Tag: albums/eps

[album] Mandy, Indiana – i’ve seen a way

acute.pop

Inventive and experimental, i’ve seen a way by Mandy, Indiana is absolutely a must-listen album for fans of loud industrial/noise music with a tinge of darkwave flair. It is a bold and confrontational statement that showcases the band’s unique approach to music creation with tracks featuring jagged rhythms and unconventional structures that defy traditional conventions.

There are no similar songs here and each of them is a unique creation in its own way, starting from the gorgeous synthy instrumental “Love Theme (4K VHS)” and right till the closing of the LP, with the commanding “Sensitivity Training” that hypnotizes with its militaristic drums and overall wall of sound, adding to a deeply cathartic listening experience.

Fearless, at times abrasive and challenging, the album leaves the listener feeling emotionally drained but satisfied. A masterpiece that is ultimately rewarding for those willing to dive in.

Listen below and buy the record here.

[ep] Opus Kink – My Eyes, Brother!

acute.pop

Fun, debauched, deranged etc. — many words can help describe the spirit of Opus Kink’s new EP My Eyes, Brother! which are all correct but they won’t give a full picture of how they sound (on record and also live, which is probably the best way to experience this band).

The generous 7-track release is a true gem of garage rock and punk, jazz and everything else you can imagine. From the opening track “Chains”, Opus Kink throw everything in the mix and grab you with catchy instrumentation and sing-along choruses, showcasing their undeniable talent in translating raw energy and inspiration into brilliantly recorded audio material.

Stream below and buy the EP here, out now via Nice Swan Records.

[album] Pablo Volt y J.G.G. – Mordida

acute.pop

Mordida is the first LP collaboration between Pablo Volt and J.G.G., who previously played together in Kou Keri Kou. Out now on Barcelona’s Ediciones Populares, the album is an interesting mix of various influences masterfully combined into the organic whole by two talented musicians.

Released right on time in sunny May with its mesmerizing soundscapes and intricate compositions, Mordida has some dub sequences, a huge Latin-American influence, relaxed jazz elements and a ringing ambience. All added up together, we get a highly-enjoyable collection with a sense of weightlessness that transports the listener to another world.

Check it out below and buy the album here.

[ep] Saloon Dion – Muckers

acute.pop

Saloon Dion from Bristol have been around for a couple of years, releasing singles, playing gigs and building up momentum to put out a collection of songs. Now the wait is over, with the debut EP Muckers out earlier this week, and it solidifies the group’s place as one of the most exciting bands in the post-punk revival.

Five-piece draws influences from classic hardcore bands such as Fugazi and Title Fight, and 90’s Britpop legends like Suede and Blur, creating their own brand of fast-paced punk rock with infectious hooks and politically acute subject matter of songs. Punchy and thought-provoking, it is a solid DIY release from the group that is certainly worth your time.

Stream below and buy the EP here.

[album] The Bonk – Greater Than Or Equal To The Bonk

acute.pop

Clocking in at 33 minutes, Greater Than Or Equal To The Bonk by The Bonk is a full-on immersive avant-garde experience that blurs the lines between jazz, rock, art pop and experimental music.

The project is led by Irish songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Philip Christie, who pushes known musical boundaries and creates his small world on the second LP. A well-known collaborator and participant in the Irish music world, he predominantly focuses on vocals and keyboards, as well as theremin, guitar and percussion. For this record, he has teamed up with a new slew of fellow musicians on the release (alongside regular The Bonk members) who together made one of the most exciting and enigmatic albums we heard recently.

The tracks are created using the improvisation method, with the musicians responding to each other under Christie’s guidance. The sound is atmospheric and also cryptic so as it often happens with experimental music, the listener is always open to creating his own meaning for abstract musical figures.

Listen below and purchase the record here.