongst friends. There are shapes of songs here and lots of melodic lines to grip on to which keeps it somewhat engaging. I like the basic drum machine, it's like an incompetent robot drummer. Adds this synthesized layer to ‘Katherine’ that adds so basic it stands as a nice supplement to the pleasant, wistful reverb driven guitar playing.

This came out in 1979 and I can see it being hugely influential then as the electric guitar was still finding itself. Listening to it almost 40 years later it holds up well. I think there's a whole scene of bedroom musicians and chillwave artists striving to create the same thing.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/The-Durutti-Column-The-Return-Of-The-Durutti-Column/release/807151

Listen!

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The Durutti Column – The Return Of The Durutti Column

Description: Album Review of The Durutti Column – The Return Of The Durutti Column


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

Colin Stetson – All This I Do For Glory

by ·

★★★☆☆ = Good!

Sounds like?
Deep brooding sax laid on top of repetitive songs.

Moods
David Lynch

Thoughts
Colin Stetson is an impressive player. His distinct approach to the sax utilizing circular breathing and tiny microphones creates sounds and textures that go beyond a typical saxophone; like the opening and closing of flaps and squawking dissonance.

These qualities don’t always make-up for the loose songwriting and his albums kind of feel like he’s just wanking off (felt this way when I saw him live too).

Ultimately it’s hard to deny the effectiveness of the textures he creates and those interested in experimental dark jazz should check him out. Stetson has a vision he’s able to perfectly articulate and in that way he’s a master at his craft.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Colin-Stetson-All-This-I-Do-For-Glory/release/10212933

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srBkjdjvoJg



Spotify

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Colin Stetson – All This I Do For Glory

Description: Album Review of Colin Stetson – All This I Do For Glory


Rating: 3 out of 5

 

John Cale,Terry Riley – Church Of Anthrax

by ·

★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening

What’s it sound like?
Experimental 60s psychedelic pop jams

Thoughts
Highly recommended and fruitful collaboration between these two legends. I’d describe this as the Grateful Dead meets the VU at their most experimental.

Top-notch instrumentation and songwriting. While it has a jam vibe it never wanders too far into noodling territory.

I need to revisit this more, seems as if it would reward repeat listening.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/John-Cale-Terry-Riley-Church-Of-Anthrax/release/1363130

Listen!

Youtube



Spotify

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John Cale,Terry Riley – Church Of Anthrax

Description: Album Review of John Cale,Terry Riley – Church Of Anthrax


Rating: 4 out of 5