GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker, 7/4/2005:
This album merges a diverse range of influences to emerge with a sound that is progressive rock with a large quotient of fun instilled throughout. It’s got a loose, live sound that, nevertheless, displays good chops witht he players able to veer off into tangents that are surprising. Cool jams all over this one.
Media: CD.
PRICE: 7.00
Visit A-Kamp
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
GAJOOB Review by Briyan Frederick:
In their latest release, “KACHAKACHA,” 小王XIAOWANG (Beijing, China) concocts a hyperactive and electrifying blend of guitar, bass, drums, and vocals that defies easy categorization. This album is a beautiful cauldron mix of post-punk, post-rock, and other post styles, yet it remarkably carves out a sound that is distinctly their own. The result is a raw, honest expression of the band’s unique voice and emotions, resonating with listeners on multiple levels.
“Between the chaos and the cuteness, everything about XiAOWANG’s music is honest and has raw expression,” says the band. This sentiment rings true throughout the album, as each track oscillates between frenetic energy and moments of unexpected tenderness. The opening track sets the tone with its kinetic arrangement, immediately drawing the listener into a world where every note feels both meticulously crafted and spontaneously unleashed.
Produced by 小王XIAOWANG and 李平 Li Ping, recorded and mixed at 天体录音室, and mastered by Garrett Haines at Treelady Studios, the album boasts top-notch production values that enhance its raw, live-band feel without sacrificing clarity or detail.
The standout element in “KACHAKACHA” is its ability to weave together disparate influences into a cohesive whole. Tracks like “The Other Side of The Bridge (桥的那边)” exemplify this, merging punkish aggression, metallic intensity, and poppy accessibility into a single, irresistible package.
For fans of Beijing’s punk and heavy rock scene or anyone looking for an album that challenges conventional boundaries while delivering an exhilarating listening experience, “KACHAKACHA” is an unmissable release. Discover the album on [Bandcamp](https://xiaowang.bandcamp.com/album/kachakacha) and prepare to be captivated by 小王XIAOWANG’s unparalleled sound.
Media: Digital, Vinyl.
Bandcamp URL: https://xiaowang.bandcamp.com/album/kachakacha
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
GAJOOB Review by Briyan Frederick, 2024:
In the ever-evolving landscape of experimental music, The Paradise Crew by Speech Index stands out as a testament to the boundless creativity and ingenuity that can be achieved through unconventional means. Released in 2024, this album is an auditory journey that defies conventional categorization, blending elements of experimental electronic, free jazz, noise, and sound collage into a cohesive and captivating experience.
From the moment you hit play, The Paradise Crew transports you into a world where dictaphone recordings of voices intermingle with improvised beats and cheap synths. It’s a vibrant tapestry of phone calls and audio snatched from the ether, and airy ambient soundscapes, short bursts of mayhem give way to a blend of disparate sounds in drone. The album’s genius lies in how it manages to weave these elements together seamlessly, creating a fluid and cascading sonic experience.
Each track on the album feels like a movement within a larger symphony. Drones serve as an underlying current, providing continuity and depth, while the sporadic bursts of noise and life keep the listener engaged and on their toes. The interplay between structured rhythms and chaotic bursts of sound is mesmerizing, ensuring that the listener is constantly discovering new layers upon each listen.
According to the artist, Speech Index, and their label, this album is a blend of “experimental experimental electronic free jazz free noise improvisation, noise, noisescapes, sound collage.” This eclectic mixture is evident throughout the album. Each piece feels like a snapshot of fleeting moments captured and then transformed into an auditory collage. The result is an album that feels both meticulously crafted and spontaneously created.
Media: Digital.
Bandcamp URL: https://speechindex.bandcamp.com/album/the-paradise-crew
Listing No. 5292
GAJOOB Review by Briyan Frederick:
The latest offering from the cassette label A Man out of A Man, curated by Stylianos Tziritas, invites listeners into an avant-garde soundscape with *Σκεπτικισμός και Ζωώδης Πίστη* (Skepticism and Living Faith). This album, available both on cassette and digitally, presents ΜΑΣ (M AS)—a trio consisting of Stylianos Tziritas (voice, tapes, composers, clarinet), Andreas Vatistas (voice, guitar), and Michalis Karagiannis (drums).
The tape comprises three main tracks: one on the first side and two on the second, with an additional two tracks available on the band’s Bandcamp page. The trio’s experimental approach blurs the lines between rock and avant-garde, employing conventional instruments like guitars, clarinet, and drums, alongside unconventional sound elements and theatrical vocals.
From the opening moments, Σκεπτικισμός και Ζωώδης Πίστη establishes itself as an album that challenges and intrigues. The fusion of directed rock experimentation creates a textured narrative, enriched by playful and humorous elements that lighten the otherwise intense and exploratory sound.
Among the main tracks on the cassette, “Ξηροκάρπια” stands out. The track’s raw and improvisational essence captures the spirit of experimental rock, while also offering moments of unexpected melodic cohesion.
