Xanthocephalus – ‘sp.’ C60 $7.5(US)/$11.5(CAN)/$14.5(World)
Very few solo experimental projects lean heavily on the bass guitar, but Brooklyn’s Russ Alderson does it mightily. Combining elements of noise, drone, and free improv, Xanthocephalus is Alderson’s outlet for contemplation and destruction. sp. showcases so much of what is unique about this project, from the thoughtfully integrated field recordings, to the hypnotic low end drones, to the carefully controlled bursts of string shredding and feedback. For those who have yet to experience Alderson’s work, this is a perfect entry point, and for those already familiar, this is another incredibly satisfying and intense expression of the enticing and dangerous ways of the wild. Pro-dubbed and imprinted chrome cassettes featuring designs by Caroline Teagle. Edition of 100.
Parashi – ‘Particle Collider’ C40 $7.5(US)/$11.5(CAN)/$14.5(World)
Parashi is the solo guise of upstate New York noise head Mike Griffin. Using an arsenal of electronics, synths, and effects, Griffin carefully concocts wonderfully delirious soundscapes. Unlike the monotony that many noise projects succumb to, every piece that Griffin creates sounds utterly unique. Among the four pieces on Particle Collider, there are tracks that are raw, intense, and in-your-face while others are more restrained and subtle. Each one offers you a voyeuristic glimpse into a deeply strange but equally fascinating world of sound. You may get the sneaking suspicion that you’re not supposed to be there, but you certainly won’t want to look away anytime soon. Pro-dubbed and imprinted chrome cassettes featuring designs by Caroline Teagle. Edition of 100.
Mr. Matthews – ‘High Pass Heart’ C39 $7.5(US)/$11.5(CAN)/$14.5(World)
A core member of essential groups Telecult Powers and Hex Breaker Quartet/Quintet, Mr. Matthews strikes out on his own for his first solo release under his chosen name. Matthews has been playing/building synthesizers and recording music on his own for quite a few years, and now he’s generously sharing the incredible fruits of those endeavors with the rest of us. High Pass Heart covers a lot of territory in less than 40 minutes, from melody-driven micro-compositions, to outer space drones, to full-on noise power houses. It’s all tied together with carefully selected “found sounds” and track titles that showcase Matthews’ sly wit and mordant sense of humor. Rarely do you hear music that is so personal and human from a man who is as in touch with the machines as Mr. Matthews. Imprinted chrome cassettes featuring designs by Caroline Teagle. Edition of 100.
The Rainbow Body – ‘Magnetic Highway’ C60 $7.5(US)/$11.5(CAN)/$14.5(World)
After two self-released cassettes and one CDR, we’re happy to share new music by Providence’s Matthew Kattman, who performs as The Rainbow Body. Using the guitar and an arsenal of effects on Magnetic Highway, Kattman collects six equally massive drone soundscapes that teem with melodic beauty and interstellar textures. The shoegaze influence is quite apparent in Kattman’s work, and fans of more recent purveyors of the style like Fennesz, Jefre Cantu- Ledesma, and the first Belong album will find plenty to adore here. Kattman puts his own cosmic stamp on the style, though, by allowing deep, rich tones in each piece stretch out and shimmer to the glorious end. Pro-dubbed and imprinted chrome cassettes featuring designs by Caroline Teagle. Edition of 100.
All Four New Tapes: $24(US)/$30(CAN)/$35(World)