FAINT WAVES

Between late-February and mid-March, I bought a decent amount of music (more than what’s featured here), and I actually thought to write about some of it. That said, the month got away from me, and I neither had the time nor energy if I’m being quite honest. Sad to say but it’s true. Even so, I couldn’t let the month go by without putting my best foot forward and attempting to write something of substance for the site, so I’ve rounded up those releases like the regular music wrangler I am for a single review article. Without further ado, let’s talk tunes, we’ve got quite the eclectic melting pot here.

1.) Åreknuteknyterne, “Åreknuteknyterne” (EP, Compilation)

What a name, right? This EP from Tribe Tapes is a compilation of four tunes by Åreknuteknyterne, a Norwegian Post-Punk act from the mid-80’s. These cold and avant-garde songs are a great example of the experimentation happening around the world betwixt Post-Punk and New Wave music. From the near-Prog, Post-Rock of “Untitled” to the more standard Coldwave of “Augusta Bloom I – II”; the extended play is a time capsule, a microcosmic glimpse into a musical environment and culture that is arguably alien to modern audiences. This otherworldly quality makes the resurgence and re-release of this music all the more impressive, seemingly plucked from obscurity, these tracks have received quite a bit of traction on YouTube. Just goes to show you, you never know when your music will begin to resonate with people, it may take 40 years.

2.) Personal System 個人システム, “Distant Paradise” (EP)

Personal System 個人システム, better known as Norus or Code Selections, is a project dedicated to exploring memories and nostalgia. Distant Paradise (released via Dream Chimney) is an extended play that does just that, crafting a beautiful and evocative musical backdrop. Deep, meditative, hypnotic Smooth Jazz. A cohesive sonic experience that flows like water, a hazy dream state that you float through with ease. Fretless bass excursions, warm bongo drums, electric piano jaunts, and sensual sax work, buoyed by crashing waves. I’ve said it elsewhere, but it’s a release after my own heart, it could serve as a more Smooth Jazz oriented companion to a release of mine like Statue & Palm. A lovely release that will appeal to fans of light and mellow Smooth Jazz, New Age, and Downtempo.

3.) Juno Francis, “Melancholia” (LP)

A debut full-length and the latest entry into the Italians Do It Better canon, Melancholia by Juno Francis is a danceable pleasure cruise into the darkness, one you’re happy to get lost in. Best heard on a song like “Hey You Goodbye Me”, Melancholia bridges standard Italians Do It Better fare with Cerrone and Moroder-like Euro-synth musicality. Berlin-based Juno Francis, as an act, has proven themselves a great addition to the Italians Do It Better family here. In a stable of talented artists, past and present, Juno Francis doesn’t set out to sound exactly like any one of them. Rather, what you’re hearing on this record is an artist whose own musical world overlaps very well with the shadowy dance music of IDIB. The Giallo-tinged composition, the smoky lounge vocals, the lurid lyricism; Melancholia is a release out of time, both in modern music, and the Italians Do It Better catalogue.

4.) Sons Of Sevilla, “All The While” (Single)

The cosmic Americana of this Sons Of Sevilla single hit me slow and easy, landing me somewhere between Laurel Canyon and New Mexico. The 70’s-adjacent dreaminess of “All The While”, vaguely psychedelic as it is, paints a beautiful sonic picture. The Western-tinged percussion, the James Wilsey meets Rick Vito style guitars, and the smooth vocals really work wonders. Shades of America and Fleetwood Mac aside, the Spain-based duo have crafted a genuinely beautiful tune here, it may pay homage to people but it is by no means derivative. An accessible, desert-evoking Soft Rock number that I feel I could share with anyone, without pretense or hesitation. This is the sort of music coming out now that I think sort of transcends not only genre, but time, and age. Different people who hear this will get different things out of it, but they will get something out of it, that’s the beauty of this music. Keep an eye out for Sons Of Sevilla’s upcoming record, Street Light Moon.

That’s all I have for you right now, thank you for reading. Give these artists a look and a follow at the links above. Until next time.

~FW.