The Quiet Man in the Corner

CanwllCorfe · 04-24-2010, 10:06 PM

Atmospheric Depressive Suicidal Black Metal:

Gris - Il Était Une Forêt...
Label : Sepulchral Productions
Release : December 20th, 2007
Songs: Il Était Une Forêt..., Le Gala Des Gens Heureux, Cicatrice, Veux-tu Danser?, Profonde Misanthropie, La Dryade

Another one of those Saturdays where no one, including you, feels like doing anything except sleeping. I woke up at 1 in the morning out of a weird dream that (like all my dreams) took place at night. I felt strange and out of it like I was still in the mindset of a dream where everything looked and felt foreign. I've always had a longing to recreate these strangely specific feelings that I experience in dreams. This was the soundtrack. I looked at the album art, listened to the music, and it just clicked.

I've always had a bizarre and innate fascination with dark imagery. I remember hearing a story about a witch and while I was listening, looked in a window at a jacket holder and felt terrified. "The witch lives right in there". I felt so apprehensive and yet so interested; this constant tug of war between the two was confusing for a 6 year old. The apprehensiveness would subside as the interest would become more and more intense. This is the same way I feel about this CD and most Black Metal; it's a genre based around and built on darkness and dark imagery. Satanism, depression, suicide, death, etc. There's so much negativity that for most people would immediately turn most people off, but it's this stark negativity that keeps me so interested like the confused 6 year old version of my own self. For the record, I still love scary stories and dark imagery.

This album is one of the best produced DSBM albums I've heard in awhile. This doesn't necessarily make it "better" though, because some bands WANT their albums to sound like they dropped their demo tape in the mud and stepped on it repeatedly. Gris use an immense amount of atmosphere that set them apart from most DSBM bands. Not only do they use it well, but it adds a HELL of a lot to the music itself. As I've said repeatedly, I go by feeling, so atmosphere is the #1 thing when it comes to what I listen to. Every song is dark and foreboding and some seemed to build in intensity like the title track "Il Était Une Forêt...". Then something interesting happened.. "La Dryade" came on. And instead of what I expected, just another fantastic DSBM track filled with an immense amount of atmosphere, it's purely classical. Both violin and piano played by Icare; half of Gris. It doesn't sound disjointed from the rest of the release because it carries on the darkness that's abound in the rest of the album. Yet another release to add to my discography for the attempts at recreating the darkness that myself, and 6 year old self, are so attracted to. 9/10

SockPerson · 05-01-2010, 02:50 AM

The fact that I'm even up to page 3 on ur journal says a lot, because I tend to lose interest so easily.

So far these have all been pretty solid recs, and I can't wait to really dig into these further. I'm a fan.

Thanks!

CanwllCorfe · 05-03-2010, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SockPerson

The fact that I'm even up to page 3 on ur journal says a lot, because I tend to lose interest so easily.

So far these have all been pretty solid recs, and I can't wait to really dig into these further. I'm a fan.

Thanks!

Thank YOU!

I'm glad someone actually enjoys even just the majority of what I post!

Reggae:

Tiken Jah Fakoly - L'Africain
Label : Barclay
Release : September 24th, 2007

Ahhh Reggae. I think the only other genre that even touches the agreeableness of Reggae is Pop. It's such a carefree music and really can only affect you positively. I could say that it's possibly due in part to marijuana but I prefer the idea that they really are just happy and carefree.

Tiken Jah Fakoly, like many of the artists I end up loving, was found on accident. I'm not even sure what I was watching at the time but I ended up seeing it as a related video on YouTube. I was unsure about what to expect, as I never tried to delve into Reggae for two reasons; one being that I pretty much enjoyed all of it and the second being that I already was exploring Ambient, Modern Classical, Downtempo, Experimental, Minimal, Lounge, Techno, Vaudeville, Folk, Grime, Dubstep, and Smooth Jazz on top of the genres I already had a firm grasp on (Trance, Progressive House, Electro, Electro House, Black Metal, Hands Up, Hard Dance, Hardstyle, and Hardcore). I can barely keep up with my own tastes as it is.

