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bo en - pale machine 2
I really enjoy this one. The diversity of the electronic influences that create this are just so great to listen to, along with the beautiful orchestral passages that happen on some of the songs. This is a perfectly engaging release ALL the way through, and I really doubt it'd have anyone bored. I'd recommend (We Are) friends as a good song to dive into, if you don't have much time, though. https://youtu.be/bDvkHVb8bms?si=UyyvygvpfHqXNzop
Swans - To Be Kind
This is my first time listening to Swans, they have an absolutely massive discography, but due to the album cover really grabbing me (which was honestly my main reasoning for listening, haha) I decided on this. To Be Kind did NOT disappoint, EVER. I barely even realized this was 2 hours long, although I listened to it in multiple sessions (which might not be for everyone, but it's my music and I can listen to it however I like.) Now, although I do consider this album an absolute masterpiece, I would be lying if I said I could really take in every moment from one listen. But after re-listening to some of the tracks (particularly Raise The Sun and Screen Shot) I do feel confident in my brief understanding of the album. From the standpoint of each member of the band alone, all of them do amazingly, which is something I so rarely find. I might enjoy the bass playing but think the guitar playing is generic on some projects, or vice versa, but on here everyone does amazingly. The guitar riffs are always jaw droppingly intense and hard hitting, the drum playing matching perfectly, not even to mention insanely catching bass riffs and the absolutely incredible vocal performance. But as I said earlier, this is my first SWANS listen, so I feel that my description can't do them justice just yet. Even still, I'd recommend Oxygen: https://youtu.be/b0W3b6jzE38?si=WhXy4VMddWO-IGWO
Black Country, New Road - Live At Bush Hall
Unlike the others here, I didn't listen to it for the first time in the last week or two. But I thought I'd put it here, as I really do enjoy this project. If you're listening to BC,NR for the first time, this is probably a bad spot to jump in (I'd recommend listening to their discography in order to hear their musical progression). But if you haven't given live at bush hall a shot yet, I'd seriously recommend it. I'm not sure if any of these songs will have a place on a future BC,NR project (which I hope they don't, just due to the fact they have already been released), so if you were hesitant to jump in to a live album for the fear of you hearing a less-finished version of a song, I can confidently say you don't have to. Not every single one of these songs have the exact amount of polish that songs on Ants From Up There may have had, most likely due to the growing period this band were in at the time of making this, but I can confidently say some of these songs surpass past works of BC,NR in my opinion! Turbines/Pigs I really prefer to Basketball Shoes, which is definitely a hot take, but I really do believe it's not only a more cohesive listen but also a cleaner listen, with a bit more emotional significance to me. The Boy is an incredible change in BC,NR's compositional style which still feels right at home for them, and Up Song is really lovely as a fan of the band. I'd recommend Turbines/Pigs without a doubt, though: https://youtu.be/VgZn5dfg1U0?si=UbixFdV-HPb5BfPR
Sprain - The Lamb As Effigy
This album might honestly ruin your day if you listen to it as a whole project. Even listening to only part of this might ruin your day. But for me, it came at a point in time where I really needed something of this sound, scope, and darkness. This is the darkest album in sound I have listened to to date, although it has some truly BEAUTIFUL moments and sounds. The compositional expertise of this album is incredible, as well, as even 25+ minute tracks can hold my attention (mostly, lol, I can't exactly say the longer songs here work as well as they have done with Swans for me, which isn't to this albums detriment, but is a small gripe I have had in my few listens to this.) Songs like Margin For Error or We Think So Ill of You will stay in my mind forever with their absolutely terrifying or beautiful moments. One point on this album that stands out to me specifically, is the end of We Think So Ill of You, which is why it's my recommended track for this album. I do really think this album deserves a whole listen, though. I can't say with confidence it's good for those in a bad headspace (which to be fair, I can't say with To Be Kind either, haha) but if you're ready to be open minded to some really disturbing, large, vast arrangements, I can not recommend this enough. We Think So Ill of You: https://youtu.be/TFV1rRGBNfE?si=Je_omPY_7yUIKa0C
Himiko Kikuchi - Flying Beagle
I wanted to end this off with something a bit more fun! In all honesty, this is the only one here I haven't listened to fully yet (which I should really get to), but I still thought it deserved a mention. Flying Beagle is a Jazz Fusion album that is really just a blast to listen to if you're in the mood for it, that's about all I have to say at the moment. Maybe I'll update this with more thoughts later? Really this whole post is just me trying to find stuff to chat about when really I just like the music a lot, but I hope my lack of things to say for this album doesn't put you off. It's great. I recommend A Seagull and Clouds: https://youtu.be/fDyjYiBqgAA?si=Y65xgDFRPQKMilvs
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