Evil Madness is a super-group of Scandinavian bands you’ve never heard of: Stilluppsteypa, BJ Nilsen, and Johann Johannsson. Despite most of these performers’ positions in the extreme avant-garde (even by their own label’s standards, Emego, they are obscure) this is a fun record with a good sense of humor. Those familiar with the tongue-in-cheek irony of Trans Am will need that attitude to get through these songs.

This music is extremely playful. Arpeggios are literally strewn all over the place. A more than passing resemblance to an updated Kraftwerk is unavoidable: Evil Madness holds an affinity for old equipment and…

Sean O’Hagan’s project is one of those things I always enjoy. There are a number of reasons for this, the clean execution, mellow vibe, or the extreme Anglophile nature of the project itself. When I hear them, I think of what Brian Wilson might have written about had he been British.

“Talahomi Way” continues with the more acoustic nature they’ve started since “Beet Maize & Corn” and followed through on “Can Cladders”. Basically, this is the logical progression of both of those two albums. Songs on here are memorable while providing enough space to focus on some of the gorgeous…

Bikeuala may be considered ‘pure sonic fun’. I can literally hear the fun they had recording this collection of 18 songs. Each one has its own personality. A few themes and sounds are present in most of the songs giving it a near-theme. But really, the best way of enjoying these 28 minutes of packed-tight fun is to lose your mind among the sounds.

Whoever is on that drum does a fantastic job. On nearly every track, the drummer makes his presence felt on the dance track “Mis Lady DJ” or in a more frenzied way “Bugs”. At no point…

Asa Osburne continues to carve out a niche for himself with Earth Grid. When I first heard this, I had a hard time thinking why exactly I liked it. Perhaps it had to do with the unabashedly lo-fi blunt style of the recording. Or could it be he takes an extremely slow, deliberate approach to his music. However you want to interpret this, it is a real grower.

Using the most basic elements (drone, extremely dusty drum machine) he manages to create a warm, almost optimistic sound. Walking with this on, I felt the music began to make me feel…

2562 set one limitation for this album: everything had to be sampled from disco albums. It is the best limitation he could have set. The entire album is so fantastic; I think I’ve finally been converted over to the church of dubstep.

Previous efforts by Dave Husimans had been a bit less house-orientated. As a huge fan of house music, particularly well-done house, I think it is probably that element which won me over. While listening to this, I’m reminded this is only his third album. Those previous albums lacked a certain something; maybe they were a bit too sparse…

‘Chunks’ feels apt for this release. While his previous release ‘Moanad’ felt a bit more scattered or fragmented, here he teases out grooves. The songs, though still packed to the brim with weird samples, feel better fleshed out. In case you were wondering, Matt Ingram has his off-sense of humor in full display on this album.

Woebot doesn’t sample pointless soloing. Rather, weird pieces of sound are brought together. They come together to form something new. I know this is the point for a lot of sample-based music, but usually they don’t succeed on creating something new. He does.

“Blues”…

Airliner is described as “Slow Motion Funk”. Think of Boards of Canada and imagine if they decided to dabble in funk. Yes, it is that good. While Seth Haley (better known as Com Truise) has been working with these kinds of sounds for a while, this may be the best stuff I’ve heard from him yet.

The melodies get struck in your head. Each song sounds pristine, crystal clear. Bass-wise, it is a real treat, as he focuses mostly on the deeper sounds. So when you listen, the beats hit hard. If you have headphones, I’d strongly recommend them for…

Maria Minerva’s sonic universe is a hard thing to describe. I might say she’s a more lo-fi Estonian version of Nite Jewel to give you some idea. That definition is somewhat limiting, as Maria has moved to London. Perhaps her work will herald in a re-evaluation of 80s/early 90s electronic music and its lovable cheesiness.

“Tallinn at Dawn” is a short and enjoyable album. Each song has its own personality while contributing to the general atmosphere of the album. A haze is spread thick over the tunes, as if the sound is coming from far away. Her voice has a…

“Bookmaker records” is a brand new label offering up French psychedelica. Lately France has been getting some pretty excellent bands emerging, seemingly out of nowhere, with these takes on expansive music. Henryspenncer continues in that proud tradition.

Valentin Feron’s music is massive. In his own words, he states that it is influenced by Northern Scotland. As someone who has wandered around those parts, I’d say there’s a certain truth to it. The sounds are somewhat inviting despite the sometimes ominous nature. Perhaps that’s due to all the instruments he incorporates, or the slow movement of the pieces themselves.

There aren’t…

Wed 6 Apr – Explosions in the Sky, Low, Eluvium

I’ve gone to concerts at Radio City Music Hall before. Usually they feel a bit stuffy due to me sitting down and politely casting judgment from the nosebleed seats. Tonight that didn’t happen. Instead, I found myself enjoying some of the benefits of having a giant room and seats.

Eluvium came up first. He introduced himself with a brief “Good Evening” and proceeded to play for a short period of time. While I’d like to comment more on his performance, I happened to constantly hear the crackling of plastic candy…