Tag: cassette

  • Belinda Campbell – Sons secs, mouchoir (Cassette, 2025)

    Belinda Campbell – Sons secs, mouchoir (Cassette, 2025)

    GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker:

    If you love sound as sound—the raw material of noise, tone, and texture—and are thrilled when it evolves, clashes, or gently harmonizes into surprising happenstance, then Belinda Campbell’s “Sons secs, mouchoir” will be an exciting discovery. This is not an album that asks you to follow a traditional melody or lyric; instead, it invites you to step into a playful and dazzling world where piano, electronics, vocals, and found sounds swirl together like a sonic collage.

    At the core of the album is the piano—not just as an instrument of keys and hammers, but as an object of exploration. Campbell lifts the lid and plays with its full potential: dampened strings, percussive taps, overtones that shimmer unexpectedly. Around this piano core, she weaves manipulated voices, snipped and reassembled sounds, paper rustles, and electronic textures that dart between chaos and calm.

    The result is a listening experience that feels both intimate and expansive. There’s a kitchen sink spirit here—everything seems fair game—but it never collapses into clutter. Instead, Campbell’s gift is in making the small feel monumental: fleeting gestures and delicate sonic fragments are arranged with care, creating moments where you sense you’ve stumbled into something rare and luminous.

    The artist herself frames the process beautifully: “From these recordings, I set out in search of small miracles, rare moments where surprising effects emerged… sometimes infinitely small, so brief that I had the impression of assembling sound particules.” That sense of wonder permeates the album, making it feel like a living, breathing organism rather than a fixed set of compositions.

    Credit is due not just to Campbell’s deft hand in recording and mixing but also to Zachary Scholes on mastering, Guylaine Séguin’s evocative photography, and Soledad Coyoli’s sharp graphic design—all helping to shape “Sons secs, mouchoir” as both a sonic and visual object.

    Released on Small Scale Music, you can explore this gem at smallscalemusic.bandcamp.com.

    In short: “Sons secs, mouchoir” is a joyful exploration of sound for sound’s sake—playful, curious, and filled with shimmering detail. For those willing to wander off the beaten path, it’s an album that rewards with every listen.

    Media: Cassette.

    Bandcamp URL: https://smallscalemusic.bandcamp.com/album/sons-secs-mouchoir

  • hibernator – empty

    hibernator – empty

    (cassette, 2019) No.4190

    GAJOOB Review by Briyan Frederick:

    Hibernator’s 2019 release, Empty, is a compelling showcase of raw energy and refined musicianship. Recorded by Stephan Hawkes at Interlace Audio in Portland, Oregon, and featuring album art by Cory Young, this cassette is an essential listen for fans of alternative rock.

    Right from the first track, listeners are greeted with powerful, commanding drums that drive the album’s intensity. The drumming on Empty is nothing short of spectacular, setting a dynamic foundation for the layers of guitar work that follow. The precision and power behind each beat demonstrate a masterful control that propels the music forward, giving it an almost live performance feel.

    Hibernator excels in crafting strong alternative rock with dueling guitars that intertwine seamlessly. The guitar work on Empty is characterized by its robust, gritty textures and intricate interplay. Each track unfolds with a sense of urgency and passion, showcasing the band’s ability to blend melodic elements with raw, unfiltered rock. The dueling guitars create a rich tapestry of sound that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.

    Media: cassette.

    PRICE: Limited Edition

    Bandcamp URL: https://keepitreelrecords.bandcamp.com/album/empty

  • Those Pretty Wrongs – Zed For Zulu

    Those Pretty Wrongs – Zed For Zulu

    (cassette, 2019) No.4186

    GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker, :

    “Zed For Zulu” is the second album from Those Pretty Wrongs, a musical partnership between Jody Stephens and Luther Russell that has deep roots in their enduring friendship. Their journey together began in the early ’90s, but it wasn’t until five years ago, during a documentary project about Jody’s alma mater, the legendary Memphis band Big Star, that they started making music together. Following the success of their self-titled debut album in 2016, they embarked on tours across North America, Australia, Europe, and the U.K., which eventually led to the creation of “Zed For Zulu”.

