Emptyset "Skin (Thrill Jockey)"
For a duo that “stand at the vanguard of electronic music” (Thrill Jockey’s words, not mine) the fact that Emptyset’s newest release, the EP Skin, was created entirely with acoustic production methods is fascinating. At least, until you start listening to it. By then you’ll completely forget about the production of the music as you are quickly hypnotized by their take on ritual and non-Western music. Drones, texture, rhythm, and structure are focused on here as created by custom stringed instruments, as well as drums and vocals being modulated in real-time. Equal parts sinister and ambient, this mystery of an EP could just as easily signify doom or rebirth to the listener, depending on their headspace. Try to figure out what your headspace is as you check out “Eye II.”
Saicobab "San Se Pirani Bab (Thrill Jockey)"
The debut from Japanese quartet Saicobab is likely going to take you by surprise. Their strange mix of traditional Indian music and decidedly non-traditional instrumentation and production mixed with almost math-rock rhythms and unexpected vocal turns makes their debut, San Se Pirani Bab (Thrill Jockey) unlike anything you’ve ever heard. Imagine Mike Patton, Deerhoof, and Ravi Shankar recording an album, and you’ve got sort of a vague inkling of what to expect here. Take a deep breath, because you might never be the same, and check out “Bx Ax Bx.”
TRØN & DVD "Afraid Of The Dark (Kiam)"
Brothers Norvin and Darian Van Dunk, known here as TRØN & DVD, have been making rap music for as long as they can remember. But Afraid Of The Dark, their Kiam debut, is also their first proper album released by a label. Sys Norvin: ““When we went in [to Kiam Records Shop], we gave [Jennifer O’Connor] our CDs, and she liked it enough to help us out and sign us, which is cool, cause we were always doing everything ourselves.” Credit where credit is due, Nyack News and Views (Kiam Record IS from Nyack after all) said it best when they said “Afraid of the Dark’s paranoid sonic landscape stems from indie rock as much as it does Wu-Tang Clan or Eminem.” Get ready to fall in love with the mixture of TRØN’s easy, smooth flow mixed with DVD’s gravely, bellowing delivery. Not to mention guest turns from Kiam label mates Amy Bezunartea, Jennifer O’Connor, as well as co-production from Tom Beaujour. Favorite line on the record? “They be thinkin’ we went Paleo we go against grains.” #sogood Check out the vital “Vigilantes.”
Watter "History Of The Future (Temporary Residence)"
Watter, the instrumental post-rock trio featuring members of Saint and Grails, are back! When their debut album This World was released, no one was sure if this would be a one off or a full-fledged project. Well after turning the US with Om, they returned to the studio to record their follow-up, the unexpectedly gorgeous History Of The Future (Temporary Residence). Imagine if Pink Floyd’s last album, The Division Bell, had been good (and instrumental), and add like a 10% modern electronic music twist to it, and you are getting close to the sound of this soaring, majestic, triumphant album. Check out the first single from the album, the epic sounds of “Shadow Chase.”