Monday, July 30, 2012

EIC's 10Q's w/ Unison

"..a creepy fairytale.."


Unison
Spectral Electron

Unison Bio:
Unison are a French Witch House duo that started in 2008 and released their first eponymous full-length album 'Unison' on the 10th of April, 2012 through Lentonia Records. They also have one EP titled 'Outside' and some remix EP’s also available. They’ve remixed like-minded artists such as White Ring and have collaborated with Ritualz on his CDR release.


Hello, how are you?
Melanie & Julien: It's going well and you?
EIC: I am well, thanks!;]

What are you currently listening to?
UNISON: A lot of old bands of the 90s like Sebadoh, Dinosaur JR, old Mercury Rev… And also some recent stuff. Lots of different genres, all the time. Lots of music. Lately we hear a lot of EDH's last album (Emmanuelle De Hericourt). On the same label as our album (Lentonia Records). The last Kap Bambino is also really good. And again and again My Bloody Valentine, SALEM, Aphex Twin, Boards Of Canada, The Third Eye Foundation, Cercueil, Deleted Sin, Astrobrite, Clark, Die Antwoord, Young Prisms, Lilys, Whirr/Whirl, Teenage Filmstars, The Radio Dept., Pictureplane, Julee Cruise & David Lynch, Kindness, Iceage, Heaviness, Grimes, Drake & Lil Wayne, Tearist, Light Asylum, Ritualz, White Ring, Telepathe, Sexy Sushi & Mansfield Tya,, Scratch Massive, Fugazi, old Rye Coalition, old Hardcore Punk, some Grindcore & Death Metal & Black Metal, some Crunk & Dirty South & Chicago Rap & Juke etc…

Care to shed some light on the band name?
Melanie: Unison means us against the world. It depends. Sometimes it is the desire to bring people together in the only valid religion; Love. And sometimes it is the desire to destroy everything.

LOVE the new album, care to tell us a little bit about it; theme, recording process, likes/dislikes, etc.?
 Julien: The album has been build in a very natural way, gradually. Sequences on the laptop, with plenty of plugins, sounds and ideas. I sometimes wake in the night to write down ideas that I dream. The main goal was to contrast the wall of sound and the sweet voice of Melanie. This is the heart of Unison.

Will you be touring to support said release?
Julien: As much as we can. Melanie and Christian (who joined us on stage) have a job. We have to do with this parameter.

What do you think of the genre "Witch House/Drag" and do you feel you fall under that title?
Melanie: Fewer and fewer people speak of these names. And more and more people speak of Unison. Which is cool:) We are pleased to have been part of this scene when it was valid and interesting. Now we say we do Deathgaze, that’s a sort of joke but we like this “genre” name. We do Shoegaze, melted with electronic sounds.

Got any other projects we should know about ?
Julien: I try to live by making music. To write for shows, movies etc. ... But Unison is really a BIG thing for us. 

You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
UNISON: My Bloody Valentine's 'Loveless'

Are you living your dream?
UNISON: Yes, and our nightmares too.

Thanx Josh & Unison!

Unison are currently/slightly under the radar, become obsessed NOW...

REVIEW: Unison - Unison

8.5 out of 10

Unison represent all the best traits of a well-rounded darker/more atmospherically inclined musician with just the right amount of angelic "Pop" influence. They are certainly a breath of fresh/morbid air compared to some of the other more morose Electronic acts out there. Witch House may be what they are classified as, but from talking to the band I hear they prefer "Death Gaze"..that seems more fitting to me as well (as both comparison and a concept).

"A creepy fairytale" might describe Unison's album intro, but before the darkness engulfs you too deep a loud pulsing/swirling Neo Raver-esque (think Ritualz) synth sound comes in and just destroys any scary emotions you should have with intense sound. That motion sort of remains apparent/the same throughout the album's entirety; dark & creepy meets harsh/intense layered delicious synthetic melodies  and (Gothic) pretty female vocals. To put it simply; Unison sound a lot like Salem (sans the "Hip Hop" element) with a touch of Black Metal, Industrial, Atmospheric Shoegaze, AaND a few "Crystal Castle and/or Ladytron-isms". You know I love the previously mentioned genres, and in my opinion these are amazing acts to be compared to, and because of that pulling all of these elements together is always gonna equal success in these headphones. The cover for this album works pretty well, but I would love to see the look on a Metal guys face when he randomly buys a "cool looking" "Metal" album and gets home to listen to this.. actually he'd probably be pleased (as long as he was open minded enough I suppose). This could be one of the better Dark Electronic acts I've come across in the past year..

