Freitag, 25. September 2015

Doctor Doom - This Seed We Have Sown


Don't let the cover art above mislead you - Doctor Doom from France might incorporate some retro doom elements in their sound but that is only one of the many features they borrowed from the 60s/70s rock era.

The new album "This Seed We Have Sown" was released on Ripple Music back in july and will get some vinyl treatment by STB Records at the end of this month. The band's sound might be rooted in a long gone era but it is what they make of it that makes this album so great. The original character of this approach lies in the way these rock elements are put together and authentically brought to your speakers. Driving heavy blues rhythms, stoner riffs, open song structures and splendid vocals make this album definitely one of the better rock releases this year has seen.

Get the stream and Bandcamp or watch the video to "So Jinxed" below.

Donnerstag, 24. September 2015

The Everettes


The Everettes are a soul ensemble from Berlin that just released some nice demo tracks. The three lead singers Amelie Hinrichsen, Katharina Dommisch, Laura Niemeyer and their band were formerly known as The Floorettes and are now about to get started with their lovely throwback soul sound.

Below you can stream all three of their brand new demo tunes that are deeply rooted in 60s soul vibes and motown grooves. 

Dienstag, 22. September 2015

Roger Molls - The Man With Dusty Fingers 2


French beatmaker Roger Molls shares a new collection of breaks, instrumentals and rap-tracks on the second part of his "The Man With The Dusty Fingers" series.

Molls' sublime production can be witnessed on a total of 18 tracks that feature instrumentals off his previous album "Metamorphosis Of Muses" and guest vocals by John MicLane, Slick Jack, Crop Circles 720, Art Cons and Rico Blox. There really is a dusty character to the beats and some original hip hop vibes on this great collection of sounds.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

Sonntag, 20. September 2015

Ghost Rhythms - Mind The Gap


The French Jazz ensemble Ghost Rhythms already released an incredible record this year in "Madeleine" - now there is more to come. As a first taste of an upcoming EP you can already listen to the track "Mind The Gap".

This tune is another stunning piece of jazz music which moves through a steady swinging rhythm and great solos. There's a huge portion of dynamics and lively vibes in this composition and thus a lot to look forward to on the EP.

Get the full stream and more info on Bandcamp.

Home Of The Good Sounds Vol. 2


A lot has been written on this blog about releases on Kozmik Artifactz' records - now here's your chance to get a nice overview of the label's sounds on their new and free to download compilation "Home Of The Good Sounds - Vol.2".

You will find tracks by the already featured heavy blues rockers Child, psych jammers Domadora and the fabulous stoner ensemble  Hair Of The Dog. Besides that there's a lot more to discover on a total of 18 songs and if you happen to not be familiar with this record label - this is your chance.

Get the full stream and free download on Bandcamp.

Donnerstag, 17. September 2015

Hip Hop, Jazz & Mingus Pt. 3 (Mix)




The third installment to the Hip Hop, Jazz & Mingus Mix series aka contemporary rap, contemporary jazz and some random Mingus samples - Enjoy

Part 1
Part 2

Playlist:

1. Ruby Rushton - Two For Joy
2. Awon & Phoniks - Ideology feat. NorCal Nick
3. Chris Lightcap's Bigmouth - Stillwell
4. Rebels To The Grain & Jazz Spastiks - Unkut Fresh
5. Beppe Di Benedetto 5tet - Autumn
6. The Mouse Outfit & Mattic - Body Gold
7. Laszlo Gardony - Motherless Child
8. MG Gost - Hand Me The Crown feat. G-Force
9. Rudresh Mahanthappa - Gopuram
10. Adam & Cuth - Wasted Time
11. Blind Monk Trio - Tales Of The Gripper
12. Epidemic - Rhyme Writers

Dienstag, 15. September 2015

The Mouse Outfit & Mattic - Born Lupers (Vinyl)


The end of last year saw the release of the excellent "Born Lupers" album by production team/band The Mouse Outfit from Manchester and mc Mattic - now there will be a vinyl version available on Dusty Platter at the end of September.

The record features 8 vocal tracks and 4 instrumentals. The dynamic approach by The Mouse Outfit collective puts some very fresh vibes on this outstanding rap release. And there should be no doubts that Mattic is a master of his craft when he starts flowing. That makes a lot of reasons for a vinyl version and wether this is the first time you've heard about it or if it's already in your digital collection - support this release or just stream the tracks on Bandcamp.

Montag, 14. September 2015

Radare - Im Argen


Four years after releasing their last album "Hyrule" Radare from Wiesbaden are all set to drop their new and deeply moving new record "Im Argen" later this month.

