Tagged: synth

[Tape Label Spotlight] Buddha Tapes

buddha tapes

I don’t think we’ve ever featured a cassette-only indie label here on what’s protocol? before but, there’s always a first for everything right?

Introducing Buddha Tapes, referenced before when we’ve featured artists Psittacines and Hectic Zeniths in the past, this little tape label is based out of Virginia doing some very special things. With a few releases under their belts, they’ve finally got another one to be proud of.

Wax Monsters are a dynamic synth-pop duo coming out of Ohio with a brand new self-titled full length album that recently dropped. Each track has got a different mood and tone keeping you fully aware of all of the tempo shifts. Available on gorgeous (and limited!) blue cassette, stream the release below and grab your tape here.

And be sure to keep Buddha Tapes on your radar and check out the rest of their releases here.

[Nice In The Headphones] Silent Speech EP – Porcelain Raft

silent speech porcelain raft

Atmospheric and incredibly spatial, Porcelain Raft’s instrumentals take our ears and mind far beyond average reach. The textures and layers alone really take hold of your attention but what I’m really impressed with is the sort of orchestrated sound, the ebb and flow of each track from start to finish.

Intro song, “Playground,” starts off momentous then dropping us right into, “Off Track,” which plays well behind headphones with flickering heavy tones and thick synthesizers. I really enjoy the entire mood of the EP and its listenability. Stream the entire thing below and be sure to check out more of his work here.

[Music Video] If It Doesn’t Rain – Sally Shapiro

Nothing beats hearing from Johan from Sally Shapiro shortly after we featured them a little while back on the blog.

Above is the new video for their track, “If It Doesn’t Rain,” which according to Johan is the group’s favorite video so far. I’m all about the retro visuals alongside their classic synth-pop sound.

Be sure to grab their latest album, Somewhere Else, via Paper Bag Records.

Incoming search terms:

  • music it doesnt rain
  • whatsprotocol com electronic

[Songs For Your Weekend Moods] Keys N Krates

keys n krates

Trap music and everything right, Keys N Krates, hit the percussion super hard and snappy. This Toronto trio have finally find the key ingredients for their sound with their latest EP drop, Lucid Dreams, which is nothing short of a complete banger.

Making moves over the past couple of years with their relentless energy, eclectic individual styles and backgrounds, and just the right blend of hip-hop and electronic – Keys N Krates have elevated their craft.

Listen to Lucid Dreams in its entirety below and be sure to grab the free download off of their Facebook. Enjoy.

Save one dance for me.

Philadelphia’s own Lockets have certainly released a gem of a debut back in July. Camera Shy is full of lush and dreamy synth pop, female vocals that balance on the ethereal side, and wonderful instrumentation.

Being such a solid debut, Camera Shy, can only serve as a launching pad for this group. With their eclectic and confident sound, I’m excited to see the progression and direction they decide to take next. Listen below and be sure to grab your limited vinyl that’s now available here.

Where did my soul go when my body died.

Sometimes from the unlikeliest places, solid folk-rock can certainly stand its ground.

L.A.-based Northern Youth have a fantastic, easy sound. Luke Messimer’s debut album Home feels like an 8-track comment on life, past and present. Sunny melodies, a folky foundation, and the right amount of twang – a solo project now turned into a full, performing band. I’m excited to see what this emerging group’s next move will be.

Until then, grab a limited free download at their bandcamp page and be sure to listen to Home below.

Incoming search terms:

  • where did my body go

Meet: Vindata

I feel like my ears have struck gold. Meet Vindata, a duo based out of LA who take the title of remix artists to a whole other level.

Just like the way I fell in love with RAC in the past, these guys pick fabulous songs that already stand out on their own and then just add that Midas touch. They keep things intact yet imprint their own deep and diverse cache of influences onto each particular track. And they can even produce some originals.

Listen and download below. Make sure you check out more of their music on their Soundcloud page.

End of The World (Vindata Remix) – Wildcat!Wildcat!

Hide Yourself (Vindata Remix) – 14th

Fires (Vindata Remix) - Band of Skulls

Right-click and enjoy.

BONUS:  I love the visual.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BpMGX8AJIA&feature=plcp

almost – Stem Collector

I don’t think I could have gotten away with featuring music from Stem Collector, a 20 year old purveyor of sounds. His debut, almost, isn’t for the listeners without patience. The album skates from track to track, a new discovery in every song, more below:

The debut release from Stem Collector, almost, features a variety of melodically and rhythmically driven electronic music with distinctive IDM and Glitch influences. Complete with lush synth lines and asymmetric drum sequences, it almost takes you to an unfamiliar world of nostalgia for a time that doesn’t yet exist.

Enjoy.

Mutant Glamour – Giant Claw

The energy in Giant Claw’s LP, Mutant Glamour, is beyond relentless. Armed with 80′s 8-bit synths and other abnormal tones and effects, GL strings together all sorts of sounds under a tightly wound drum machine.

The overall feel seems ironic, but not. Disorganized, but collected. Frantic, yet structured. Your ears are presented with improvised and restless layers of electronic sounds that build up and flesh out, then simply relax. It’s a constant push pull, and it’s quite interesting to listen to.

I love the looping in track, “Glitter Logic,” which soon turns into something completely morphed. I also really dig “L.A. Christ” which has more of an 80′s dance foundation. All in all, it’s something that definitely deserves a press of the play button.

BONUS:  a little something something for those who want a freebie download.

PS. Keith Rankin is also a visual artist (neat!).

Nice In The Headphones: White Flashes

As I was randomly checking out the new followers on the blog’s twitter account, I came across Cialis online ordering uk

p://www.facebook.com/whiteflashes”>White Flashes. After poking around their social networks, I finally got to the bandcamp page.

Enter expansive,textured synths and shoegazey tones that are all captured on their newest album, White Flashes II. It’s chillwave to the core with more vocals present with tracks ranging from ambient to ones more beat-driven. I absolutely love it.

Check out more sounds from Neil Halstead, who released Small Flares (recorded on tape) back in March. It’s a compilation of 6 experimental re-workings including a b-side (my favorite track). Get to it!

Incoming search terms:

  • nice white headphones