    This new album is a meditation on themes of communication, the ever-present past, the uncertainty of the future, and the cycle of life and death. The music is rich yet subdued, complex yet simple—a symphony of chords and melodies played with understated elegance.

    The opening track, “Tonight, Tonight, Tonight,” sets an emotional tone with lush string arrangements by Chris Stamey, whose connection to Jody goes back to the heyday of Big Star. The strings, combined with heartfelt lyrics, create a spine-tingling experience reminiscent of the all-star “Big Star’s Third Live” nights.

    “Ain’t Nobody But Me” is a touching tribute to a close friend, inspired by the frequent voicemails from a friend of Jody’s wife. The simplicity and sincerity of the message resonate deeply, making it one of the standout tracks on the album.

    “The Carousel” emerged from a chord progression Luther conceived in Bristol, England. Jody later brought it to life with lyrics about moving forward despite challenges, encapsulating the resilience and optimism that permeates the album.

    Another highlight is “Hurricane of Love,” a song born from a chord sequence that woke Luther from sleep. His quasi-classical changes are matched by Jody’s profound and romantic lyrics, resulting in a hauntingly beautiful track. The clarinet solo by Memphis musician Jim Spake adds a pensive, almost Yiddish-like texture, enhancing the song’s emotional depth.

    Overall, *Zed For Zulu* is a testament to the remarkable synergy between Jody Stephens and Luther Russell. Despite the geographical distance—Luther residing in Los Angeles and Jody in Memphis—their collaboration yields a collection of songs that are both varied in style and unified in their emotive power. It’s clear that their friendship and shared history have crafted an album that isn’t just music but a journey through time, memories, and heartfelt connections.

    Media: cassette.

    Visit Those Pretty Wrongs

  • Album Review: Sugar Factory – Home

    Album Review: Sugar Factory – Home

    No.5266

    Album: Home
    Artist: Sugar Factory
    Format: Cassette, Digital Download
    Label: Logarithm Cassette Label
    Release Date: February 23, 2020
    Available at: Logarithm Cassette Label Bandcamp

    A Sonic Journey Through Time and Texture

    Sugar Factory’s “Home” is an instrumental masterpiece that weaves together complex time signatures, droning walls of fuzzy rhythms, and clean angular lead melodies. This 2020 release on cassette offers a dynamic listening experience, characterized by its intricate guitar work and rich atmospheric layering.

    The album’s opening tracks immediately draw you in with their unconventional structures and harmonizing guitar lines. The interplay between these elements creates a soundscape that is both challenging and captivating, rewarding repeated listens with new discoveries each time.

    “Broken Factory” stands out as a significant shift in the album’s tone. Here, the emphasis moves away from driving rhythms to embrace a more atmospheric approach. This track showcases beautiful and powerful guitar tones, with a bass line that provides a subtle yet effective counterpoint. The result is a track that feels expansive and deeply evocative.

    Another highlight, “Ti se melei,” introduces a Spanish or flamenco flavor to the mix, adding a unique texture to the album. The inclusion of traditional influences within the band’s contemporary framework exemplifies Sugar Factory’s ability to blend diverse musical elements seamlessly. The track features additional noises by Sophie K., enriching the auditory palette and further enhancing the listening experience.

    Sugar Factory, consisting of Stelreverb on guitars and loops, Sophie K. on bass, and Grigoris M. on bass and drums, has crafted an album where every note feels meticulously placed yet effortlessly flowing. The contributions of each member are essential to the cohesive sound of the album, with each track feeling like an essential piece of the larger puzzle.

    “Jiddu – Distress Signal” incorporates a sample from Eddie Palmieri and Cal Tjader’s “Pancho’s Seis Por Ocho,” alongside a speech by Jiddu Krishnamurti, creating a track that is as thought-provoking as it is sonically engaging. Meanwhile, “Elephants Like Dolphins” samples from the movie “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” adding a cinematic quality to the album.

    Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Mañu at NoNameLand homestudio, the production quality of “Home” is impeccable, capturing the nuanced performances and complex arrangements with clarity. The album is available in a limited edition of 150 numbered copies, complete with a “Logarithm Cassette Label” vinyl sticker and a download code, making it a collector’s item as well as a must-have for any serious music enthusiast.

