Flod - 2013 - Kurs

Post Rock

[FOR FREE]

http://flod.bandcamp.com/album/kurs

• 5 songs to download
• You name the price (min 0,-)
• You get the link if you register your email address
• Listening recommendations: RÍU

Impressions

Impressive records impresses. It's also one of the few records I instantly knew I'd be putting up on the blog, no hesitation. It's been a while since I've come across my genre of genres post-rock on bandcamp (admittedly I haven't been able to devote as much time to reviews, but I digress). To hear an entire records worth of so called “post-rock”, and not have guitars blazing the trail is not only surprising, it's one of the best features of the record! Some of the most evocative sections feel more sound like they're ambient electronic, sliding between Lustmordian darkness (such as the later half of “Lumi”) and synth-heavy folk music, where in the 'chimes' really do it for me. The trumpet and trombone The violin/cello opening of Riu is a sobering attacca to Lumi's final moments, especially as lead-in to the cymbal crescendo at the 30 second mark. I tend to dislike post-rock music with singing. for me, lyrics distract from the music itself, but Flod have gone and turned that entire notion on its ear, choosing to indulge in choral singing that could not fit more perfectly with the music. Having everyone in the band sing gives the lyrics a warmer feel when they're lucid, and the songs a grander sense of scope when they're not. That I feel I hear at least a twinge of traditional Chinese/Japanese music in the tracks (YMMV here) is another aspect that is rather uncommon, but certainly sumptuous for the ears to take in as a whole.

 I've wanted to get this review out a lot quicker than I did, because I have to spread the word: “Flod is amaze-balls! Listen to them!”. For that I apologize. The music more than makes up for the wait. So don't make the mistake I did and get it now!

Hunter Jones - 2013 - Demos

Ambient Rock

[FOR FREE]

http://hunterjones.bandcamp.com

• 5 songs to download
• You name the price (min 0,-)
• You get the link if you register your email address
• Listening recommendations: Laurel

Impressions

Ever feel like just listening to something other than your thoughts? Long day and riding the bus home with fog on the windows? Hunter Jones, dear friends. This demo is roomy and spacious, and ironically, does have a space-like feeling (especially Space Nap, of course). I like when artists explore and don’t follow structure, which is the beauty of instrumental tracks (like the last three songs). Words can’t compete with musical instruments, because words have definitions, only varying by connotation; and while music may vary with tones, it cannot be defined entirely.

With that being said, I wouldn’t expect anyone to enjoy this type of music that’s not a patient listener, because not too much is going on. This sounds like an Explosions in the Sky demo, without all the fancy and expensive effect switches and doo-hickeys that make pretty sounds. However, this demo has good vibes all around, perfect for birthday parties (as advertised). These tracks are typically about three layers: thick drums, luminous lead guitar, and a special third layer, whether it be hazy guitar or under-the-radar bass (although there are four layers at times). It starts with the catchy Pizza Shop, which certainly grew on me even more after 3^rd listen, and next with Laurel being more in the middle in terms of flow and less reverb. The last three are more open-ended with shoegaze vibes and playful progressiveness with more of that reverb I mentioned. It feels like each song is recorded in a small, white room with hardwood floors and no objects other than music equipment. For this, the demo may feel slightly empty, but I feel like that was the goal: there is a mix of both dreamy sounds and traditional ones. I just wish more of the tracks were exploratory like Space Nap, or the last two, and I will look forward to a full length release if there is one.

Above all, I learned to really like this demo. It is without any razzle or dazzle but full of pure blends of riffs, feel-goodies, and a certain radiance I can’t really find the word for. Just listen to it all before you judge.

sunofthesol.- 2013 - Just Breathe.

Hip-hop instrumental

[FOR FREE]

http://sunofthesol.bandcamp.com/album/just-breathe

• 14 songs to download
• For free
• Direct Download
• Listening recommendations: Up And Up

Impressions

“Finally found what I was looking for” was my exact thought when I was a few tracks through this album; a mix of lo-fi beats swimming in less than sufficient quality, full of pleasant and unfashioned moments with barely enough static to propel across this river of tape (pretty specific taste, right?). Although these are beats, they’re not bangers (of head banging stature, maybe bobbing) but rather, the kinds that make one smile and listen or just sit back to enjoy a combination of easy, refreshing chopped up samples. Each of these tracks is almost like transitioning for a staged play, but at the same time can act as background for a muted scene in a variety of films. There are several high moments with recollective, sweet feelings (Sunshine of My...) as well as lows with slower or darker themes (Clips), and even songs that just make you want to stop and think (Out the Dark). While the samples are refreshing however, there isn't much in the way of mixing up how these beats are displayed. Additional track layers or perhaps experimenting with song structure would have been fun. This album may be too simple, but one can argue against that as well, because it makes this an easy, enjoyable listen. These tracks are built off of short samples and propel into a fibrous beat, with the choppiness being a highlight. Of course there’s occasional dialogue lines, which is always a must for any beat tape, and in Just Breathe. they are used sparingly and fittingly.  El Viaje’s ending is a heartwarming sample of father and sun (get it?) which adds new appearance to the track. Another noticeable ending is Buitiful’s quote, “I’ve gotta be happy”, referring to one’s faith and principles. It’s an ideal way to start Sol by Hailo and end this album. I’ll also note that it’s a short listen, which is another reason I’ve listened to this several times by now.

Rate of Rise - 2011 - Rate of Rise EP

Indie Rock

[FOR FREE]

http://rateofrise.bandcamp.com/album/rate-of-rise-ep

• 5 songs to download
• You name the price (min 0,-)
• You get the link if you register your email address
• Listening recommendations: Fictacious, Phases 

Short one since we are a bit short on content lately, if you feel like trying yourself out with musical reviews, please feel free to get in touch via mail at wasfuersohr@gmail.com.

Impressions

I wonder when I'll be done with the records that I am carrying around with me for years already. This is another one of those records with a song that haunts my eardrums long after the track ended and  Rate of Rise disappeared again into the obscurity of my review playlist. Fictatious is incredibly catchy, melodic and driving Indie Rock track, destined to be sung and danced along to. I cant really say these guys have any bad track on this record and Rate of Rise showed an interesting variety of styles here, going from the more harder hitting rock track Case of the Mondays directly to the more house and synthpop inspired Envi. The only issue I possibly see with these tracks is that, with the exception of possibly Envi, they arent taking it far enough to stand out from a crowd of bands with a rather similar style of music.
Still, its good music and even if the record and general style of music isnt groundbreaking, not every band needs to or even should feel the need to reinvent the wheel. Rate of Rise EP is fun and thats what matters in the end. Its energetic Indie Rock thats just plain fun to listen to with just enough musical surprises to make the listener curious about the next track. I am sure this band would be one to take note of if they had the money to evolve and cultivate their own style of music.