New Orleans–based solo project Cracksinthereal unveils “Dagaz” as the first single from upcoming conceptual album Alef: A Velvet Shard of Broken Nights End. Blending noise rock, dark ambient, IDM, and Romantic-era symphonic influence, the anonymous artist captivates with a sound that doesn’t let up in gripping creative developments throughout its 10+-minute runtime.

A buzzing, murmuring solemnity lingers initially into a brassy elegance, invoking an early-morning sort of ambition. Daybreak commences in full as simmering strings illuminate and sporadic rhythmic pulses emerge. Sweepingly cinematic, the track’s atmospheric spaciousness unfolds with artful precision. Layers of caressing strings meld gorgeously in the minutes that follow, bolstered by warming brass. Crackling, electronic tones burst forth and coexist harmoniously with the natural instrumentation, finding a cohesive balance between traditional sounds and frequency-like glimpses of days ahead.

The 7-minute mark is especially consuming in its dreamier twinkling, assuming a gentle folk character as glistening keys and gentle acoustics sway with breezy allure. Feverish rhythms and hazy distortion inject seamlessly thereafter, and the track continues to immerse in tonally dynamic spells before the final couple minutes, where lushness is wholly achieved by a delicate calming-down of the orchestration. Eclectic and momentum-filled, “Dagaz” presents a beautifully accomplished soundscape from Cracksinthereal.

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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.

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“Stuntman” is an experimental chamber-folk success from Albuquerque-based artist Brian Charles Nixon. Twinkling chimes, bells, and a string-laden intrigue envelops into sounds of horse hooves and neighing, exuding a chamber-pop intrigue thereafter as a swell of orchestration emerges. The “I’ll be your stuntman,” vocal amidst trickling instrumentation stirs, as does the “walk away,” ardency thereafter. “Stuntman” is a resonating overall success.

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Infinite Error crafts a riveting yet chilling listening experience within Plagued By Meaning, an album whose atmosphere quickly latches on and never lets go. From the brooding orchestral swells of the title track to the ghostly, industrial undercurrents of “In Lust,” Plagued By Meaning thrives on tension and contrast — in what also resembles the setting of a haunted house at nighttime. Sweeping strings, moody guitars, and buzzing rhythmic elements weave through dynamic compositions, shifting between eerie unease and cinematic grandeur.

“Plagued By Meaning” opens the album with a cinematic brooding. Creeping strings unveil with a bellowing ominousness, showing shades of the There Will Be Blood score. The ensuing strings soar with greater emotion thereafter, balancing the previous unease with hints of triumph, however diabolical they may be. “In Lust” ensues, featuring an intriguing percussive pit-pattering as industrial textures emanate underneath. Vocals emerge with ghostly momentum, beckoning “won’t you come and see?” as beautifully dark string arrangements enter. The momentum is palpable throughout, carried by both rhythmic invigoration and sweeping orchestral grandeur. The four-minute turn is especially moving, as jangling guitars, swipes of strings, and understated vocals assemble with artful captivation.

Plagued By Meaning consistently impresses with a range of inventive soundscapes, both beautiful and foreboding. “King Eater” is a particularly memorable display of the project’s knack for dynamic tonal swells. Trickling guitars hypnotize throughout the first half, remaining an element throughout — though largely giving way to buzzing synth-bass and icy strings as lyrical references to “Shangri-La,” furthers the sense of a different, unexplored terrain. The lush piano and guitar cohesion on “Birds Calling It Quits” feels like a tonal calm within the storm, comparatively, and shows shades of more recent-era Radiohead in its span from dreamy folk to orchestral cinematics.

The album’s second half shows no shortage in inventive soundscapes and quality songwriting. “Puerile” embraces a harrowing precision amidst industrial-forward rhythms and sporadic pulses of strings, as lyrics caution “it’s from the grave,” and a sense of unknown dread — “or where it’s coming from.” One can’t help but envision a monster arising from the depths of a swamp, basement, or another ideal habitat for darkness. Distorted-sounding piano clangs with spine-tingling effect as the conclusion approaches, then shifting into the warmer steadiness of “Derealizing.” Bouncy bass and quaint guitars complement gentle vocals, ascending into a delectably unsettling burst of strings — evoking later-era Scott Walker in all its creepy gorgeousness. Plagued By Meaning is a thorough achievement in nocturnal soundscapes and creative structural momentum from Infinite Error.