Created by four guys playing drums, guitar, bass, keys, clarinet and trombone the five tracks on this album illustrate a minimalistic and yet very intense musical journey. Quiet soundscapes that seem to express an endless sadness characterize this highly cinematic approach. The floating nature of the music finds its beauty in the effective repetition of simple and haunting melodies. And there really is beauty on this album - it keeps lurking here and there between the depressive vibes and keeps building to a truly joyful and monumental climax in the final track "Distress".

Get the album on Golden Antenna records' website (out on September 25) and/or watch the great video for "Burroughs" below.

Freitag, 11. September 2015

Hard Work, No Pay Volume 1


"Hard Work, No Pay" is a brand new and ongoing series by ATA records, aka the record label that brought you The Sorcerers, that features free download tracks by artists of the label's roster and friends.

There are already three tracks up on Bandcamp featuring nice funk and soul sounds by Rachel Modest, Jermaine Peterson and the Yorkshire Film & Television Orchestra Feat. Martin Connor. 

Get the free download on Bandcamp and look out for new installments to this series.

Dienstag, 8. September 2015

Configa & HaStyle - A Good Combination EP


Its been less than a month that I posted the last EP by this excellent hip hop duo - now there's already some new music by Configa & HaStyle on their "A Good Combination EP".

So now that its pretty obvious that this duo is truly a good combination there is nothing that should stop you from checking out these 8 new tunes - for free. It is another collection of positive and funky rap tracks that are old school in their sound and approach. Fresh vibes on the production and dope rhymes by rapper HaStyle make this record another exquisite underground release. And yet again, this is only the next step until the full-length EP "HaStility" will be released.

Get the full stream and free download on Bandcamp.

Montag, 7. September 2015

Romain Collin - Press Enter


Last year french-born pianist Romain Collin from New York made a tremendous impact on this blog with his trio "The North" - now he is back with a new solo effort "Press Enter" and his debut on ACT Music.

On this album you will find another excellent example of Collin's melodic songwriting and his sense for beautiful harmonies. Besides interpretations of tunes by Justin Vernon and Thelonious Monk "Press Enter" consists of eight original compositions. From dramatic tracks like "Event Horizon", to playful notes in "The Kids", an emotional hymn in "San Luis Obispo" or top class modern jazz piano vibes in "Raw, Scorched and Untethered"  - it is all there. There are cinematic vibes to every song. Collin is truly painting landscapes with his music and you don't want to miss the view.

Stream some tracks on Soundcloud, the label's page, or listen below.

Augustine Azul - EP (2015)


Augustine Azul is a dynamic rock trio from Brazil that released their latest EP earlier this year. The trademark sound of this band is rooted in instrumental stoner grooves, progressive song structures and blues vibes.

There's no doubt that the guitar is the driving force behind this rock and roll approach that bursts with licks, solos and riffs. Still this EP is far from one of those boring show off solo-guitarist albums. The heavy grooves remain at the heart of the tunes that build a nice bridge between the primitive and the sophisticated elements of the rock genre.

Get the full stream and full download on Bandcamp.

Sonntag, 6. September 2015

QNC - At The Same Time" feat. M.O.P. / Demo 7"


The highly respected hip hop duo QNC aka Q Ball and producer Curt Cazal are back with another rare release in recent years. It comes in the form of a 7" single featuring M.O.P. on the front side's "At The Same Time" and another exquisite rap joint in "Demo" on the flipside.

Both tracks sound like hip hop heavyweights in their style of production. Thus the energetic M.O.P crew is just the right addition to this approach. But the backside's "Demo" also shows that the two veterans are still getting it done on a very high and old school level on their own.

The record is out on Ill Adrenaline records. Get the stream on Soundcloud.

Freitag, 4. September 2015

The Soul Motivators - Free To Believe


It looks like there's a new kid in the club of exquisite soul bands out there. The Soul Motivators from Toronto just released their new album "Free To Believe" which is packed with everything that you love about the funk/soul genre.

From stomping in the opener "Free To Believe" to slow soul burners in "Still Waiting" and deep instrumental jams - it really is all there. Singer Lydia Persaud is putting her impressive vocal skills on top of this great foundation to deliver the final element of this dynamic monster. It is without a doubt a raw old school approach that fans of contemporary bands like the Third Coast Kings can certainly appreciate. The LP version of this album is out in about two weeks on Do Right! Music.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

Brazzmatazz - HUA! EP


The Brazzmatazz ensemble from Belgium is a high energy brass band that blends several genres in an exciting fashion on their brand new EP "HUA!".

You will find three tracks that boast with hard hitting ska-rhythms and vibes that change from fiercely driving sections in "Zopje" to feel good moods in "Township Two-Step" - and sometimes they can change from one second to another. Incorporating New Orleans sounds, Balkan rhythms and traditional brass sounds this group plays well arranged music with an highly entertaining character. This EP delivers the whole package and is a truly uplifting experience.

Get the full stream and free download on Bandcamp.

