The Brooklyn / DC label that is brought us Solar Year & Bam Spacey puts together a playlist showing off their depth and a short story about each artist.
1. Young Athletes League “We Only Feed Ourselves”
Every label needs a first release. A 3 track EP from London’s Young Athletes League was ours. We found YAL through a Phil Collins remix he posted via MySpace which lead to discovering his original works. Thinking about it now I feel really old but MySpace is making a come back right? “We Only Feed Ourselves” is the title track as well as the closing track to that release — 7.5 minutes of lo-fi electronic bliss.
2. Solar Year “Lines”
This is one of my favorite Solar Year tracks. Everything just works here from start to finish. This track, and Solar Year in general, give off this underlining feeling of dread that is at the same time strangely pop leaning and warm. It may just be how I perceive it but it’s perfect in my book. It most likely has a lot to do with the contrast between Ben’s productions and David’s incredible high reaching vocals. The Waverly album is now re-mastered and sounding incredible, this is a stand out from the flip side.
3. Albert Swarm “Aging Out”
Actually haven’t listened to the first Albert Swarm EP in a while, it’s been Wake (his second release) 24/7. Was really nice revisiting this track when putting the playlist together. “Aging Out” is probably one of the very first songs I heard from the Albert Swarm project. I think the track really speaks for itself.
4. The Soft “Mori (Elysia Edit)”
This is where the playlist get a little warmer! Really excited about the upcoming EP from The Soft. Produced by Luke Abbott and David Pye who just did some production for Brolin. “Mori” is an immense pop track we released for free at the end of 2012, this remix was done by Henry from the band under his Elysia moniker. Without much snuff Henry took this track straight to the dance floor.
5. Prism House “Need You (Part I)”
The Prism House project is our very first NYC signing and we just released their debut Reflections EP on March 5. Love the variety of samples clicking in and out throughout this track as a desperate sounding bass line tries to find some sort of footing but Prism House aren’t really letting it happen.
6. Bam Spacey “Dessa brander”
Hard to choose one track from Bam Spacey. I really wanted to put up some of the unreleased/upcoming stuff because it’s brilliant but he probably wouldn’t be too pleased with that. “Dessa Brander” was the very last single we did from the Land EP. Imagery wise it sits somewhere towards the end of Blade Runner just before the end credits roll as Deckard is driving further and further away from LA and headed towards the horizon. This track plays right around that time and I’d like to think Deckard is taking his girl out to the beach because she’s probably never seen one before and romance ensues.
7. Glenn Jackson “You Too”
This has to be one of my favorite tracks we’ve put out to date. Glenn has a knack for pacing a track to feel just right and “You Too” is a beautiful example of that. One of the more positive and uplifting tracks we’ve done so far cause you know… feeling good is pretty important. The build is exceptional — you wait and wait for that drop and when it happens you’re cruising, shades on, not looking back.
Showcase show tonight in Brooklyn, Flyer by: Alex Koplin
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Rob Fissmer is new contributor to the ISO50 blog, he has been djing under the name Raeo which if you go to his site you’ll discover a large archive of mixes that he’s put together along the same vein as this collection above. Personally I love this package of songs, the downbeat instrumental sound that has IDM influences is some of my favorite and Rob grabbed some of the best most recent examples. Also another fun fact about Rob is that he’s a ice hockey goalie and a fine one at that, if Ninja Tune’s hockey team knew that he might get picked up.
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Today we have a very special guest that you might recognize from Youtube, it’s Anthony Fantano from Needledrop. I really respect Anthony’s consistency and dedication of quality reviews he does on his Youtube feed. He always helps new listeners with describing what he’s listening to with plenty of references and adjectives, kind of like we do it here on the ISO50 blog but he takes it to full on video with characters and all. Enjoy his playlist he put together, its the first time we’ve ever had Metal on here in our 5 year existence.
1. Xibalba – No Serenity
Despite how much it irks some of my loyal viewers, I like to keep a somewhat (ir)regular flow of metal reviews coming. This Xibalba album really stopped me in my tracks with some massive, chugging riffs and the kind of primal ferocity that you’d typically find on a metal-infused hardcore album. I usually prefer my metal to be a bit more, uh, heady, but this was just too good to be true: A teenage favorite mixed with the kind of dense, low-end sounds that my adult self currently enjoys on numerous Southern Lord records. Plus, this is my current favorite workout record.
