MANIA / CUSTODIAN split LP
I think this is possibly less exciting than most of Mania stuff? It's not bad, but his level has simply become rather high, so especially latter part of side goes little directionless. Listened few times and didn't quite get it. Custodian is simple, to the point, very harsh, but also hardly has many moments that stand out. I think the other Mania splits work out better! Not bad, but I guess being such limited vinyl was suitable for this.
RAT-ALARM s/t tape
Posh Isolation synth & drum machine music. Little vocals. Grim and blurred sound quality, little bit clumsy and goofy moments, but probably very suitable for fans of LFY etc.. Not as "pop", but still that direction.
ROSE ALLIANCE "Scandinavian Pictures" tape
Heavy rythmical pornographic post industrial, which has perhaps hints of Galakt Hörro kind of stuff, but also... dare I say more techno?! Charming sound quality gives a lot of character to stuff.
VANITY PRODUCTIONS "I Allerførste Gry" tape
Same could be said here. Charming lo-fi tape decay blurred sound quality is what sets these records apart from material what to me, would probably appear more like rainforest new age muzak, hah! Now the melancholic droney danish ethereal techno beat material manages to remain interesting!
HAUS ARAFNA "New York Rhapsody" LP
Supposedly the "odd" album of HA, since it was soundtrack for fashion show. But well, if it's these people, you know what to expect. Less aggressive, less dark, but the same sound quality, same kind of rhythms, same kind of vibrating vocal effects and gloomy melancholic synths etc. I always admire the sound they use, but also think what's the use of all different projects when they sound so similar?
DAVE PHILLIPS "Abgrund" LP
Damn! KILLER ALBUM!!!! Mix together contemporary orchestral music consisting mostly strings, and mix it with the usual ingredients of Schimpfluch related projects. Demented human sounds, throat fucking, dogs, animals, abrupt noise bursts, perfection of timing and tension. It may not be as fierce and extreme as Rudolf "...broomstick..." CD, but I say, if you want this kind of stuff, this album is ultimate must. Possibly became instantly my favorite Dave Phillips album! Nice presentation by Second Sleep label.
MIKA VAINIO / KEVIN DRUMM / AXEL DÖRNER / LUCIO CAPECE "Venexia" LP
Another nice Pan records release. It starts quiet, and I keep cranking up volume and conclude that is this first Pan vinyl with actually disturbing vinyl surface noise?! But it's only because it starts quiet and one can't avoid the dust in this house.... When volume hits in, cutting appear top quality. Collaboration between so many people, I kind of fail to even identify who provides what, and compositionally it is very abstract. Good LP, but left me somehow asking "what did just happen"?