Perfectly murky and bitter. HIunisonthanksforsharingGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Standout Tracks: ALL. Esp; Lost Generation, Brothers & Sisters, Darkness (Unison's acclamation), Put Your Hands In The Air

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Cool Video Funtime #329 - The Eyeballs Of Truth (+Bonus Video)


+ Bonus Video ..because Biblo is just perfectly harrowing & solace..

REVIEW: Kyle Bobby Dunn - Bring Me The Head Of Kyle Bobby Dunn

7.25 out of 10

A critic once described the work of Kyle Bobby Dunn as “compositions that are patience incarnate.” I can't think of a better way to put it. Every release by the Canadian composer to date has showcased an intense dedication to subtlety, creating soundscapes that force you to search through clouds of ambience to find whatever glimpses of simple beauty lie beneath. Armed with only his electric guitar, a sampler, and a pedalboard, Dunn follows in the footsteps of minimalist icons like La Monte Young, deconstructing sound instead of creating music in the traditional sense of the word.

On his newest album, 'Bring Me The Head Of Kyle Bobby Dunn', Dunn defines himself once again as a poet of patience with nearly two-hours of sparse ambience. “Ending Of All Odds” is a simple five-minute track that repeats the same droning melody whilst slowly warping and stretching into something hauntingly epic. “Douglas Glen Theme” opens sounding like some mysterious orb of sound in the distance. But through the course of eight minutes, the track gradually evolves and intensifies into an avalanche of sound, full of flowering strings, trumpets, and processed guitars.

This album is not made for the casual listener. If you find yourself downplaying it as background noise, you'll be lost in a swarm of indecipherable ambience. But if you pay close attention to the subtle shifts in atmosphere, dynamics, and tone at work here, you'll unearth a hypnotic work of startling control and sophistication.

Standout Tracks: Ending Of All Odds, Douglas Glen Theme, In Search Of A Poetic Whole

Monday, July 23, 2012

EIC's 10Q's w/ Crocodiles

".. tremolo/reverb drenched (mostly straight-forward) Rock music with just a hint of Psychedelia and angst .."


Crocodiles
Dipsomaniacal Delirium

Crocodiles Bio:
Crocodiles are an noise pop/indie pop band from San Diego, California, USA. The group was formed in 2008 by core members Brandon Welchez and Charles Rowell after the break-up of their former punk bands Some Girls and The Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower. Crocodiles' sound has typically been likened to The Archies, Tommy James & The Shondells, and Gary Glitter. Whilst at the same time playing in an early incarnation of Dum Dum Girls (Welchez is married to frontwoman Dee Dee Penny), Crocodiles initially gained exposure in 2008 after fellow Southern California noise pop band No Age included their single "Neon Jesus" in a list of the year's best songs. This led to the duo being signed to Mississippi-based label Fat Possum Records, who released the band's self-recorded debut album Summer of Hate, in April 2009. After touring in support of their debut full-length, the first half of 2010 saw Crocodiles go into a studio in the Mojave Desert with British producer James Ford. The resultant sessions comprise the band's second album Sleep Forever. The record was released by Fat Possum in the September of that year. In addition to their own recordings, Crocodiles have collaborated with Television Personalties' frontman Dan Treacy as well as Dum Dum Girls. Although initially gigging as a two piece, Welchez and Rowell have expanded the band to include a live drummer, bassist and keyboard player. Musicians in the live band have included members of Blank Dogs and The Slits. Outside of his activities with Crocodiles, Rowell has published a book of prose writing with Cold Cave front-man Wes Eisold, while Welchez along with wife Penny, occasionally releases records by West-Coast bands under the ZOO MUSIC label name.