But I decided that since I had no Reggae that I would start with him. I picked this album to start and I'm happy I did. The tempo varies from the upbeat "Gauche Droite" to the gorgeous down tempo styling of "Ma Cote d'Ivoire" which is almost exclusively acoustic. This release even sports a cover of "Englishman in New York" by none other than Sting! I have to admit though, I'd never heard it and wouldn't have known if someone else had told me (the track on here is called "Africain à Paris"). If nothing else, the songs will stick in your head for long periods of time. In fact I'm singing "Ou Aller Ou?" quietly in my head as I type this. It's one of those albums you KNOW you'll reach for when things are good and all you want is some music to fit the great mood you're in. I also can't get the connection I have in my head that Reggae = tropical music so every time I pop it on I'm instantly transported to somewhere warm and lovely. I can't see anyone not enjoying this album so you might as well just go and get it now. 9/10

CanwllCorfe · 05-04-2010, 05:56 PM

Depressive Suicidal Black Metal/Shoegaze:

Various Artists - The World Comes to an End in the End of a Journey
Label : Pest Productions
Release : September 2009

DBSM? Shoegaze? I can't say how confused I was when I saw these 2 tags together for the first time. It was the Amesoeurs album and I admit, the main reason I got it was for the album artwork. I hadn't even listened to any of the songs. Once I had finished it I was a mix between angry, sad, and unbelievably happy that I found such an incredible album on pure accident. I was angry that I'd only found out about them AFTER they broke up and I was sad because, well, it's hard not to be effected by a music that's dedicated to Depression and Suicide.

I had thought that they started all, and they very well could have. After I found them I started to find more and more bands like them and eventually, this compilation. It's a six way split between artists who combine the 2 genres, some more on the DBSM side of things (like Shyy) and some more on the Shoegaze side of things (like Ethereal Beauty). When the genres are combined you usually get Shoegaze-esque melodies with DBSM vocals and sometimes those Black Metal blast beats that are so common in the genre. Is it a bizarre mix? Absolutely. Is it effective? You have no idea.

When I first listened to the album I was in awe and was rather confused that it doesn't have it's own genre. It sounds so seamless and so well mixed that it really passes itself off as something that's been around forever. It's really such a gorgeous and yet upsetting juxtaposition of slow and beautiful melodies with those howling and wailing DBSM vocals. The track that really blows me away from this comp (though all are amazing) is Heretoir's "Trümmerwelten". It's a purely acoustic song laden with distant screaming. It's very hard to explain two opposites as being one but that's really exactly what it's like. I've always thought sad songs to be rather beautiful and that's what this compilation does. The great thing about it is that the sadness isn't theatrical or contrived, it sounds real and isn't dumbed down. They don't have to worry about appealing to a wide demographic. The production sounds like real people made it and that they really enjoy music. It's not "showy" at all. I can't tell you how much this genre is increasingly becoming one of my favorite genres right up there with Trance and Ambient. If you're a fan of either DBSM or Shoegaze, this album is worth checking out 9+/10

CanwllCorfe · 05-19-2010, 01:47 PM

Downtempo/Ambient:

Arms & Sleepers - Black Paris 86
Label : Expect Candy
Release : November 2007

"He's Techno Tim. He's obsessed with techno." It didn't bother me, but I think some of my friends could use more tact. I've always been the one who loved techno trance house dance rave music as it's called. I started out like a lot of people who want to delve into Electronica; with the commercial stuff. That is with the exception of a CD I borrowed from my brother's German friend which really started my love with electronic music. Eventually after around 7-8 years of only Trance and Hardstyle I decided to broaden my horizons. Before really looking for new material, I wanted to pinpoint what I loved so much about Trance so that it'd be easier to know what I'd like. As it turns out, I'm all about atmosphere.

This whole "atmosphere" concept lead me to genres like Modern Classical and Ambient. I was looking for a picture to post of Jacaszek's Treny in the Last Downloaded Album topic and saw the album art for this. Of course, I needed to get it. I didn't know what to expect as I was still really learning about genres outside of Alternative Rock, Black Metal and techno trance house dance rave. It didn't take long for me to be smitten.

