João Pais Filipe - João Pais Filipe (Lovers & Lollypops)
H Takahashi - Escapism (Not Not Fun Records)
Tokyo architect Hiroki Takahashi is a world-builder both in matter and sound. ‘Escapism’ offers percolating patterns of fiberglass synthetics and fluorescent melody, assembled into minimalist bio-domes of refracted light and hanging gardens. Recorded during metropolitan commutes, afterhours office meditations, and various windows of urban stasis, the album’s six songs actualize the ambient muse of their maker, willing space from density, tranquility from tedium.
Ike Yard - Rejoy (Noiztank)
After their LPs “Ike Yard” (also known as “A Fact A Second” Factory America, 1982) and Nord (Phisteria and Desire, 2010) Ike Yard delivers their last album “Rejoy” on Noiztank, as the culmination of their recent years reinvented sound. As the perpetual flag bearers of the cutting-edge post-punk spirit, the NYC-based band shows muscle in a LP fully loaded with abrasive synth pads, scrap metal percussions, and whispered vocals. Following the previous criteria of “Sacred Machine” 2017, it is worth to remark the inclusion of external vocals in the pieces “Sister M” and “Beyondersay”, which feature Yuki Osaki and MAYa. The nine tracks move through different atmospheres, tensions and moods that would perfectly represent a new contemporary soundtrack of the S. Kubrick film “A Clockwork Orange”, a major influence and source of inspiration for the group this time around.
João Pais Filipe - João Pais Filipe (Lovers & Lollypops)
The Porto-based artist João Pais Filipe is an artisan behind its own and unique drum kit; he walked the industrial, jazz and avant-garde walk to the point he found a space yet to be occupied by European scholars and their musical notations. In his one of a kind expression, the percussionist bends musical compositions to the point melodies and harmonies are the outcome of rhythmic relations instead of a tyrannic expression ruling over creation. Filipe designed a new direction in sound, which he calls ethno techno and where he manages constant dualities, between mechanic and organic, loops and repetitions, dancefloor explosions and circular mantras. His first, eponymous full-length is composed by three different pieces inhabited by his near-mechanical rhythmic precision and where he reinterprets techno, house and other dancefloor structures through circular patterns and the unprocessed, natural timbres of his kit. An uncanny experience where musique concrète is reshaped to truly moving musical formats created through his own polyrhythmic compositions and unusual bars, while providing relatable and genuinely emotional tunes.
Joel Cahen - Aquadelique (Adaadat)
Aquadelique' is a new album from London-based Israeli sound artist Joel Cahen, due for release on Adaadat. 'Aquadelique' is an album of abstract electronics, designed to be listened to in a semi-submersed state, where sounds are typically felt through the body rather than the ears and sound travels four times faster than it does in the air. It was created as a bi-product of Cahen's experience organising Wet Sounds, a long running series of underwater concerts. This record also features saxaphonist Ricardo Tejero and vocals from Fredy Thuon and Rebecca Horrox. Cahen has been active in London since 1998 sometimes operating under the moniker Newtoy, releasing music on various record labels including; HAK Lo-Fi Record, Earsheltering and Le Colibri Nécrophile. Cahen performed in the noise group The Black Poodle alongside Amir Shoat and Benedict Wallers. In addition to Wet Sounds, Cahen is also known for organising multi-disciplinary art events including; Scrap Club (public Destructivist activity), Cacophony (multichannel sound in libraries) and Interzone Theatre (augmented reality theatre). Cahen's work has been exhibited/performed across Europe, Australia and North America at ISEA, AV Festival, All Tomorrows Parties, The Whitechapel Art Gallery, Tate Britain, Ultima Festival, Helsinki Festival, Elektroni(k) and Red Bull Music Academy. And most recently an award winning show at the 2018 Adelaide Fringe.
Klara Lewis & Simon Fisher Turner - Care (Editions Mego)
This is the first outing from the legendary English musician, songwriter, composer and producer Simon Fisher Turner alongside the highly acclaimed emerging Swedish sound artist Klara Lewis. ‘Care’ is a unique outing rife with delicious dichotomy. The wide scope of references and constant pull of forces make this debut offering a timeless patchwork of sonic spaces. Care is an album which sways in such a salubrious manner one can’t help but delight in its unique form of location/disorientation.
