SPOTLIGHT 241

29/03/2010 11:48

the Spot Light #241

d.d. Monday, March 29th, 2010

NEW RELEASES

CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS

TLÖN - TLÖN II (CD-LP/NASONI) The amazing new album from these South American masters of doom and psych rock is a heavy trip down the road towards new dimensions. Once again these Peruvians come up with a collection of fantastic songs, full of strong vocals and emotion. The black vinyl edition is limited to 400, and 100 coloured copies were pressed.

LUCIFER WAS - CROWN OF CREATION (CD/TRANSUBSTANS) The fifth album by Norwegian progressive hardrockers Lucifer Was takes the band one step closer towards the neo-classical or rockopera scene with the addition of Kristiansand's Symphony Orchestra featuring Michala Petri (recorder) and Jan Stigmer (violin). The trademark elements of Lucifer Was however remain screaming guitars, flutes, mellotrons, heavy hammonds and Jon Ruders enchanting vocals. The amazing cover is by Frank Fiedler, who's known from German kraut-legends Popol Vuh. This is an album that will leave no listener unaffected.

TROUM - EALD-GE-STREON (2LP/BETA-LACTAM RING)Troum has set its controls beyond the heart of the Sunn. The pulsating inferno of these seven drone concertos may require an insurance adjuster, but what a glorious way to burn. This double LP-set (coloured vinyl) comes with full colour gatefold sleeve, designed by Stephen O'Malley. Co-released with Equation Records.

NADJA - UNDER THE JAGUAR SUN (2LP/BETA-LACTAM RING) This double 180 gram vinyl edition is packaged in a full colour custom made book bound gatefold sleeve. The vinyl version features three mixes by Nadja and one mix by Edward Ka-Spel, using the 2CD set as source material, so the music is very different from the CD version. Sounds like a colossal celestial being smiling down on all he tramples.

VARIOUS - VII CONGRESSO POST INDUSTRIALE (CD/OLD EUROPA CAFE) Unreleased tracks, recorded live at the "VII Congresso Post Industriale" which took place in lorence earlier this year. The seven tracks include contributions from Fescalove, Satanismo Calibro 9, Brighter Death Now and Con-Dom.

CONAN - HORSEBACK BATTLE HAMMER (LP/ALONE-THRONE) The debut of UK's hammering powertrio Conan consists of four long, crushing ultra-doom tracks. This merciless material was recorded in Wales at the Foel Studios (Hawkwind, Blue Cheer, Godflesh) and artwork was done by Tony Roberts (Electric Wizard, Unearthy Trance, Cathedral).

SUMA - ASHES (2LP/ALONE-THRONE) Their third full length is a killer release. This fine 180 grams vinyl edition comes in a stunning gatefold sleeve with inner bags printed, which means a total of 8 panels. Includes an extra unreleased track not to be found on the CD. Engineered by Mr. Billy Anderson himself, artwork from no other than Stephan Kasner.

EXPECTED RELEASES

CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS

MY EDUCATION - SUNRISE (CD-LP/STRANGE ATTRACTORS AUDIO HOUSE) Comprised of pieces from the band's original score for F.W. Murnaus 1927 silent masterpiece 'Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans', My Education has discovered the perfect forum for which to flex their compositional muscles, achieving ever-transcendent musical heights in the process. Tucked away in the studio, they have captured a calamitous but oddly compelling tension, building to a crescendo of pure ecstasy with this, their latest and greatest triumph. My Education's most diverse and mature release yet. Available on CD and as a limited vinyl edition.

SEAN SMITH - ETERNAL (CD/STRANGE ATTRACTORS AUDIO HOUSE) 'Eternal' finds Sean Smith in peak compositional form, coaxing sensory-enhancing textures from an ensemble of players. His erstwhile acoustic guitar providing the anchor, Smith provides common links with Eastern and Middle Eastern folk music, folk-rock, Appalachian stomp, and Robbie Basho-esque American Raga that bobs and weaves but never ribbons itself away from its common tether. Softly psychedelic, spiritual, beautiful... 'Eternal' is eternal.

ARON - TESTAMENT FROM THE HUMAN PLANTATION (LP/ORPHEUS) The fourth LP from the much appreciated Danish psychedelic DIY folkrocker and one-man-band. Most of the songs here are first-takes and were made up along the way in the studio, making this a very improvised and honest recording. Musically it's an unholy marriage of warped songwriting, basement sounds, fuzz guitar, chunky drumming, avantgarde rhythms and spasmodic jangling.

