Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Daniel Wade Monaghan "The Escapist. The Witch. The Dreamer" E.P. (octobersunn.bandcamp.com)

Tupelo, Mississippi's Daniel Wade Monaghan offers up an incredible new three song E.P. made up of dark, hypnotic songs that carry a cagey left of center stance. "The Escapist" is a guitar driven piece that's backed by pounding and at times tribal like drums that eventually give way to a more soundscape type feel that accompanies it's overall rock n roll presence well. Monaghan's vocals have a comforting yet haunting appeal to them that really gives the track a unique presence. "The Witch" has an even more sinister element to it that also delves into more shoegaze like territory which I really enjoy while "The Dreamer" might be the most intense track of the three as it's dark guitar riffs and dirge like rhythm offer the perfect balance between heavy and abstract. Highly recommended.

Evening Gown "Lakes Of Harmony" LP (eveninggown.bandcamp.com)

EPIC is the first word I'll use to describe this Berlin based duo's debut album "Lakes Of Harmony". There's a lot of Phil Spector style production and song structures here mixed with Cocteau Twins like ambiance, and it's the perfect combination. There are also some really rugged, dirge driven rhythms that loom underneath everything and give the songs a nice dose of grit. "Surprisingly" has a blissful glow to it that's like a light coming out of the shadows of an eerie landscape. "Mother's Womb" has a more hypnotic feel to it as it's shuffling beat and psychedelic tones make for a very colorful mix while "Spyglass" and "Karkunka" offer even more mind bending aspects to the record. Overall "Lakes Of Harmony" is an incredible debut sure to appeal to fans of dark, experimental sounds with a focus on songwriting. Excited to hear what this duo does next.

Netherlands "Black Gia" LP (www.thenetherlands1.bandcamp.com)

GOOD LORD. This album is truly devastating. Timo Ellis and company never let up through these 11 songs.This is stacked with riff after riff after riff that are sure to floor you. -Ton is the musical equivalent of being hit by a bulldozer if you were on a mixture of steroids, acid and speed as the song literally runs you over but in an amazingly colorful and artistic way as apposed to just sheer brutality. Tracks like "FANGORN" really let loose with some of the most insane song structures you will hear anywhere and I must add the drumming on this piece is off the charts. Title track "Black Gaia" carries a meditative stance that's both intriguing and intense as it builds and builds into an ambient flourish of percussion and drones before lulling back into hypnotic regions. Hands down one of my favorite records of the year.

Piramides "Desprender" LP (piramidespiramides.bandcamp.com)

Based in Santiago, Chile, Piramides deliver yet another beautifully well produced album, that's full of rich atmospheric tones and blissful soundscapes. Songs like "Caíste al Suelo", "Vicoria' and "Rastros" show off the bands incredible songwriting abilities and refined musicianship. These pieces are filled with catchy hooks and uplifting dynamics that make them all come off like individual anthems tied together in one album. "Refugio" is another stand out track that glides along with it's chiming guitars and infectious beat. It takes you through multiple moods and shows off a little more of the bands experimental side while the crawling pace of "León" adds a blast of intensity to everything that closes out the album in grand fashion. I really can't say enough great things about this record. Do yourself a favor and GET INTO IT.

Star Horse "Albatross" single (starhorse.bandcamp.com)

I can't get enough of this truly delightful new single from Swedish indie pop/shoegaze unit Star Horse. Maja's breathtakingly beautiful vocals mesh well with the bright atmospheric guitar tones and spot on rhythm section. The song has an angular, cinematic presence that makes you feel like you are floating in space with no return in site. Uplifting, comforting and warm. I can't wait to hear the bands new album "You Said Forever" which will be released February 15th via Startracks.

The Veins S/T E.P. (theveins.bandcamp.com)

From the opening guitar chord of "Harrowing" I was instantly hooked on this new E.P. from Australia's The Veins. It's "Mary Chain" like stance and undeniable swagger give it one of the coolest vibes you could ever ask for. After the lulling tones of "Swimming Pool Interlude" things give way to the infectious number know as "Razorblade Blues". It's reverb drenched vocals and distorted bass line are nothing less than perfect while the wavering shoegaze driven "Rockabye" is full of catchy hooks and subliminal nuances that make it anotehr top notch number from this ultra impressive release.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Beach House "Lemon Glow" Single

Beach House have released a new track titled "Lemon Glow" from their upcoming album due out this Spring. It's hypnotic groove and dark tones blend well with it's pulsating synths and soundtrack like essence. Of coarse the stand out element of the track is the cunning delivery from vocalist Victoria Legrand who never ceases to impress me with her sense of style and ability to paint pictures with her words. Another remarkable effort from one the best bands in the game.

