More ambient goodness from Good Weather For An Airstrike, a UK project that was originally intended to create relaxing sounds to combat tinnitus and aid in falling asleep. Their sound is definitely relaxing, and inspired by such artists as Brian Eno and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Overall this is definitely worth checking out.
Andrew Othling, aka Lowercase Noises, offers a superb album of ambient guitar music. Clocking in at almost two hours, the music barely moves but is somehow filled with motion, giving the sense of floating along on a galactic river full of light while watching the universe move from past to present to future. This is a sort of ambient postrock, as it is guitar driven with heavy use of effect pedals. Andrew posts much of his work on youtube, along with instructional videos of how to achieve his effects, He also offers three of his other albums (which I have not listened to yet, but have on my short list) on his website. You can also visit his facebook page and let him know his work is appreciated.
This is an unusual post for the orbit, in that I’m going to link you to a video instead of an entire album – and the album that the song comes from isn’t free. But this is too outstanding not to share. The artist, IAMX, is a mystery to me as today is the first time I’ve heard of him. But this song and video moved me extremely deeply. The photography uses an interesting effect – the “flipping” 3D effect usually applied to still images, is applied to video instead. The design of the piece has a distinct Phantom Of The Opera look and feel to it. The entire video is essentially a silver man with red hair and a black cloak in the dark in the woods, lamenting the idea of a girl he’s loved having left him and wishing he could exist with her in the real world. He seems like some sort of mischievous spirit released into our world who wishes to stay… really I can’t say more about this song and video, just go watch it and be moved.
From the Lost Children netlabel comes wecollectskies with a four track ep that will melt your face off. Every track brings pure energy. The first three are a post-metal audio assault that will leave your senses reeling, and the last track does it’s best to let you down easy with a more melodic feel to it.
energy
Th.e n.d is the artist Norman Dauskardt who hails from Berlin. Norman has a style that is hard to define, for it is so unique. Blending ambient movements and middle eastern acoustic trance elements with well timed rhythms and diverse imstrumentation, Metaphors gives the listener a chilled out experience. Down-tempo and minimal, each track has something different to offer – from distant, spacey ambiance in The Bane of Tadziu (is that the scanner from the bridge of the original star ship Enterprise I hear in there?) to acoustic guitar backed by a heavy hip-hop beat in Wild White. Favorite track on this release is definitely Chromatic Sins; I love the Asian sound the lead instrument takes.
Hooray, the orbit is not dead yet! I just discovered the ambient post-rock group Hammock last night via a post on Facebook linking to one of their songs on youtube. I was instantly enthralled. Hammock, is a collaboration between Marc Byrd and Andrew Thompson out of Nashville, TN. Their music creates such a transporting atmosphere, with washed out vocals, subtle beats, and huge echoing guitar tracks. I know you’ll love it, if you enjoy The Big Sleep or Explosions in the Sky. One note: this is a departure from what the orbit normally brings you, as the albums are not downloadable. Sorry folks, but these guys are too good for me not to mention, so you’ll just have to let soundcloud play it for you in the background. Enjoy!
A smooth release of three tracks. This reminds me of cold winter days in a quiet spot in the woods, with leaves silently falling around and sunlight streaming through the tree tops. You know, one of those strange, quiet experiences we all have from time to time that is just between us an nature. Sudio captures all that and somehow puts it into a set of house tracks that is guaranteed to get your toe tapping. Subdued drum beats that glitch out from time to time. Mellow strings fading in and out. Deep basslines to rumble your speakers. Blipping synths like popcorn in your ears. Check this one out.
A smooth release full of glitches and all manner of electro goodness. Part hip hop, part electronica, Culprate has created six tracks for this release. Culprate is not afraid to go crazy with effects, using comb filters and speeding up vocal samples like there’s no tomorrow. Each of the tracks has it’s own feel, ranging from a sort of psychotic mo-town feeling to a circus full of meth addicted clowns… yes, seriously. This one you have to hear to understand – the only other way I can describe it is to say that if you like this sort of thing, then this is the sort of thing you like.
Lee Rosevere does his own brand of instrumental funk on this release. With a quirky, retro feel, the six tracks run the gamut from smooth and jazzy to hip-hop to beatles-esque. Top notch drum programming keeps the funkiness in the forefront. Out of the whole set, I think track six, Stormbox, is my favorite, mainly because of the huge drumbreak in the background and the big ol’ fat synth doing weird things in the foreground, but also it’s interesting to hear samples from who knows where fading in and out and sounding all out of place and discordant, and finally the entire track implodes in a synth patch nightmare. This is definitely worth a listen – and if you’re like me, you’ll want to have this blazing out the windows of your car as well.
