Evan Fraser & Vir McCoy 'Guardians' Review

 

Artist:

Evan Fraser & Vir McCoy

Title:

Guardians

Label:

Interchill Records

Released:

12^th November 2020

The releases from this iconic label are more few and far between in recent times, however the quality usually remains. This duo were the founders of the world music group Hamsa Lila, who found notoriety for performing a 12 hour set in the desert, at the Burning Man festival. While Evan is more recently recording and performing, as part of the Americana electronic fusion trio Dirtwire, along with David Satori of Beats Antique.

This is an album which draws and often combines traditional American folk and world music, with themes of thanks and connection to the natural world. For example ‘Fertile Ground’ which is the first of three collaborations with Rising Appalachia. This is of no surprise as this female duo also combine the music of their roots, with influences they come across while touring the world.

While there is a more distinct switch to ‘Rare Earth’, which features some Tuvan throat singing from Soriah. They delve deeper into sounds of the middle east on ‘Hookahdome’ (which I would imagine pays homage to the Burning Man tent), an electro-acoustic number featuring David Satori. Whilst ‘Condor’ is a collaboration with Olox a duo who fuse electronics and rhythms with ethnic songs of Siberia’s Sakha people. Characterised by animal, bird and deep nature vocals.

Overall it’s quite a relaxed affair, that may introduce you to new artists that perhaps you may wish to explore. While it's as suitable to sit and listen indoors on a winter night, as it is around a firepit in the early hours.

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links

https://interchillrecords.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/guardiansalbum/

Suns of Arqa 'Hearts of the Sun 1979  2019' Review

Artist: 

Suns of Arqa

Title: 

Hearts of the Sun 1979  2019

Label: 

Interchill Records

Released: 

17^th of May 2019

Formed by Michael Wadada in 1979 the Suns of Arqa have blended Indian Classical and Celtic sounds with a constantly changing line up that over fourty years has astoundingly featured over 200 musicians. They have also worked with artists such as Prince Far-I, 808 State, Youth and Astralasia broadening the sonic pallet into fusions of Dub and Drum & Bass.

The Suns of Arqa will always hold a special place in my heart, as I utilised them for the first track of my first ever DJ gig and they also featured on the first mix of mine uploaded online. My first experience of their output came rather late considering, picking up their L.P. ‘Kokoromochi’ in 1992 and have dipped in here and there over the years ever since. Therefore, some of the tracks featured on this compilation were already familiar to me and I was also eager to hear those that were not.

Not surprisingly considering the longevity of the Suns of Arqa there have been a fair few compilations to whet the appetite and entice listeners into their back catalogue and future releases. So naturally the question of anyone standing on the precipice and intrigued to venture into their world, would surely be ‘Why this one?’. Now this isn’t the first compilation for me and the previous one is a treasured part of my music collection. What stands out about the tracks selected here, is that Andrew has obviously put a lot of thought with his extensive knowledge to include multifarious examples of their back catalogue, without being obvious. From the bamboo flutes, harmonium and other instruments that form the sound of the Indian Sub-Continent and their Ragas, to the electronic ambient re-mixes, dub reggae fusions and beyond. Which I found to be an intriguing and satisfying journey that takes the mind from the beaches of Goa to the river Ganges, from Spiritual ceremonies to Hindu Temples.

Reviewed by Woodzee

Links

https://interchill.bandcamp.com/

https://www.sunsofarqa.co.uk/

Various Artists 'Subtextures' Review

Artist: Various

Title: Subtextures

Label: Interchill

Released: 15^th June

Following on from their 2013 compilation 'Depth Charge' Interchill's Naasko compiles a selection deep & atmospheric hybrids from the U.K., Canada, U.S.A. and Australia featuring elements of dub-step, dub-tech , jazz and electronica with one thing in common … bass! What appeals to me about this compilation is that it reaches into areas I personally felt had run their course and is a healthy reminder that by doing so I'm missing out on some really good music.

The release begins with 'Atonement' by Biome where the soulful vocal stabs and deep synth sounds bring early LTJ Bukem to mind, although the drumwork is far slower. The next track 'Pacific' by Geode is almost the opposite of Bukem with rapid sequences and vocal stabs over deep speaker shaking bass. While Jafu's 'All Clear' could also draw comparision to a slower form of drum & bass but with more laid back Jazz elements.

