On Scenes From Hell, Japanese quintet Sigh delivers symphonic, epic metal that calls upon classical instrumentation to accent sinister melodies with fanciful themes.
Ambient improvisational duo Colorlist texturalizes sound by utilizing delayed, echoing loops, mounting tension, harmonic and dissonant layers, and germane percussion.
And producer RJD2 returns with something of a split release — a disc with more soulful jams as well as some pointed, inventive instrumentals. (more…)
Featuring members of NOMO, Silences (Sumire), Zing! and Eastern Blok, this newly formed improvisational outfit features four young standouts in Chicago’s jazz, rock, and electronic scenes, relying less on freeform contrast and more on repeated melodies and apparent sections. (more…)
Have you ever wondered how it would feel to hear Fugazi’s “Waiting Room” sung a’cappella by 30-some people, with little more than a back beat to keep it going? (more…)
John Zorn: The Crucible
For this week’s picks, we break down John Zorn’s latest Moonchild release, Aaron Funk’s latest anonymous offering as Last Step, Swiss metal four-piece Impure Wilhelmina, and Chicago saxophonist / electronics artist Charles Gorczynski.
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The London Sinfonietta celebrates its 40th anniversary with a series of miniature compositions; electro-acoustic madman Dan Deacon unveils a 15-piece live ensemble this week; prog/doom rockers Giant Squid announce details for their upcoming album; Fantômas has been added to Australia’s Big Day Out festival, and much more.