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Diversifying between free-flowing acid-jazz experimentation and bouncy psych-pop intrigue, “before and after ceefax” is an inventive new track from Subliminal Cherry. The project of Brighton based musician Neave Merrick crafts a surreal and atmospheric sound, drawing inspiration specifically from Sun Ra, Suicide, Sparks, Cabaret Voltaire, and Throbbing Gristle. Murky bouts of rhythmic distortion melds seamlessly with clanking brass components for a nocturnal intrigue, building seamlessly into mellow vocals — and then a gripping rhythmic ascent in the track’s finale.

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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

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Providing both gorgeous orchestral introspection and chilly haunts, “Shrine of Mari Baruti Labiae” is a moving new single from experimental duo Nhktar. The release comes alongside a riveting music video, show-stopping in its nature-set visual mystique. The project describes the video as capturing “ancient energies, transmuting the reverberations that bloom from healing: summer and winter; life and death.”

The track/video are part of the forthcoming Libations of Oceania video album, which is based on the writing of MaeDea Farrell Moon. Nhktar’s original music combines with filming and editing by jdaugh for a breathtaking audio/visual experience. “Shrine of Mari Baruti Labiae” is captivating in its range of piano-laden minimalism and ominous textural swells, permeating across the delectably unsettling final minute as vocal layers bellow and beckon. We’re certainly anticipating the upcoming video album from this talented duo, comprising singer MaeDea ov Moon and collaborator Sam Hollier.

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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

The post Nhktar – “Shrine of Mari Baruti Labiae” appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

Producing a snapshot of humanity within its psychedelic intrigue, “My Rolex Is Better Than Yours” is a single out today from Blindness & Light. The Anglesey, UK-based collective of “musical friends” craft a sound heavy in mystique, alongside robotic vocal samples providing definitions to words like “hubris” and “egotist,” reminding aesthetically of Radiohead’s “Fitter Happier.”

The effort’s thematic depiction of hubris and ego took inspiration from a barroom spectacle. Per the project: “We observed an argument in a pub in North Wales between two proud Rolex owners which developed into a fight. “My Rolex Is Better Than Yours” provided a snap shot of the current state of humanity.”

Propelled by the songwriting of Colin M Potter, Blindness & Light present a climactic build throughout “My Rolex Is Better Than Yours.” The frolicking twangs are bolstered by a clap-laden percussive spirit past the first minute, with electronic bustling adding a textural backing component. A thunderous expanse takes hold at the conclusion, as spacey synths and rock-ready rhythms embrace. “My Rolex Is Better Than Yours” is a poignant, stylish achievement.

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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of December 2023’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.

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The third single from Bulgarian project Scattered Thoughts Gathering, “Prophet 6 Selfie” showcases a mesmerizing, experimental electronic voyage through both understated nostalgia and eerie space-set pursuits. Aptly, considering the track title, all the synth sounds within were crafted on a Prophet 6 synthesizer. Intriguing synth warbles complement a stirring vocal presence to start, emitting an otherworldly frequency amongst pleading “please help me,” vocal soaring.

Rhythmic click-clacking and a buzzing synth spaciness takes hold past the first minute, concocting a sci-fi immersion into glistening keys and an assortment of other tonal pursuits; the steady array of varying keys and synths make for a constant enthrallment throughout, as the vocals remain temporary absent. Their striking re-emergence follows a hectic rhythmic assortment over the colorful synth work, concocting a creative invigoration reminiscent of Oneohtrix Point Never. “Prophet 6 Selfie” is a stirring, creatively atmospheric showcase from Scattered Thoughts Gathering.

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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of December 2023’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.

The post Scattered Thoughts Gathering – “Prophet 6 Selfie” appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

A stirringly creative hip-hop display from Zur Schönen Aussicht, Turbo Charged Up is an album with enjoyably unpredictable pursuits in style, structure, and beyond. The Berlin-based trio have assembled a talented roster of nine rapper collaborators for the release, based across Europe and the United States. Their engrossing flows and lyrical concepts complement the project’s stimulating sound, reminding of Shabazz Palaces’ free-flowing, jazz-touched hip-hop sound. Guitarist Jo Wespel (Beatdenker), saxophonist Paul Berberich, and drummer Flo Lauer present a riveting showcase throughout the album.

