Category Archives: UPDATE

Alex Durlak – ‘Seconds’ LP
Seconds is the third and final piece in a series of recordings made by Alex Durlak in March 2010. The first was released as Catalyst (2010) on the Rural Routes series and was followed by Lowing (2010) on the Audio Gourmet net label. All three feature Durlak’s guitar playing being processed in realtime using granular synthesis techniques and were recorded in single improvised takes; a minimal approach that makes for a deep and complicated sound with little reference to its origin. Seconds is an ever changing narrative through a dark and open space, perhaps a walking tour through an abandoned factory with it’s machinery left running or the soundtrack to a time lapse video of steel being cut under an electron microscope.

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PASS1 – C.T.A.N – ‘Broken’
Our debut release from a label born to explore electronic music, limited to 100 copies on funky green tapes. Also the first for UK based noise/experimental producer C.T.A.N. Across this cassette, a collection of sorts taking pieces C.T.A.N produced separately from mid-2010 onwards (before Passive Aggressive and its concepts were founded), he takes shades of drone and dark ambient along with social commentary and urban beats with an overall disregard for structure, blending them into a chaotic (at times, perhaps melancholy) final product. These influences vary from tune to tune, with C.T.A.N’s long-time interests in breakbeat and dance music appearing more evident in the beat-driven “Love Constitutes Conformity” and “In Your Head”, their damaged flow saving them from ever being understood on a dancefloor, whilst the darker side of his musical mind takes priority in “Chronic” the most, scarce of much more than screams and contemplative synthesized grunts.

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SWAN-HUNTER – ‘Live Sheffield 3rd July 2012’ £4
Limited edition CDR, the third release on Blackest Bootlegs. 12 minutes of double guitar worship, static doom effects, and insane vocal through two trashed mobile phones. Swan-Hunter is the solo project of Adam Denton, frequent collaborator of Cameron Deas (in Deas & Denton) and one half of Trans Human. Recorded live on July 3rd in Sheffield.

MV & EE – ‘Godchaux Free Brattleboro’ 4xCS boxset £20
Four live excursions from MV & EE, this time keepin’ it strictly local to their dwellings. Four sets spanning 2011 – 2012, three Golden Road sets and a set backed up by The Toasted Clam. These high quality cuts feature the fine musicians Rongoose, Smokehound and Herbcraft.  Continuing on from the previous box set collabs with MV & EE you get the usual white custom made box with a full colour cover, pro-dubbed and printed cassettes with a small 8 page black and white booklet. Over 4 hours of sounds across four cassettes: ‘Jettison Awareness’, ‘Townie Tumbleweeds’, ‘Vegas Booyah’ and ‘Mesos Pot Amia’. All four sets are multitrack recorded/soundboard matrix mixes, so the sound is fantastic! Comes with a download code for the whole set. Edition of only 180.

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FNL CDr $5
New EP featuring FNL’s latest forays into sound design. Four compositions investigate a contemporary approach to the arrangement of sound, with a focus on microsound, rhythm, and the extreme ends of the audible frequency spectrum. Intended to be played on systems with a wide frequency response.

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HIGH AURA’D – ‘Sanguine Futures’ LP
Sanguine Futures opens with a slow craw; the burden of winter crawling across your back, reaching around your throat — grayed hands with frayed nails grip tight and pull you into an isolated realm of blissful purgatory. You’re only two and a half minutes in and creatures are crawling out of the shadows and your breath is hanging heavy. John Kolodij has crafted an auditory trip into territories that feel untouched, unmoved by human hands, packed with ethereal and earthly blackness; a deep and dense wood, a coal-black night, tarry centers where you find the solitude of 100 year old weeping willows. This is not an album crafted to simply listen and reflect, this is heavy slabs of flesh and blood, moaning, bending, warbling to life, groaning out and sucking you in. Shades of Scelsi and Penderecki collage and wind into spacious suites, built atop a foundation of heavy Köner-styled concrete. It’s beautiful, but there’s a lingering fear of the unknown, and you could lose your leg at the next step. It’s breathtaking and beautiful, but you’re always careful not to trip too far into these skeletal treescapes. There’s deep, rusty veins running to the heart of Sanguine Futures, pumping a dark crimson fluid, driving the machine to keep humming. There’s a clicking film projector casting images onto a sheet of ice. We feel it, it’s thrust into the very energy that motivates us; a feeling of love, of life, of solace, of hope and pain and fear and joy and sorrow. This is a span of sounds and tones and textures, weaved together as a lifeforce. An album this isn’t, an entire affair, spanning our first to dying breaths. Heavy, spacious, frightening, and welcoming; all at once. On Sanguine Futures, Kolodij was aided in arranging by Type Records’ John Twells, who also produced and mixed the record at Seventh Door Studios in Massachusetts. Trumpet by the renown Greg Kelley. James Plotkin mastered. Simon Fowler did the beautiful artwork.