The whole album is so gorgeous and atmospheric. It's not pure atmosphere like some Ambient but has a good amount so that it feels very lush and full. Each song really has its own "feel" and distinct sound and combination of melodies, vocals (if any), and use of instruments. It seems like they're drawing from a lot of different genres; Post Rock, Jazz, Ambient, etc. It's really like a playground of expression and emotion. One song really struck me and that was "Butterflycatcher". It goes from really a simple drum melody with piano and lush pad synth and a bizarre sounding sample that seems like it could have at one time been vocals. Out of nowhere it strips away to drums, some kind of brass instrument (tuba?), and what almost sounds like a xylophone. Then out of nowhere it becomes silent with a rather languid melody, and it goes back to what it started with and on top of it: a simple vocal sample that never fails to give me goosebumps. It's this constant change and movement, although maybe not as strong and sudden in other songs, that really makes the whole album feel impeccably made with a fine eye for detail. Then again if you're making a simple kind of music with not that many elements you really have to pin down your intentions. It's like design! I'm a minimalist so I really have to make sure each thing is, in essence, perfect because there's not much to look at so a mistake is that much easier to spot. If you're a crazy, zany designer and make a small mistake it won't be nearly as obvious and clear.

The whole album is really a fluent compilation of different stories and soundscapes. To me, if this album had a time or a place, it'd be the city and would span gloaming all the way to dawn. It's calm and simple but very clear and concise. It's a shame I found this so early in my discoveries because I don't think I'll find many albums much better. 9+/10

CanwllCorfe · 05-19-2010, 10:45 PM

I figure I'd try something new! I'll do it every now and then when I find some new amazing stuff. It's easy to fit it in since the only thing that's changing is the media.

Oriental/Gourmand:

Guerlain's Spiriteuse Double Vanille
Perfumer: Jean Paul Guerlain
Release : September 2007

Today I get to try this fantastic and supposed limited edition fragrance from the legendary house of Guerlain. SDV opens with a gorgeous blend of Bergamot and Pink Peppercorn. Pink Peppercorns are not true pepper but are actually dried berries from Brazilian or Peruvian Pepper shrubs. As such, it's slightly sweet and fruity instead of being exclusively spicy. Once the top fades, a resinous dark vanilla crawls out beneath a floral accord due in part to Bulgarian rose and Ylang-ylang. What you get is a deep and sombre vanilla with the florals, not being bright, but almost lending a sepulchral aura. The vanilla in itself has a very thick and syrupy feel reminiscent of true vanilla extract. This beautifully well done heart dies away to be replaced by wet cedar, earthy patchouli, and dry frankincense haunted by a sweet, faint echo of vanilla.

CanwllCorfe · 06-16-2010, 01:19 PM

Hardcore:

Nasenbluten - 100% No Soul Guaranteed
Label: Industrial Strength Records
Release: 1995

With an artist name like "Nose Bleed" and song titles like "Kill More People", "Dirty Rotten Bastard", "No More ****ing Soul" and "****face" you have a pretty good idea of what you're getting into. For awhile I kept aggression and my electronic music apart. I listened to Black Metal if I wanted something dark and aggressive whereas I wanted my electronica to sound atmospheric and uplifting. Eventually once I started breaking down borders (thanks to MB), I decided to try out the more "in your face" genres like Hardcore and Gabber. After awhile I found a few pretty good tracks but once I found this I finally felt some sort of contentment.

The songs are just craziness. They sample everything from Hip Hop to Funk to movies and everything is sped up and so frenzied it feels like you'll be spitting up blood and teeth by the time it's over. Some songs are somewhat tame (for me anyway), disappointingly, but the songs that aren't MORE than make up for it. The heaviest song, by far, is "****face". It's easily the hardest Hardcore song I'd ever heard. It just sounds like a fistfight in song form and somehow never loses its' energy. It's a timeless classic and it's really a song for the whole family. In all seriousness this release is like a trip back in time and is a fantastic example of the old kick your ass Hardcore. 7/10

Hank The Drifter · 06-17-2010, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanwllCorfe

Nice journal you have going here man. Its interesting seeing someone review Gris. I had no idea how many [if anyone] knew about this band here, but cool to see someone that does. Very good DSDM for sure.

Anyway, once more nice journal.

CanwllCorfe · 06-24-2010, 03:12 PM

Thank you very much

Yeah I think I found them when I was checking out some Black Metal blogs and, as always, the album art drew me in. I really wasn't expecting something that was so well produced. It was a very pleasant surprise! But yes, thanks again!

Trip Hop:

Arms & Sleepers - Metropolitan
Label: Positron! Records
Release: August 5th, 2005

Trip Hop. It's been a long time! The first time I'd ever heard it was when me and my sister were still investigatating Electronic music and found Lamb. It was pretty interesting and I hadn't been exposed to anything like it. I remember thinking "it's like New Age.. but with more happening!" Though the only real New Age I actually knew about was Enya, Cusco, and Sacred Spirit. I'd forgotten about it for awhile since I was infatuated with Trance and not much else until recently. As usual I was jumping from blog to blog in search of new Downtempo and I see "Trip Hop" and the album art was quite nice so I went with it.