HxdB vs Daega Sound's 'Spheroid' continues with the trend of Jazz fusion with a repeated funky male vocal hook and atmospheric touches. After which Daega Sound fly solo with an alluring pitter-patter drum loop intro slowly introducing bleeps, glitches, reverb and vocal samples in a series of crescendo's and drops with effective results. While IMRSV's 'Zenote' is a deeply atmospheric piece with some lovely tribal drum rolls.

Dubsworth's 'Circular Reason' moves away from the previous tracks more into the direction of dub in terms of both the vocal samples and musical production bringing elements of the past right into the present with no injustice what-so-ever. Trashbat's 'Tibet' as the title suggests fuses the soothing flutes and guzheng (Chinese harp) of the orient with soulful vocal samples and a dubby bassline. The mood then switches back to a slow jazzy feel with summery acoustics and a contrasting slow and deep bass on Gyu's 'Cabasa'.

There's a classical feel and haunting mood to the synth intro of Sepia's 'Shakra' before the low growling bass is employed. While Congi's 'Pieces of' contrasts melodic keys and soulful vocals with deep distorted bass. Whereas ROwL's 'Aikido' takes a distinctively dubby journey with a lot of focus on the drum patterns behind the synth and vocal voices.

Matt Deco continues the dubby trend with his deeply atmospheric 'Boom Bap' and Commit brings the album to a close with an elongated and quiet intro before dropping the lush dub-tech main body of 'Atlantis'.

Review by Woodzee.

Links …

http://www.interchill.com/releases/subtextures

Another Fine Day 'A Good Place To Be' Review

Artist: Another Fine Day

Title: A Good Place To Be

Label: Interchill

Released: 24^th April

Tom Green first broke into the music scene in 1979 with the post-punk band 'Dum Dum Dum' and went onto work with a variety of artists throughout the eighties. In his spare time he experimented with computer music which led to working on five albums by the Orb.

His first release under the guise of 'Another Fine Day' was in 1993 on Beyond Records 'Ambient Dub Vol 3' soon followed by the album 'Life Before Land' (which was voted 3^rd in the Independent's chart of all-time ambient albums). The project caught the ear of Big Chill founder Pete Lawrence who was so impressed he booked Tom 15 times in a row for the Big Chill Festival.

His second album 'Salvage' was released by Six Degrees in 2000 and the EP 'Chasing Tornados' in 2004. Since then Tom has worked on TV, Film music and for sound libraries as well as co-producing for Baka Beyond and playing the array mbira as a member of 'Newanderthal'.

This latest release begins with 'Nature Boy' a combination of field recordings with the emphasis on sparse jazz piano which epitomises perfectly lazy Sundays by the beach. 'A Dream Of Seals' in contrast is a more sequenced melodic piece introducing percussion mid-way. While 'Child's Play' is a melodic ambient piece where the array mbira provides a music box like quality behind the piano.

'Spanish Blues' meanwhile conjures up visions of smoky jazz bars with a combination of piano keys, sax and subtle used of hammond organ'esque sounds. 'Naiad' on the other hand begins with sparse piano before mellow beats and electronica add a slight bounce to the track. 'Enfolded' is a more atmospheric ambient piece with understated choral elements which completely immerses you into a chilled state.

The sparse piano theme continues with 'I Can Hear You Heart' alongside a slow plodding beat, mellow synth's and melodic array mbira. 'That Path' combines classical piano with laid back synth's sinking you further into the sofa. Then 'Dusty Feet' lifts the mood slightly with a combination of piano, array mbira and African percussion.

Gentle acoustics join the piano alongside down-tempo electronic beats and bleeps in 'From Tiny Acorns'. Whilst 'Andy Woz Here' is an atmospheric drone of electronics and field recordings. The album finishes with the aptly named title track 'A Good Place To Be' which in reality is an elongated outro of sparse piano chords with a classical feel.

Review by Woodzee

Links

http://anotherfineday.co.uk/

https://anotherfineday.bandcamp.com/

Sun:Monx 'Into The Trees' Review

Artist: Sun:Monx

Title: Into The Trees E.P.

Label: Interchill

Released: 23^rd March

Melbourne based duo the Sun:Monx (a collaboration between Austero & Opiou) return with more of their guitar laden, glitchy dub and funk sound two years after their debut album 'Power Salad'. With four new tracks to whet your appetite for a new album in the pipeline.

