News

As the release date for Alasdair Roberts' self-titled album approaches, excitement's growing among those who've caught a listen. For his eighth album, Ali's turned in a set of songs produced with sparing, yet striking accompaniment - particularly when held up to the dense soundscapes and songic travelogues of his previous album, A Wonder Working Stone, recorded as "Alasdair Roberts & Friends." Stripping back the production for this lot makes sense, as the songs of Alasdair Roberts are among his most... (read more)

The world is changing for Jessica Pratt, getting smaller and more connected as its human population becomes acquainted with her music. Take "Back, Baby," the first single off her forthcoming album, On Your Own Love Again, for instance - no seriously, you can take it for free, baby, we won't ask for it back! - and tell us it doesn't make you wanna find a way to reach for someone through the unbearable delicacy of time and space. Whether near or... (read more)

As the days slump towards winter solstice in our great northern hemisphere, the circle once again tightengs, growing ever shorter and ever darker all around us. Isn't it nice to remember thatthere are beacons of light just an ear-shot away? Bitchin Bajas make blissful sound portraits that'll relax even the tightest muscle, and turn one's internal vibe-o-meter to warm buzz chill. They should be lauded as the real heroes of the holiday season  - taking the time to take it on the road and... (read more)

Way back in October (if you can remember), Elisa Ambrogio advanced her new (and exciting!) solo voice with her debut album, The Immoralist. After a decade in the ranks of Magik Markers, Elisa's props in the avant/noise-rock field are well-established - but those formidable sounds act as prelude only for her new songs, which wed her dazzlingly out guitar playing with a hazy pop sensibility. A little after the album's release, Elisa set out on a run of dates in the Northeast... (read more)

Sir Richard Bishop is back with a fresh album and a fresh guitar! On Tangier Sessions, out February 17th, Sir Richard’s mythic guitar playing reaches a new degree of ingenuity and esteem. While traveling in Geneva, Bishop stumbled upon a modest, yet enchanting guitar, hidden on a shelf. He left the shop empty handed, but for days the guitar haunted him! He returned to purchase the instrument, mesmerized by the incredible sounds it produced when played. Tangier Sessions' first single, "Frontier," has... (read more)

Rods of light carve through city-vision, clouds roll like ocean waves: these are the seductive sounds of Eiko Ishibashi, found on her brand new LP, Car and Freezer, as well as the sights subliminally represented in the video for its song, "Mr. Cloud." The song kicks off with a bass drum featuring Bonham-like reverberation, but as the organ tones haze their way into frame, a liquid relaxation overtakes the proceedings. Trumpet gives way to the textured delicacy of Eiko's voice - and... (read more)

Falling down to Earth from the seedy innerbelly of Jupiter, the Ty Segall man, man, along with his Manipulator band, have slashed and shredded their way across America and Europe this fall, in support of their otherworldly double album. Since their planetary visas have a couple more weeks left on 'em before the band is rocked like vile, vile cargo back into outer-space, Ty and co. concurred - "let's take this mother down under!" Which raises the question - how do these freaks make... (read more)

The American leg of the Weirdon tour is nearing a close, and holy shit - the Hiss are holy-freakin'-HOT! A full-tilt power trio providing a heavy hit of guitar heronics, Purling Hiss screech and claw their way around a song-sonics like cats with their paws jammed into in the proverbial pocket. Tres electrique! As 2014 twilights (and prepares to go 'nova) , das Hiss set their dead red radar eyes towards their next haunting grounds: the castles, catacombs and modern, biker friendly infrastructure of Europe!... (read more)

Psych-rock brethren, you've doubtless heard the news already, but for the rest of you rubberneckers: our beloved Ghost have humbly ceased their collective journey and given themselves up with integrity intact (30 years ain't a bad run, especially when it doesn't include an Around the Sun-type castastrophe, right R.E.M. fans?).  But we're all enlightened here- when talking about the end, we're really talking about a beginning.  And so it is that Ghost's longtime spirit-guide Masaki Batoh has summoned The Silence. Batoh has long... (read more)

The mysteries of Dan'l Boone were revealed earlier this fall with the release of their debut, smashing, self-titled record. But for many still, the album release proved the mysteries only ran deeper! So, grids and diagrams were consulted and superimposed over the North American map; thus touring was arranged, and Dan'l Boone's compositional make-up (Neil Hagerty, Nate Young, Alex Moskos, Charles Ballas) was exposed in the flesh to thousands of people (and the hundreds who attended the shows). Yet again, for those... (read more)