DISSUADERS - MINUTES TO GO (LP/HATE) The new band featuring Italian punk-icon Alex Vargiu (Bloody Riot, Stigma, Bingo etc.), who's a real rock'n'roll outsider. The Dissuaders deliver 70s style punk-rock with pop chords and a touch of 70s glam inspiration. For fans of early-GG Allin, Nasal Boys, Buddy Love, Unnatural Axe, Damned, Dictators... Listening to this record one could easily think 'Minutes To Go' is a mid-70s proto-punk release. LP-only limited to 400 copies, of which a couple on clear vinyl.

CON-DOM/MILITIA - SCORCHED EARTH POLICY (CD/OLD EUROPA CAFE) Re-release of a legendary Old Europa Café cassette, featuring Con-Dom and Militia. Completely remastered and as an extra there are two unissued live tracks from Militia, recorded at their first ever gig.

VARIOUS - DOUBLE SPICY, VOL. 1 (7"/GET HIP) Los Explosivos vs. The Cavernarios! A delicious double whammy of raw and wild garage r'n'r from Mexico City, offering two mega enjoyable cuts by each band.

60’s & 70’s & 80’s (RE-)RELEASES AND ARTISTS + OTHER OLDIES

RANGER SOUND/I RAGAZZI DAI CAPELLI VERDI - I SINGOLI ANNI '60 SPLIT 12" (12"/HATE) The Ranger Sound are one of the very best punk bands from Italy's sixties rock history. Their amazing sole single, with a killer guitar sound, is one of Europe's best garage gems. No wonder it was included in various 60s garage rock compilations. Now you get it on 12" format (green vinyl!), taken from the original master tapes. Also on this release are tracks by I Ragazzi Dai Capelli Verdi, a next incarnation of the band, responsible for two excellent beat singles.

SCHWARZ OF GALIORKA - HORROR! HORROR! SCHWARZ HELLEVA!! (LP/HATE) At last available, a missing post punk gem from 1983, the lost recordings from Milano's Schwarz Of Galiorka. These are not the recordings used for their CD 'Tapes Of Mystery And Imagination' from 1997.

HITLER SS - SKATE LIKE ELVIS (CD/HATE) For the first time on CD, the recordings (including much previously unreleased stuff) from the seminal Italian punk band from Pordenone, who were active innthe period 1977-1979. Includes bonus tracks taken from their legendary (and super rare) split single with Tampax.

DAZIBAO - 4CD BOX (4CD/INFRASTITION) Awesome 4CD set in an embossed collector metal-box, offering lots of material by the excellent French 80s cold wave act Dazibao. Three of the CD's collect all their officially released material, including hard to find tracks and compilation appearances. The fourth CD contains rare live footage. Only 600 copies!

SELECTED PRESS QUOTES

CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS

GUNSLINGERS - MANIFESTO ZERO (CD-LP/WORLD IN SOUND) reviewed by Campking for FileUnder (translated excerpt) ...hard, overpowering and especially very rewarding.

GRAVIATORS - GRAVIATORS (CD/TRANSUBSTANS) reviewed by Pé for Dreun (translated excerpt) The Graviators are a must for fans of quality hardrock.

GONKS - FLOAT YER BOAT (CD/GREEN COOKIE) reviewed by DubbelMono for FileUnder (translated excerpt) Their material is excellent, the guitars are well dosed, the organ sounds filthy and the singer has a pleasant, soulful voice.

VIBRAVOID - TRIPTAMINE (CD+DVD/NASONI) reviewed by Andy Morten for Shindig (excerpt) ...a band who are truly psychedelic - experimental, embracing of technology and unafraid to crank their amps up to cranium-creasingly high levels.

ELECTRIC ORANGE - KRAUTROCK FROM HELL (CD/SULATRON) reviewed by Ken Truman for DPRP (excerpt) This is a good album, all be it firmly set in its genre of psychedelic/krautrock/spacerock. It will appeal to lovers of inventive atmospheric music with 'balls'!

60’s & 70’s & 80’s (RE-)RELEASES AND ARTISTS + OTHER OLDIES

ANNEKE KONINGS - FEELINGS AND FAIRYTALES (CD/EXCALIBUR MUSIC GROUP) reviewed by Bert Dijkman for Platomania (translated excerpt) ...a beautiful voice and even more beautiful songs...

