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…)
As Trey Spruance’s unparalleled Secret Chiefs 3 sets its sights on the Italian giallo horror/erotica genre, hardcore behemoths Coalesce return from a 10-year full-length drought.
The fast-talking, pinched-nose intonations of Busdriver resurface, The Horse’s Ha makes a dual-vocal folk debut, and guitarist Stian Westerhus issues a limited-edition vinyl solo work.
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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Wu Fei: Yuan
Chinese-American composer Wu Fei leads our list this week with expressive ensemble creations. Her label’s owner, John Zorn, also makes an appearance next to the ambient jazz/electronics of Colorlist and the political throwback rock of The (International) Noise Conspiracy. (more…)