Donnerstag, 3. September 2015

Get Your Gun - The Worrying Kind


Get Your Gun's excellent album "The Worrying Kind" has been out there for a while already but now it gets international treatment and will be physically available in large parts of Europe.

The Danish trio plays a unique brand of rock and roll that is based on slow rhythms, heavy guitars and deep vibes. There is a bleak and melancholic character to the tracks of this band which shows especially in the distinct vocals. It is an intense and stripped down approach that doesn't lose its intensity even as it moves through quiet tracks like "Sea Of Sorrow" or "Tender Lies". The combination of harsh instrumentation and melodic vocals on songs like "Call Me Rage" or the great opener "Black Book" are the exciting trademark sounds of this group.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

J-Zone - Seoul Power / I'm Sick Of Rap (Single)


J-Zone is back with a new fancy looking 7" single. Just like on his previous single release he starts off with a funky instrumental beat track in "Seoul Power".  It features traditional asian-flavoured samples and J-Zone's drumming while the flipside's "Im Sick Of Rap" is an uptempo trademark rap track by the man from Queens, New York.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

Mittwoch, 2. September 2015

Ephemerals - You'll Never See Me Cry (single)


It's been a while since London's Ephemerals dropped their excellent debut record "Nothin Is Easy". The new album "Chasin Ghosts" is already on its way and ready to be released in late October - until then the group presents a little treat in the form of the first single "You'll Never See Me Cry".

The new track is another sample of the band's trademark soul sound which consists of smooth grooves, precise horns, soft strings and heartaching vocals - all packed into on point songwriting and a great passion for soul music.

Get the stream on Soundcloud.

Dienstag, 1. September 2015

Best Of August '15







Demon Head - Ride The Wilderness


You just have to love what Denmark's Demon Head are offering on their recent doom rock release. "Ride The Wilderness" is a tribute to the retro rock sound and yet such a unique piece of contemporary rock'n'roll music in itself. The doom character on this record doesn't evolve through dark or atmospheric moods but more through a Uncle Acid kinda grooving vibes. And without sounding primitive or predictable the songs are surprisingly catchy. So apart from riffs and rumbling rhythms you will also find on point songwriting on "Ride The Wilderness".The number of bands trying to archieve this sound is immense but you rarely hear it executed so exclusively well as in this case....more









Grizzly Gato -While You Were Sleeping


Hailing from New York City the Grizzly Gato rap duo just released an incredible album called "While You Were Sleeping".  The group consists of Oddy Gato, Grizzly Grimace and a timeless hip hop approach. This is dirty rap over flawless and fresh beats. There have already been a few single releases featuring some nice visuals for the outstanding tracks "Pork Belly" and "Wieners" (videos below). You will find funky and old school vibes in every tune on this record and the dope combination of beats and rhymes show that this is a collaboration that just had to be done... more










Roots Magic - Hoodoo Blues & Roots Magic


Roots Magic is an Italian ensemble putting their jazzy blues interpretation in classic tunes by blues and jazz legends. The new album "Hoodoo Blues & Roots Magic" is out on Clean Feed Records. The group that also contributes two original tracks on album consists of Alberto Popolla on clarinets, Errico Defabritiis on alto sax, Gianfranco Tedeschi on double bass, Fabrizio Spera on drums and guest Luca Venitucci on organ. As much as this record is about the blues it is also about various other musical genres that the blues is implemented in here. So you will find free jazz tracks, slow jams, afro grooves and many more...more








Strange Faith - Love & Poverty


It seems like the acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and producer Benedic Lamdin (Nostalgia 77) is always involved in an exciting music project - On the upcoming album "Love & Poverty" he teams up with country/soul voice Jeb Loy Nichols. With this combination you certainly can't go wrong. Lamdin's on point instrumentation and Nichol's soothing vocals are just a thing of beauty as you can witness in the first single "Walking Over". The album will be released next month on Tru Thoughts...more
 







Indian Handcrafts - Creeps (first single)


The successor of Indian Handcrafts' incredible "Civil Disobedience For Losers" is on its way. "Creeps" will drop in early October this year on Sargent House and it looks like we're in for another heavy gem. The first single "It's late Queeny" is already available and features everything you love about this band, the heavy riffs, stomping rhythms and harsh vocals. So no surprises so far - but who wouldn't let these guys just do their thing?..more

The Cactus Channel - Cobaw / Fools Gold 7"


Australia's instrumental soul band The Cactus Channel really made an impact in the last few years with albums like "Wooden Boy" and excellent grooves that you can also witness in the new single/video release "Cobaw".

Although you could already make out some tendencies on the aforementioned the last full-length record you probably didn't expect this band to join the horror genre. The new video certainly applies to that term while the track implements some spooky elements to the funky cactus trademark sound. "Cobaw" is certainly a worthy contribution to the underrepresentated catalogue of horror grooves out there.

Stream the single on Bandcamp or watch the video below.