2. Matthew Dear – Ahead Of Myself
I’ve known Matthew Dear to put together some eerie tracks, but this is the first time he really struck me as being a tender dude as well. He’s got a few moments like that on his new LP, Beams, and I love ‘em–especially this one. The watery synth chords on this track are absolutely intoxicating. It’s like they’re just about to fall into a slumber or something. Meanwhile, Matthew’s seductive croon delivers some mantra-heavy vocals.
3. Meridian Brothers – Salsa Caliente (Versión Aumentada)
This is a bit of experimental salsa from Columbian sonic experimentalist Eblis Álvarez. He’s got a new LP on the way titled Deseperanza under the name Meridian Brothers. The dude really took the art form of the genre and mutated it into something odd and subtly psychedelic. The lazy instrumentation, oddball melodies, and lightly tortured vocals add up to something that would sound perfect in a David Lynch movie, for sure. Definitely a strange experience.
4. TNGHT- Bugg’n
The musically savvy are too hard on bangers. Not everything needs to be this big, flowery, moving, significant thing. Loosen up, have fun, go nuts. When it comes to that, TNGHT is my jam. This is about at anti-elitist as you can get while still keeping your listening habits underground. What I like about TNGHT is that they create such visceral music with such experimental sounds. If “Bugg’n” were a movie, it would feature some of the most unlikely casting in music history, featuring the sounds of babies, spaceships, bubbles, and more.
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I’ve been an ISO50 reader for a long time—long before Jakub and I put on Ghostly International Roller Hockey Team jerseys and took to a rink in rural New Jersey to embarrass the label—and so when Jakub invited me to take a whack at a guest post, I naturally jumped at the chance. (Meanwhile, does anyone want my (priceless) jersey?)
I’ve since moved to California, where I work out of the Los Angeles “Vitsoe apartment,” which is both the home I share with my wife, and a unique space where we show Dieter Rams’ 606 Universal Shelving system deployed in all ways. From straightforward bookshelves, to workstations, to room dividers, kitchen shelving, and closets, it’s pretty much all represented here (we specifically chose an apartment without any built-in storage).. As a former dj and avid collector of music, my favorite use of the system is for media storage. After all these years of collecting vinyl, I’m finally able to put it all on shelves that will not bow under the weight. Vinyl collectors: contact me, it’s more affordable than you’d think!
I thought it might make sense to do a first post about some of the songs that have been keeping me going while working out of the apartment—and since it’s a Vitsoe apartment, share some images of the shelving put to use for various media, plus the beautiful Dieter Rams equipment we listen to it all on.
Lorn – Weigh Me Down (Illum SphereRemix).
Unbelievably beautiful reworking of one of my favorite tracks on Lorn’s new album “Ask the Dust.” I’m huge fan of his heavy hitting beats, but this is a nice change of pace, skillfully re-tooled by Illum Sphere. For a taste of Lorn’s own softer side, check out ‘Pause’ from his ‘Self Confidence Vol.2′ unfinished / unreleased / demo tracks over at the Brainfeeder site. A strange anomaly in a very dark oeuvre.
Yppah – Blue Schwinn.
I’m a huge fan of Joe Corrales’ work as Yppah, it’s sort of a shoegazy version of Bonobo, a combo that is pure win in my book. This track is from his third and most recent release on Ninja Tune, “Eighty One.” Anomie Belle’s vocals are a great addition in an instrumental sense, I love how she’s just swirling around in the background and I’m unable to make out the words.
Lost Twin – Soothing Words.
There’s no shortage of great producers in Brighton these days. I can’t remember exactly how, but I found him via Bandcamp, and to my pleasant surprise, he’s offering the whole ‘Birds’ album for free. I would have no problem paying full price (and then some) for his work. Although obviously entirely different in tone, there’s something a little Burialesque about the auto-tuned quick vocal snippets.
Dextro – Ring Cycle.