Now I feel stupid for not listening to it more often. After listening to Arms & Sleepers so damn much over the winter knowing there was stuff like this makes me feel disappointed on my brain. It goes between more lounge/jazzy tunes like "Salt" to songs with a heavy amount of classical like "Larsen" (which has a really Jazzy bit as well). So it's really a summation of all these things and to top it off, Lauren Cheatham's beautiful voice. It balances out very well too. It's not heavy but not too light like some say about The Sight Below and the whole album seems to have a sense of darkness that I enjoy. Not the kind of dark you get from one of my favorite Black Metal albums but more of a mysterious, withdrawn kind of darkness. One of the best features is that I feel it's the sort of album you'd grab before heading out at night. It fits that scenario so damn well. All in all it's smooth, melodic, slightly dark and hard to turn off. Phaaantaaaastisch! 8/10

Fougère:

Narciso Rodriguez for Him
Perfumer: Francis Kurkdjian
Release: July 2007

Green, green, green. Very green. Have you ever smelled freshly cut grass, or the smell of wet moss? Imagine that, except highly concentrated, and you have the smell of violet leaf. Narciso Rodriguez must be a huge fan. It's an interesting take with a lot of different facets and bizarre quirks (wet cement?) so it keeps things fun. Imagine rain water filtered through moss, tree bark, and then cement and you get something vaguely like NR. Or in more literal terms: opens green, transitions to a light green musk and then afterwards gets all ambery and is grounded ever so slightly by patchouli with the musk hanging around for a hell of a long time.

CanwllCorfe · 07-19-2010, 02:26 PM

Electro-Acoustic/Downtempo/Ambient:

Flica - Nocturnal
Label: Schole Records
Release: December 22nd, 2008

Euseng Seto of Malaysia, also known as (you guessed it) Flica, has only been producing under this name for under 2 years but has already released 3 albums and an E.P. He's one busy mofo. At the time I'd found it I was trying to find something more upbeat than pure Ambient, but less hectic than a lot of the club oriented genres I tend to listen to. I knew about Electro-Acoustic and IDM but that's a big umbrella and I'm quite finicky. Well.. he shut me up. The album walks the line between being gorgeous enough to tug your heart strings, but calm enough to lull you on a stressful day. I was expecting some weak spots and some filler, but found none. It's such a bright and cheerfully optimistic album and I really can't say enough about it. As such, I should probably stop before I end up making this too damn long. You owe it to yourself to get your hands on this. You won't be sorry.

04-24-2010, 10:06 PM	#51 (permalink)
CanwllCorfe Quiet Man in the Corner Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono Mountains Posts: 2,480	Atmospheric Depressive Suicidal Black Metal: Gris - Il Était Une Forêt... Label : Sepulchral Productions Release : December 20th, 2007 Songs: Il Était Une Forêt..., Le Gala Des Gens Heureux, Cicatrice, Veux-tu Danser?, Profonde Misanthropie, La Dryade Another one of those Saturdays where no one, including you, feels like doing anything except sleeping. I woke up at 1 in the morning out of a weird dream that (like all my dreams) took place at night. I felt strange and out of it like I was still in the mindset of a dream where everything looked and felt foreign. I've always had a longing to recreate these strangely specific feelings that I experience in dreams. This was the soundtrack. I looked at the album art, listened to the music, and it just clicked. I've always had a bizarre and innate fascination with dark imagery. I remember hearing a story about a witch and while I was listening, looked in a window at a jacket holder and felt terrified. "The witch lives right in there". I felt so apprehensive and yet so interested; this constant tug of war between the two was confusing for a 6 year old. The apprehensiveness would subside as the interest would become more and more intense. This is the same way I feel about this CD and most Black Metal; it's a genre based around and built on darkness and dark imagery. Satanism, depression, suicide, death, etc. There's so much negativity that for most people would immediately turn most people off, but it's this stark negativity that keeps me so interested like the confused 6 year old version of my own self. For the record, I still love scary stories and dark imagery. This album is one of the best produced DSBM albums I've heard in awhile. This doesn't necessarily make it "better" though, because some bands WANT their albums to sound like they dropped their demo tape in the mud and stepped on it repeatedly. Gris use an immense amount of atmosphere that set them apart from most DSBM bands. Not only do they use it well, but it adds a HELL of a lot to the music itself. As I've said repeatedly, I go by feeling, so atmosphere is the #1 thing when it comes to what I listen to. Every song is dark and foreboding and some seemed to build in intensity like the title track "Il Était Une Forêt...". Then something interesting happened.. "La Dryade" came on. And instead of what I expected, just another fantastic DSBM track filled with an immense amount of atmosphere, it's purely classical. Both violin and piano played by Icare; half of Gris. It doesn't sound disjointed from the rest of the release because it carries on the darkness that's abound in the rest of the album. Yet another release to add to my discography for the attempts at recreating the darkness that myself, and 6 year old self, are so attracted to. 9/10 __________________ Your eyes were never yet let in to see the majesty and riches of the mind, but dwell in darkness; for your God is blind.

