Tag: cassette

No.5206

GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker:

Fantasy Land’s debut album, “ADULT,” is a sonic journey that is as perplexing as it is captivating. Formed during the constraints of lockdown, David deBarra, Jack Sheehan, and Isabel Gordon have crafted an album that is both an exploration of the absurd and a heartfelt tribute to their shared musical vision.

The album presents itself as a bizarre folk-electro-pop hybrid, executed with a level of confidence that is palpable. It is an odd yet fascinating fusion of styles and sounds that are at times silly, other times genius, but always intriguing. The album is like a diamond in the rough – raw and unpolished, yet sparkling with potential.

The tracklist, featuring songs such as “Some Shite,” “Fuzzy Puppies,” and “Windswept Cunts,” to name a few, is emblematic of the band’s idiosyncratic approach to music. Each song is a unique blend of discordant yet harmonious sounds that reflect the band’s belief that “madness is the truth of knowledge” and “dischord is the well of cadence.”

The limited-edition cassette format adds another layer of uniqueness to the album, complete with artwork by the band and an accompanying cryptic crossword designed by Jack. This physical manifestation of the album feels like a tangible piece of the Fantasy Land universe, a token of their unorthodox ethos.

While “ADULT” may not be for everyone, it is an album that demands attention. Its blend of folk, electro, and pop, combined with its absurdist lyrics, creates a listening experience that is at once jarring and mesmerizing. If you’re open to a sonic adventure that pushes the boundaries of conventional music, then Fantasy Land’s debut album might just be your next favorite listen.

In the end, “ADULT” is a testament to Fantasy Land’s creative prowess and their potential for future growth. As they continue to explore and push their musical boundaries, it will be interesting to see where this idiosyncratic group goes next.

Media: Cassette.

Bandcamp URL: https://glarc.bandcamp.com/album/adult

No.5203

GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker:

“Indochina Soundscraps,” a cassette release by Abigail Smith, is a captivating tapestry of sounds that transports listeners to the heart of Southeast Asia. Recorded in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam between November and December 2016, and later edited and mixed by Justin Rhody in 2019, this album is an auditory journey that encapsulates the rhythm, harmony, chaos, and purpose of these diverse regions.

Smith’s recording style leaves the base sounds intact, with the (minimal) artistic manipulation being achieved through editing and juxtaposition. This approach results in an immersive listening experience where the listener is transported through time and space.

This sonic journey is marked by rhythmic train wheels clattering on tracks, the melodious tones of ancestral flutes, ceremonial drums echoing through the air, and the hum of everyday life. Through careful editing, Rhody weaves these diverse elements into a seamless narrative, creating a sense of fluidity that allows the listener to effortlessly explore this auditory landscape.

The album’s charm lies in its authenticity and the way it celebrates the mundane alongside the profound. The chatter of school rooms, the murmur of street corners, the distant strains of radio music from open windows, and the hushed reverence of ancient altars all find their place in this sonic collage. A harmonious blend of disparate elements.

“Indochina Soundscraps” has been released in a limited edition of 100 cassettes through Eh? Audio Repository, a label known for its exploration of the outer reaches and inner essence of sound. Each cassette comes with a download code, allowing listeners to take this journey again and again.

If you’re a fan of world music or unique field soundscapes, this album is a must-listen

buy this Cassette at Abigail Smith’s preferred online retailer

Media: Cassette.

Visit Abigail Smith

Bandcamp URL: https://indochinasoundscraps.bandcamp.com/album/indochina-soundscraps

See also:

• Vital Weekly Reviews 1258 – Avant Music News
• Music Reviews | Chain D.L.K

No.5193

GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker:

Embracing a deep connection with the natural world and the cosmos, “Green” by Pool of Light is an immersive journey into the heart of ambient music. Released in 2020, this album showcases the creativity and innovation that defines Pool of Light’s approach to music-making.

The album is the brainchild of Anton Bogdanov, who has managed to create a soundscape that is both ethereal and grounded. Using a combination of looping, guitars, zhongruan, analog synths, field recordings, and various effects, Bogdanov has crafted an album that explores different moods and atmospheres in a non-linear fashion.

“Green” opens with the track “Eternal River,” a shimmering piece that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The gentle, flowing melodies intertwine with the subtle undercurrents of the field recordings, creating a sense of movement and depth.

This is followed by “Tangled Labyrinth,” which introduces a more experimental element. The use of cinematic orchestral approaches adds a layer of complexity to the track, while the raw, unfiltered noises create a stark contrast to the serene melodies.

The final track, “Empty,” was recorded in 2018 for Unline’s label compilation, ISHI. It’s a fitting end to the album, encapsulating the essence of Pool of Light’s music. The track skillfully blends the sounds of traditional instruments with modern synthesizers, resulting in a piece that is both timeless and contemporary.

Overall, “Green” is a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions and create atmospheres. It’s a reminder that music doesn’t need to conform to conventional structures to be impactful. Pool of Light has succeeded in creating an album that is both thought-provoking and deeply enjoyable, making it a must-listen for fans of ambient music.

Media: Cassette.