    The artwork by Logarithm Design Team, featuring sketches by Lilly Zoympouli, perfectly complements the auditory journey, providing a visual representation of the album’s themes and moods.

    In conclusion, “Home” by Sugar Factory is a strong album that deserves a place in any music lover’s collection. Its blend of innovative guitar work, atmospheric depth, and diverse musical influences makes it an outstanding release that warrants repeat plays. Each listen reveals new layers and nuances, solidifying its status as a standout album in the instrumental genre.

    For more information and to purchase the album, visit the Logarithm Cassette Label Bandcamp.

  • Prose in Cannes – The Story of Sidea & Sideb (cassette, 1992)

    Prose in Cannes – The Story of Sidea & Sideb (cassette, 1992)

    No.0771

    GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker, 9/27/1994:

    Roger Skullback’s Prose in Cannes is back with his latest work of electro-acoustic musique concrete. The thing that sets Skullback’s work here apart from other such artists is an obvious (to the listener) determination for quality. It’s evident in the packaging as well as the sounds on the tape, and while Skullback works with non-traditional sounds (in the sense of pop music, anyway), these pieces have a definite orchestrated quality to them. If you’re new to the noise/sound collage game, I could surely recommend this as a starting point to the genre, while lovers of this kind of work will appreciate the creativity alive with sound.

    Media: cassette.

    CONTACT: Roger Skullback, Ramco Records, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    [archive_visual_player album=”The Story of Sidea & Sideb” artist=”Prose in Cannes”]

  • Review: Wallmen – Supersonic Witchcraft Cookies (Cassette, 1985)

    Review: Wallmen – Supersonic Witchcraft Cookies (Cassette, 1985)

    No.5211

    “Supersonic Witchcraft Cookies” is an audacious venture by Wallmen, released in 1985, that takes listeners on a distinctive sonic journey. The album, described by the band as a “demo reel” for the Digitech delay, is a testament to their innovative and explorative approach to music.

    The band’s roots trace back to 1981 when founding members Norm and Ghezzi began trading “Bullshit Tapes”, crude sound collages made on cassette. This early experimentation laid the groundwork for what would become Wallmen’s signature style – layering tracks of random sounds over original songs to create a unique auditory experience.

    The album opens with “Chuck Connors”, a track that immediately immerses you in Wallmen’s world of experimental soundscapes. It’s followed by a series of tracks like “Frozen Cottage Cheese Pts. 1, 2 & 3”, “Bastinado”, and “Ghezzi Electric”, each showcasing the band’s knack for creating captivating loops and effects using the Digitech delay. Mostly it’s a revolving mix of guys having fun.

    Perhaps the most striking aspect of “Supersonic Witchcraft Cookies” is its rawness. One track follows another with little or no break and sometimes you can’t tell where one starts and one begins. The majority of the album was recorded in Norm’s parent’s basement, with the multi-tracking done by bouncing from one deck to another. This gives the album a raw, unfiltered quality that adds to its charm.

    If you’re a fan of experimental music, this album is definitely worth a listen. If you’re a fan of pocket hometaping collectives, the Wallmen are one of your not-to-miss icons.

    You can find “Supersonic Witchcraft Cookies” on Wallmen’s Bandcamp page.

    Links:

  • Cole Emmerson Hallman – ermmersonHALL (Digital, 2023)

    Cole Emmerson Hallman – ermmersonHALL (Digital, 2023)

    No.5210

    GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker:

    Cole Emmerson Hallman’s “emmersonHALL,” released in 2023, is a compelling collection of guitar pop tracks that resound with a lo-fi, shoegazing vibe. The album, which is as heartfelt in its creation as it is in its delivery, offers listeners a deep dive into Hallman’s musical world. A world filled with melodic, half-whispered vocals layered over glistening guitar lines, all underpinned by a rich, rhythmic bass.

    The album opens with “Flynn’s Ditty,” a track that immediately immerses listeners into Hallman’s signature sound, but just as immediately pulls back out — The song sets the tone for the rest of the album, paving the way for the introspective exploration that follows.

    “Different Now” continues the journey, showcasing Hallman’s skill in crafting interesting confessional turns of phrases, both in words and music. This is followed by “Kindergarten (feat. fanclubwallet),” a standout track that features Hannah ‘Jason’ Judge’s vocals adding another layer of depth to the already rich soundscape.

