Favorite Releases from August 2023
The Bluebell Fairies.
When all is dark and quiet,
And nobody's about,
"Tis then the bluebell fairies
Come dancing softly out!
They first peep from the bluebells
To see that no one's there-
At us they might be frightened;
They don't mind Mr. Hare I
They tell him elfin stories
Of wonder and delight,
And creep, when morning wakens,
Back in the bluebells bright.
As the vibrant summer days of August draw to a close, the music scene continues to flourish with an eclectic array of new releases. This month’s musical offerings have once again demonstrated the boundless creativity of artists across the spectrum. Our list features outstanding work from Tammo Hesselink, Unsolicited Joints, Mary Yalex, Carsten Jost, shinetiac, Noah Lyas & Eafhm, Terrain, Barker, Polygonia and Morpha.
Tammo Hesselink
Eraser
Nous’klaer Audio
Tammo Hesselink, known for his impressive contributions to the Nous'klaer Audio, offers a bold exploration of rhythmic structures in his latest release titled "Beam," his first double 12" featuring eight tracks. Having already left an indelible mark on the electronic music scene, Tammo again demonstrates his penchant for innovation, delving into the realms of polyrhythmic techno and bass.
The standout track, "Eraser," epitomizes his mastery over the fusion of intricate percussions, driving beats, and lush melodies. Tammo's ability to weave layers of complex rhythms into a cohesive musical journey is evident throughout the release. Drawing from his previous successes on Nous'klaer Audio and Mantis, Tammo Hesselink's "Beam" upholds his commitment to sonic creations while retaining a distinct underground edge.
Buy on Bandcamp
Soundcloud
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Unsolicited Joints
Joint 5
Butter Sessions
The musical duo Unsolicited Joints delivers a dazzling blend of spectral dub techno that seamlessly intertwines with the distinctive Butter Sessions' 2023 catalog. Evoking a deep and contemplative post-rave atmosphere reminiscent of RBI's "Disseminate" and Sleep D's recent album, Unsolicited Joints introduces tracks that resonate with authenticity and endless creativity.
Hailing from Sydney, the sibling duo Cousin & Ben Fester presents an intriguing assortment of musical explorations that defy conventional categorizations. Taking inspiration from the Midwestern futurism reminiscent of Convextion, the album embarks on a journey characterized by spiraling pads, complex woodblock-style percussion, and the borderless timbres of deep house. The UK influence shines through on tracks like 'Joint 5,' where elements of bleep, progressive house from the golden era of the 90s, and even hints of dubstep intermingle to create a distinct and eclectic vibe. The album's beauty lies in its ability to beautifully fuse these diverse influences while retaining a sense of fluidity and cohesiveness.
shinetiac
Prayer for Kim Cassidy
West Mineral Ltd.
In their latest collaborative effort titled "Not All Who Wander Are Lost," the combined forces of shinetiac, comprising the adept artists Ben Bondy and Pontiac Streator, have bestowed an elegant odyssey upon the electronic music realm. Released on August 4, 2023, via West Mineral Ltd., this eight-track album showcases the creative ingenuity that arises when two distinct musical minds converge. The album is an exploration within the realm of left-field electronica, where Bondy and Streator effortlessly meld their diverse influences into a singular, cohesive narrative.
One of our favorites from the album is undoubtedly "Prayer for Kim Cassidy." Like stepping into a tranquil forest after a summer rain, the track's essence captures that fleeting moment of stillness and renewal. Its rhythm, artfully fragmented, interlaces with sampled vocals that feel like distant echoes among the trees. The delicate melancholy pads and the gently tape-filtered synths intertwine, evoking a wistful atmosphere that encapsulates the heart of the collaboration between Bondy and Streator.
Buy on Bandcamp
Soundcloud Ben Bondy
Soundcloud Pontiac Streator
Mary Yalex
Half Light Of Dawn
A Strangely Isolated Place
The debut appearance on A Strangely Isolated Place sees German artist Mary Yalex unveiling "Fantasy Zone," an aural expedition that beckons listeners to cross the corridors of time and space. With a diverse discography spanning various labels and musical genres, Yalex has garnered recognition for her innovative ambient explorations, a facet of her craft she masterfully hones in this latest release. "Fantasy Zone" emerges as an evocative mosaic, each track an entryway into an intangible world where sound metamorphoses into emotion and experience.
"Half Light Of Dawn" emerges as a luminous centerpiece among the constellation of tracks. The track appears as an exquisite manifestation of cosmic ambient artistry. This meditative composition seamlessly interlaces ethereal synth motifs with gentle whispers of the wind, underpinned by a subdued rhythmic foundation. Yalex's composition technique conjures a sense of architectural storytelling, as each layer of sound contributes to a rich tapestry of mood and atmosphere. The result is a track that evokes contemplation and introspection, taking the listener into a reverie of the cosmos.