Hello, how are you?
I am drunk and that's fine.

What are you currently listening to?
Jon Stewart.

Your live set was pretty amazing/loud, what kind of atmosphere or sound do you try to achieve when playing live?
The sound of five drunk friends playing music really loudly.

Besides touring, what have you guys been up to lately?
Going to watch the Queens Park Rangers football team!

Is there a tentative title/release date for your next full length?*
'Endless Flowers', our new album, will be released on June 6th 2012.
*Yeah, I should've published this interview a bit earlier, sorry bout that;[

What's your favorite Crocodiles track so far?
They are all special to me.

Got any other projects we should know about?
I build model airplanes in my spare time. I recently finished an immaculate French Spad XII.

Is it safe to assume you like Shoegaze music and If so who are your current favorite artists from said genre?
I was not aware that it was a genre! I am going to run with this one for you... Young Prisms are an amazing band. Some of the members stand still while others rock out. Is that alright?

You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
Eno & Fripp's 'No Pussyfooting'

Are you living your dream?
Always!

Thanx Sam & Charles!

Crocodiles are currently touring the US, be sure to check them out live if you can...

REVIEW: Crocodiles - Endless Flowers

7 out of 10

I recently had the pleasure of witnessing Crocodiles live, from that my love of their music was reborn. It seems like the wait in-between new Crocodiles is never that long, so really my love never faded (or had a chance to for that matter), the miracle about it is that they (their  albums) don't lower in quality because of it (which most artists tend to do when releasing at a rapid rate). I will have to say 'Summer Of Hate' is still my favorite album of theirs, but I really do love their other releases (this one and Sleep Forever) as well. Their latest wall of sound 'Endless Flowers' has all their signature "Surf Rock tinged Jesus And Mary Chain" sounds, only this time with even tighter production (which only seems to get better with each release) and a stronger leaning towards loud Bar Rock music. Toe-tapping indeed..

If you like tremolo/reverb drenched (mostly straight-forward) Rock music with just a hint of Psychedelia and angst this should be what you're looking for (if haven't already found by now).. You've been listening to Crocodiles for years now haven't you? You know what to do, turn it up/blast it, annoy your neighbors (ignore them) have a good time..

Pretty good, I'd say.

Standout Tracks:Endless Flowers, Sunday (Psychic Conversation #9), Electric Death Song, Hung Up On A Flower (love the weird ending), Dark Alleys

Sunday, July 22, 2012

EverythingIsChemical Virtual 7" No. 22 - Robert Allaire




"Death comes to all, but great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Next release comes out August 12th.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

[[EIC Mixtape: № 2 - July '12]]

 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1. MPSO - Let Go

2. Eaves - Bemidji

3. Sunken Foal - The Woods
4. John Maus - Bennington (2007)
5. Phantom Power - For A Moment I Thought I Knew You

6. Curren$y - Biscayne Bay [Prod. By Harry Fraud] 
(skip to track 3--sorry couldn't find individual track streams)
7. Shisd - 505 (Arctic Monkeys Cover)

8. Ectoplasm - Geisha (Feat. DenMother)

9. Midnight Davis - Need U Tonight

10. Bijou Winters - Exposed

11. Sunken Foal - Cool Arms Of Love
12. Lil B - Real Life (Kryone Remix)
13. Arrange - Ivory Pts. 2 + 3

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to pass this along to as many people as you'd like;] I may play around with different music upload sites for a bit, seen as Soundcloud limits you (unless you want to pay--lame). I'll get this figured out though, until then ~njoy what you get;]

Monday, July 16, 2012

REVIEW: Ice Choir - Afar

8 out of 10

We all love the 80's right? From The Cure to Pet Shop Boys, there was just something about synthesizers that got an entire generation on their feet. The Pop music from that era still seems untouched as far as being the catchiest music you'll ever hear (ever). It's no surprise that that era of music (as well as a bit of the early 90's) is being "reborn". ..OK, I'm gonna be honest, I think there's too many bands doing it right now. It's (Neo New Wave er whatever it's called) sort of cliche and lame now:[ Is this just me, or is anyone else sick of the revamps and homages? Let's experiment more people! That's what I feel most of the time, that is unless, someone really does-it-right (this is a lot harder than it seems). Ice Choir (whom I love) are "that exception" to this rule.

