On HEADSPIN we offer heavy stoner and psych rock sounds by excellent contemporary artists.
SPOTLIGHT 401
17/05/2013 11:28
the Spot Light #401
d.d. Tuesday, 21st May, 2013
NEW RELEASES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
DEAD-END ALLEY BAND - WHISPERS OF THE NIGHT (LP/NASONI) The trippy debut by a psychedelic rock band from Peru! On black and coloured vinyl.
VIDUNDER - VIDUNDER (CD-LP/CRUSHER) The music of Vidunder is bluesy '70s inspired rock with a touch of garage. The trio now joins Spiders, Horisont and Dean Allen Foyd, by releasing their debut album on Crusher Records. There's a notable guest appearance by guitarist John Hoyles, the current guitarist of Spiders, and ex-member of Witchcraft and Troubled Horse.
VHK - VELED HARAPTAT CSILLAGOT (LP/EKTRO) The Hungarian shamanic punk legends VHK (Galloping Coroners, previously on Alternative Tentacles) release their first studio album in thirteen years. Their magical folk music on the new album, 'Bite The Stars!', presents the band's extremely powerful presence fresher than ever, with ferociously transcendental songs reaching an extraordinary dramatic effect. One of the most original and charismatic groups in the world, VHK conceive music in its cosmic spirit, full of magic and wonder, receiving their hypnotizing energies from the power of primordial life instinct. Praised by icons such as Iggy Pop, Jello Biafra and Henry Rollins. Limited vinyl version.
HAUNTED LEATHER - RED ROAD (LP/STOLEN BODY) Hypnotic psychedelic tunes out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Far out! Limited edition on red vinyl with download card.
CIRCLE - PANIC (LP/EKTRO) On 'Panick' these experimental veterans study both ends of the previously unheard static/hyper-active scale. Soundwise they have clearly proceeded to the 21st century, jumping from limpid synthesizer soundscapes to wall-smashing "speed-kraut" bursts, influenced by '80s Finnish hardcore punk.
CIRCLE - SIX DAY RUN (LP/EKTRO) A soundtrack composed for Mika Taanila's short film about one of the most extreme individual endurance sports, which dates back to to the 1870s. The competitors run with minimal sleep, all the while trying to accumulate as many miles as possible on a one-mile paved loop in a park.
CORSAIR - ALPHA CENTAURI (CD/SHADOW KINGDOM) CD-issue of Corsair's first EP, the foundation of what has become a classic progressive rock/heavy metal band. Heavily rooted in the sounds of '70s rock and metal, this EP has splashes of just about every '70s band/artist you can imagine, including Kiss, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, and Black Sabbath. They didn't really lather up on the Thin Lizzy sound until later, but this is certainly quality and unique.
MAKOTO KAWABATA - LOVE PHASE (CD/NOISOKE) A new solo album by Makoto, the head of Japanese freak-out unit Acid Mothers Temple. Two lengthy pieces of epic, deeply spiritual and transcendental drone.
K.K. NULL - MATERIAL OF DARKNESS (CD/NOISOKE) Two lengthy tracks by Japanese sonic wizard Kazuyuki K. Null, also known from notable bands s.a. Zeni Geva, Absolute Null Punkt and YBO. This dynamic release is full of glitchy electronics, banging waves of noise, cut-up electro-acoustics, pulsing rhythms, sonically-crafted sculptures and droning ethereal ambiance.
CRYSTAL CARAVAN - WITH THEM YOU WALK ALONE (LP/TRANSUBSTANS) Their well received third full length, now available on transparent red vinyl.
BLOODSHOT BILL - THE LONESOME ROAD (LP/NORTON) On vinyl, it's the second Norton-full length by this utterly cool one man rock'n'roll unit.
OF THE WAND AND THE MOON - THE LONE DESCENT (2LP/HEIDRUNAR MYRKR) The highly acclaimed fifth album from Denmark's Of The Wand & The Moon, now available as a limited pressing on dark red vinyl. Here the music is '60s influenced, revealing a love for Lee Hazlewood and Serge Gainsbourg.
