From breakneck pace to languorous lushness, there is much on offer this week.
A short but very sweet set of new releases for you today.
Champion is the very welcome return of Norwegian quartet Pom Poko and they are as wildly frenetic as ever. The changes of pace are so thrilling; super smart and mathsy but always wrapped around euphoric crackles like a box of fireworks going off all at once. Sonically, it’s the richest they have sounded to date and a proper banger from start to finish. Record of the Week.
Mahōgakkō is the all new LP from Tokyo based musician Hakushi Hasegawa and it is another proper thriller. It is released on the mighty Brainfeeder and that gives you a statement of creative intent if you ever need it; flowing through J-Pop, funk hues and experimental electronica with real warmth. You’ll recall that we raved about their Somoku Hodo and Air Ni Ni releases, and Mahōgakkō has really taken a big step into dense and wildly rich new territory. Seriously, hold onto something because this one doesn’t hold back one bit.
I Can Feel My Dreams is a really gorgeous set from Leipzig-based producer Damian Dalla Torre. It is based on field recordings (during a residency in Santiago) and develops into the most beautiful, dream-like mediations that float in and out of ambience. It really is a lush headspace.
Also this week, In The Shadow Of The Holy Mountain is the new LP from Portland indie folk band Blind Pilot. It was produced with Josh Kaufman and really does have a shimmer to it. Long Way Home is the eagerly-anticipated new LP from Ray LaMontagne. A really great pace throughout and his voice, as ever, sounds pretty lush. Available on limited 'Eruption' Lava Red vinyl.
Lastly today, we have a very very limited split 7” on Static Shock Records from Snõõper and Prison Affair. Loud and frantic, laughing a lot as we blast this one in the shop.
Reissues this week include; Dinosaur Jr., The Scientists, Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter, Velocity Girl and more.