I’m not sure exactly why Dextro has stayed off most people’s radars for so long: He deserves far more exposure in my opinion. His first release was on Border Community, then the subsequent releases were through his own imprint, 16K Records. Maybe that’s why. I don’t know. What I do know is that his sound manages to successfully bring together elements of Ulrich Schnauss, Slowdive, and dare I say it, BOC. His last album, Winded, from 2009, is a real gem. I’m hoping he follows it up soon, it’s been too long.
A Sol Mechanic – [Almst(Touching)].
I’ll never tire of a good “Everything in Its Right Place” sample. In his own words “it’s less of a remix and more of a branch off. N E Ways.” That’s a good way of describing it, because after that amazing initial drop, the sample gets filtered into the background and the minimal stutter beat takes over.
Geskia! – Melamine.
Geskia’s sound is unabashedly Scoott Herren influenced, and most of his work occupies a space dead center between Prefuse and the long gone DeLarosa & Asora projects. This is a compliment, as he pulls off what so many other fail to do successfully.
Jai Paul – BTSTU.
There’s been a lot of buzz about this kid from London, and deservedly so. I saw a tweet from Four Tet that said simply: “that Jai Paul track,” which of course sent me into a Google frenzy. What I discovered is that there are literally only two tracks under his belt to date. It sounds like he’s in good hands over at XL, in a recent NPR spot I heard them describe how they are giving him loads of space and time to do what he needs to do, because that’s just how he rolls. He really has a grasp on the “Less, but better” approach.
Autechre – See On See (PixelordRemix).
The thing I like about this unofficial Pixelord remix of ‘See on See’ from 2010′s Oversteps is that it brings me back to the Tri-Repetae days, when the tracks were grounded in dark emotion, and they would hit you in the gut with crisp, hard beats. They lost me long ago, but it’s nice to be brought back if even for a few minutes.
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Luke Abbott – Modern Driveway
I’m always really inspired by minimal music of any sort, and this song is the perfect example of what a good, simple song should accomplish. It takes you on an emotional trip, from the its small beginnings, to it’s lush, layered ending. It builds into something, there’s movement.
How To Dress Well – Ocean Floor For Everything
The day this single dropped, I was driving across Western Canada, the love of my life beside me, and we listened to this as we entered the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The combination of the insanely beautiful sounds, and the insanely beautiful visuals in front of us, it was hard not be affected. Now, the impressive thing is that upon repeat listenings, it continues that possess that moment-creating vibe. Every time I hear it, I’m taken to a different place. It’s a truly beautiful song, and the new LP is one of my most anticipated of this year.
Kuhrye-oo – Give In (For The Fame)
When I first started working on what would become Teen Daze material, I took a lot of inspiration and encouragement from my friends from Edmonton, who had a project called “Gobble Gobble”. It’s been an incredible experience seeing all of the individuals in that project gain so much exposure and love (Cecil is now known as Born Gold, and Corin and Megan are known as Purity Ring). This is a track from Calvin’s solo project, Kuhrye-oo, and this track is just so good. That vocal sample completely steals the show. As soon as it hits the “I knowwww”, my heart melts.
Unknown – 002
I love anonymity in music, just because it brings something new to the table. No goofy promo pics of the band standing on a beach all looking into the camera with vacant stares. It’s like when you were a kid, and a wrestler was from “Parts Unknown”, it made him all the more scarier. Unknown is a mystery-producer making the rounds on a few of my friends’ blogs, and I think this track is especially good.
We truly have a treat to start the weekend with a stunning playlist from Jeff Bratton the owner of Cascine the label that brings us Chad Valley, Selebrities, Jensen Sportag, etc. Enjoy.
Writing this from the car, driving from MD to NY with the good men of Double Duchess.
- Jeff Bratton
Tomas Barfod – ‘Broken Glass’
New track by Danish artist, Tomas Barfod. who’s better known for one of his other projects,
Whomadewho. This whole release is fantastic. It’s out soon on Friends of Friends, but reminds
me of golden-era Morr material – melodic, downtempo, indie/electronic stuff. Morr helped shape
my love of labels early on and this song takes me back to that.
Picture – ‘Heaven 7’
Picture is David from Sail a Whale. ‘Heaven 7’ embodies that sense of swelling epicness and
drama that he does so well. It was released on Look, The Embassy’s imprint, last year. We’re
currently working with David on a project for Cascine.