POSITION PARALLELE - NEONS BLANCS (LP+CD/HAU RUCK!) The brand new work of Dernière Volonté's minimal electronic project, a taste of future retro synthi pop! Limited edition, including printed innersleeves and CD copy in wallet sleeve.
ATRIUM CARCERI - VOID (CD/CRYO MIND) Atrium Carceri returns with a stunningly detailed album and yet again propels the genre forward into uncharted territory. Comes in nicely designed ekopak. Released on Simon Heath's new label.
HEBOSAGIL - LAHTO (LP/FULL CONTACT) Hebosagil plunge towards more and more tormenting tunes that stick to your frontal lobe, avoiding the pitfalls from which most of the so-called heavy and uncompromising bands are eternally doomed to seek a way out.
SAKRA AFRICAN ORCHESTRA - NOFITELO (THE DESTROYER) (CD/CHOP TIME MUSIC) The Sakra African Orchestra from Ghana plays a unique and very danceable style of Ga highlife with flavours of reggae, Afrobeat and Latin, using traditional African instruments. Many of its musicians are former members of the renowned Pan African Orchestra. Sakra was formed in the late 1980's by drummer Nii Adjetey Adjei, and spent its early years playing in Togo and Nigeria. Today, the Sakra African Orchestra continues to amaze crowds with its spectacular live shows full of dancing and acrobatics.
VEIN - SCOURING THE WRECKAGE OF TIME (CD/SHADOW KINGDOM) A promising new band, emerging from the hot ashes of Altar Of Oblivion. Compared to that band, Vein take their heavy sound in the direction of late '80s/early '90s death and black metal.
VARIOUS - BEHIND THE CANVAS OF TIME (CD/CRYO MIND) This compilation weaves a tale from the depths of the ancient gods, to the plains of our tribal formations, and to the reconstruction of giant cities from our repressed memories. Artists include Desiderii Marginis, Atrium Carceri, Svartsinn & Gydja, Eldar, Halgrath, Sjellos, Asbaar, Lamia Vox, Cryobiosis, Sabled Sun and Dahlia's Tear. Comes in a nice ekopak.
VARIOUS - NOISERISING (CD/NOISOKE) An intriguing collection of noise/power and electronic-experimental soundscapes, recorded by nine selected musicians from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China.
OF THE WAND AND THE MOON - SHALL LOVE FALL FROM VIEW? (7"/HEIDRUNAR MYRKR) This limited 7-inch release features four songs recorded in 2009/2010. Quiet moods with acoustic guitar and piano.
60’s & 70’s & 80’s (RE-)RELEASES AND ARTISTS + OTHER OLDIES
MONARCS/VI-TONES - SOUR GRAPES/KAMIKAZE (7"/NORTON) Heavy reverb instrumental surf rippers by El Pasos Monarcs and Chicagos Vi-Tones! Two 1963 monsters, with sound from the master tapes, released here for the first time!
SONICS - DO YOU LOVE ME/MONEY (7"/NORTON) Two pulverizing pounders from the deadly 'Here Are The Sonics' debut album, now on 45rpm! See the News-section bellow for more upcoming Norton releases!
EXPECTED RELEASES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
BLOOD AXIS - THE GOSPEL OF INHUMANITY (LP/STORM) Reissue on vinyl of the first album, almost twenty years after its original release.
DARKWOOD - SCHICKSALFAHRT (LP/HEIDENVOLK) Dedicated to the life and death of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (author of 'The Little Prince') and Amelie Hedwig Beese, this limited edition neo-folk LP (coloured vinyl, gatefold sleeve) features acoustic tracks with guitars, violoncello, violin, accordion, bass and drums. Vocals are both in English and German vocals.
