Dragged Into Sunlight- Widowmaker

On its sophomore album, the UK's Dragged Into Sunlight works to diversify its grimy, blood-soaked sound, but brings less intensity in the process.

WATCH THE REVIEW

juche- Self-Titled

juche is a colorful and relaxing little musical project that came to my attention shortly after I did that Macintosh Plus review. In that video, I questioned the legitimacy of a genre label like vaporwave, and led to a lot of comments and dramaaaaaaaaa.

I did, however, get an interesting message from someone informing me of another up-and-coming musical style called "metro-ko." At the time I wasn't really in the mood for a "new genre," but what I heard on this particular Bandcamp did stick with me. For all intents and purposes, juche is an ambient music project, but it's ambient music that's playfully textured with cute synthetics and samples. There's nothing about the music that's overtly gripping or forceful, but its light, charming electronics do create a really attractive palette of sound.

There are lighthearted glitches that remind me of the folktronica that dropped in the early and mid 2000s, and there are glittery drones like "dead hand station" on here as well. Most of the tracks on this self-titled release are relatively short and easy to take in. Drift off for a moment and relax.

Lower- "Somone's Got It In For Me" / "But There Has To Be More"

Denmark's Lower has a new single up on its Bandcamp, and both tracks take the post-punk outfit into some pretty heavy, dismal, and depressing territory. Both songs work at a slow pace, and feature some sincerely pained vocals as well. These guys have put out one of the better EPs of this year as well, so make sure to take a listen to that as well.

Starkey- "Dystopia"

Starkey is the latest purveyor of bass and bangers on Civil Music. His latest album is out now, and it's title is Orbits. The label has seen fit to stream the whole thing on YouTube, and "Dystopia" is a true stand-out thanks to its trap-style hi-hats, massive kicks, and heavy synths. If you've been digging on that TNGHT EP at all, I think you'll find this appealing.

Stream 1 Minute Miracles' New Album

1 Minute Miracles drops a new album and changes his tone a bit, shifting into a much more dance-oriented style. Yeah, his initial string of instrumentals were danceable as well, but the his hip hop influences seem to have been switched out for something way more house-oriented.

Unconscious Collective- Self-Titled

Chaotic and flashy jazz fusion from the Unconscious Collective, which actually features one of my favorite things in jazz: Vibraphone. Yeah, weird thing favor in such a genre, but whatever. What's interesting is the drums and vibraphone on this record are played by the same person! That's a feat considering the sonic insanity that occurs on the opening track!

Scott Walker- Bish Bosch

While Bish Bosch isn't the strangest thing walking the planet, that certainly seems to be what he aims for on what is easily his most absurd album yet.

WATCH THE REVIEW

Cult of Luna- "I: The Weapon"

Sweden's Cult of Luna sticks to its guns on this new track from their forthcoming album, Vertikal, which is set to drop January 29th. The new track, "I: The Weapon" mixes the heavy, spacious sounds of atmospheric sludge metal with the melodic sensibilities of post-hardcore very nicely. The song presents an engaging progression across its 9-minute length, too. Enjoy!