Tuesday, August 31, 2010

EIC EXCLUSIVE: Arp - Sky (Live In Big Sur)

Arp - Sky (Live In Big Sur)

I can't seem to get enough of Arp right now. It's the closest thing to Eno since Eno. He's music is simple yet complex sounding Ambient Space Pop. If you like this (which you should), make sure to check out Arp's latest album for even more cosmic bliss.

Check into Bon Accord..

Bon Accord - Honeydew EP

Like a Chill Wave version of Wild Nothing..sort of.

Monday, August 30, 2010

EIC'S10Q'S w/Azure Ray

"..a "modern" response to their "old" sound. The production, tight as usual. Fetching electronic beats underneath acoustic guitars, ringing-reverberated tones, & sustained keys provide an uplifting experience while maintaining a relaxing atmosphere. The vocals are (as always) in peak shape and the lyrics are just as endearing/personal as one could expect. There are elements of Trip Hop (almost), Classical (somewhat), Dream Pop (maybe), and Folk (I suppose). And although these elements may sound "conflicting" to some, they are not. The sounds within are alluring and confiding.."


Azure Ray
Accommodating Ethereal Prevalence

Azure Ray Bio:
Although they became important figures in the Saddle Creek community of Omaha, NE, Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor made their initial mark in Athens, GA, where they formed Azure Ray in 2001. The two musicians -- both Alabama natives -- combined elements of folk, Americana, and light electronica into their 2001 debut album. The next winter, Azure Ray issued the "November" EP on the Saddle Creek label, sparking a fruitful association with the label and its roster. The sophomore effort "Burn and Shiver" followed in 2002 and exuded a more serene soundscape, as well as slick production work from Crooked Fingers frontman Eric Bachmann. Fink and Taylor also began lending their contributions to other albums, from Moby's "18" to Bright Eyes' "Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground". A year later, Azure Ray continued their prolific pace by issuing "Hold on Love". It’s been nearly seven years since celebrated duo Azure Ray released their critically acclaimed album "Hold On Love". It’s been a long wait for music fans, but thankfully that wait is about to come to an end. The highly anticipated full-length from Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor is a sublime future classic titled "Drawing Down the Moon", set for release on Saddle Creek in September. The record was produced by Eric Bachmann at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, North Carolina, mixed by Michael Patterson in Los Angeles, CA and features guest appearances by Andy LeMaster and Liz Durrett. With their three prior full lengths and the "November" EP the duo drew fans from around the globe with their transcendent songwriting and stunning vocals, Drawing Down the Moon is an even more impressive and beguiling delight. Their undeniable talents lie in balladry so breathtakingly visceral that it soars straight through the ears into the veins until it pumps firmly into the heart.



Hello, how are you?
We're good. Just finished shooting a video for our song "Don't Leave My Mind" with an amazing group of people. Still recovering from the wrap party.

What are you currently listening to?
Orenda: My husband making techno music
Maria: Jose Gonzalez' version of "Heartbeats"

Where does the name Azure Ray originate from?
Our friend, Brian Causey, thought of it actually. We wanted something that felt like blue light and he suggested Azure Ray.

You guys haven't released a full length since 2003's terrifically (over the top) gorgeous opus "Hold On Love".. What has the band been up to since then & were you guys on hiatus at all?
We were on hiatus from Azure Ray, but were actually quite busy individually. Maria released three solo albums and an EP with Andy Lemaster and I released two solo albums and two collaborative albums: Art In Manila and O+S.

The new album is pretty amazing, it sounds like you've added a few more electronic sounds on it, what prompted you to do this?
Thank you! That would be the work of our mad genius producer, Eric Bachmann. I guess he just found that the new songs called for it...

What is the story behind the album title "Drawing Down The Moon"?

It was originally going to be the title of one of the songs, but at the last minute we switched it to the title of the record. The phrase just resonated with us at the time. Maybe it was the unending Topanga nights where we did pre-production.

Which album do you feel is more personal; "Drawing Down The Moon" or "Hold On Love"?
They are both equally personal. Pretty much everything we write is autobiographical.

If you could collaborate with any musician (living or dead) of your choice whom would it be with and why?
Orenda: Nina Simone, John Lennon or Dr. John
Maria: Carole King .....she is why I wanted to write songs or Dave Freidman.......cause I'm in love with his production.

You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
Orenda: any Nina Simone record
Maria: "Drawing Down The Moon" ;) No...really...umm... "Graceland" maybe?

Are you living your dream?
Yes!!

Thanx Cara, Orenda, & Maria!

Azure Ray will be releasing "Drawing Down The Moon" on September 14th via Saddle Creek, make sure to check that out. They will also be touring North America shortly after, make sure to check them out live if you can...

