Dmitry Evgrafov "Comprehension Of Light (Fat Cat)"
Moscow-based composer Dmitry Evgrafov, who is completely self-taught, has been releasing music since he was a seventeen year old putting out music by himself. Now we find him signed to Fat Cat’s wonderful modern classical imprint 130701, and poised to release his most mature, haunting collection to date. Comprehension Of Light supposes to tell a cohesive story from start to finish, “a story of a long and difficult personal journey from darkness to light.” The result is at times breathtaking in it’s beauty. If you are a fan of other modern classical composers like Hauschka, Jóhann Jóhannsson, or Max Richter, than this album is definitely for you. Working with the Iskra String Quartet here, the sound is rich and full, sophisticated and lovely. Check out the hopeful, ambient “Znanie.”
Blis. "No One Loves You (Sargent House)"
Are you as excited for the full-length debut from Blis. as NPR’s All Songs Considered host Robin Hilton is? Well you should be. After all, they are one of his “favorite new discoveries” (good taste Robin!) So here is Blis. fulfilling the rock ’n’ roll promise they made to us all on their 2015 EP. No One Loves You (Sargent House) is “an ambitious rock record about love, religion, and surviving life’s most painful hardships.” (NPR) Check out the Pixies meets A Place To Bury Strangers sounds of “Old Man.”
Canon Blue "Lasso Yo (Temporary Residence)"
Recorded over the last 6 years, during Daniel Johnson’s increasing bouts of isolation as brought on by deepening anxiety and depression, Lasso Yo (Temporary Residence), the new one from Canon Blue, betrays its weighty back story with it’s transcendent, ethereal sound that falls somewhere between ‘80s art-synth-pop a la The Eurythmics, solo Peter Gabriel, late ‘80s Beach Boys, and modern indie sultriness a la CANT (you know, Chris Taylor from Grizzly Bear’s solo project). I know, that’s a weird combination, but when a record gets as personal as this one, some strange bedfellows are bound to turn up. Check out the anxious build of “Beholden.”
Mister Heavenly "Boxing The Moonlight (Polyvinyl)"
If I told you there was a band that sited Krautrock band Faust as a major influence, as well as hip-hop production of the ‘80s and ‘90s, you’d be interested. If I also told you that the band included members of Man Man, Honus Honus, Islands, Unicorns, Cold War Kids, Modest Mouse, and the Shins, you’d likely either do one of two things. 1.) You’d freak out and push me down the steps to get ahold of a copy of their album (shame on you! I was about to give it to you anyway). 2.) You’d say “Oh, Mister Heavenly have a new album out? I’m a HUGE fan!” Hopefully you fall into the latter, non-violent group. If that’s the case, get your ears wrapped around Boxing The Moonlight (Polyvinyl), the newest from the eclectic Mister Heavenly! Check out the electrifying electro-janglewave sounds of “Makin’ Excuses.”