Brassy swells and climactic rhythmic reveals strut an enjoyably unsettling fervency throughout. Alongside, poignant themes are explored, including police violence, consumerism, racism, and empowerment. The result is a dense, invigorating artistic success, with ample highlights. Featuring the charismatic vocal work of Caribbean-American artist Sera Kalo, “New Order” impresses with its angsty lyrics and fragmented, experimental jazz allure. “I know my anger is a nuisance,” the vocals let out, audibly capturing the impact of a hostile takeover,” and the impactful nature of change in general.

A lusher, mysterious brass-forward engrossment shows on the riveting “50 Degrees,” featuring the haunting vocals of KID BE KID. “Get along with the heat,” the vocals encourage amidst beautifully capricious brass and distorted rhythms; with the title-touting refrain escalating feverishly, prior to a smoothly contemplative mid-point. Turbo Charged Up captivates with its atmospheric, creatively jazz-infused hip-hop sound and array of talented rapping collaborators.

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“Turbo Charged Up” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of November 2023’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.

The post Zur Schönen Aussicht – ‘Turbo Charged Up’ appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

Minneapolis-based project Emerald Suspension unveil a hauntingly atmospheric spaciousness throughout Sounds to Hear Alone, their fifth full-length album. The songs here take inspiration from their multiple releases of short-form videos and multimedia over the past couple years; these often bore music and other recordings, justifying further exploration in the audible space — resulting in the intriguingly magnetic Sounds to Hear Alone.

A dark, contemplative quality lingers throughout the production, ranging in tone from the unsettling escalation of buzzing within “Grackle” to the gentle, dreamy synth-pad haunts of “Place and Time.” Mechanical, industrial effects often linger underneath, lending a uniquely impactful quality, as in “Place and Time.” Drone and noise pursuits succeed throughout, bolstered by textural evolution. The opener “Alone” sends chills with its processional vocal qualities, and thereafter the instrumentation and sampling takes greater hold.

The laughter-like samples within “Felix : Fritz” and the helicopter-esque whirring of “Futurity” are among the delectably unsettling production choices, embracing glitchy prevalence and elegant subtleties alike. Sounds to Hear Alone is a wholly impactful listening experience from Emerald Suspension.

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“Place and Time” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of October 2023’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.

The post Emerald Suspension – ‘Sounds to Hear Alone’ appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

Barcelona-based artist Genís Bagés conjures a uniquely atmospheric listening experience throughout the debut album MENTAL, a free-flowing success in electronic experimentation with intriguing textural layers, riveting percussion, and spoken-word vocal insertions. Creative assortments of colorful tones coalesce with various vocal deliveries, including readings of poems by writers like Gabriel Ferrater and Edgar Allan Poe. The album is described as “both a reflection on the power of the mind and the thin line that separates light from darkness.”

Genís Bagés has involvement of various projects, spanning from pop and jazz to electronic music. He is also an accomplished drummer. The album presents his eclectic range of talents, embracing a stylistic fusion within an exploration in samples and sonic research. The opening “Tulpa,” featuring Alyona Dely, swells from eerie trickling and hazy synth pad lushness into a jazzy dexterousness; the conclusion concocts a commanding percussive spell reminiscent of Flying Lotus’ electronic/jazz integrations.

Elsewhere, “Dopamine Rush” emphasizes a warbled, industrial synth-forward intrigue — set aptly against a spoken-word retelling of how dopamine responses and social media usage intertwine. These intense, textured sounds often converge for meaningful societal commentary, like here. “Metrònom” also enthralls in its stylish presentation; thumping rhythms and intense vocals make for an enduringly haunting sound. The ominous, crackling “Alone” stirs as the finale, as vocals retell Poe’s “Alone” amidst a chilling choir-like resonance. MENTAL is a captivating listening experience throughout.

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“I Love You” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of October 2023’ Spotify playlist.

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