Crystal Canyon S/T LP (crystalcanyon.bandcamp.com)

Portland Maine's Crystal Canyon deliver big on their self titled debut album. Their fuzzed out guitar tones and noise driven melodies blend nicely with Lynda Mandolyn's captivating vocals. "Silverday" has a gliding feel to it that's drenched in catchy hooks and rich melodies and really kicks the album off well. "Adeline" is slower and darker and creates a nice bit of tension between the instruments while "Sleeper" is a mind bending number with all the elements of a true modern day shoegaze classic. Other stand out tracks include the at times orchestral sounding "Only In A Daydream", fuzz fueled "She Shines" which is a real ripper and the hook filled gem fittingly titled "Dim". Overall this is a pretty amazing debut sure to delight fans of shoegaze and dream pop flair and beyond.

Dr. Octagon "Octagon Octagon" Single (Bulk Recordings)

So after blasting the Dr Ocatgon debut "Dr. Octagonecologyst" for over 20 years Dr Octagon is finally back with a brand new album due out in April called "Moosebumps: An Exploration Into Modern Day Horripilation". The super group consisting of Kool Keith as Dr. Octagon along with DJ Qbert and producer Dan The Automator have unveiled the albums first track "Octagon Octagon" which features all the weird lyrics and futuristic scenarios you'd expect and maybe not expect from these guys. Can't wait to take in this entire album which is sure to be one of the most incredible releases of the year.

Loma "Relay Runner" Single (Sub Pop)

Damn I'm a sucker for these types of dangerous sounding rhythms that seem to be created on another planet. "Relay Runner" is the first single off the debut album from Loma. Vocalist Emily Cross delivers an incredible performance that flows perfectly alongside the ever expanding sounds that move throughout the track. The rest of the group is made up of Dan Duszinsky (from Cross Record) and Jonathan Meiburg (from Shearwater). The members met on tour while performing with their other projects and "made a secret pact to start a band together". The trio certainly have a knack for harnessing haunting sounds that dance like shadows underneath a mysterious skyline. Their self titled debut just came out this week courtesy of Sub Pop.

Netherlands "Hope Porn" E.P. (thenetherlands1.bandcamp.com)

If you are not familiar with the monster rock n roll machine that's known as The Netherlands then you have seriously been missing out. From the opening riff of "Fakir Mintas" you will be enlightened to their brand of relentless mayhem. Led by the always prolific Timo Ellis "Hope Porn" is fueled by Ellis's crushing guitar tones and manic vocals along with Ava Farber's spaced out synth bass tones and the punishing drumming of John "Moon Boy" Willis. "The Moon Boy Swing" is based on a heavy groove with dark atmospherics that loom over top and give it a euphoric like vibe. "Negative Likes" features a pounding rhythm that literally never lets up while "A New Hope" is like a lost anthem to a humorous yet introspective sci-fi film. Just when you think it can't get any weirder, any heavier the E.P. ends with the brain scrambling madness of "Rewild" which sounds like a mix between Mahavishnu Orchestra, The Melvins and The Brothers Johnson. Another incredibly intense and powerful release from one of my favorite bands.

Twilight Fields "Our Time Is Now" LP (twilightfields.bandcamp.com)

I'm really impressed with this brand new album from Canadian ambient/dream psych outfit Twilight Fields. Their lush vocals and breathtakingly beautiful soundscapes make for some of the most heartfelt music you will hear anywhere and their musicianship is virtually off the charts as each instrument lays perfectly in the mix. Lead single "When I Saw You" is absolutely stellar as it's bold stance and atmospheric layers give it an epic feel. "Tell You" is another stand out number that creates an other worldly environment as it's shimmering guitars and vibrant nuances wash through your head like a dream. It's uplifting spirit and rolling bass line are sure to draw you in while the dirge driven force of "Waiting" adds a bit of danger to the record. "I Know You're Out There Somewhere" has a bit of a Mercury Rev and Flaming Lips vibe to it that meshes well with other tracks like the cosmic "Galaxies Turn", the delicate "My Mother" and folk based "She Remembers". The album closes with the elegant sounds of "For Those Who Have Loved In Wartime" which serves as the perfect ending to an album that's top notch from beginning to end.