The e.p. starts with 'Rotney Stem Cell' a smooth slinky guitar piece, which would easily slot easily into any funk set and groove a dance floor, with a subtle but effective additional glitch to twist your hips to.

'Lo Keys' squelches the bass deep and low while funky horns spring into action, add a little husky 'Yeah' sample and smooth guitar breakdowns and it's another winner.

The bass riff undercurrent of 'Into The Trees' sounds familiar and works wonderfully with the lush guitar licks before the dub reggae switch and smooth sax … all thrillers and no fillers so far.

The final track 'Run' is more of an outro but as outro's go it's a lovely melodic downtempo gem with contrasting guitar that really deserves an extension.

To summarise this is a well produced fusion of sun soaked dub and funk with a touch of glitch that really hits the spot for me. I'd even go as far to say glitch-haters might re-consider when they hear the Sun:Monx sound.

Reviewed by Woodzee.

Links:

https://sunmonx.bandcamp.com/

https://soundcloud.com/sunmonx

Kaya Project 'Firedance E.P.' Review

Artist: Kaya Project

Title: Firedance E.P.

Label: Interchill

Release Date: 27^th of May

Taken from Kaya Projects latest album of the same name 'Firedance' is actually one of the more up-tempo tracks. However, I'm more than happy to feature it on here as it's a track with tribal chants that is full of eastern promise and the re-mixers take the track into different directions.

Strangely enough the e.p. doesn't begin with the title track but a re-mix of 'One Hundred Lights' by Grouch. The track begins with sparse deep twitchy bass notes alongside the vocal and slowly becomes more dominant flickering between Sitar chords and reggae all in all it's a quality re-mix.

Now we reach a re-mix of the title track from Chaos By Design, who to be honest I've not come across before. There's nothing to worry about though as he/she/they take the track into a combination of ambience and utilise the percussion with bass music creating a unique feel of Jungle with the brakes on.

Next it's Kaminanda's take on the title track (this guy seems to be churning out the re-mixes of late) once again there's a combination of ambience and percussion but there's a little more space between than Chaos By Design's chock full of little loops and fx perfectly balanced through out the track. It's a wonderful piece which only re-affirms this is a solid release.

Last but not least is Seb's own re-mix of 'Through The Flames' under his psy-breakz Digitalis moniker. This track is perfect for getting the rump shaking and enticing people on to the dance floor with it's glitchy bass line that's seems to gel perfectly with the sounds of the original track.

Review by Woodzee

Links

http://www.kayaproject.com/

http://www.interchill.com/

Kaya Project 'Firedance' Review

Artist: Kaya Project

Title: Firedance

Label: Interchill

Released: 13^th May 2014

Seb Taylor the mastermind behind the Kaya Project has released his music in many guises, from the synthetic chill of Hibernation and the global lounge of Angel Tears to Bio-Tones tech-house re-mixes to name a few. It seems whichever, style organic or synthetic he turns his mind to it works well. This is the fifth album released on Interchill in his Kaya Project guise, the last album 'Desert Phase' travelled across continents with field or rather desert recordings, reflected with the music from country blues to the sounds of Arabia.

The album launch for 'Firedance' took place recently at one of London's premier chill spots the InSpiral Lounge with support from Whirl-Y-Gig's Monkey Pilot. Having seen it advertised on my last visit I quite fancied going but was sadly unable to make it. So making do with the recorded audio I'll press on.

This album features the sultry vocals of two previous collaborators, Irina Mikhailova and Natasha Chamberlain as well as Pearce van der Merwe on Flute. Seb's production takes us on a journey through down-tempo Arabic numbers and chilled strings to upbeat tribal percussion. The title track 'Firedance' for example is a smouldering hot pot of Arabesque strings, African chants, percussion and Gypsy violin balanced beautifully with chilled breakdowns. Despite the quantity of sounds and styles input into the track it flows far smoother than it sounds. With 'Todero' on the other hand all I can picture in my minds eye is a swirling dervish dance carried along by Irina's lucid voice which while dominating your attention the accompanying music adds but never distracts. While 'The Phoenix Rises' takes a step back into chilled guitar strings with an almost orchestral feel in places a gorgeous backdrop for Natasha's wonderfully ethereal tones.

This album will definitely appeal to fans of previous Kaya Project releases, Irinas own music and that of other projects such as Star Sounds Orchestra and Lumin and possibly Vas, Dead Can Dance or Irfan.

Review by Woodzee.