EARTHEN GRAVE - EARTHEN GRAVE (2LP-CD/RIPPLE) Formed in 2008, Earthen Gracve is a five-piece Chicago-based metal band that marries the sounds of metal past and future with a sweaty, pummeling live show. Their qualities are showcased on this release, which features a guest appearance from classical violinist Rachel Barton Pine. For fans of Trouble, Black Sabbath, Cathedral, Pentagram, St. Vitus, Rainbow, a.m.o.
LORI GOLDSTON - FILM SCORES (LP/SUB ROSA) Lori Goldston is a cellist, composer, improvisor, producer, writer and teacher based in Seattle. Her voice as a cellist, amplified or acoustic, is full, textured, committed and original. She was the touring cellist for Nirvana (1993-1994) and appears on their live album 'MTV Unplugged In New York'.
HARVESTER - BLIND SUMMIT RECORDINGS (LP/FREAK FLAG) A 12-inch on 180-gram black virgin vinyl, offering six songs in 30 minutes on 33 rpm. Quality stoner-metal from Ireland! Includes download.
ARMCHAIR MIGRAINE JOURNEY - TRANSMUTATION DRONE (CD/BETA-LACTAM RING) Edition of 200 numbered and signed copies in a custom made gatefold CD case. Part one features Ty Hodson on drums and bowed cymbals and Pascal Godjikian (La STPO) on vocals/lyrics.
NIGHT DEMON - NIGHT DEMON EP (CD/SHADOW KINGDOM) A young trio from California, reliving the days of the NWOBHM in their own powerful fashion.
RED MASQUE - MYTHALOGUE (CD/BETA-LACTAM RING) The first studio outing in five years from Philly's native avant prog wunderkind, The Red Masque. Packaged in a custom full color book bound gatefold sleeve with a 4 panel CD poster.
CODACHROM - PLASTINKA (10"/GEOMETRIK) Codachrom is the duo formed in 2012 by Eugene Voronovski and Miguel A. Ruiz. Voronovski is one of the most renowned musicians of the current Russian electronic music scene. Ruiz is one the most noted Spanish electronic musicians since the early '80s. These two talents of current European music gather up and turn on their machines, offering spontaneous live shows to strange beings that rise up from the nearby craters. With a bit of luck, the flickering lights of their synthesizers can be seen through a telescope from our planet.
ZENTRALHEIZUNG OF DEATH - BUSY GHOST (7"/ALIEN SNATCH!) A new garage-punk band on the Alien Snatch! label. They started a few years ago as a manic instrumental astroman band and then added vocals to wreak havoc. They shared stages with Ty Segall early this year and will open for Thee Oh Sees this summer.
PROTOKIDS - GEOMETRIC BOY (7"/ALIEN SNATCH!) The official debut 7-inch from these Parisian rising stars of power pop delight. Edgy and jangly!
60’s & 70’s & 80’s (RE-)RELEASES AND ARTISTS + OTHER OLDIES
BARIS MANCO - HAL HAL (2LP/CY MUSIC) Double vinyl release featuring no less than 24 tracks from one of the most legendary and influential names in Turkish psych, prog, rock, funk and more.
BOA - WRONG ROAD (LP/HIMALAYA) Hailing from the Detroit suburb of Auburn Heights, BOA recorded this little gem in 1971, completely live and giving their psychy garage sounds a little punk twist. The result sounds like a mixture of The Who, Doors and The Sonics. Must be good!
TONGUE - KEEP ON TRUCKIN' (LP/HIMALAYA) Vinyl reissue of an LP with something of a cult status. Tongue were a blues-based, organ-fueled, country and rural folk-influenced hard rock band that emerged from the copious student population of countercultural Wisconsin. Their '69 album is a forgotten classic of late '60s American psychedelia.
BOKAJ RETSIEM - PSYCHEDELIC UNDERGROUND (LP/HIMALAYA) Reissue on vinyl of one of the best late '60s German psych LP's, which already revealed glimpses of the soon to emerge Kraut movement. Though various musician appear on these recordings, Bokaj Retsiem basically was the solo-project of musician and composer Rainer Deigner, ex-guitarist of German beat group Former Bonds. A treat for fans of Vanilla Fudge, Hendrix, Iron Butterfly and the heavy side of all things trippy and krauted.
