Tag: 2024

  • Ricardo Arias // Violeta García – AÑAGAZAS, ESTRATAGEMAS. JUGARRETAS Y TRETAS (Cassette, 2024)

    Ricardo Arias // Violeta García – AÑAGAZAS, ESTRATAGEMAS. JUGARRETAS Y TRETAS (Cassette, 2024)

    GAJOOB Review by Briyan Frederick, 2024:

    Ricardo Arias and Violeta García’s collaborative work, AÑAGAZAS, ESTRATAGEMAS. JUGARRETAS Y TRETAS is a 2024 cassette release that captures the intricate dance of two avant-garde musicians engaging in a dialogue that is as equal parts subtle and profound. Each track feels like a room full of gestures where the artists coax and cajole their instruments to reveal deeply expressive and often surprising sounds.

    Violeta García, an exceptional cellist from Argentina, demonstrates her prowess by conjuring a wide array of sounds from her cello. Her technique spans from deep, granular strokes to high-pitched calls that seem to flirt with the edges of human hearing. Each note she plays contributes to a rich tapestry of sound, making her performance both captivating and emotionally resonant.

    [ar044] Ricardo Arias | New York-Bogotá 2000-2010

    Ricardo Arias, equipped with his unique bass balloon kit, proves to be an equally inventive partner. The bass balloon kit, with its elastic membranes, complements García’s cello in unexpected ways, creating a playful yet intricate interplay. The result is a conversation between two instruments that feels organic and alive, each responding to the other in real-time.

    One of the standout features of this album is how the artists embrace quietude. They allow moments of silence to exist and gestate, giving the music space to breathe. These “instrument whispers” create a dynamic ebb and flow, inviting listeners to immerse themselves deeply in the auditory experience.

    This project was born out of a meeting in Bogotá, when García visited in March 2020. The duo initially performed with Mange Valencia (of Meridian Brothers, Mirlitorrinco, etc.) under the name Asteroidea for matik-matik’s birthday celebrations—a legendary venue known for experimental sound. The pandemic’s onset provided an unexpected opportunity for Arias and García to record as a duo, and the resulting tracks reflect a sense of urgency and spontaneity that is both engaging and texturally rich.

    “AÑAGAZAS, ESTRATAGEMAS. JUGARRETAS Y TRETAS” is a compelling exploration of texture, gesture, and improvisation. It rewards repeated listens, each session revealing new layers and nuances.

    Media: Cassette.

    Visit Public Eyesore Records

    Bandcamp URL: https://publiceyesore.bandcamp.com/album/a-agazas-estratagemas-jugarretas-y-tretas

  • Swamp Donkey – After the Sound-Shadow (Digital, 2024)

    Swamp Donkey – After the Sound-Shadow (Digital, 2024)

    GAJOOB Review by Briyan Frederick:

    Swamp Donkey’s latest release, After the Sound-Shadow is a captivating auditory journey that masterfully blends electronic and found sounds with an array of eclectic recordings. From the opening track, listeners are transported into a world where disparate sonic elements come together to create a cohesive and immersive experience.

    One of the most striking aspects of this album is its use of percussion. Rather than adhering to a conventional rhythm section, the percussion in After the Sound-Shadow is sporadic yet meticulously placed, always complementing the overall flow and enhancing the listening experience. This approach allows the music to breathe and evolve organically, creating an ever-changing landscape of sound.

    Melodic arpeggios intermittently appear, weaving their way through the tracks before fading back into the ambient backdrop. These melodic moments serve as anchor points in the otherwise fluid and dynamic compositions. The cascading rhythms sometimes exhibit a serial nature, providing structure amidst the swirling atmospheres.

    The ambience throughout the album is enveloping, creating a sense of being immersed in a living, breathing organism of sound. Each track seamlessly transitions into the next, with new sonic landscapes emerging from the depths of the previous one. This continuous evolution keeps the listener engaged, rewarding repeated listens with new discoveries and nuances.

    After the Sound-Shadow is a beautiful work that defies traditional genre boundaries, merging experimental electronic music with elements of ambient, found sound, and natural theatrics. It’s an album that invites you to lose yourself in its intricate textures and evolving soundscapes.

    For those looking for an album that offers more with each listen, Swamp Donkey’s After the Sound-Shadow is a must-hear. Its rich tapestry of sounds and innovative use of percussion make it a standout release in the electronic and experimental music scene.

    Media: Digital.

