ANMA - Limbus (2020)

 

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Another gem brought to you by Andreas. This time not released on tape but instead fully digital. This collection is ANMA's concept of limbo, or that space between heaven and hell. The tracks are longish and sparse and you can definitely feel the lost floating nothingness, that eventually drifts into what I can only explain as an electronic heartbeat. This collection takes some time to digest, but eventually will wash over you. As previously mentioned, the best time for ANMA is early morning, or late evening, for me. This time I've traded the rain for snow. Have fun with this set. 

Limbus

Synth Sisters & Nikmis - Synth Sisters & Nikmis (2019)

 

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Collected here is another wonderful set of music from Muzan Editions 2019 Winter release. This tape has a much different vibe then the 2 previous collections, in that it has melody and sound structure as opposed to lush flowing ambiance and droning. 

Side A is 2 beautiful  EDM-esque tracks by the Synth Sisters. Track 1 features a wall of sound driven by a slight heartbeat sound. It reminds me of what it must've sounded like when Roy finally got on the ship and they blasted off into space. All the colors and sounds and vibrations. Disassociated voices floating in and out of his unconscious mind. This means something. 

Track 2 very much keeps to the same theme. Floating carelessly in space. There's huge walls of sound that are complimented by ping-ponging pads that bounce all over your head. This is definitely the part in Roy's trip when he's suspended in deep sleep for the big jump back home to the 3rd Kind's planet. 

Side B starts off with Nikmis creating some big ass mind opening swells that lull the listener into a false sense of calm, before taking off into a bouncing, almost Nintendo soundtrack vibe. This is the last and final stop for our hero Roy. He's reached the planet. He's wondering if he made the right choice leaving all of his friends and family behind. 

As previously mentioned, Muzan is offering this collection and many others on their bandcamp for a name you price fee. Head over there and spend some of those coins you've collected on this trip. 

Synth Sisters & Nikmis

Future Islands - As Long As You Are (2020)

 

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My introduction to Future Islands was the summer of 2010 with their oh so brilliant Tin Man video. I just happened to see it in passing, while kicking it with some friends and Herring's voice was like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stale start to the 2010's. I grabbed their record and lived with it for the better half of that year. I kept up with them to the best of my abilities and have been impressed with how consistent they've been. Pumping out banger albums on average every 3 years. 

Presented here is Future Islands 6 studio release and it continues to show every bit of their strengths. Lush pop tunes, swelling ballads, and ass-shaking dance tunes. Nearly 11 years after I first saw their video I am still feeling their tunes. Grab this, and a friend, and enjoy.

As Long As You Are

Ryuichi Sakamoto - Thousand Knives (of) (1978)

 

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Here be Sakamoto's debut, right before his career with YMO exploded. Speaking of, Sakamoto has had one of the most interesting careers, to date. He's credited as the Godfather of Techno & Hip-Hop, an Olympic opening composer, and even worked with some big name pop stars, like David Sylvian, Fennesz, and even acted alongside David Bowie, just to name a few. Here on Sakamoto's debut [styled Thousand Knives, Thousand Knives of, and 千のナイ] he shows his absolute love for all things moog. It feels a little dated at times, but still so refreshing. The guitar work all over this album is amazing. Give it a whirl. 

Thousand Knives (of)

Jóhann Jóhannsson - Orphée (2016)

 

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There's a certain amount of mourning with this recording. From the stark cover, to the opening theme, everything feels very sorrowful; almost resigning to an end of things. Everything requires an ending. Most are bittersweet, while some things you wished had ended sooner, and a small amount you wished had never happened at all. The cold weather is setting in now, followed by the snow. Every evening is now beginning at 3 PM. The sun is shinning, but from behind a dark cloud. We are healing. Slowly, and with pain, but just a little while longer before we can go back outside and start living again. This is absolutely the soundtrack in Illinois right now.   

Orphée

Headdress – Lunes (2009)

 

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Lunes marks a deviation in sound and growth from their first album. Turquoise felt like a long walk through the desert, while Lunes feels like a hallucination brought on by dehydration and too much sun. Big ass wall of sound, disembodied voices, and densely layered guitar drones make their second effort a beautiful follow-up. Put on some sunglasses and take this album for a walk. 

Lunes

Aidan Baker / Faith Coloccia / Jon Mueller - See Through (2019)

 

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Here be a collection of minimalist electronic jams, aimed at relaxing your soul and helping you take that journey away from everyday stressors. I've managed to listen to this album 3 times today and enjoyed it each time. Pulsing drums that aren't too heavy, lush ethereal voices that float through the tracks, and beautifully layered drones that build a wall of sound, protecting you from the bullshit outside. Kick back, twist up, and enjoy.

See Through

Tame Impala - The Slow Rush (2020)

 

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Tame Impala's forth effort is filled with super lush pop tunes that'll keep you moving all day. This dude has been on top for over a decade and can honestly do no wrong. The Slow Rush is a beautiful reminder of the summer[s] ahead and that everything will be okay. 

The Slow Rush