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Published 12th July 2016
1: THENCE - We Are Left With A Song
Country: Finland
Sub-genre: Progressive rock
Description: I can not believe that it has been five years since I enthused about These Stones Cry From The Earth, the debut offering from this talented duo from Kuopio (read the review here). That was a captivating one-song album lasting 57 minutes. This time there is a more conventional track listing, yet still characterised by sprawling soundscapes, where sparkling bursts of electronica overlap the heartfelt vocals, amidst a melancholic embrace of ambiance. Thoughtful. An album to listen to in contemplative silence.
Listen to it now: Full Album on Bandcamp
More Information: Artist on FacebookListen to it now: Full Album on Bandcamp
2: DARK SUNS - Everchild
Country: Germany
Sub-genre: Melancholic crossover
Description: Rarely has a band ever turned it’s back on its roots so completely as these dudes have done. The original dark metal had completely vanished on their last album (Orange - 2011), and a sort of melancholic retro music has been celebrated instead. Album number five is again totally different, with a sound that has become extremely eclectic. No matter if it’s melancholic rock songs with a jazzy horn section á la Quincy Jones, or Dave Gilmour-esque blues rock, or shoegaze with a Mellotron, or melancholic metal in the vein of Porcupine Tree, Dark Suns never cease to find the perfect atmospheric balance and production values.
Listen to it now: Listen to the album on Bandcamp
More Information: Artist websiteListen to it now: Listen to the album on Bandcamp
3: VAULTS OF ZIN - Kadath
Country: USA
Sub-genre: Experimental metal/zeuhl
Description: Kadath is not for the faint of heart! Bridging the gap between doom metal and Zeuhl, Texas outfit Vault of Zin’s full-length debut would make an ideal soundtrack for the stories of H.P. Lovecraft (the inspiration behind both the band’s name and the album’s title). Though the vocals may be an acquired taste, the complex, challenging music will make for an intense (though not always comfortable) listening experience.
Listen to it now: Album on Bandcamp
More Information: Artist on Facebook
4: AMOEBA SPLIT - Second Split
Country: Spain
Sub-genre: Jazz fusion Canterbury
Description: Following my recommendation of this band's debut album in our Vault edition two weeks ago, I present the brand new second album from Amoeba Split, aptly titled Second Split. Containing six splendid and utterly beautiful instrumentals, it will supply you with an ultimate musical experience, as well as the perfect means to cool down from your agitated and hectic everyday life. Be sure to be alone (or in loving company) and let this musical meditation wash away your tenses and bring back the feeling of being alive and content.
Listen to it now: Full album on Bandcamp
More Information: Artist on Facebook
5: JUMBLE HOLE CLOUGH - Live at the Nutclough with Mick West, 21st May 2016
Country: UK
Sub-genre: Ambient improv' Kraut funk-prog
Description: The most awkward thing about filling in the SFTW template, is coming up with a genre. So I like to play around with it a bit. However, my description is still on the money! It seems hardly a month goes by without another release from the home of agit-prop artistry Hebden Bridge under the name of Jumble Hole Clough, or one of Colin Robinson's other pseudonyms. Those of you familiar with Colin's loose-limbed, spidery Krautrock space funk work-outs will know what to expect, and here he is joined in his looping loopiness by synth twiddler Mick West for a couple of tracks. Those of you who have never heard of Jumble Hole Clough - so named after a local beauty spot - take a punt, as this album (like all their many releases) is a "Name your Price", and we all know what that means. I reckon Colin deserves the price of a pint nonetheless!
Listen to it now: Full album on Bandcamp
More Information: Artist on Facebook
