Tagged: dark

[Compare and Contrast] Baths

obsidian baths anticon

Let’s do a little comparing and contrasting today.

I’ve been dying for Will Wisenfeld, otherwise known as Baths, to come out with new music ever since I heard his epic album, Cerulean. To this day, I still can’t imagine taking his song, “Aminals,” off of my top 5. That song is truly wonderful.

But, finding us now 3 years since then – I’m still having a hard time releasing that fondess for that now out of date sound. Wisenfeld’s newer material blurs along the Sufjan Stevens  deconstructed genre of experimental sounds and melodies. Take for instance, the newest released Baths single, “Ironworks.”

Wisenfeld’s vocals are completely at the forefront of the track – compared to Cerulean. In the past, he used his voice more as an instrument which was constantly modified and swept into the layers of the track itself. Now, it’s very apparent the direction we will hear in the upcoming album, Obsidian. Alongside the electronic instrumentals, some more traditional elements are starting to come into focus.

An interesting note, Wisenfeld became bedridden after touring in support of Cerulean after becoming very sick. He immersed himself into dark, old age content that is seemingly a heavy influence on this new and unique sound.

As someone who was a fan of his previous work, I’m still highly curious to hear what the full release sounds like – track by track. Stay tuned via Facebook and do grab “Aminals” below.

Aminals – Baths

Right-click and enjoy.

[Coachella] 51 days

io echo

Eerie synths and a fabulous post-new wave sound, meet one of the hottest new acts coming out of L.A. I first caught wind of Io Echo when the Coachella lineup dropped a few weeks ago and I was instantly enamored with their sound.

With projects like the one where they scored a Harmony Korine short film or when they curated an audio visual festival at the Museum of Modern Art Los Angeles, Io Echo has shown within the recent past that they have plenty up their sleeves.

Their single, “When The Lillies Die,” is hypnotic with droning female vocals. I’m especially fond of the breakdown after the 2 minute mark, it’s almost psychedelic with the oscillating keys. Listen below and be sure to check out their spring tour which you can find via their Facebook page.

And lastly, Coachella is featuring this slow burner for today’s homepage.

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[Meet] Úlfur

I thoroughly enjoy when artists span genres – like for instance, Iceland’s Úlfur Hansson.  As a member of the hardcore group, Swords of Chaos, Úlfur completely takes a 180 with his intricate yet expansive sound.

Recently signing onto the Austin label, Western Vinyl, Úlfur embarks on his own journey as a solo artist taking in the wide spectrum of influences he’s come across over his career. As touring member of Jónsi, it’s not surprising to hear the vast soundscapes he so delicately imagines.

His highly anticipated debut, White Mountain, is slated to drop next month – catch a listen to a couple of tracks that have already been released for the public’s ears. Enjoy.

Slow down you say, it’s not a race.

Finding Thomas Calder (aka The Trouble With Templeton) deep within the “Australia” tag on bandcamp was quite the treasure. His richly acoustic and folk sound just resonates so warmly and was something my ears quickly drew towards.

Bleeders is the title of The Trouble With Templeton’s debut album, nine melodic tracks that are perfect for those early, slow starts to your day. Minimal in effortless ways, there’s short bursts of passion much like in older-Damien Rice and Guggenheim Grotto tracks. Listen below to Bleeders and keep track of him here.

BONUS: a newer and crashing free track, right-click to download.

Someday Soon – The Trouble With Templeton

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Keep that in mind, that we’re older and jaded.

Decided my iPod needed an overhaul badly today..and it’s still taking me forever to load this thing up with songs I want to listen to.  I guess it’s because I go through almost every song in my library single-handedly picking exactly what I listen to. Ok, so maybe it’s me and my obsessive self but I’m not trying to be running, biking, or standing on the subway and some awful song comes on.  I’d much rather be able to let my iPod flow in shuffle..

Anyway, here are some excellent tracks I came across while I was still in the beginning of the alphabet obviously.

Pilgrim – Aderbat Just a Pennsylvania-local band – Doylestown (last regional rail stop what what).  Had this solid little jam just waiting to be re-discovered again.  Quite mellow eh?

A Way Out – Calvin Markus Where is this guy?  I can’t find anything on him..doesn’t matter love the song.  Interesting voice and some nice guitar.

Another City, Another Sorry – The Answering Machine Love me some english indie rock and this fast paced song is from their debut back in 2008.  They recently have released another album, Lifeline, which you can listen to right here.

Static Waves – Andrew Belle (feat. Katie Herzig) Oh, was I obsessed with this song a couple of summers ago.  Hearing it today might stir it up again.

Colorful Day - Alan Pownall With a sorrowful sounding voice like that, how could I not love this song?  His vocals go hand in hand with the soft plucking of his acoustic guitar.  Incredible song.

Hard To Find – American Analog Set Something reminds me a tiny, tiny bit of Death Cab in this song.  Maybe it’s lead singer, Andrew Kenny’s voice..maybe it’s just the chill, downtempo sound these guys have.  Who knows, but it’s definitely solid.

 

And now I’m off to bed, enjoy.