Ice Choir is the Synth Pop side-project of Kurt Feldman (The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart). You may notice that Ice Choir sounds a lot like a long-lost 80's act, I also think IC sounds a lot like Violens (this is a good thing).. I don't know if that's because it's produced by a Violen(ist?) or if these two artists are just that kismet. No matter, it works. "Afar", Ice Choir's debut LP, is ultra-rad/gleaming the cube glorious from the first breath of electronics to the last pulse of air. The production is incredibly shiny, the beats are simple and elegant, the vocals are perfectly form-fitting/mood matching, and everything is just exactly where it needs to be. Pop music as strong as this only comes along ever-so-often and that's precisely why you need to appreciate this now. (once again) You deserve something this nice don't you?

Love this. Recommended for lovers of nostalgic futures.

Standout Tracks:I Want You Now And Always, Bounding, Two Rings, The Ice Choir (yes indeed! the band was named after this track)

EIC's 10Q's w/ Ice Choir

"..ultra-rad/gleaming the cube glorious from the first breath of electronics to the last pulse of air.."


Ice Choir
Polished Enchantment

Ice Choir Bio:
Formed in October 2010, Brooklyn, NY, USA. Somewhere, amongst abstract romantic lyricism and pointilized synthesizer pastiche, the Ice Choir proposes to you, the listener, a most unfavorable “Pop” experience: imaginative songcraft minus the cool factor. Leaning heavily on the crumbling pillars of 1980’s Technopop production aesthetic, this is music that is both distinctly modern in composition and cripplingly esoteric. Waylaying melodies to mislead and seduce. Sentiments both saccharine and surreal. Formless constructs playing you out of that weird dream and into your cold reality. Kurt Feldman (guitar, programming, synthesizers, vocals) / Patrick South (synthesizers, fretless bass) / Raphael Radna (synthesizers) / Avery Brooks (percussion).


Hello, how are you?
 (Kurt didn't answer this one, we'll assume he's doing awesome though;)

What are you currently listening to?
Kikuchi Momoko's 'Adventure',  Reimy's 'R', and Kevin Dunn's 'No Great Lost: Songs, 1979-1985'

What's with the name, is there a story behind it?
I wrote a song called "The Ice Choir." It's a reference to that song. (the song references other things which I'd prefer to leave open to the listener's interpretation.)

LOVE your debut LP, care to tell us a little bit about it; theme, recording process, likes/dislikes, etc.?
I wrote it over the past year or so in my spare time, mostly while I was on tour with my other band, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart. I was depressed and in a strange headspace when I wrote "Afar" and I'm glad it's behind me. It was recorded, piecemeal, in my apartment.

Will you be touring for said release?
Probably not.

In a dream world whom would you like to tour with the most?
I realize I could probably state some really obscure, long-defunct band here, but I'll refrain from doing that because I've toured a lot and it's a very humanizing and demystifying experience. In pretty much every instance I can think of, I'd just rather not see behind the curtain, so to speak. If I had to do a tour, it would be a triple bill with Violens and Chairlift because those guys are my friends, they're great songwriters and they'd be fun to hang around with for a month or so.

Got any other projects we should know about?
Definitely working on a new record with the Pains right now. Besides that, I've been focusing on other people's music lately, which has been really positive. I'm currently producing / arranging / programming the new Evan Only album and also writing some stuff for videogames. I'm scheduled to work on some other projects this summer which i'm pretty excited about.

What movie would work best on mute while listening to your music?
The NeverEnding Story?

You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
Creed's 'Human Clay'.

Are you living your dream?
No, getting closer, though.

Thanx Caroline and Kurt!

Ice Choir will be releasing their debut LP on July 31st, via the terrific Underwater Peoples label, be sure to check 'Afar' asap!

Sunday, July 15, 2012