Lutto Lento - Duch Gór (Sango024)

 with love from trichome peak!  peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

Folks, this gem of a cassette is unlike anything i have published on Honest Bag.  Lutto Lento is the project of Sangoplasmo Records proprietor, Lubomir Grzelak.   Duch Gór, Lubomir's second release on Sangoplasmo under the Lutto Lento moniker, could be referred to as folk music that is a confluence of ambient music and various sounds; the description notes that this is a tribute to the Polish and Czech mountain spirit of the Karkonosze Mountains.  In English, it is referred to as the Giant Mountains. On this release, Lubomir creates emotive soundscapes utilizing an organ, processed field recordings and a myriad of sounds and voices.  There is a mysterious beauty that abounds throughout this tape.  Often, I listen to this at night.  I find that this music instills the night air with calmness.

Side A is titled, 'Duch Pierwszy'.  It feels like two distinct parts.  Initially, a mellow, oscillating drone caresses the listener as voices, sounds, and field recordings combine to create an alluring picture.  As the track matures, the sound begins to veer and soon it feels intimate - almost against your skin.  The track moves to a new terrain, as two elongated tones wearily expand as the sound of horns and voices move higher - the sound of inevitability.  Side B is titled, 'Duch Drugi'. For me, it is very hard to describe the glistening beauty of the music that commences the second side - it's such a personal experience.  The solemn organ drone that begins side B is the type of sound that awakens the copious restless souls that line the sanctuary walls.  It is extremely moving music.  This part fades into another phase, in which quivering tones obfuscated by voices mutate into vacillating waves that are joined by spoken words.

Duch Gór is highly recommended!  Released in an edition of 100 cassettes, Lubomir is also responsible for the artwork.  One can purchase Duch Gór, along with many other Sangoplasmo tapes, directly from Sangoplasmo.

peace and love, friends :)

          

Adam Beckley - Blank Screens of Hope (Koppklys #011)

A nug that embodies the diverse beauty of this music.  peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

The society in which i reside seems to place a high value on the speed with which one completes a task.  Yet, when it comes to music, i believe there is an indirect relationship between the aforementioned speed and the enjoyment of music:  Moving through a release quickly without embracing the experience usually results in dissatisfaction.  For me, music is a fascinating journey.  It is an endeavor in which one explores and learns.     And, the aforementioned is not a criticism of this lovely tape, but a sagacious warning to those that will listen to it and then proceed to the next event in life.  Blank Screens of Hope, the latest release from the immensely talented and Stourbridge-based ambient artist, Adam Beckley on Koppklys, deserves your undivided attention.   The treasure is in the details, as Adam's opaque meditative hymns are comprised of a myriad of textures and shapes that make for an enriching listening experience.  In some sections it is unabashedly warm and embracing, while other tracks are more solemn.

  Compared to the other three tracks, the opening track, which is the title track, is a wonderful display of warm ambient noise.  Dreamy soundscapes glisten and morph among field recordings that are barely audible in the mix.  A true listen will reveal the evanescent beauty that is omnipresent throughout the tape.  Just when one thinks the sound is entering an inert stage, there is a subtle, meaningful shift.  The title track is a document of tranquility - the medicine for the pain.  Through the majority of the track, a calmness in sound is established, and the latter part finds Adam adding other elements.  The foundation of the track gently fades and soon one can hear woozy notes moving tenderly over the tape hiss.  'Groningen City Band', the second track on side A, has a completely different feel compared to the opener.  On this track, Adam is travelling in solemn zones of sound as an opaque cloud and loop of sound slowly expand.  With each iteration, the loop subtly changes.  As it pulses and finally recedes, the character of the sound is altered in the slightest manner.  As the track matures, there are beautiful waves of sound appended to the last section.  The flipside opens with the ethereal track, 'Avner'.  Gorgeous shapes mutate while an elongated stream of energy bisects the waves.  Soon those alluring shapes increasingly populate the mix until they are engulfed by a mass of buoyant energy.

This might be the best tape yet from Koppklys.  Much like one holds life delicately, be at ease with this beautiful tape.  To be focused on these sounds is tantamount to presenting oneself with a gift.  Limited to 54 hand-assembled and hand-numbered copies, Blank Screens of Hope is produced on pro-dubbed TDK SA high bias cassettes.  One can purchase this tape, along with the new batch directly from Koppklys!

peace and love, friends :)  
                           

The Haiduks - 1968 (KNN003)

sweet sativa - psych pop perfection!  peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

And... it finally descends upon us eager denizens, seeking a taste of the refined sweet nectar that is The Haiduks. As proprietor of Verdun-based Kinnta Records, Christian Richer produced somewhat of a harbinger to 1968, the sunshine-powered Lemon Tape, which featured various artists.  That was the first taste of Richer's penchant for creating beautiful pop music.  A few months later, Kinnta released Ionian Dream by Soft Mirage - the duo of Richer and Norm Chambers of Panabrite.  One of my favorite tapes of the year, Ionian Dream succeeded in presenting intriguing ideas, instrumentation and arrangements of sound.  Upon hearing 1968 for the first time, one cannot help but notice the diligence, thought and creativity that went into making this record.  And, it's not all sunshine and lollipops.  While some tracks dwell in the sun, others travel a different path, which serves Richer well as the listener is able to perceive each facet of his artistry.  The result is a wonderful, well-rounded pop record that features excellent songwriting and many of the other facets that made Ionian Dream an outstanding release.

