Podcast: The new black (is the old black)

Norwegian electronic act Alog on tour:

12/03 - Sheune, Dresden (GER)
12/06 - Spitz, London (UK)
12/08 - Impakt festival, Utrecht (NL)
12/10 - KC Netwerk, Aalst (BEL)

More soon.

In other Alog news, Melektronikk will soon be putitng out a collection of their remixes, b-sides and outtakes entitled "Catch that totem!". Confirmed release date coming soon.

Podcast: This is a test (post-rock/electronics)

Streaming playlist: Spring is in the air

I've decided that Alog is my favorite Rune Grammofon act. Supersilent, Scorch Trio and the rest of their ilk are nice, but I can't honestly say that I feel inclined to put them on all that often. I desire beats I can nod along to. I want melodies. Alog provides, albeit in an abstract way. The music is electronic in construction, but organic in sound. The track I'm featuring today starts off with the fluttering of sped-up voices and seemingly random tones, looped and layered with polyrhythmic bell tones. As with a lot of minimalist music, the effect can be disconcerning at first, but the longer it goes on, the more it settles into a groove. Once the beat drops in at 2'30" it turns to pure bliss. But it never stops building - the track flows on, adding layers of pink noise before dissolving completely into soft waves of distortion. I imagine a sunset at the seaside. Beautiful.

I forgot to mention it earlier this week, but the latest Aquarius Records new release list features quite a few Scandinavian music selections such as Audiopain, Elope, Alog, Imperium, Ratto Ja Lehtisalo and Shining: http://www.aquariusrecords.org/cat/newest.html
It's worth noting that the Elope disc they rave about can be bought directly from me for a full $2 cheaper. How you like dem apples?

Pitchfork has posted their take on Alog: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/a/alog/miniatures.shtml

Indieworkshop reviews Alog's new self-titled album on Rune Grammofon: http://indieworkshop.com/reviews/1554/

Here's the details on the two latest new releases from Norwegian avant label Rune Grammofon:

Alog - Miniatures (RCD 2043)
The third album from the duo described as "setting new standards in contemporary music" (The Milkfactory) and "one of modern music's most interesting groups" (BBC Online). Their debut "Red Shift Swing" was a breath of fresh air at the tail-end of last century, a mature and original release from two sonic explorers, already masters at seamlessly blending electronic and acoustic elements. Their sound has since been perfected through the follow-up "Duck-Rabitt" (RCD 2020) and concert activities before arriving with this, their best collection so far. Inventive and intriguing electronica with a human and organic nerve.

Shining - In The Kingdom Of Kitsch You Will Be A Monster (RCD 2044)
Brand new album from young quartet counting two former Jaga Jazzist members and writers in their ranks, giving new meaning to the concept of progressive art rock and marking a change in musical direction from their two previous jazz albums. For the first time they use a number of guitars, vintage keyboards, horns and percussion instruments, but forget about endless synth soloing and long symphonic excursions leading nowhere. This is young, fresh and vital music with a strong sense of direction, bridging the gap between classic King Crimson and ECM lyricism.

New releases from Norwegian avant label Rune Grammofon:

Food - Last Supper
The fourth album from this quartet and quite possibly their very best. Brilliantly performed and recorded, it´s highlighting the delicate balance between Ballamy and Henriksen´s melodic and lyrical playing and the electronic soundscapes they fully started to explore on "Veggie". Which speaks volumes when we know that "Veggie" was nominated for a Norwegian grammy and received some outstanding reviews, "this is remarkable, visionary music" (Jazz UK), "a very important work" (Milkfactory, UK). And lets not forget Mats Eilertsen and Thomas Strønen, one of many excellent rhythm sections currently working in Norwegian jazz.

v/a - Runeology 2
Dressed in a Kim Hiorthøy designed slim cardboard sleeve, this 10 track 70 minute collection includes tracks from current albums by Deathprod, Arve Henriksen, Phonophani, Strønen/Storløkken, Scorch Trio and Food as well as tracks from forthcoming releases from Nils Økland, Alog, Shining and Archetti/Wiget. The price is only NOK 49,- (appr EUR 6,-) if you order it at the same time as a you order any ordinary Rune Grammofon cd. Please make a note in the message box at the bottom of the Shop page if you want to add it to your order. Please note that when the total postage is calculated, it counts as an ordinary cd.

Streaming playlist: Instrumental

Arve Henriksen's (Supersilent) new solo album "Chiaroscuro" has been confirmed for a Norwegian release on May 24 from Rune Grammofon. Other releases in the works from the acclaimed avant label include Scorch Trio and Nils Økland along with possibly Alog and/or Phonophani.

ECM profiles the upcoming release from Danish rock/electronica trio Skyphone: http://www.ecmrecords.com/ecm/recordings/RCD2033.html
They compare them in sound to labelmates/Rune Grammofon acts Alog and Phonophani as well as Joy Division.

Norweigan avant-garde label Rune Grammofon has revealed their release plan for early 2004:

Skyphone - Fabula (January 12)
Debut release from Danish trio, probably closest in spirit and musical ideology to Alog and Phonophani in the way they mix electronic and acoustic elements, either sampled or played by themselves. Highly melodic and detailed soundscape.

Susanna and the Magical Orchestra - List of Lights and Buoys (January 19)
Debut release from Norwegian duo comprising young singer Susanna Wallumrød and keyboard player Morten Qvenild (Jaga Jazzist, Shining, Bertine Zetlitz, Nils Petter Molvær). Beautiful low-key songs including great versions of "Jolene" and "Who Am I".

Deathprod - Morals and Dogma (February)
Brand new and long awaited album from Norway´s sound artist par excellence.

Deathprod - Deathprod (February)
4 CD box comprising "Morals and Dogma", "Treetop Drive" (long deleted album from 1994), "Imaginary Songs From Tristan Da Cunha" (long deleted album from 1996) and "Reference Frequencies" (rare and deleted tracks). Comes in a solid black box with a booklet with detailed information on each release, each album packaged in their own beautifully designed digipack. This is simply a treat!