REVIEW: Azure Ray - Drawing Down The Moon

7 out of 10

I first became aware of Azure Ray's amazing talent from 2003's "Hold On Love". In my opinion that album is still the crowning achievement of Saddle Creek (you can debate me if you'd like, but I doubt you'll change my opinion on this one). Sure, there have been some amazing albums from Saddle Creek, but none of them tugged on my heart strings more than "Hold On Love". To this day every time I listen to it I blush from how romantic, melodramatic, & nostalgic it makes me feel. For anyone who hasn't heard Azure Ray, I definitely recommend starting with "Hold On Love" (you can thank me later). It's a little bit of Folk Pop mixed with minimal electronic sounds, strings, solid production, and the prettiest female harmonization's you may ever here. Anyways, nearly 7 years later the girls are back with a new full length titled "Drawing Down The Moon", and once again, I feel a "slight" tug beneath my chest..

"Drawing Down The Moon" seemed immanent. How do you release one of the most amazing Modern Folk albums ever made and not even try to follow it up? There have been a few EP's/Singles since "Hold On Love", but none of them really "comparable" to it's honesty/triumph. You can lay you head down now though, get comfy.. Fall into a heavy REM state. Once you hear the beautiful harp work your dream will begin. You will hear/feel the heavenly voices of Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor tucking you in. You are now back in Azure Ray's arms, you can relax now. On "Drawing Down The Moon" AR may have decided to turn the "Pop" and "Electronics" up a little bit, but it's still pretty, fluffy, & radiant. "Drawing Down The Moon" is Azure Ray's "modern" response to their "old" sound. The production, tight as usual. Fetching electronic beats underneath acoustic guitars, ringing-reverberated tones, & sustained keys provide an uplifting experience while maintaining a relaxing atmosphere. The vocals are (as always) in peak shape and the lyrics are just as endearing/personal as one could expect. There are elements of Trip Hop (almost), Classical (somewhat), Dream Pop (maybe), and Folk (I suppose). And although these elements may sound "conflicting" to some, they are not. The sounds within are alluring and confiding. The "heavenly dream-like" state Azure Ray shares with you hasn't been replaced, it's merely been touched up with some modern chivalrous euphoria and Pop sensibility.

I like it. If you're into (or not into) the Saddle Creek sound you will like this. I like what Azure Ray does with Folk music. I think a lot of "Folk-sters" could learn from AR's style. Don't be afraid to dabble with your genre, add something "modern", add something "vintage", just make sure what you offer is you and "unique" to you. Recommended.

Standout Tracks: Wake Up Sleepyhead, In The Fog, Larraine, Make Your Heart, Signs In The Leaves (love the piano on this one), Love And Permanence, Shouldn't Have Loved

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Cool Video Funtime #190 - Girlflesh

A song FREE EP sooo good, one might call it "ear crack"..

Wintercoats - Cathedral EP

Just stumbled across these guys a couple days ago ..I think I've listened to this EP about 10 times since. Think of a mellow Mahogany with pretty/(incredibly)catchy strings. For some reason a "male fronted Cranes" meets the "plucky attitude" of Amiina also comes to mind.. Please? ..GET THIS NOW?!?

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Congrats on the new label..

EIC's good friends SRVC are starting a new cousin label called Cascine. The first release on this already exciting label is from the artist Shine. Think of a cross between Pet Shop Boys and PM Dawn. Sound's a little weird? It's amazing. Fans of Lo-Fi-Fnk, The Tough Alliance, Jj, etc.. This one's for you..

Shine's "Associates EP" comes out September 1st (just a few days away!!) via Cascine...

The same day as this release:(I think it's destined for EIC to cross paths with this label a lot more in the future ;) --thanx Jeff)

Good (free) music laying around the interwebs..(expanded edition)

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

EverythingIsChemical Presents: Judgement Day Live

Friday September 10th 2010
Please come to the show and enjoy some quality String Metal, Industrial Hard-Core, & Folk Pop (yep) music as well as good company..

Judgement Day
+
Dire Gnosis
+
Sarah Pray
= a hodgepodge of different music, so there's something for everyone

Look forward to seeing you there..
(The bands + EIC would like to thank you ahead of time for attending:)
& (as always) ~njoy.

Check into (x2) Incan Abraham & Michael Parallax..

Kind of like a Psych-Rock Shins..
&
Michael Parallax - Mountain LP
Kind of like Cale Parks meets Animal Collective (kind of?)..

I like free albums. How bout you?

Monday, August 23, 2010

EIC'S10Q'S w/Electric Sunset

"..perfect amount of Pop, modern Electronic beats, deep bass lines, and non-confrontational vocals. ..ranging from mostly upbeat, to breezy/"surfy", to ultra laid-back yet dancey and somewhat psychedelic. My main complaint, I already want more and I have to wait for it.."