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Chris Daily – ‘The Selected Works of Chris Daily Vol. 1: The Complete Works  & Lately, As Always: Wayside Songs’ CD/CS $20/$6
TBR is releasing a TON of MUSIC this July, including a massive data CD (containing 16 1/2 hours of music with 300+ songs) set titled The Selected Works of Chris Daily Vol. 1: The Complete Works and Daily’s new album titled Lately, As Always: Wayside Songs that will be available on cassette and download. The compilation set covers every solo recording one man band Chris Daily has ever multi-tracked and a smattering of group songs either produced by him or recorded w/Daily as a member of such groups as The Daily Brothers and Stylish Headphones, Milady. From D’s earliest 4-track cassette experiments to professional tech Pro Tools savvy audio masterpieces, the 300+ songs rival R. Stevie Moore for quantity and quality (and Daily aint yet 25 years old)!!  Lately, As Always: Wayside Songs is an album six years in the making…The set contains songs either left unfinished or newly minted gems from the years 2006-2012. Highlights include the bass-rocking rocker “Roland Kirk Blues,” the smooth horn section pop of “No More Weather,” and a cover of the Beach Boys-esque soon to be released (September 2012) new Netherverse song “Cigarette Boat.”

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TQA023 – Aidan Baker/Leah Buckareff – ‘Breathing Heavy Breathing’
Berlin-based Canadians Aidan Baker & Leah Buckareff, both of doomgaze husband/wife guitar/bass duo NADJA, finally deliver the long-awaited special string-less diptych release. Drones were strictly created from cymbals (Baker) & accordion (Buckareff). Both 20-minute piece on its separate 3″ mini-disc are meant to stand alone and played simultaneously together to create a fuller drone ensemble. A version of that mix is available for download. Mastered by Eric Quach.

TQA024 – Northumbria
Toronto based ambient metal duo Northumbria was formed in 2011 by former Holoscene members Jim Field (guitar) and Dorian Williamson (bass). Using only guitar and bass mega amplified and recorded live, Northumbria create a wall of improvised drones that take the listener on a sonic journey through a dystopian landscape. Recorded live in January and April 2012 at Trinity United Church in Cobourg, Ontario. Mastered by James Plotkin.

TQA025 – Lovesliescrushing – ‘Glinter’
We are very proud to be releasing brand new lovesliescrushing material. Scott Cortez & Melissa Arpin-Duimstra deliver gorgeous washes of textured guitars & angelic ethereal vocals to create perfect dreamy summer drones. Everything was recorded in 2012.

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CHRISTIAN COSMOS – ‘enthronement by god as the first-born of the dead’ LP
among the trinity of electronic projects of dominick fernow’s studies in anxiety and fear from the mythic natures of rainforest spiritual enslavement, the info wars of vatican shadow and the creator’s observation of christian cosmos. released first as a limited 4 x cassette box set now condemned to vinyl. lightning drums pound the rhythms for lost souls as the fall from paradise abounds and the trumpets of the heavens command the threshold. imagine a voiceless dead can dance sent through a black hole hence the ancient notes and structures are scrambled and returned with information loss while the cathedral floor is flushed with his sacraments. but there is a beauty in submission to belief. some have said the book is not about self improvement but faith. soundtrack for judgement of souls. first 100 copies come on ‘body and blood’ vinyl. edition of 500.

HELM – ‘geneva cave’ C30
we are proud to offer this release that shows the rawer most industrial side of helm, the new project form luke younger (birds of delay) from the uk. luke has been been making a unique blend of sounds that have reference to industrial culture, electronic noise, drone, and acoustic music and puts it together in a way that shows the listener new textures that are greater than the sum of their parts. pulled from live recordings and presented here on a tape that harnesses the true early industrial feeling that helm contains. hand painted and numbered oversize package. edition of 22. digital version coming soon.

CYCLONE SS – ‘awakening the zyklon titan’ 3xCS
this item is exclusively distributed on behalf of yoke of christ. this is the first release in ages from the label home to roman cross and astral command. recorded several years ago and now finally available in its completed form over the course of multiple sessions. absolutely raw black metal chaos. necro mythos violence. titan black metal. unlistenable. nearly and hour and a half in duration. edition of 54.

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Trailing – ‘Asymmetries’ C21 $7(USA)/$8(CAN)/$10(World)
Throughout his work with duos Sundrips, Dozens, and Aphid Palisades, Montreal’s Ryan Connolly has proven himself to be a mighty collaborator. Recording on his own as Trailing, Connolly’s solo work is no less powerful. ‘Asymmetries’ finds him reveling in the stillness of sound. Clean guitar loops are set forth eloquently, layered carefully, and left to dissipate into a beautiful mist. Remarkably calm and relaxing, it’s hard to think of a release in our catalog that embodies the label name more than this one. Let the sounds wash over you repeatedly and you might even believe they have the power to heal. Pro-dubbed and imprinted chrome cassettes, featuring designs by Caroline Teagle. Edition of 100.

