Author Archives: Kyle Dovenbarger

[Experimental] Flying Lotus – Until The Quiet Comes (Album Review)

“I believe in a long, prolonged, derangement of the senses in order to obtain the unknown.” – Jim Morrison

Until the Quiet Comes, the 4th album from Los Angeles artist Flying Lotus, is a transcendent voyage down the aural rabbit hole in exploration of “mystical states, dreams, sleep and lullabies” (Flying Lotus). Accompanied by a fellowship of psychedelic journeymen; Thom York, Laura Darlington, Niki Randa, Thundercat and the ever soulful Erykah Badu, FlyLo cooks up a curiously haunting setting with an eclectic mix of bubbles, belches and purrs that are sure to evoke memories of childhood bumps in the night.

The album seems to play out in stages, much like the levels of dream and sleep.  The album begins with a decent into relaxation with a track made famous by FlyLo’s short film adaptation of the album, directed by Kahlil Joseph, titled “Getting There feat. Niki Randa” (featured below).

Until the Quiet Comes continues to grow increasingly committed to thought, discovery and wonder as each song introduces its own environment and individual story. All the while remaining consistent with its theme.  Songs such as “Until the Colours Come,” “Heave(n)” and “All The Secrets” begin to offer a fluid feel filled with sounds of giggling and cheer.

It’s not until “Sultan’s Request” does the album introduce an ominous and looming bass before rolling up to the industrially digestible “Putty Boy Strut” (music video below, directed by Cyriak). There is a beautiful ebb and flow to throughout the 3rd act of the album as an upbeat  “The Nightcaller”  and relaxing jazzy tunes “DMT Song feat. Thundercat” and “Only If You Wanna” close out the album’s sequence.

Read the rest of the review after the jump…
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[Electronica] SNAKADAKTAL – Dance Bear (AMTRAC Remix)

Indie dream pop rocker’s SNAKADAKTAL, coming off their debut self titled EP, get a groovy remix of their track Dance Bear at the hands of the talented, multi-instrumentalist/producer AMTRAC. A student of pop sonic dance, AMTRAC adapts the piece into a smooth rendition heavily weighted on clipped and ambient vocals. The sound is entirely re-envisioned and suited for an audience in search of a serene and fluid experience. Best for a drive along a large body of water amidst warm and calming colours.

You can catch the best of AMTRAC at his Soundcloud and SNAKADAKTAL’s self titled EP via I OH YOU Records on itunes.

’SNAKADAKTAL – DANCE BEAR (AMTRAC REMIX)’

 

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Groundislava feat. Baths – Suicide Mission (Ryan Hemsworth Remix)

Dive into one of the more curiously catchy Ryan Hemsworth re-interpretations of “Suicide Mission,” a chillwave ballad of experimentation by the vastly talented Groundislava feat. Baths. The remix features layered breakbeat patterns interwoven between the heavily filtered ambient vocals that sway playfully throughout the tune. A flowing, faced paced ride, “Suicide Mission” is the perfect hand to hold on a midnight drive through your favorite overgrown trail road.

Experiment further with more of Ryan Hemsworth’s work on his Soundcloud and don’t forget to check out more of Groundislava on their most recent album Feel Me (Friends of Friends Music).

’Groundislava – Suicide Mission ft. Baths (Ryan Hemsworth Remix)’
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[Experimental] Crystal Castles – Wrath Of God

After releasing “Plague” back in July, Crystal Castles have finally decided to tease us with their 2nd installment, Wrath of God”, off their forthcoming album III. This time around, the Toronto duo lead in with a dreamy and haunting intro before kicking into a synth heavy, four on the floor verse helmed by front woman, Alice Glass. If any of you are looking for accompaniment through your midnight frolic through a foggy and murky graveyard, search no further than “Wrath of God.” Download it below.

Crystal Castles’ III comes out November 4th on Fiction Records. Let us know your thoughts on the newest single and what you’re looking forward to from the album in the comment section below.

’Crystal Castles – Wrath Of God’
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[Festival Review] FYF Fest – Los Angeles

FYF Fest aka F*ck Ya Festival, Fest?

With the afterglow of Coachella finally fading, some may find one final itch to scratch nestled in the backyard of LA’s own historic state park. Now in its 9th year, The FYF Fest (F*ck Ya Festival) has evolved from a wild rumpus on Sunset Blvd. to a now two-day (mis)adventure into LA’s own fashionable beat culture rewind. As the local settlers descended upon the four stage venue in a cloud of dust, many donned their favorite frocks and frayed denim in tribute to “The Ole F*ck Ya.”

The event lineup was a curious collection of artists and comedic acts (David Cross, woo!), though from a variety of backgrounds and tastes, they all happened to be suspiciously well strung together and rightfully fit for the culture of the audience.  A handful reunited (Refused, Desparecidos, Quicksand) and many building steam (Purity Ring, James Blake, Future Islands), all acts came ready to surprise despite the lethargic sun-kissed crowd.

Acts such as Yeasayer and M83 composed sets featuring crowd favorites with a twist on their original renditions. Yeasayer, playing in front of new geometric stage artistry, explored a new experimental sound similar to underwater steel drums when playing their most recent single, Henrietta. M83 delved into a cinematic experience, to no surprise, leading with an appearance from their Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming mascot and extended versions of “Colours” and throwback garage jam tune “Sitting” off the 2000 self titled album.

Many smaller, blogged about artists did well in attracting an intrigued crowd with artful stage presence. On the hidden Hill St. Stage, Purity Ring hypnotized onlookers with a dancing array of lanterns turned musical percussive instruments while Future Islands surprised many with a “classy” tucked in yet improvisational performance from frontman Samuel T. Herring.

All the while, the 80+ acts that came and went, undoubtedly pleased the eyes and ears of those who took the time to brave the late September heat. A worthwhile experience for those looking to explore a variety of vintage sounds in new and old fashion, FYF Fest will leave you glad you weren’t stuck wondering why you were attending a Festival-Festival, and instead coyly giving an accomplished “F*ck Ya.”

Below are tunes by some of FYF’s artists:

’M83 – Sitting’
’Future Islands
Balance’
’Yeasayer – Henrietta’
’Purity Ring – Fineshrine’
’Chromatics – In The City’

Tasteful Scribe: Kyle Dovenbarger

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[Drum & Bass] Sub Focus – Tidal Wave feat. Alpines (Preview)

OWSLA’s own Sub Focus (Nick Douwma) teases us with a preview of his next, impending single “Tidal Wave.”  The drum & bass signature sound is alive and well, where it is sure to ease your body into rhythmic motion.  Given the artist’s roots in producing multiple hits throughout his illustrious career, this track is by no means devoid of creativity and flawless construction. Be sure to keep an eye out for a new album from Sub Focus sometime before the end of the year.

’Tidal Wave feat Alpines (Preview)’
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[Roots & Jam] John Butler Trio – Ocean 2012 Studio Version

In an ode to a song that he, himself describes as “a very interesting aspect of [his] life. It is part of [his] DNA. It conveys all things [he] can’t put into words. Life, loss, love, spirit. As [he] evolves so too does ‘Ocean’.” According to John Butler, since its original release in 1996, “Ocean” has been viewed more than 25 million times across its various formats. And throughout its seemingly timeless existence, the tale it tells remains the same. However, it is not meant for us or any one person to interpret, but for you to enjoy.  Allow for the coming and going of the song’s crescendos to speak for the memories that can emerge from the nostalgia that music has the power to uncover.  Much like ebbs and the flows of an ocean.

Everything old is new again.

’John Butler Trio
Ocean (2012)’
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