Electric Sunset
Buoyant Future Pop

Electric Sunset Bio:
Electric Sunset is the new group of Nic Zwart, formerly guitarist and vocalist of Desolation Wilderness. With Rock & Roll swagger applied to synthetic rhythms and ringing keyboards, Nic wanted to create music that was both propulsive and dream-like. Fitting that Electric Sunset took shape as he moved from Olympia back to San Francisco, the city where he was born - that crazy and beautiful metropolis of weirdos, models and rockers. The debut self-titled album will be out on K in September 2010.



Hello, how are you?
Good, thanks!

What are you currently listening to?
I was just listening to "Heart Of The Congos" by The Congos.

Can you please explain your sound in 5 words or less?
Pop

What artists were your main source of inspiration when creating Electric Sunset’s sound?
Lone Ranger, Lee Perry, Carl Crack

Is there any sort of “theme” on your debut album?
Not overtly or consciously.

What is your favorite song of the album?
All of them.

What’s you least favorite genre of music right now?
I'm not sure!

If you could score any movie of your choice, what would you choose?
Holy Mountain

You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
"Studio One DJ's"

Are you living your dream?
Yes.

Thanx Nicolaas!

Electric Sunset is gearing up to release his debut album this September (2010). Be sure to check it out (it's really good)...

Cool Video Funtime #189 - Schema Corporel

A few albums to get excited for..

Destroyer w/Tim Hecker & Loscil's Collaborative 12" comes out November 2nd via Merge.
Why you care.
&
A Sunny Day In Glasgow's "Autumn, Again" comes out October 19th via the band's website (only for a limited time).
A new ASDIG album + the price of FREE = ?
a. Happiness B. Sad puppy face c. I just peed myself d. Stuff

&
(warning: option "c." may occur)
this..
Brian Eno's "Small Craft On A Milk Sea" comes out November 2nd via Warp.

This is one helluven epic year for music.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

REVIEW: Thrushes - Night Falls

7.25 out of 10
Find it here.

Thrushes are a four-piece Indie-Dream Pop/Shoegaze band based out of Baltimore. "Night Falls" is the groups second album. I first came across this group via an Amazon Shoegaze List of some sort, they (the lister) recommended "Sun Come Undone" by Thrushes. Sidenote: If you've never used "Listmania" on Amazon you are missing out on one of the greatest ways to discover things you have never heard of. Any-who back to the point at hand.. 3 years later the group is back and ready to share some more Blissful Pop Fun and I couldn't be happier.

For the most part "Night Falls" is an "uplifting/fun album". It's upbeat and poppy in all the right parts. Great bass lines, tight drums, soaring vocals that are both endearing and triumphant. But the parts that really get me are the accomplished guitar melodies/distortions that are somewhat reminiscent of MBV. If this albums gets the attention it deserves it couldwill end up on close to every body's year end list. This is indeed an "Indie Pop" album, whatever that even means these days, but know this; I'm very picky with Indie Pop. Most of it sounds the same (sorry to offend anyone) and it usually does nothing for me -- that is unless it's done "right". Give me unique, give me catchy, give me something I will crave. Thrushes "Night Falls" is the kind of music made for anyone that's ever liked any band labeled "Indie-anything". "Night Falls" is for the kind of person needing some perfect Pop simplicity with a few intricate layers of smart noise.

If Phil Spector (I'm actually re-going through a Spector phase right now--so this is good) had the ability to produce Indie Pop albums for likes of The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart and other bands of that nature I imagine it would sound something like Thrushes. Recommended.

Standout Tracks: They're all pretty catchy.. Trees, Crystals, Night Falls (love the guitar and drum work on this one), Juggernaut (←yeah, what he said)

Wild Nothing 2010 US Tour..

Wild Nothing '10

08-28 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
09-22 Rochester, NY - Water Street Music Hall
09-23 Boston, MA - House of Blues
09-28 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
09-30 Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero
10-01 Williamsburg, VA - College of William and Mary
10-02 Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
10-03 Louisville, KY - Headliners Music Hall
10-05 Nashville, TN - Cannery Ballroom
10-06 Bloomington, IN - Bluebird Nightclub
10-07 Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
10-08 Madison, WI - Barrymore Theatre
10-09 Detroit, MI - Majestic Theatre


I know I haven't gotten around to reviewing this album yet, but trust me when I say it's a contender for one of the most listenable albums of the year.

PS HERE's a new song from the upcoming new EP titled "Golden Haze", which comes out this Fall via Captured Tracks.

Monday, August 16, 2010

EIC'S10Q'S w/Greie Gut Fraktion

"..the sense of something being constructed inside your ears. You are there witnessing a convoluted piece of machinery do it's job while possibly breaking down and piecing itself back together again.."