Albino Groupie – ‘Shadow Bong Synth’ C31 $7(USA)/$8(CAN)/$10(World)
Over the past few years, Denmark’s Mikkel Dunkerley has built a fascinating, singular world of sound with his label D’Artagnan and projects such as Pummeler, Grass Traffic, and Wax Toller. Albino Groupie is perhaps the gentlest of the bunch, combining soothing drones with Dunkerley’s signature murk. ‘Shadow Bong Synth’ finds the project lost in a narcotic haze. Low end, pulsing waves writhe slowly and ultimately give way to subtle and evocative melodies. There’s pleasantry to be found deep in the shadows, but the shadows themselves make the whole affair all the more intriguing. Pro-dubbed and imprinted chrome cassettes, featuring designs by Caroline Teagle. Edition of 100.

Lunar Miasma – ‘Managing the Dream’ C28 $7(USA)/$8(CAN)/$10(World)
Grecian synth lord Panos Alexiadis has been releasing music steadily as Lunar Miasma over the past three years, ratcheting up the intensity significantly with each new missive. ‘Managing the Dream’ is certainly no exception in that regard, diving deep into a world of lucid dreams and nighttime hallucinations. There’s a real narrative feel to the release, consisting of two dense, long-form pieces in the middle and two short but sweet pieces at each end. Showcasing his impressive abilities as a player, Alexiadis unleashes rapid-fire keyboard solos that dance atop gorgeous melodic loops which sound as though they were imported from another realm. The dream is under your control and the possibilities are endless…what will you do next? Pro-dubbed and imprinted chrome cassettes, featuring designs by Caroline Teagle. Edition of 100.

Event Cloak – ‘Reprogramming’ C54 $7(USA)/$8(CAN)/$10(World)
One half of Montreal’s Sundrips, Nick Maturo unleashed his solo guise Event Cloak last year with a stellar debut on Fadeaway Tapes, and it instantly became one of the most promising new synth projects around. ‘Reprogramming’ delivers on that promise and then some with a release of epic proportions that showcases Maturo’s undeniable talent and versatility as an electronic musician. As if scanning the dial on an outer space radio, Maturo weaves effortlessly between bouncing arpeggios, ethereal pads, FM synthesis, and samples sliced and diced to the point of glorious madness. It’s staggeringly beautiful at times, extremely strange at others, and always entirely satisfying. Turn it up loud and synchronize your mind with the machines. Pro-dubbed and imprinted chrome cassettes, featuring designs by Caroline Teagle. Edition of 100.

various artists – ‘Duets’ C100 $8(USA)/$9(CAN)/$11(World)
We’re ecstatic to present the first-ever compilation on Tranquility Tapes. Clocking in at 100 minutes, this collection shines a light on some of our favorite recording duos currently operating within the broad spectrum of underground music. A tribute to collaboration and camaraderie through sound, each duet brings something entirely different to the table, yet the collection as a whole flows together better than we could have ever imagined. Features new and unreleased tracks by Quiet Evenings, Super Minerals, Velvet Chrome, Brother Raven, Seziki Tetrasheaf, Century Plants, Big Sky, Afterlife, Imperial Topaz, Telecult Powers, Concessionaires, Blood on Tape, Sundrips, Grasshopper, The Circle and the Point, and Coventry Music. Pro-dubbed and imprinted chrome cassettes, featuring designs by Caroline Teagle. Edition of 200.

All Four New Tapes: $32(USA)/$34(CAN)/$39(World)

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Anatomy of Habit – ‘Anatomy of Habit’ EP
White vinyl 12-inch in die-cut jacket with Euro inner sleeve. Anatomy of Habit is pleased to announce the follow up to their well-received, self-titled LP of 2011, which made many “best of” lists in the heavy metal and alternative music communities. Working hard in the live arena, the band has continued to present new songs and to build and diversify their audience, playing with a wide range of artists including Scratch Acid, Iceage, Secret Chiefs Three, Russian Circles, Yob, Martial Canterel and Pelican, among many others. Their new EP contains two “shorter” pieces, by Anatomy of Habit standards, at least, titled “After The Water” and “The Decade Plan.” Both tracks continue in the band’s often-praised and characteristic melding of power, heaviness, and delicacy, while exploring new sonic textures and composition. Novel to this record is the inclusion of grand piano and string synthesizer, which blend in with the group’s increasingly well known drum and percussion rig coupling, and their melodic and swelling bass and hypnotically looping and caustic guitar parts. The new songs were recorded by John McEntire at Soma Electronic Music Studios in Chicago. McEntire is well known as both a recording engineer and as the drummer in Tortoise, and his expertise and dexterity in the studio helped the band fully realize their vision for this release. The record was mastered and the lacquers were cut by Bob Weston at Chicago Mastering Service. Weston, who previously worked on Anatomy of Habit’s first record, is also well known as the bassist in the band Shellac. The two-part sleeve, which includes the group’s “five nails” logo as a die-cut, follows the design format of their first record, but it also adds a sense of color and heightened beauty that echoes the tone of the new songs. The striking design was once again executed by Jonathan Canady. To further solidify the concept for this release and to distinguish it from its precursor, the records were pressed in white vinyl.

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