Links

http://www.kayaproject.com/

http://www.interchill.com/

Liquid Stranger 'Renegade Crusade E.P.' Review

Artist: Liquid Stranger

Release: Renegade Crusade E.P.

Label: Interchill Records

Released: 15^th April on Beatport and itunes

On the back of Martin Staff's (a.k.a. Liquid Stranger's) recent infusion mix https://soundcloud.com/liquid-stranger/liquid-stranger-infusion-mix which proved to be a journey of perfection, touching on his work in a variety of genres from hip-hop to reggae, from dub to trap and even throwing in some pop re-works. Comes this new release from Interchill once again showing another string to his bow with the exploration of chilled electronica and low frequency bass.

This E.P. begins with 'Spawn' a pleasant instrumental trip-hop number which springs off some deep bass breakdowns. This is followed by 'The Gargon' which with it's similarity to 'Gorgon' made me think of Medusa. However, it appears it was perhaps more likely coined from an alien lobster from a 1950's sci-fi flick of the same title or from a planet featured in Star Wars. Either way this is the track they've propelled into cyberspace alongside a stunning video by Andy Thomas that's caught everyone's attention. The track itself unfolds slower than the opener but works in a similar vein contrasting some beautiful electronica against growling dark bass lines and slow thumping kicks.

Next up is an alternative version of the Strangers smash hit from his 'Arcane Terrian' album 'The Molecule Man' it's a stripped back and lighter edit in places, which drops the vocal and concentrates on dubbing the vocodered chorus. Then all of a sudden the E.P. takes a twist with 'Brace For Impact' and not in the manner I expected as soulful vocal from Canadian Saratonin is dripped over Honeycomb's beatbox. Last by no means least Martin's switches the mood back with sci-fi vocals from Razza and some down-right dreamy electronica and just about nails it as my favourite on a very fine release.

Review by Woodzee.

Links …

http://liquidstranger.com/

http://www.interchill.com/

Download the Gargon free from Liquid Stranger's Soundcloud page https://soundcloud.com/liquid-stranger/the-gargon-original-mix-2

Artist: Sinepearl

Album: Cycles Within Cycles Within

Label: Interchill Records

Released: 11^th February 2014

I settled back to listen to this album through the cans while working on some e-mails interjected with facebook comments. Normally, I don't like to do a review without giving my full focus to the music. However, on reflection in this case it's quite fitting.

The first thing I noticed with the opening track 'The Great Wobble' was the excellent panning and was glad to have opted to listen through the headphones. It begins in a psychedelic manner and like many of the tracks on the album is of epic length and before I knew it I'd reached a wonderfully chilled atmosphere, which continued and kept me in a relaxed frame of mind until I'd completed my tasks and strangely enough emerged to give my full attention at the sixth track 'Emergance'. Which I have to say is a wonderful piece that begins with birdsong and other field recordings from the natural world. This is soon joined by an eastern sounding synth voice that just washes over you. It takes a while for the slow drum brushes to be introduced but you won't be disappointed with the wait.

To summarise this album is easy to get lost in. The tracks are somewhat similar and the epic length of the tracks and the ebb and flow of the music throughout the album are perfect for a chilled background and I for one am looking forward to exploring the tracks deeper in the future.

Review by Woodzee.

Links: 

http://interchill.bandcamp.com/

http://sinepearl.bandcamp.com/

Suns Of Arqa "Ancient Temples" Review

Artist: Suns Of Arqa

Title: Ancient Temples E.P.

Label: Interchill Records

Release Date: 19^th November 2013

I first came across the Suns of Arqa on a free cassette from a magazine I’d brought to pass the time on a train journey in the early 90’s. It was one of those tracks I played over and over and not long after I came across “Kokoromochi” on vinyl which proved to contain some perfect openers to a set. After that somehow they dropped off the radar for me for many years until I picked up a compilation of their tracks over the years “Through The Gates We Go” mixed by Tom Fu.

Through the internet I discovered there was a vast back catalogue of Michael Wadada & Co’s fusion of Indian Raga’s and Rastafarian Niyabinghi drumming dating back to 1980. I still have some way to go to fulfil this collection and was very impressed with Youth’s mix of “Jagnath Bhairavi” that Matthew Foord played on House of the Flying Eyeball’s “My Favourite Things” radio show recently (which sparked an interest in obtaining the Interchill album).