    “Strangest Feeling” is another highlight, with its haunting melodies and intriguing lyrics. The song showcases Hallman’s ability to evoke emotions through his music, leaving listeners with an impression that lasts long after the song ends.

    The album is a collaborative effort, with Michael Watson contributing drums, keys, auxiliary percussion, and vocals on several tracks. Watson also took charge of recording, mixing, mastering, and producing the songs at plasticmoonsound in Nepean, Ontario, further enhancing the overall quality of the album.

    In his notes, Hallman generously acknowledges the contributions of others to the album, including Miki, Hannah, Club Records, and his parents. This sense of gratitude and community permeates the album, making it not just a collection of songs, but a testament to the power of collaboration and mutual support in music.

    “emmersonHALL” is a beautifully crafted album that offers listeners a unique blend of lo-fi, guitar pop, and shoegazing elements. It’s a testament to Hallman’s musical prowess and his ability to create engaging, emotionally resonant music. If you’re a fan of thoughtful, melodic music with intriguing lyrics, this album is definitely worth a listen.

    Media: Digital, Cassette.

    Bandcamp URL: https://coleemmersonhallmanmusic.bandcamp.com/album/emmersonhall

  • CHODA – MaGrogs (cassette, 1988)

    CHODA – MaGrogs (cassette, 1988)

    No.1770

    DOWNLOAD @ ARCHIVE.ORG

    GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker, 4/1/1989:

    Begins with some computer lingo– two tracks, one distorted. The next piece has a harmonica plaintively whispering on top of the shaking of steel sheets. The next piece has a vocal line I can’t explain, over a sort of muffled bass. Steel percussion returns for the next piece with a bass lingering in and out of the background. Then there is a piece which features distorted guitar which sounds like it’s being played by tapping on the strings instead of picking; no, maybe there’s two guitars, one tapped and one not. As you can see, CHODA keep it fairly simple. However, they manage to keep it interesting. Towards the end of the first side there’s a nice piano with a vocal line heavy on the philosophy, “Life is jello, so it goes; gravity sucks, entropy blows.”

    Media: cassette.

    CONTACT: James/CHODA, Moscow, ID, USA

  • Jeff Olson – Knick Knacks & Paddy Whacks (cassette, 1992)

    Jeff Olson – Knick Knacks & Paddy Whacks (cassette, 1992)

    No.0498

    DOWNLOAD @ ARCHIVE.ORG

    GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker, 2/13/1994:

    Jeff Olson of Screamin Popeyes fame is one of my favorite DIY taping artists, always providing my ears with welcomed sonic treats, and always managing to be fresh while doing so. I mean, the guy has done no wrong in my book, going from sound collage to progressive rock and pulling everything off with great style. Knick Knacks and Paddy Whacks sounds like a collection of outtakes because its so stylistically diverse, and also seems to move in a less coherent direction than any of the Popeyes releases I’ve had the pleasure to hear. But this is not a “cleaning out the closets” kind of thing by any means. Definitely a keeper by one of the most talented DIY artists in the network.

    Media: cassette.

    PRICE: $5.00

    CONTACT: Eric Hausmann, Spilling Audio, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Visit Spilling Audio

    See also Don Campau’s Living Archive of Underground Music

  • Accidents Of Brilliance – Scraps Of Inspiration (cassette, 1991)

    Accidents Of Brilliance – Scraps Of Inspiration (cassette, 1991)

    No.0049

    DOWNLOAD @ ARCHIVE.ORG

    GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker, 6/30/1992:

    Just what the title says. Reginald Butler has collected various pieces of songs that are incomplete (mostly simply lacking lyrics). A couple of the more MIDI-sync’d sounding pieces sound complete, however, along with a couple which are lush synth string orchestrations. The latter reminded me of Civil Allen’s Distress Sense. Side two surprised me with some blues guitar jams. But for the most part, these are unfinished and pretty much pointless, other than confirming my opinion that Butler needs to find a compentent lyricist and singer with whom he can do justice to his music.

    Media: cassette.

    PRICE: $4.99

    CONTACT: Reginald Butler, PRESENCE RECORDS, Houston, TX, USA

    Visit PRESENCE RECORDS

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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