Greie Gut Fraktion
Dismantled Fabricated Apparatus

Greie Gut Fraktion Bio:
Crafting what the duo calls "post-kraut-dub-industrial-techno," Greie Gut Fraktion brings together East German-born poet/producer Antye Greie and West German experimental producer Gudrun Gut. Greie also releases music under the moniker AGF, was one half of Laub and has worked with Ellen Allien, Craig Armstrong and Vladislav Delay, among others; Gut, meanwhile, was a member of Mania D, Malaria!, Einstürzende Neubauten and Matador, and runs the label Monika Enterprise. The project began in 2008, when Greie invited Gut to collaborate with her on a work commissioned for the BBC program Late Junction; the pair were inspired by the propulsive sounds of construction sites and made hours of field recordings. Throughout 2009, Greie and Gut formed songs out of these sounds plus vocals, beats and guitars in their respective studios in Finland and Berlin. The duo played shows in Copenhagen, Berlin and London before their first release, the Wir bauen eine neue Stadt ("we’re building a new city") EP arrived in spring 2010 on Monika. A cover of the 1981 hit by Palais Schaumberg (which included Gut collaborator Thomas Fehlmann among the band’s members), it also featured remixes by Wolfgang Voigt and Alva Noto. Greie Gut Fraktion’s first full-length Baustelle ("Construction Site") was released in summer 2010.



Hello, how are you?
Thanks fine.

What are you currently listening to?

I am listening to the new Four Tet album over and over again. Quite like it.

How long have you two been writing music together?
I met Antye at a festival in Moskau and we talked all night- that was 2008- shorty afterwards she invited me to join in to this collab project for BBC radio and we quickly found the theme "Baustelle/construction site" for us. That was the first time we ever worked together. And we both really enjoyed this- so we decided to continue and make a full length album. But I knew her from Berlin music scene before.

Can you explain your sound in 5 words or less?
Powerful, sensual, direct, loud.

Your debut full length “Baustelle“ translates into Construction Site, can you explain why you chose this title?

A construction site is a place of progress. Its..

Who are your current favorite underground electronic musicians at this time?
Natalie Beridze/tba

What‘s next for you guys?
We have prepared a live set up and are planning gigs for Autum.

Will Einstürzende Neubauten ever see the light of day/tour North America again?

I am the wrong person to be asked that question. I haven't had anything to do with EN since 1981.

You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
I'll get a bird.

Are you living your dream?

Yes. but I am living reality at the same time.

Thanx Brian & GGF!

Greie Gut Fraktion are currently playing shows here and there in EU, who wants to fly em' out here and get a show set up? (I'll go)...

REVIEW: Greie Gut Fraktion - Baustelle

8.25 out of 10
Find it here.

This was another random album sent into me. I had never heard of these two lovely ladies before, and I wasn't all that familiar with their music. But out of random obscure submission came an intense surge of ear pleasure-ness. Greie Gut Fraktion are a German based Electronic duo. Both of them have been in and out of the best parts of the underground electronic music scene for the past 20+ years or so. (They are indeed masters of their craft.) Their music, although could be danced to, is best really listened to/soaked in. The intricate layers of samples with haunting & seductive vocals among other obscure electronic sounds really makes "Baustelle" one of this years best electronic albums.

"Baustelle" means "construction site". Now you know the theme; this album was made up (almost) entirely of sampled construction site sounds. Sure, you've heard of "themed" albums before where the band goes and gets a few field recordings.. But the way GGF put their samples back together gives you the sense of something being constructed inside your ears. You are there witnessing a convoluted piece of machinery do it's job while possibly breaking down and piecing itself back together again. If Ben Frost's "Theory Of Machines" is about the life and-or lack-of life in machines, then Greie Gut Fraktion's "Baustelle" would be about the corruption and decay of machines. As for "sound specific"; the songs on this album range anywhere from Minimal Techno (Ellen Allien) to Industrial (in it's truest sense) to Post Apocalyptic Dub (somewhat reminiscent of Burial). It's relaxing, unique, a little dancey, and complex. It's exactly the way I like my Electronic music.

If the thought of Ellen Allien teaming up with Midaircondo to release a Post-Dub Industrial Electronic-Ambient album excites you.. You need to be obsessed with this now. RECOMMENDEDddDddDdD.

Standout Tracks: All ..Drilling An Ocean(boom.), Grossgrundbesitzer, Baustein, White Oak

EverythingIsChemical Presents: Android Lust Live

Monday September 13th 2010
Please come to the show and enjoy some quality Industrial/Goth/Dance music as well as good company..

Android Lust
+
Strap On Halo
+
mACID: The Acid Astronaut Cowboy Ninja
= lot's of black shirts and probably some dudes with makeup


Look forward to seeing you there..
(The bands + EIC would like to thank you ahead of time for attending:)
& (as always) ~njoy.