  The resplendent and languid 'Diamond Drop' opens the album, featuring Richer's breathy vocals.  'Weeping Willow' is one of my favorite tracks on the album.  It contains warm, resonant vocals, strong songwriting and arrangements - quite beautiful!  The twang of 'You're Not Around' gives way to an uplifting vocal style and pace.  A gorgeous intro of floating keys is usurped by buzzing, Dungen-like guitars and languid vocals on the penultimate track of side A. The closer on side A, 'Leaving',  is much different than its predecessors, complete with sax and foot-stomping rhythms.  The flip reveals the uptempo instrumentation of 'I'm Still Here', which is followed by a salient track, 'Melodie', which features languid melodies, great songwriting, and arrangements that include a strong contribution by the clarinet.  'I Have Left for You' closes the lp with acoustic reverie and shimmering synth - a peaceful way to finish.

I cannot stop spinning this record.  Christian's sublime and dreamy pop tendencies on this release will bring out the Sunday stoner in you.  Pressed on 150 g black vinyl and featuring a full-color printed jacket designed by Christian, one can purchase this lp directly from Kinnta.

peace and love, friends :)  

                     

The Haiduks - I'm Still Here from Kinnta Records on Vimeo.

Prayer - Second Species (PURR0012)

as sweet and mellifluous as Tape.  peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

Joe Houpert is a prolific artist.  Along with Nathan McLaughlin, Joe forms the excellent, Loud and Sad.  This has been a fruitful year for them, releasing a tape on //Cae-sur-a//, an lp on Greenup Industries and issuing lathe 1 and 2 on FET.  A more recent project is Tilth, Nathan and Joe's trio with Cody Yantis.  They released a lathe on FET and a full-length on Soft Abuse.  Additionally, Joe has a solo project, Prayer.  Earlier this year, he released a tape on Sunshine Ltd.  Now, he is here to cure your end-of-year blues with the four compositions of serene and contemplative synth.  Second Species, on Constellation Tatsu, finds Joe at his sharpest.  To induce the aforementioned tranquility, synth is looped and layered while treated with effects; the ideas are slightly altered throughout.  His acute sense of pace is conspicuous over four tracks.  Furthermore, he is adroit at juxtaposing/ordering dissimilar sounds, ultimately begetting a beautiful synthesis.  Due to these characteristics and his musicianship, Second Species reminds me the Swedish masters, Tape.  

The second track on side A is my favorite of the tape.  It is an unmistakably uplifting track, as looped synth reverberates placidly, glistening like the embryonic sun.  Waves of serenity abut elongated, contemplative tones - the effect is beautiful.  After one ascends to the peak, the comedown is soothing. Another great track opens the flipside.  In this track, protracted organ like tones echo calmly - this is unabashed relaxation music!  Soon, another layer of synth is added, the contrasting tones produce a moment of beauty.  The track swells around the middle and ascends more proximate to the end.

The soothing blue colors and minimalist design are a strong signal to expect something beautiful.  Constellation Tatsu has caught my attention recently with a string of awesome releases.  It has been a great year for this young label!  Buy the Prayer tape directly from Constellation Tatsu.  Also, check out the great batch deals, and the new batch that features the highly anticipated EN/Jefre Cantu-Ledesma split tape.  Four awesome tapes for $16 - kind of difficult to beat that deal!

peace and love, friends :)

Matt Krefting - Sweet Days of Discipline (KSE #220)

feeling fortunate to span time with this artist - one of the best listens of 2012.  peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

Best of 2012

For those that listen to a lot of music - or outside of music, tend to realize the beauty of the moment/the significance of the breath- there are times when one actualizes the experience.  By that, I refer to exhibiting a profound appreciation of the present moment.  For the past five months, the music on Sweet Days of Discipline -the latest release from Matt Krefting on Kendra Steiner Editions - has traversed and illuminated the labyrinthine welter of synapses and receptors, leaving me in awe.  Simply stated, this is the type of music one remembers fondly years later.  This tape-based music has extracted tears from my burning eyes, produced elation, and left my mouth agape at its unrivaled beauty. 'Elegant' is about as apt of a descriptor for these affecting hymns.  There is something otherworldly that emanates from the speakers. 2012 has produced many wonderful aural treats.  Within that set is a subset of sonic experiences for which there is no comparison.  Sweet Days of Discipline glistens like my best bud.   If you are that kind, then don't waste a second - head over to Kendra Steiner Editions to purchase this beautiful nug.