Visit Pyramid Blood

Bandcamp URL: https://pyramidblood.bandcamp.com/album/green

No.0008

Download Album HERE

ARTIST/LABEL NOTES:

Dust that Collects was formed in 1986 after the dissolution of a one-off project entitled Visceral Landscape. Having very limited access to equipment, much of the early material was recorded using two tape recorders, a series of RCA “Y* adaptors, a headphone amplifier and occasionally a borrowed digital delay pedal monophonic synthesizer (the size of your forearm) and Realistic reverb unit (courtesy of the Japanese Goverment, no less). The first decent piece of equipment purchased was a Sony Walkman Pro. On this anthology only tracks 1 and 3 of Side 1 employ the more sophisticated technology of a Fostex 4 track recorder and drum machine. Not to apologize in anyway, merely to emphasize the fact that these recordings were made strictly low-fi. This was the thrust behind Dust that Collects. You didn’t need Akai S-1000 samplers to make adventurous sonic journeys. In the five years since DTC began I’ve had to explore other reasons for creating what to many is “noise” but the facts remains that whenever I contemplate the possibilities associated with the ever expanding technology in music production, I have fond memories of a “pyramid” of eight “Y” adaptors converging around my home stereo. RON McFARLAN July 1991 Special thanks to MYKE DYER and the John Doe label on which much of this material was previously released.

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

“Dust Never Sleeps” by Dust That Collects is a testament to the power of raw creativity and the art of making do. Formed after the dissolution of the project Visceral Landscape in 1986, Dust That Collects has created a unique sonic landscape despite — or perhaps because of — the limitations of their recording equipment.

The album, released in 1991, is an anthology of tracks recorded using rudimentary equipment: two tape recorders, a series of RCA “Y” adaptors, a headphone amplifier, a monophonic synthesizer, and a Realistic reverb unit. The only relatively high-tech piece of equipment used was a Sony Walkman Pro.

Despite these limitations, or maybe even because of them, Dust That Collects have managed to create an album that is adventurous, experimental, and incredibly engaging. The lo-fi quality of the recordings adds an extra layer of authenticity to the music, reminding us that you don’t need state-of-the-art technology to make compelling music.

Tracks 1 and 3 of Side 1 were recorded using a Fostex 4-track recorder and drum machine, demonstrating the band’s ability to adapt and evolve with the times. Yet, the essence of Dust That Collects remains rooted in their low-fi origins.

“Dust Never Sleeps” is a journey into the realm of experimental music. Each track is a sonic exploration, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with limited resources. The album is a reminder that music is not about the equipment you use, but the creativity and passion you bring to the process. It’s a celebration of DIY music-making in its purest form and a testament to the enduring power of creativity and a reminder that sometimes, less really is more.

Media: cassette.

CONTACT: Ron McFarlan, DUST THAT COLLECTS, Kircardine, Ontario, Canada

No.4184

Download Album HERE

GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker, 4/1/1991:

Two tapes of very good guitar rock ‘n’ roll with a definite good time garage element. Guitarist/songwriter D.W. Bostic says these are songs he writes for his own enjoyment. Recorded with help from vocalist Wahoo Willie Thibodeaux, drummer Tim Pyne and engineer Chris Massie with riffs a’plenty.

Lobelia Haybalers’ 1991 cassette release “Wish I Had Two of ‘Em” is a testament to the enduring spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. The album exudes an infectious energy that is impossible to ignore, making it a standout in the guitar rock genre.

The album’s backbone is undoubtedly the dynamic guitar work of D.W. Bostic. His riffs are catchy, memorable and imbued with a raw energy that will get your foot tapping.

“Wish I Had Two of ‘Em” is a collection of pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll. The album has a definite good time garage element to it, reminiscent of early rock bands who played for the sheer joy of making music. This is not an album that takes itself too seriously; instead, it invites the listener to let loose and enjoy the ride.

From start to finish, “Wish I Had Two of ‘Em” is a fun, engaging listen.

Media: cassette.

https://archive.org/details/4184LobeliaHaybalers

No.4218

GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker:

“nisip noaptea” by Johannes Bergmark & Guido Hübner is a sonic exploration that defies conventional categorization. Released in 2019, this cassette album pushes the boundaries of experimental music, taking listeners on an auditory journey that’s as intriguing as it is unpredictable.

From the outset, Bergmark and Hübner establish a soundscape that’s both immersive and disorienting. The tracks weave together a myriad of unconventional sounds, from ambient noise to distorted electronics, creating an atmosphere that’s uniquely their own. It’s a testament to their creativity and technical prowess that they’re able to construct such a complex sonic tapestry using a seemingly disparate array of sound sources.

Each track on “nisip noaptea” feels like a standalone composition, yet they all contribute to the overall narrative of the album. There’s a sense of progression and evolution throughout, with each new sound introducing another layer of complexity to the mix. The result is a listening experience that’s continually evolving, keeping you engaged from start to finish.

Its avant-garde approach and heavy reliance on experimental sound design may be off-putting to those who prefer more traditional musical structures. But for those with an open mind and an appreciation for the unconventional, this album is a fascinating exploration of the possibilities of sound.

“nisip noaptea” is a bold and challenging work that showcases Johannes Bergmark & Guido Hübner’s innovative approach to music-making. It’s an album that demands your attention and rewards repeat listens with its depth and complexity.

Media: cassette.

Visit Public Eyesore Records

Bandcamp URL: https://publiceyesore.bandcamp.com/album/nisip-noaptea