ICECROSS - ICECROSS (LP-CD/ROCKADROME) Reissue on CD and vinyl of an incredible hard rocking LP from Iceland, 1972. This Black Sabbath-influenced collection features the tracks 'Jesus Freak'. '1999' and several other heavy hitters. The sound is taken from the original master tapes.
LIVE SKULL - BRINGING HOME THE BAIT (CD/DESIRE) Reissued with seven bonus tracks, and a 24-page booklet with rare and unseen pics. Extensive liner notes by band members Tom Paine and Mark C. The unholy trinity of Live Skull/Swans/Sonic Youth dominated New York's noise scene throughout most of the 1980s, but Live Skull was the component in that musical equation that was, first and foremost, about the songs. 'Bringing Home The Bait' was recorded in 1984 and originally released in 1985 on Homestead Records. An intensely eccentric, nearly unclassified record that has been called "The best Noise Rock Post Punk New Wave No Wave Experimental Indie Emo Goth Album Ever".
LIVE SKULL - EP (CD/DESIRE) This is the record that started it all for NYC's highly regarded noise pioneers. A gloriously sprawling collection of deep, dark grooves and insidiously entwined guitars. Reissued with seven bonus tracks, and a 24 page booklet with rare and unseen pics. Extensive liner notes by band members Tom Paine and Mark C.
PITIFUL - DEPTFORD SESSION 1978 (CD/ONLY FIT FOR THE BIN) Featuring two ex-members of The 101ers, these ultra raw recordings from the vaults of punk rock history are essential for fans of the true spirit of '76-'77.
NEWS
In this newsletter you could already read about a number of new titles from NORTON RECORDS. Other brand new and upcoming releases from the label include split 7-inches from LA LA BROOKS (The Crystals) and PIGGIES, as well as FLOP and MARTY WATERS, a double EP of Kim Fowley-poems set to music by Gories-members MICK COLLINS and DANNY KROHA, and a reissue (7-inch) of SUR ROYAL DA COUNT & THE PARKLIAMENTS' 'Scream Baby Scream'.
HIGH ROLLER RECORDS has announced an impressive number of newe releases, including titles from OATH ('Night Child' 7-inch), ANVIL CHORUS ('Killing Sun' LP + 7-inch), US '80s trash/death metal merchants COVEN (not the late '60s occult psych band), DARKNESS (from Germany) and DIAMOND LIL (s/t LP), ONSLAUGHT ('Power From Hell' LP).
The latest CD's from Korean label BIG PINK MUSIC are reissues of albums by SALLY EATON (1971's 'Farewell American Tour'), folk musician DAVID HABECK ('81), SHERMAN HAYES (1973's 'Vagabonds Roost'), BILL JERPE (folk-s/sw s/t LP from 1970) and swamp rock artist RAYMOND LOUIS KENNEDY (1970's s/t collection).
SELECTED PRESS QUOTES
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS
ANNAMY - WOODPECKER (LP-CD/SUBLIMINAL SOUNDS) reviewed by Oz Hardwick for R2 (excerpt) ...AnnaMy is simply an impressive new talent in her own right.
ZOLLE - ZOLLE (LP-CD/SUPERNATURALCAT) reviewed by Cosmic Masseur for ConcreteWeb (excerpt) ...Zolle may indeed find a small and deserved audience with their brand of instrume(n)tal sludge. reviewed by Paul van de Gehuchte for Rock Tribune (translated excerpt) ...two hard labourers who provide the barren metal land with a fresh layer of manure.
SKOGEN BRINNER - 1ST (CD-LP/SUBLIMINAL SOUNDS) reviewed by Jeff Penczak for Terrascope (excerpt) The band's manifesto is to create "rotten hard rock with a drive and without too many frills". I'd say they succeeded quite nicely, thank you.