peace and love, friends :)

Ignatz - Because Time is Too Short (TPCASS04)

throwing sweet, dank nugs at the head of Krazy Kat.  peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief :)

BEST OF 2012

This nug is unlike anything you will hear in 2012.  Ignatz is the moniker of Brussels-based artist, Bram Devens.  When Bram is not expanding minds with sativa-smoking Sylvester Anfang ii, he creates third-eye zoners that are a nexus of folk and blues - even a little rock sometimes.   Because Time is Too Short - the latest Ignatz release on Belgian label, Taping Policies - is full of deep-fried blues and folk that will re-animate your THC receptors.  This singular sound is achieved through acoustic instrumentation and effects, with improvisation an important component.  

The tape achieves lift off with the upbeat, 'Some People Keep Their Change'.  This track is comprised of skittish strings and Bram's unmistakable croon.  The next track, 'Stop Shining' is entirely different, as a welter of strings bathed in effects and random transmissions circle overhead.  '(Oh) I know you', the third track, is my favorite of the cassette.  For those that enjoyed the Virgil Caine re-issue on Time-Lag, this one is for you. It's full of deep-fried, ramshackle blues that mix perfectly with Bram's voice.  The mood changes with the next track, 'Inside Sight', an introspective zoner of scraped strings and quivering vocals.  The last track on side A, 'The Evening Light', is notable for its delicate strings and ethereal aesthetic - reminiscent of the excellent In Search of Light by Danny Paul Grody.  One instantly settles, as the flip starts with the playful, 'I Miss My Dog'.  However, the mood changes with, 'Pale Moon' as somber, warped strings float through the thin night air and are then pervaded by a beam of concentrated energy.  Another favorite is the fourth track, 'Everyday Vodka'.  Bram's vocals have a different quality in this track, as whimsical strings are blurred with effects.  Later, a beautiful effect is achieved with cascading, woozy strings.

This tape - and the entire Ignatz discography - will always have a safe spot on the top shelf.  Released in an edition of 100 on black cassette shells, Because Time is Too Short is adorned with Bram's wonderful artwork.  Ignatz releases disappear quickly.  Perusing US shops and distros, not many older releases are available.  Therefore, order directly from Taping Policies before this one goes OOP.

peace and love, friends :)


Ignatz - a tape release show from Taping Policies on Vimeo.

Misner Space - Golorium (TQ34)

trichome terror for resin-coated receptors. peace and love to my friends at Humboldt Relief

Golorium is an absolute zoner from the latest batch of Tranquility Tapes.  The batch keeps things fresh by promulgating a darker, heavier sound; rather than the warm ambient paeans of the recent past, the sounds on Golorium - by Hamilton, Ontario based, Misner Space - and Turning Point, by Andreas Brandal, traverse different zones that are foreboding and brooding, yet emit the same alluring aural candy that one expects from a Tranquility release.  Beneath the pastoral artwork of Caroline Teagle churns an opaque, sprawling psychedelic concoction of guitar, synth, electronics, and vocals that removes the filter and permeates the eager mind.  At times the music drifts eerily through the hazy atmosphere, making the listener curious about the next step.  The description that accompanies the tape is apt: "they manage to straddle the distant lines of beautiful, playful, and downright creepy all at once."  All one can do is press play, turn off the lights, and hope that the conduit is still intact for the return trip.

Pure dread and unease expand in the room like musty smoke as one presses play.  Twisted voices tremble and coil over churning metallic sounds, while ominous tones form a solid foundation.  And, as the music - concomitantly scary and beautiful - becomes more intense, one begins to yearn for their woobie.  The pace of the first track boils with suspense.  Ostensibly gone, the beautiful vocals reappear next to swirling vibrations.  On the flipside, mangled transmissions and echos of yesteryear lightly manifest.  Without ambiguity, there is a lighter edge to the beginning of the second side.  Sounds imbued with a comfortable lethargy progressively turn brooding, as caustic shrieks and vocal incantations descend from the spectral sky - music that breathes with anticipation.  Contemplative and whimsical notes languidly pervade the haze in the last section of this track.

The music that comprises Golorium is a real head trip!  Produced on chrome cassettes and pro-dubbed, Golorium glows brightly with the beautiful designs of Caroline Teagle.  With only a few copies remaining, purchase one directly from Tranquility Tapes.

peace and love, friends :)