Noah Lyas & Eafhm
Proof That I Exist
Oslated
In their collaborative venture, Noah Lyas & Eafhm have summoned an auditory voyage that traverses both the contemplative valleys of thought and the pulse-infused landscapes of rhythm. Aptly titled "Rhythm and Thoughts," this release delivers a resonant exploration that amalgamates warm textures with profound percussive cadences. Set for release on August 28, 2023, via the South Korean imprint Oslated; the album triggers an ethereal journey through the sonic meeting point of two divergent minds.
"Proof That I Exist," serves as a quintessential representation of the artistic synergy found on the album. Through the skillful combination of melancholic pads and dub-infused chords, the duo crafts an introspective musical landscape that resonates with the listeners profoundly. The ethereal textures of the track evoke imagery of minds wandering through tall grasses. At the same time, the gentle rhythms create an almost tactile experience, as if fingertips are brushing against the edges of thoughts. The seamless blend of dub techno and half-time d&b elements in this track showcases Noah Lyas & Eafhm's ability to bridge two genres, resulting in a composition that traverses geographical distances and connects souls through resonating frequencies.
Buy on Bandcamp
Soundcloud Noah Lyas
Soundcloud Eafhm
Ben Kaczor
Katamaran (Carsten Jost Remix)
Dial Records
With "Petrovo Uho Remixes II," dropped on August 4, 2023, through Dial Records, Ben Kaczor creates an exhilarating continuation of his highly acclaimed album. Teaming up with a lineup of talented remixers, including Molly, Carsten Jost, Jacques Bon & Drux, Soela, and Idealist, Kaczor's tracks receive an exciting transformation that further elevates his artistic vision. Among these reimagined gems, the standout is undoubtedly Carsten Jost's remix of "Katamaran," originally one of the album's defining tracks.
In this remix, Carsten Jost, a Dial Records co-founder, exhibits his mastery by infusing a well-calibrated dose of breakbeat energy into the already well-established foundation of the track. "Katamaran" is defined by its infectious and catchy melody – a characteristic that remains untouched in Jost's rendition. The seamless blend of the breakbeat elements with the central motif demonstrates Jost's talent as a remixer and his deep understanding of the source material. The remix maintains the original's essence while introducing a new rhythmic dimension that feels organic and exhilarating.
Terrain
Vintage
Vargmal Records
After a great success with their debut EP on Delsin's sub-label, Mantis, a year and so ago, the duo Terrain, comprised of Joe Baker and Voytek Stanley, presents another marvelous offering, a four-tracker "Corners," out on Vargmal Records since August 25. Embodying the label's commitment to innovative auditory experiences on the dancefloor, Terrain presents a release that expertly navigates unconventional rhythms and intricate sonic architectures.
We had the pleasure of premiering "Vintage" earlier this month. You can listen to the premiere and read the article by Zach Huenink here.
Polygonia
Velou
On Board Music
Polygonia continues to carve a distinct niche within the electronic music scene with her latest contribution to the compilation "Point E," released under the On Board Music on August 25, 2023. "Veluo," aptly showcases Polygonia's mastery of polyrhythmic grooves while infusing an eerie melody that lingers in the mind. The track seamlessly blends polymorphic rhythms with a hauntingly captivating tune, embodying the unique essence that Polygonia has become known for.
"Point E" compilation showcases a diverse sonic palette, uniting various musical approaches under On Board Music's ethos. Since 2015, the label has consistently championed innovative sounds and this release is no exception.
Barker
Golden Hammer
Smalltown Supersound
Sam Barker makes a triumphant return with his latest solo EP, "Unfixed," his first outing since 2020's BARKER002. Released under Smalltown Supersound, this EP represents a departure from his earlier work, shifting the spotlight onto the kick-drum's intricate possibilities. While past releases explored kickless dancefloor experiments, "Unfixed" dismantles and reconstructs the core drum components – waveform, transient, and noise – through modular synthesis, resulting in a fluid and dynamic sonic exploration.
The EP's genesis lies in a technical study of bass drum design and cognitive theory, delving into the concept of "functional fixedness." Despite its initial rule-bound inception, the project organically evolves, with tracks intermittently started and revisited over extended periods. The outcome is a fusion of raw psychedelic textures, kosmische techno elements, and infinite groove iterations, all underpinned by Barker's dedication to pushing musical and compositional boundaries. Among the standout tracks, "Golden Hammer" evokes the spirit of 90s left-field electronica with its fragmented rhythm, emotive pads, and beautiful melody. Through "Unfixed," Barker masterfully delivers a venture that showcases his experimental skills and challenges his own biases in sound design, solidifying his position as a trailblazer in the electronic music landscape.
Morpha
Dummy
Crescent London
Russian newcomer Morpha makes a compelling debut on Crescent London with "Million Details." Comprising three original tracks accompanied by Toki Fuko and Yuma remixes, this release demonstrates Morpha's knack for intricate electronic compositions. The standout, "Dummy," an exclusive digital bonus, weaves a spellbinding narrative through its complex broken groove, eerie sequence, and off-kilter percussions.