05-04-2010, 05:56 PM	#54 (permalink)
CanwllCorfe Quiet Man in the Corner Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono Mountains Posts: 2,480	Depressive Suicidal Black Metal/Shoegaze: Various Artists - The World Comes to an End in the End of a Journey Label : Pest Productions Release : September 2009 DBSM? Shoegaze? I can't say how confused I was when I saw these 2 tags together for the first time. It was the Amesoeurs album and I admit, the main reason I got it was for the album artwork. I hadn't even listened to any of the songs. Once I had finished it I was a mix between angry, sad, and unbelievably happy that I found such an incredible album on pure accident. I was angry that I'd only found out about them AFTER they broke up and I was sad because, well, it's hard not to be effected by a music that's dedicated to Depression and Suicide. I had thought that they started all, and they very well could have. After I found them I started to find more and more bands like them and eventually, this compilation. It's a six way split between artists who combine the 2 genres, some more on the DBSM side of things (like Shyy) and some more on the Shoegaze side of things (like Ethereal Beauty). When the genres are combined you usually get Shoegaze-esque melodies with DBSM vocals and sometimes those Black Metal blast beats that are so common in the genre. Is it a bizarre mix? Absolutely. Is it effective? You have no idea. When I first listened to the album I was in awe and was rather confused that it doesn't have it's own genre. It sounds so seamless and so well mixed that it really passes itself off as something that's been around forever. It's really such a gorgeous and yet upsetting juxtaposition of slow and beautiful melodies with those howling and wailing DBSM vocals. The track that really blows me away from this comp (though all are amazing) is Heretoir's "Trümmerwelten". It's a purely acoustic song laden with distant screaming. It's very hard to explain two opposites as being one but that's really exactly what it's like. I've always thought sad songs to be rather beautiful and that's what this compilation does. The great thing about it is that the sadness isn't theatrical or contrived, it sounds real and isn't dumbed down. They don't have to worry about appealing to a wide demographic. The production sounds like real people made it and that they really enjoy music. It's not "showy" at all. I can't tell you how much this genre is increasingly becoming one of my favorite genres right up there with Trance and Ambient. If you're a fan of either DBSM or Shoegaze, this album is worth checking out 9+/10 __________________ Your eyes were never yet let in to see the majesty and riches of the mind, but dwell in darkness; for your God is blind.