Considering the above I was eager to hear this E.P. (a precursor for a new album to be released in 2014) from the word go. The release opens with a re-mix of “Ancient Temples in the Southern Cape” by master of dub and vintage electronics Gaudi and I have to say the dreamy synths and reggae chords grabbed my attention immediately and the spacey vocal I can’t put a name to just adds to the appeal. Next up is a mix of the same track by Astralasia’s Swordfish. This version seems to take a more orchestral stance and although it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Gaudi’s, it’s still a nice alternative.

There’s certainly no lack of talent on this release as next up is Youth dub mix of “Pablo’s Lament” which to me blends soundtrack vocal samples, with Augustus Pablo’esque melodica heavy reggae and psychedelic dub.  The closing track “The Truth Will Set You Free” mixed by Gagarin is the nearest to Indian Classical music on the release and sets me in mind of the vibe of On-U Sounds “Pay It All Back” releases so it’s no great surprise to discover it was recorded in their studio with Skip McDonald on bass and drums.

To summarise, this E.P.I love it and can only surmise that if you’ve read this far you’re tastes are similar to mine and you’re probably playing it already.

Review by Woodzee.

Release Link interchill.bandcamp.com 

Links for artists:

Suns of Arqa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suns_of_Arqa

http://sunsofarqa.bandcamp.com/

Gaudi

www.gaudimusic.com/

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaudi_(musician)

www.facebook.com/gaudimusic

Astralasia

www.astralasia.co.uk/

www.facebook.com/pages/Astralasia/9053864353

Youth

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Glover

www.biglifemanagement.co.uk/producers/producer/youth1

Gagarin

www.gagarin.org.uk/

www.facebook.com/pages/GAGARIN/81533059428

3 Hour Chillout Radio Special

The Sun Is Shining is teaming up with House of the Flying Eyeball delivering over 3 hours of chill out music 



When: Sunday the 3rd of November 19:00 - 22:30 GMT

Where: boxfrequency.fm




This show will consist of the following with a chat room available for anyone who wishes to join in the fun.

One hour of Dubmission Records material compiled by Woodzee

http://www.dubmissionrecords.com/

The label started from a beach hut in Goa back in 1995, and initially released compilations “Mashing Up Creation”, “Skunked On Planet Dub” and "More Bass than Space" featuring artists such as Doof, Zion Train and Alpha & Omega.

With the New Zealand reggae scene going worldwide with acts like Fat Freddy’s Drop and Salmonella Dub, Dubmission Records picked up Pitch Black's albums to release in Europe and America. Their fusion of Reggae, Electronica and Ambient Soundscapes was making big waves as well as honorary Kiwi, International Observer, who lived down under for over 10 years.

Other releases include albums by Warp Technique, Third Ear Audio, Bluey and Deep Fried Dub.

One hour of Interchill Records material compiled by Andrew Interchill
http://interchill.bandcamp.com/

The label started back in 1994 emerging from the chill out rooms of Montreal’s rave scene. Initially created to showcase and export their music to the rest of the world they soon began to encompass producers from around the globe.

The list of quality releases from the label is vast with compilations and albums ranging from Ambient, Tribal Chill to Reggae and Dub-Step. Think Sounds From The Ground, Gaudi, Kaya Project, Alucidnation, Ishq, Eat Static, Suns Of Arqa, Liquid Stranger, Vibronics, Bush Chemists and you’re still only scratching the surface.

So it’s not surprising Andrew said he’d struggle to represent these artists with just one hour.

An hour and a half live set by Ade Laugee

http://www.acidicrecords.co.uk/

On the back of his 4 hour special @ London's InSpiral Lounge this Saturday http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?530053 we will air Ade's set from Whirl-Y-Gig's first ever Whirl-Y-Fayre held in Glastonbury UK this summer.

A familiar face to London’s club scene, Ade Laugée has Dj'd since 2001. In 2010 Ade re commenced composing / producing and in 2011 released his debut track on Whirl-Y-Gig's 30th anniversary “Global Disco” compilation album.

As Dj, Ade has supported, Raja Ram, Eat Static, Banco De Gaia, Dreadzone Sound System, OTT, & Pathaan.

For the foreseeable future, Ade’s focus will be dedicated to further releases / remixes with an album in the offing thereafter. On the evidence of past productions, the direction for any such album is currently unknown….however we do know it'll be unlikely to sound “fashionable” for the sake of trend.