LIVE

DEWOLFF (REMUSIC) selected dates - April 3: Amsterdam, NL (Paradiso) / April 9: Dordrecht, NL (Bibelot) / April 10: Hengelo, NL (Metropool) / April 17: Lelystad, NL (Underground) / April 29: Den Haag, NL (Koninginnenach) / May 30: Landgraaf, NL (Pinkpop)

THE SONICS (NORTON) March 30: Amsterdam, NL (Paradiso)

LISA O PIU (SUBLIMINAL) + BIRCH BOOK (AHNSTERN) March 30: Gent, B (Academie) / April 3: Zwolle, NL (Eureka) / April 4: Brussels, B (Theatre Du Flute Enchantée)

JESSIE EVANS (FANTOMETTE) April 4: Amsterdam (Paradiso)
SAMSARA BLUES EXPERIMENT (WORLD IN SOUND) April 15: Tilburg, NL (Roadburn festival) / August 8: Geel, B (Yellowstock festival)
HORISONT (CRUSHER) April 17: Tilburg, NL (Roadburn Festival)
ÖRESUND SPACE COLLECTIVE (TRANSUBSTANS) April 14: Den Haag, NL (De Vinger) / April 15, Tilburg, NL (Roadburn Festival)

VERMILLION SANDS (SCREAMING APPLE) April 14: Utrecht, NL (AKU) / April 16: Helmond, NL (Muziek café) / April 17: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat)

DEAD BROTHERS (VOODOO RHYTHM) April 29: Eindhoven, NL (Effenaar) / April 30 daytime: Deventer (Burgerweeshuis/Garden party!) + evening: Venlo, NL (Queensday fest) / June 4: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat)

HEX DISPENSERS (ALIEN SNATCH!) May 6: Groningen, NL (Vera) / May 21: Amsterdam, NL (OCCII) / May 23: Kortrijk, B (The Pits)

MAGNAPOP (BASSICK) May 13: Geraardsbergen, B (De Spiraal) / May 14: Maastricht, NL (Muziekgieterij) / May 15: -afternoon- Torhout, B (Masters @ work) / May 15: -evening- Arnhem, NL (Luxor) / May 16: Kasterlee, B (Kastival) / June 25: Amsterdam, NL (Melkweg) / June 26: Waasmunster, B (Vierschaarfeesten) / June 27: Genk (Festival On Stage)

SHEETAH ET LES WEISSMULLER (SCREAMING APPLE) May 22: Amsterdam, NL (OT301/Beatfestival)

C.W. STONEKING (VOODOO RHYTHM) May 29: Eindhoven, NL (Naked Song Festival/Muziek Centrum Frits Philips) / June 4: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat)

THINGUMA JIG*SAW (DESERTED VILLAGE) June 2010 t.b.a.

GÖSTA BERLINGS SAGA (TRANSUBSTANS) July 16: Haarlem, NL (Patronaat) / July 17: t.b.a.

DUNGEN (SUBLIMINAL SOUNDS) July 17: Tilburg, NL (013) t.b.c. / July 18: t.b.a. / July 19: Amsterdam, NL (Paradiso Open air/Tolhuistuin) t.b.c.

KENTIN JIVEK (S.R.) spring-summer 2010

PONAMERO SUNDOWN (TRANSUBSTANS) spring 2010 t.b.a.

SIENA ROOT (HEAD SPIN, TRANSUBSTANS) June 2010 t.b.a.

GRAVES BROTHERS DELUXE (GREEN COOKIE) spring-summer 2010 t.b.a.

Blog

Previous editions:

06/09/2010 11:47 SPOTLIGHT 264

30/08/2010 11:42 SPOTLIGHT 263

24/08/2010 11:09 SPOTLIGHT 262

18/08/2010 11:22 SPOTLIGHT 261

09/08/2010 11:31 SPOTLIGHT 260

02/08/2010 11:29 SPOTLIGHT 259

26/07/2010 11:16 SPOTLIGHT 258

20/07/2010 12:06 SPOTLIGHT 257

12/07/2010 12:22 SPOTLIGHT 256

05/07/2010 11:52 SPOTLIGHT 255

29/06/2010 11:34 SPOTLIGHT 254

21/06/2010 11:21 SPOTLIGHT 253

15/06/2010 11:37 SPOTLIGHT 252

07/06/2010 11:43 SPOTLIGHT 251

31/05/2010 11:35 SPOTLIGHT 250

25/05/2010 12:20 SPOTLIGHT 249

19/05/2010 11:48 SPOTLIGHT 248

10/05/2010 11:26 SPOTLIGHT 247

03/05/2010 11:46 SPOTLIGHT 246

26/04/2010 12:04 SPOTLIGHT 245