    Visit Harsh Reality Music

    Bandcamp URL: https://harshrealitymusic.bandcamp.com/album/after-the-sound-shadow

  • Yellow Jello – Charmonix (Digital, 2024)

    Yellow Jello – Charmonix (Digital, 2024)

    GAJOOB Review by Briyan Frederick:

    Yellow Jello’s latest album, “Charmonix,” is a captivating exploration of lo-fi acoustic charm that perfectly encapsulates the essence of spontaneous creativity. Recorded in just about two days during a glamping retreat, this album captures the raw, unpolished beauty of music made in the moment and is a breath of fresh air (literally).

    The album opens with a loose, laid-back feel, characterized by acoustic guitars and vocals recorded dry—completely devoid of effects. This stripped-down approach gives the tracks an intimate quality, allowing the natural resonance of the instruments and the human voice to shine through.

    A distinctive feature of “Charmonix” is its use of an alternative Gadd9 tuning, which adds a rich harmonic texture to the songs. The second track introduces a charming recorder melody, adding a whimsical, almost childlike layer to the music. The album has an unpredictable and spontaneous vibe that keeps listeners engaged.

    Despite its simplicity, “Charmonix” does not shy away from inventive musical choices. The drums are used sparingly but effectively, serving as ornamental accents rather than driving rhythms. This unconventional approach to percussion is both refreshing and cool, demonstrating Yellow Jello’s ability to think outside the box.

    The entire album was recorded on a Tascam 414, using no more than four tracks at any given time. This minimalist setup, revealed in a fascinating “making of” video, highlights the constraints within which Yellow Jello operated and underscores the ingenuity required to produce such a cohesive and engaging album.

    The project was born out of a desire to relax while creating, and the charming setting of a tiny house amidst beautiful green scenery undoubtedly influenced the album’s serene and organic feel. The name “Charmonix” is a playful nod to both the harmonics used throughout the music and the idyllic environment in which it was created.

    Released on July 1, 2024, “Charmonix” embraces simplicity and the joy of making music for the sheer love of it. For those looking to escape the polished veneer of mainstream releases and dive into something more authentic and heartfelt, this album is a must-listen.

    Discover the delightful sounds of “Charmonix” on Bandcamp, and be sure to check out the accompanying embedded below for an inside look at the creation process. — For anyone seeking an auditory escape to a world of charming melodies and pastoral tranquility, Yellow Jello’s “Charmonix” offers a perfect retreat.

    Media: Digital.

    Bandcamp URL: https://yellowjello.bandcamp.com/album/charmonix

  • Yonas Campbell – Once in Heaven (Digital, 2024)

    Yonas Campbell – Once in Heaven (Digital, 2024)

    GAJOOB Review by Briyan Frederick, 2024:

    Yonas Campbell’s latest album, Once in Heaven, released on June 14, 2024, is a remarkable musical journey that showcases a masterful blend of acoustic elegance and electrifying energy. From the very first note, Campbell’s meticulous attention to detail and emotional depth are immediately apparent.

    The album opens with a mesmerizing recording of violin, viola, and cello, drawing listeners into a serene acoustic soundscape. The lush string arrangements, performed by Tom Widdicombe (viola), Emily Bowden (violin), and Anna Ryland Jones (cello), set a poignant tone that resonates deeply. Just as you’re lulled into expecting a wholly mellow experience, half-way into the third track, “Trouble,” shatters this tranquility with a powerful chord and drum beat that launches the listener skyward. This transition is nothing short of spectacular, propelling the album into an entirely new dimension.

    Following “Trouble,” the fourth track introduces an upright piano that anchors the album, solidifying Once in Heaven as a special kind of musical odyssey. Campbell’s vocal delivery stands out, carrying the weight of distant yet vivid emotions that seem to caress the listener, evoking memories and feelings that linger long after the music has stopped.

    Rosie Watters’ backing vocal in “Love Will Last” is an added treat that continues gifting us on subsequent tracks. Each song on the album is meticulously crafted and delivered with heartfelt sincerity. Notably, tracks like “Once In Heaven” and “Trouble” highlight Campbell’s talent for blending acoustic instrumentation with a dab of modern elements and approaches, lingering on humans touching strings and keys, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.

    Dedicated to his grandmother Heather, Once in Heaven is a heartfelt tribute that radiates love and respect, making it even more poignant and touching. It’s a beautiful album that defies easy categorization, combining lush acoustics with many moments of powerful intensity (including quiet ones). It’s an album worth experiencing, drawing you in with its emotional depth and exceptional musicianship.

    Media: Digital.

    Visit Yonas Campbell

    Bandcamp URL: https://yonascampbell.bandcamp.com/album/once-in-heaven-lp

Discover Sounds reviews sound recordings we find worthy of discovery. It’s published by Briyan Frederick Baker of GAJOOB (that’s me). Send bandcamp download codes, tapes, CDs, vinyl and other things. Read more…

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