Dream Division : WOLF Narrated by Matthew Holness

Tom McDowell has built quite a gothic library since the 2020 launch of his record label Library of the Occult. Concentrating on musical interpretations of classic horror literature, true tales of the macabre, and just a general vibe of late night tales by candlelight, McDowell has established his corner of the music-verse as the best […]

Rude Skøtt Osborn Trio : The Virtue Of Temperance

The musical dynamic duo of Martin Rude and Jakob Skøtt released two incredible albums on El Paraiso Records back in 2020, The Discipline of Assent and The Dichotomy of Control. They were unlike anything either artist had released up to that point, combining Jakob’s jazz drum inflections and sci-fi effects with Martin’s precise and eclectic […]

Kuma : Hounds and Echo In Conjunction

On experimental electronic artist Kuma’s latest release, the Vancouver-based sound wizard gives us something between the sparse spaces of Ry Cooder’s Paris, Texas and the droning brilliance of Mica Levi’s Under The Skin. Hounds and Echo In Conjunction is an alluring and hypnotic take on the imagined soundtrack. According to record label Waxing Crescent Records’ […]

Salvatore Mercatante : Post

Salvatore Mercatante doesn’t just stick to one vibe in his work. His albums ebb and flow from subtle techno to heady synth atmospheres to even Darkwave and ambient. Point being, a one-trick pony he is not. He goes where the muse takes him. Mercatante’s albums always surprise and build unique sound worlds where you can […]

Voyag3r : New York Ninja S/T

New York Ninja is not a movie you’ve seen, but you sort of have. You see, in 1984 John Liu wrote, starred in, and directed this over-the-top ninjasploitation film in New York. It had it all; gritty NYC and crime, a tragedy of epic proportions, and a hero donning a white ninja outfit slicing and […]

Makaya McCraven : Deciphering The Message

Makaya McCraven is one of the most intriguing artists/composers working in jazz today. His jazz chops combined with his Teo Macero cut n paste arrangements have given me(and the rest of the world) something to look forward to every time he drops a new album. Albums like In The Moment, Highly Rare, and Universal Beings […]

Jeff Parker : Forfolks

Jazz guitarist Jeff Parker returns with another stunning display of his guitar prowess and compositional skills with the stunning Forfolks. A solo guitar affair in which Parker builds upon looping guitar lines to make something that tows the line between solo jazz guitar and avante garde, minimalist composition. Working once again with the amazing Chicago-based […]

long Story Short : 2021 End Of Year Gems

So there were a few releases that came out in the last month or so that I didn’t get to write a proper review up due to all the crazy year-end lists I spent so much time on. So in honor of these few amazing albums I wanted to give a shout out to them. […]

Paul Gilbert : ‘Twas

I know what you’re thinking, “I don’t need another Christmas album. I’ve got Dolly, Vince Guaraldi, and that one Beach Boys one.” But I’ve got two words for you: Paul Gilbert. Yes, the six string maestro that blew minds in the 80s while shredding in Racer X, then found mainstream success in Mr. Big has […]

Kanaan : Earthbound

Norwegian power trio Kanaan have laid some pretty impressive groundwork since their El Paraiso Records debut Windborne at the end of 2018. That album showed some serious musical chops from the young-ish three-piece, coming together with a sound that was both heavy and nuanced. Prog vibes combined with 70s art rock and a healthy dose […]