05-19-2010, 01:47 PM	#55 (permalink)
CanwllCorfe Quiet Man in the Corner Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono Mountains Posts: 2,480	Downtempo/Ambient: Arms & Sleepers - Black Paris 86 Label : Expect Candy Release : November 2007 "He's Techno Tim. He's obsessed with techno." It didn't bother me, but I think some of my friends could use more tact. I've always been the one who loved techno trance house dance rave music as it's called. I started out like a lot of people who want to delve into Electronica; with the commercial stuff. That is with the exception of a CD I borrowed from my brother's German friend which really started my love with electronic music. Eventually after around 7-8 years of only Trance and Hardstyle I decided to broaden my horizons. Before really looking for new material, I wanted to pinpoint what I loved so much about Trance so that it'd be easier to know what I'd like. As it turns out, I'm all about atmosphere. This whole "atmosphere" concept lead me to genres like Modern Classical and Ambient. I was looking for a picture to post of Jacaszek's Treny in the Last Downloaded Album topic and saw the album art for this. Of course, I needed to get it. I didn't know what to expect as I was still really learning about genres outside of Alternative Rock, Black Metal and techno trance house dance rave. It didn't take long for me to be smitten. The whole album is so gorgeous and atmospheric. It's not pure atmosphere like some Ambient but has a good amount so that it feels very lush and full. Each song really has its own "feel" and distinct sound and combination of melodies, vocals (if any), and use of instruments. It seems like they're drawing from a lot of different genres; Post Rock, Jazz, Ambient, etc. It's really like a playground of expression and emotion. One song really struck me and that was "Butterflycatcher". It goes from really a simple drum melody with piano and lush pad synth and a bizarre sounding sample that seems like it could have at one time been vocals. Out of nowhere it strips away to drums, some kind of brass instrument (tuba?), and what almost sounds like a xylophone. Then out of nowhere it becomes silent with a rather languid melody, and it goes back to what it started with and on top of it: a simple vocal sample that never fails to give me goosebumps. It's this constant change and movement, although maybe not as strong and sudden in other songs, that really makes the whole album feel impeccably made with a fine eye for detail. Then again if you're making a simple kind of music with not that many elements you really have to pin down your intentions. It's like design! I'm a minimalist so I really have to make sure each thing is, in essence, perfect because there's not much to look at so a mistake is that much easier to spot. If you're a crazy, zany designer and make a small mistake it won't be nearly as obvious and clear. The whole album is really a fluent compilation of different stories and soundscapes. To me, if this album had a time or a place, it'd be the city and would span gloaming all the way to dawn. It's calm and simple but very clear and concise. It's a shame I found this so early in my discoveries because I don't think I'll find many albums much better. 9+/10 __________________ Your eyes were never yet let in to see the majesty and riches of the mind, but dwell in darkness; for your God is blind.

05-19-2010, 10:45 PM	#56 (permalink)
CanwllCorfe Quiet Man in the Corner Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono Mountains Posts: 2,480	I figure I'd try something new! I'll do it every now and then when I find some new amazing stuff. It's easy to fit it in since the only thing that's changing is the media. Oriental/Gourmand: Guerlain's Spiriteuse Double Vanille Perfumer: Jean Paul Guerlain Release : September 2007 Today I get to try this fantastic and supposed limited edition fragrance from the legendary house of Guerlain. SDV opens with a gorgeous blend of Bergamot and Pink Peppercorn. Pink Peppercorns are not true pepper but are actually dried berries from Brazilian or Peruvian Pepper shrubs. As such, it's slightly sweet and fruity instead of being exclusively spicy. Once the top fades, a resinous dark vanilla crawls out beneath a floral accord due in part to Bulgarian rose and Ylang-ylang. What you get is a deep and sombre vanilla with the florals, not being bright, but almost lending a sepulchral aura. The vanilla in itself has a very thick and syrupy feel reminiscent of true vanilla extract. This beautifully well done heart dies away to be replaced by wet cedar, earthy patchouli, and dry frankincense haunted by a sweet, faint echo of vanilla. __________________ Your eyes were never yet let in to see the majesty and riches of the mind, but dwell in darkness; for your God is blind.

06-16-2010, 01:19 PM	#57 (permalink)
CanwllCorfe Quiet Man in the Corner Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono Mountains Posts: 2,480	Hardcore: Nasenbluten - 100% No Soul Guaranteed Label: Industrial Strength Records Release: 1995 With an artist name like "Nose Bleed" and song titles like "Kill More People", "Dirty Rotten Bastard", "No More **ing Soul" and "*face" you have a pretty good idea of what you're getting into. For awhile I kept aggression and my electronic music apart. I listened to Black Metal if I wanted something dark and aggressive whereas I wanted my electronica to sound atmospheric and uplifting. Eventually once I started breaking down borders (thanks to MB), I decided to try out the more "in your face" genres like Hardcore and Gabber. After awhile I found a few pretty good tracks but once I found this I finally felt some sort of contentment. The songs are just craziness. They sample everything from Hip Hop to Funk to movies and everything is sped up and so frenzied it feels like you'll be spitting up blood and teeth by the time it's over. Some* songs are somewhat tame (for me anyway), disappointingly, but the songs that aren't MORE than make up for it. The heaviest song, by far, is "****face". It's easily the hardest Hardcore song I'd ever heard. It just sounds like a fistfight in song form and somehow never loses its' energy. It's a timeless classic and it's really a song for the whole family. In all seriousness this release is like a trip back in time and is a fantastic example of the old kick your ass Hardcore. 7/10 __________________ Your eyes were never yet let in to see the majesty and riches of the mind, but dwell in darkness; for your God is blind.