60’s & 70’s & 80’s (RE-)RELEASES AND ARTISTS + OTHER OLDIES
ORCHESTRE POLY-RYTHMO DE COTONOU - VOL. 3: THE SKELETAL ESSENCES OF AFRO FUNK (2LP-CD/ANALOG AFRICA) reviewed by Francis de Souza for Mixed Magazine (translated excerpt) Though the first two volumes were much worth while, the king of compilations, Samy Ben Radjeb, now delivers his best Poly Rythmo-collection.
CHRISSY ZEBBY TEMBO & NGOZI FAMILY - MY ANCESTORS (LP-CD/SHADOKS MUSIC) reviewed by Jeff Penczak for Terrascope (excerpt) The songs are ultra-catchy and sung in English...
SAINTE ANTHONY'S FYRE - SAINTE ANTHONY'S FYRE (LP-CD/ROCKADROME) reviewed by Jeremy Cargill for Ugly Things (excerpt) In 1970, when St. Anthony's Fire was released, it may well have been the best thingv New Jersey had to offer... reviewed by Paul Rigby for Record Collector (excerpt) ...an obsucre, fuzz drenched, hard-rocking gem...
LIVE
KING AYISOBA (MAKKUM) June 6: Amsterdam, NL (OCCII) / June 7: Arnhem, NL (Willemeen) / June 8: Vlissingen, NL (De Piek) / June 17: Brussels, B (LAC)
ZEA (MAKKUM) June 6: Amsterdam, NL (OCCII) / June 17: Brussels, B (LAC)
JEFF HERSHEY & THE HEARTBEATS (SOUNDFLAT) June 9: Leiden, NL (Q-Bus)
POSSESSED BY PAUL JAMES (VOODOO RHYTHM) June 14: Waardamme, B (Muddy Roots Festival)
KING AUTOMATIC (VOODOO RHYTHM) June 14: Waardamme, B (Muddy Roots fest.) / June 22: La Louvière, B (t.b.a.) / June 23: Liège/Luik, B (Lou's Bar)
REVEREND BEAT-MAN (VOODOO RHYTHM) June 14: Kortrijk, B (The Pit's) / June 15: Nijmegen, NL (Stadionplein) / June 16: Waardamme, B (Muddy Roots Festival)
A-BONES (NORTON) June 19: Amsterdam, NL (Paradiso) / June 20: Groningen, NL (Vera)
MONSTERS (VOODOO RHYTHM) July 13: La Louvière, B (Power Festival)
PUSSYWARMERS (VOODOO RHYTHM) July 26: Kortrijk, B (Pits) / July 27: Leeuwarden, NL (Welcome To The Village) / July 28: -daytime- Den Haag, NL (Summertime Festival) -evening- Apeldoorn, NL (Gigant Café)
MAMA ROSIN (VOODOO RHYTHM, MOI J'CONNAIS) August 2: Namur/Namen, B (Esperanzah fest.)
Blog
Previous editions:
10/05/2013 11:41 SPOTLIGHT 400
03/05/2013 11:24 SPOTLIGHT 399
29/04/2013 11:15 SPOTLIGHT 398
19/04/2013 11:25 SPOTLIGHT 397
12/04/2013 11:37 SPOTLIGHT 396
05/04/2013 11:19 SPOTLIGHT 395
29/03/2013 11:19 SPOTLIGHT 394
22/03/2013 11:34 SPOTLIGHT 393
15/03/2013 11:23 SPOTLIGHT 392
08/03/2013 11:34 SPOTLIGHT 391
01/03/2013 11:31 SPOTLIGHT 390
22/02/2013 11:12 SPOTLIGHT 389
15/02/2013 11:44 SPOTLIGHT 388
08/02/2013 12:05 SPOTLIGHT 387
01/02/2013 12:37 SPOTLIGHT 386
25/01/2013 11:16 SPOTLIGHT 385
18/01/2013 11:37 SPOTLIGHT 384
11/01/2013 11:25 SPOTLIGHT 383
04/01/2013 11:13 SPOTLIGHT 382
21/12/2012 11:33 SPOTLIGHT 381
