Michael Gira's new project, which seems to follow the same train of thought as his work with the final SWANS studio album, "Soundtracks for the Blind." This is largely instrumental experimental material (Save a very brief vocal by him on the last song and some non-lyric vocals by Jarboe on one other), which isn't exactly what I would consider to be "soundtrack-y." There's a pleasing mix of styles and moods throughout, ranging from noisy drones, to eerie piano and synth pieces, to mellow melodic guitar songs. His interest in WINDSOR FOR THE DERBY and LOW is apparent in the last two or three tracks, but with some interesting added elements of his own devising. Compelling album.
Vidna Obmana "Crossing the Trail" (Projekt Records)
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Ambient, trancey, tribal electronic instrumental music (save for some chanting) with a world beat flavour that I'd almost call new age, except that there's too much soul in it. ROBERT RICH is a comparison which springs to mind, as well as VIDNAOBMANA contemporary STEVE ROACH, who collaborates on one track as well. Relaxing and enjoyable.
Savage Aural Hotbed "Gomi Daiko" (TRG Records)
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Akin to early CRASH WORSHIP, but more polished. Also cleaner and less scary than MISSING FOUNDATION, though of that genre, certainly. Heavy tribal percussion with some bass and guitar, plus occasional shouting/chanting. Nicely trance inducing without being overly drawn out per piece. The more I listen to this, the more it grows on me!
Steve Roach and Roger King "Dust to Dust" (Projekt
Records)
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Apparently a conceptual record about the American Man's drive to "go west" back in the 1840's. Somewhat soundtrack feeling, kickbacked tunes based largely on electronics and big washy guitars/bass, but with the occasinal slide guitar riff, harmonica, world music percussive and then, of course, some rain and thunder sound effects to complete that "big desert" feel. Some really nice spots, and some cheesier ones.
V/A "Precipice Recordings: Volume One" (Precipice
Recordings)
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The first offering from a new underground goth/industrial/etheric label which seems to want the music to speak for itself, as this is the most understated cover art I've seen all year. There's no lack of quality in the recording and mastering, however, and this is a fine sampling of some of the best this loosely defined genre has to offer. I especialy enjoy the LOVE SPIRALS DOWNWARDS track, which has a COCTEAU TWINS "Otherness" feel to it. Overall, this is much more poppy and dancey than you might expect from a fellow (PAT OGLE) so closely associated with PROJEKT RECORDS.