Music Archive: August 2010
August Music Update
I'm Not A Gun - Solace (City Centre offices)
After shelving it for a couple of years, we're thrilled to know that John Tejada has rejuvenated his 'I'm Not a Gun' project with Takeshi Nishimoto. Although not released until September, out friends at City Centre Offices have made sure that we're able to playlist it as of right now! Dense, beautiful post-rock that gets better with every listen.
Cooly G - Phat SI / Up In My Head (Hyperdub)
A slab of throbbing dubstep from Cooly G, the first lady of Hyperdub. Only her second release proper for the label, but what a diverse pair of tracks we have here. 'Phat Si' comes across as being tougher than leather with snaking bleeps and stabs, whereas 'Up In My Head' features her own lush vocal and is blissfully dreamy- not typical Hyperdub fare, but thoroughly recommended.
Olafur Arnalds - ...and they have escaped the weight of darkness (Erased Tapes)
We're absolutely delighted to welcome the incredible Erased Tapes label to Open Ear, and it's with no surprise that we find two of their up-coming releases in our recommendations this month. Firstly, a career-defining milestone of a record for this young Icelandic composer. This is a stunning album of contemporary neo-classical beauty, drawing as much from the landscape of Arnalds' home country as it does from the rich palette of work he has released until now.
Nils Frahm - The Bells (Erased Tapes)
Secondly from Erased Tapes this month, new material from Nils Oliver Frahm, in the shape of eleven solo piano improvisations. More disjointed than recent works for other labels, this collection perfectly illustartes the instictive fluent relationship he has with his instrument. For fans of Gonzales and Peter Broderick, and everything in between.
American Men - Cool World (Lucky Me)
Fantastically hip synthwave from Glasgow's confusingly monickered American Men. Featuring members of Dananananaykroyd and remixes from Hudson Mohawke, Ikonika and Optimum this is a bold release that secures these young upstart's credibility on a notoriously fickle scene. Open Ear are happy to be part of the across-the-board adoration for our townsfolk.
Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno - Dog with a Rope (Tru Thoughts)
One of the hardest working men in music, Will 'Quantic' Holland is never far away with a release of some ear-bendingly perfect exotic music. Rather than simply being influenced by reggae/dancehall Holland advances the genres endlessly, taking a classic style right into the future. A bold move, but one he can pull off with ease.
Various - The World Ends: Afro Rock & Psychedelia In 1970s Nigeria (Soundway)
Soundway have done it again, this time treating us to an extensive- and largely exclusive compilation of some of the most exciting music from on of the world's most exciting places, and its most exciting time! The audible nods to Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane and James Brown ensure this collection is going to be appreciated across the board, and not just by the crate-diggers.
Aloe Blacc - FemmeFatale (Stones Throw)
Solid Stones Throw R&B flavoured business here on this 7" Velvet Underground cover version. An intersting move indeed, and if you're not convinced by the vocal then give the instrumental on the flipside a spin.
Department of Eagles- Archive 2003-2006 (Bella Union)
Here we have a collection of unreleased work from Fred Nicolaus and Grizzly Bear's Daniel Rossen, in their Department of Eagles guise. Laid bare are the beginnings of what would become a critically acclaimed body of work. Skeletal demos and fully-formed songs alike, this makes for fascinating listening and is by no means aimed at the completeist- everybody will benefit from hearing this music, and we're going to be doing our best to make sure they do!