The two additional tracks available on Bandcamp, “The-mer-la-nos” and “Metrao,” further expand the album’s sonic palette with dynamic synths that add a new dimension to the trio’s sound. These tracks are a testament to the group’s ability to innovate and surprise, maintaining a balance between structure and spontaneity.
Humor plays a significant role in ΜΑΣ’s music, as evidenced by the light-hearted track titles like “Piano and French” and “Waiter.” This playful aspect adds depth to their avant-garde approach, making the listening experience both thought-provoking and enjoyable.
Overall, Σκεπτικισμός και Ζωώδης Πίστη is a commendable effort that showcases the inventive spirit of ΜΑΣ. The album’s blend of rock, experimental soundscapes, and theatricality makes it a unique addition to the avant-garde genre. Stylianos Tziritas and his collaborators have crafted an album that is rich in imagination and primary improvisation, offering listeners a compelling journey through uncharted musical territories.
Media: cassette.
Visit A Man Out of Man
Bandcamp URL: https://manofman.bandcamp.com/album/–3
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
Realtree’s debut release, Splendor Falls On Everything Around, is a mesmerizing exploration of sound and silence that pushes the boundaries of contemporary composition and improvisation. This quintet, featuring cello, clarinet, cornet, guitar, and laptop, weaves an intricate tapestry of auditory experiences that captivates and challenges the listener.
The brainchild of Noah Ophoven-Baldwin, Splendor Falls stands out as an ambitious project that draws inspiration from Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht. These compositions are timer-based miniatures—delicate and precise—each one a microcosm of sound crafted with care and intent. The pieces unfold like trinkets on a shelf, each moment meticulously curated to evoke a sense of wonder and introspection.
One of the most striking features of the album is its emphasis on stillness and silence, which is masterfully balanced with the ensemble’s unique improvisational language. The written material seamlessly transitions into mixed ensemble improvisations, creating uncanny textures and vibrations that feel both organic and otherworldly. The quintet plays with a deep sense of reciprocal listening, allowing the music to breathe and evolve naturally.
Field recordings interspersed throughout the album provide a grounding framework, splitting Splendor Falls into two distinct parts: a polyphonic core piece and an appendix of monophonic works for duos and trios. These recordings, captured in the serene woods of Lake Superior’s South Shore and the urban environment of Minneapolis, add layers of environmental context that enrich the listening experience.
Realtree’s lineup—Carley Olson Kokal on Bb Clarinet, Michelle Kinney on Cello, Patrick Marschke on Laptop, Noah Ophoven-Baldwin on Cornet, and Adam Zahller on Guitar—delivers impeccable performances that highlight their individual talents while blending seamlessly as an ensemble.
Splendor Falls On Everything Around is a remarkable debut that invites listeners into a world of introspective beauty and sonic exploration. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new details and emotional landscapes with each play. For those interested in the realms of experimental and avant-garde music, Realtree’s first release is not to be missed.
Media: cassette, digital.
Visit Public Eyesore Records
Bandcamp URL: https://publiceyesore.bandcamp.com/album/splendor-falls-on-everything-around
As Clevescene wrote in 2004, The Faint of Heart leading man, Cleft S, doesn’t sing as much as he talks in key. Kiss & Make-up is full of doo-wop hooks and jilted humor. Acoustic guitar and 3-part grrl harmonies. And a lot of tasty stuff for the ears, glockenspiel, organ, etc. Reportedly there was a followup recorded shortly after this one called Let’s Do It! Where can I find it?
Media: CD.
Label: Hopeless Enterprises, Cleveland, OH
GAJOOB Collection No.5285
No.5277
Tom Furgas’s release of “String Quartet No.1” is a remarkable testament to his enduring artistic prowess, marking his 70th birthday with a composition that is both intricate and profoundly rewarding. Composed and recorded between March and May 2024, using solo string instrument samples from the Philharmonia (UK) and Mixcraft Pro Studio 7, this work reflects months of meticulous construction and dedication. Available on Bandcamp, the quartet is not only a celebration of Furgas’s milestone but also a showcase of his glowing creative form.
The piece is dedicated to Don Campau, and it stands as a significant achievement in Furgas’s extensive musical career. Each movement is crafted with precision, offering a rich tapestry of harmonies and textures that invite the listener into a deeply immersive auditory experience. The use of high-quality string samples provides a warm, authentic resonance that enhances the emotional depth of the composition.
Furgas’s meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the quartet. The interplay between the virtual instruments is seamless, creating a dynamic and cohesive soundscape. From the delicate, lyrical passages to the more robust, dramatic sections, Furgas demonstrates a masterful command of his tools and a profound understanding of string quartet writing.
Listeners will find themselves returning to this work repeatedly, each time uncovering new layers and nuances. “String Quartet No.1” is a journey through Furgas’s creative mind, capturing the essence of his artistic vision and dedication. It’s a highly recommended listen for anyone who appreciates contemporary classical music and the innovative use of digital instrumentation.
For more about Tom Furgas and to listen to “String Quartet No.1,” visit his Bandcamp page.
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…