Bam Spacey – ‘Vintern jagar’
Love this track. Subtle, bubbling and optimistic. Bam Spacey is from Malmo and his debut EP is
newly out on Ceremony. As a listener, this song puts me exactly where I want to be this time of
year.
Shine 2009 – ‘New Rules’ (Panther Hands Remix)
This remix has been on my machine since last summer, as we just never found the right place for
it. Panther Hands is Max from Selebrities, and he did this track without ever having the stems for
it. Great energy. Horn parts are a blast. Really fun stuff.
Cubenx – ‘Adrift at Sea’
A close friend in LA shared this album with me a couple weeks ago and I’ve been glued to it ever
since. Super diverse, yet super familiar. All types of influences at work on this release.
Bonus track Mint – ‘I Don’t Kvetch’
I just spent a week at my mother’s apt in Annapolis, MD, and am feeling kinda sentimental from
the time at home. Classic, major key IDM like this has an important place in my musical history
– Mint’s music represents that for me, especially this track. It was made in 2009, but feels like
something from 2000.
In early May Datassette will hit us with ‘People Without Mouths.’ The 12″ EP will be available on Shipwrec records and the digital version will follow two weeks after with bonus tracks and a a remix by Ilkae. He was kind enough to share the track ‘Don’t’ with us, and it’s a smooth, tingly gem of a track. Sprinkled with vocal stabs and bent percussion. Really stoked on this EP, head over to datassette.net for plenty of other goodies.
On my recent visit to Austin, TX I was lucky enough to catch Missions perform a set. He was surrounded by vintage equipment, a control center shrouded in synth. ‘Darrk/Blakk’ is the A-Side of his upcoming 7″ via Pau Wau Records. It sounds as what I assume an early 80s’ Depech Mode demo would sound like via a walkman running dangerously low on batteries. Haunting vocals seem to sit between towering walls of synthetic goo slowly dripping into your ears. Looking forward to more from Missions.
‘Don’t Open The Door’ from VHS Head was released on a Benefit Compilation for Japan on ICASEA. Contained within is the signature VHS Head sound. He is the master in mining the depths of pre-certification video. ‘Don’t Open The Door’ is a droopy eyed jam, it brings to mind the river of pink slime in Ghostbusters II, and what I might be like to slowly sink into that warm, murky mess. Quality track.
Innergaze just dropped their second LP ‘Mutual Dreaming‘ on Cititrax. Hailing from Brooklyn, this synth wielding duo pants a perfect picture of early dance music. ‘Is This Your Love?’ really had me floored upon first listen. It’s a slightly grey journey inward, highlighted by glittering arpeggios and synthetic stings. Topped off with vocal stabs that seem to pull you in and press you back out. ‘Mutual Dreaming’ will get some heavy rotation from me.
If you saw Tycho on tour last time in the US you saw our ambient R&B support Jacob & Tom of Beacon, I asked them to put together today’s playlist, would love some feedback, their No Body EP is out, they DJ tomorrow with Yeasayers at Cameo Gallery
Keyboard Kid – $$$$$$
Producers without their counterparts have been dominating my speaker time lately. $$$$$$ off Keyboard Kids 2011 Video Games and Blunts mixtape is a stellar track full of his signature futuristic synths and dirt filled percussion. The chopped and pitched repetitive hook always seems to swell around in my head long after it finishes.
Filterwolf – Nocturne (Bodycode aka Portable remix)
I’ve been listening to so much Alan Abrahams AKA Portable AKA Bodycode lately. I love the way his baritone vocal harmonies in this remix become the warmest incantations, summoning love from some wandering spirit.
Ayatoholla – NAG Champa
This throwback keeps making it into my steady rotation. NAG Champa , the opening track off of Ayatoholla’s 2006 Now Playing, drops all the right sounds in all the right places. Its one of those loops I want to listen to for hours. With a perfect blend of soulful vocal samples, smooth drum work and swells of melodic strings its an example of a producer who gives only what is needed.
Blood Orange – Champagne Coast
The really special thing about this Blood Orange song is the way the slow funk groove in the beginning eventually opens into very triumphant love song of Koto patterns, warm synths and Devonte’s insistent vocal finish.