05-01-2010, 02:50 AM	#52 (permalink)
SockPerson Groupie Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 11	The fact that I'm even up to page 3 on ur journal says a lot, because I tend to lose interest so easily. So far these have all been pretty solid recs, and I can't wait to really dig into these further. I'm a fan. Thanks!

06-24-2010, 03:12 PM	#59 (permalink)
CanwllCorfe Quiet Man in the Corner Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono Mountains Posts: 2,480	Thank you very much Yeah I think I found them when I was checking out some Black Metal blogs and, as always, the album art drew me in. I really wasn't expecting something that was so well produced. It was a very pleasant surprise! But yes, thanks again! Trip Hop: Arms & Sleepers - Metropolitan Label: Positron! Records Release: August 5th, 2005 Trip Hop. It's been a long time! The first time I'd ever heard it was when me and my sister were still investigatating Electronic music and found Lamb. It was pretty interesting and I hadn't been exposed to anything like it. I remember thinking "it's like New Age.. but with more happening!" Though the only real New Age I actually knew about was Enya, Cusco, and Sacred Spirit. I'd forgotten about it for awhile since I was infatuated with Trance and not much else until recently. As usual I was jumping from blog to blog in search of new Downtempo and I see "Trip Hop" and the album art was quite nice so I went with it. Now I feel stupid for not listening to it more often. After listening to Arms & Sleepers so damn much over the winter knowing there was stuff like this makes me feel disappointed on my brain. It goes between more lounge/jazzy tunes like "Salt" to songs with a heavy amount of classical like "Larsen" (which has a really Jazzy bit as well). So it's really a summation of all these things and to top it off, Lauren Cheatham's beautiful voice. It balances out very well too. It's not heavy but not too light like some say about The Sight Below and the whole album seems to have a sense of darkness that I enjoy. Not the kind of dark you get from one of my favorite Black Metal albums but more of a mysterious, withdrawn kind of darkness. One of the best features is that I feel it's the sort of album you'd grab before heading out at night. It fits that scenario so damn well. All in all it's smooth, melodic, slightly dark and hard to turn off. Phaaantaaaastisch! 8/10 Fougère: Narciso Rodriguez for Him Perfumer: Francis Kurkdjian Release: July 2007 Green, green, green. Very green. Have you ever smelled freshly cut grass, or the smell of wet moss? Imagine that, except highly concentrated, and you have the smell of violet leaf. Narciso Rodriguez must be a huge fan. It's an interesting take with a lot of different facets and bizarre quirks (wet cement?) so it keeps things fun. Imagine rain water filtered through moss, tree bark, and then cement and you get something vaguely like NR. Or in more literal terms: opens green, transitions to a light green musk and then afterwards gets all ambery and is grounded ever so slightly by patchouli with the musk hanging around for a hell of a long time. __________________ Your eyes were never yet let in to see the majesty and riches of the mind, but dwell in darkness; for your God is blind.

07-19-2010, 02:26 PM	#60 (permalink)
CanwllCorfe Quiet Man in the Corner Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono Mountains Posts: 2,480	Electro-Acoustic/Downtempo/Ambient: Flica - Nocturnal Label: Schole Records Release: December 22nd, 2008 Euseng Seto of Malaysia, also known as (you guessed it) Flica, has only been producing under this name for under 2 years but has already released 3 albums and an E.P. He's one busy mofo. At the time I'd found it I was trying to find something more upbeat than pure Ambient, but less hectic than a lot of the club oriented genres I tend to listen to. I knew about Electro-Acoustic and IDM but that's a big umbrella and I'm quite finicky. Well.. he shut me up. The album walks the line between being gorgeous enough to tug your heart strings, but calm enough to lull you on a stressful day. I was expecting some weak spots and some filler, but found none. It's such a bright and cheerfully optimistic album and I really can't say enough about it. As such, I should probably stop before I end up making this too damn long. You owe it to yourself to get your hands on this. You won't be sorry. __________________ Your eyes were never yet let in to see the majesty and riches of the mind, but dwell in darkness; for your God is blind.