Sleep ∞ Over “Forever” LP

I have been way behind on posting lately, but I’ve been playing the shit out of this new album from Sleep ∞ Over. Based in sweltering Austin, Stefanie Franciotti (who is now flying free of her former bandmates) has crafted one of my favorite albums of 2011. “Forever” is a lulled, dark, droned-out pop masterpiece. [...]

Tape Tuesday: Of Montreal Cassette Box Set

And now, as they say, for something completely different. I can’t help but notice some larger indie labels throwing their hat into the tape arena (possibly the reason why the SLG orders are getting insanely backed up at the plant lately). Of Montreal is a band that has been covered in these pages before, as [...]

Colours “s/t” 12″ EP

Picking through the review pile, this promo LP in an ink spattered jacket stuck out and demanded a little attention. Plunked the white vinyl down on my turntable, and was shortly treated to MBV sheets of noise and hypnotic guitar melodies, tethered down with the bedroom drum machine production you might expect from this type [...]

Ryan York “If I Am This Forest” 12″ EP

Non Projects has proven to be one of the most exciting emerging labels in the electronic/beat scene. They just dropped a surprise EP from Ryan York (aka Asura). York delivers a twinkling slice of experimental electronic pop, perfectly illustrating his startling versatility as a part of this whole California beat movement. Clocking in at just [...]

Sore Eros “Just Fuzz” LP

I’d been hearing a lot about this new record from Sore Eros, I just finally got a chance to give it a listen. The hype is definitely well-deserved, “Just Fuzz” offers up crystalline weirdo-pop of the highest calibre. It also represents their most hi-fi recording yet. Experimental psych-pop is all the rage right now, this [...]

Maria Minverva “Cabaret Cixous” LP

Estonian enchantress Maria Minvera has been kicking around the weirdo-pop scene for a bit now, previously releasing a tape on Not Not Fun and a dance EP on 100% silk. Her first LP, “Cabaret Cixous”, sounds downright beautiful. Blissed out in the best way possible, this one proves that today’s most exciting music is being [...]

John Maus “We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves” LP

Look, this one has been out forever. Since it was released six days after the birth of my son, I never got around to writing about it, but it’s one of my favorite albums of 2011 so far. Throwback 80′s synth pop is everywhere right about now, but it’s rarely done this well. The whole [...]

Permanent Collection “Delerium” EP

Is there anything more perfect for summer than a hazed-out, droney pop record? “Delerium”, a new EP from Permanent Collection (aka Jason Hendardy, formerly of Young Prisms), delivers just that. Super psyched out and awesome, this one has been getting some heavy play around here. For the stoners and shoegazers alike, totally recommended. Listen below, [...]

New Records from Wooden Shjips and Tunnels on Thrill Jockey

Thrill Jockey continues to kill with two brand new releases. “West”, the new album from Wooden Shjips, is another great entry in the band’s extensive discography of modern psychedelia. The rhythms are exact, the music is foggy, and the overall vibe is that of a laid-back mindbender. It sounds krauty at times, Sabbathy at other [...]

Yo La Tengo “And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out” 2xLP

Finally! I love how often Matador reissues out-of-print titles from their back catalog, but I have been wringing my hands for years waiting for this classic mope-core album from Yo La Tengo to get its due! I cannot wait to slip into a deep and dark wintry depression so that I can put this album [...]