News and Notes for 3/22/18

Black Light White Light "Horizons" CD/Cassette out this Friday 3/23 from CMM

Black Light White Light resonates infectious shoegaze set in swirling psychedelia packed in a Spectorish sound with a modern Scandinavian twist. The musical project is centered on the Danish singer, guitarist and songwriter Martin Ejlertsen and on the new recordings he presents an album full of memorable pop songs all twisted up with moody darkness and poetic longings.

Reflecting on "Horizons" Ejlertsen explains; “Along the way I even considered if this album should be released under a new moniker because the band is more a solo project than it has been before. But then again, I came to conclusion why really? This band project has always really been about my songs and twisted thoughts coming to life. This album is really that aspect but just further developed into new territories.” Enjoy the video for the albums latest single "King Kong" and visit www.custommademusicva.com for ordering details.

Twilight Fields release a stunning new video clip for their latest single "Waiting"

Twilight Fields mastermind Allister Thompson has released an amazing video for his song "Waiting". It's off the new Twilight Fields album "Our Time Is Now" and it's captivating visuals are as mind bending as they are comforting.

Reflecting on the track and the video Thompson said... "I don't usually write uptempo or midtempo music...it just doesn't happen. However, one morning I was dozing and the whole thing, even elements of the production, sort of came to me while snoozing. This whole new wave John Foxx-era Ultravox sort of thing. I decided it was worth pursuing, since I was working on the new set of songs at that time. I wanted something suitably romantic for the lyrics, so I went with a classic 'it's hard to find love in the city' theme, the sad irony of being stuck in millions of people but unable to find someone you can have a real relationship with. The video was created for me by a friend who is actually a popular Canadian crime fiction writer, R.M. Greenaway. We've worked together before in my day job editing books. She had this footage of heavy pedestrian street traffic that she layered and blended for a sort of ghostly effect that I think helps to convey the theme very well."

"Our Time Is Now" is available here.

Seatemples "Down Memory Lane" Cassette coming soon from CMM

Based in Chile, Seatemples create an astonishingly beautiful mix of shoegaze, post punk and psychedelic sounds on their latest release "Down Memory Lane" which will be released on cassette later this month on CMM. The band consists of Patricio Zenteno (aka Patricio Temples) on vocals, guitar and programming, Priscila Ugalde on vocals and bass, Moisés Segovia on synth and vocals and Diego Herrera on drums. Watch the video for the albums lead single "Seaweed" below and check out the full album here.

"Our Time Is Now" an interview with Twilight Fields

Twilight Fields is the brainchild of Canadian musician Allister Thompson. His blend of "ambient rock" with influences from progressive rock, ambient, dream-pop, psych-folk and shoegaze is some of the most intriguing and dynamic music you will hear anywhere. We sat down with Allister to talk about what inspired him to start the project, his earliest musical memories and the process of making his latest album "Our Time Is Now".

CMM-What's your first musical memory and what's the first music you heard that made a major impact on you?

Allister-Probably the first thing, other than listening to two weird British musical singing pigs named Pinky and Perky, was discovering my parents' worn-out copy of A Hard Day's Night (the LP) when I was about 7 or 8 and playing the crap out of it. But to be honest, when I was thirteen and suddenly developed a huge interest in rock music, I developed an obsession with The Police! I had all their tapes, Sting's solo albums, and even tried some Andy Summers solo stuff as well. I was really into it. I can't say that band is an influence on what I do now, though.

CMM-When did Twilight Fields start and what was the inspiration for the musical direction you went in?

Allister-I used to make music similar to this back in the early 2000s, under my own name; sixties-influenced psych folk mainly. I took a long break from my own music to play in friends' bands in the 2000s, which toured and kept me busy. I then made a solo album, Shadowlands, in 2009 and started The Gateless Gate in 2012 to make instrumental ambient/Krautrock. I had no intention of getting back into the pop singing game after that. But I knew that my skills had gradually improved and that I had a lot to give still, especially lyrically. I was partly inspired, frankly, in 2014 by discovering the music of a band called Anathema. They're a former metal band, but they now make this beautiful, emotional, cinematic music to a pretty sizeable audience. Just amazing music. Basically, it hit me like a thunderbolt, like hearing exactly what my future could have been if I'd stayed the course and kept making the kind of music I had started doing. That really inspired me to get back to saying things that I thought were important, no matter now earnest it made me sound. Mind you, I'm not saying Twilight Fields really sounds like Anathema; it's more of an intention.

CMM- Also what made you choose the name Twilight Fields?

Allister-Twilight Fields is the title of an album by one of my favorite musicians, Stephan Micus. It's apparently also the name of something in a popular video game, but I wasn't aware of that before using it.

CMM-What was the writing and recording process for "Our Time Is Now" like?

Allister-I like to come up with an idea of what I want to say...not necessarily "concept" albums per se, but I'm album-oriented. So there was a general vibe I wanted to give off, in this case about unconditional love, so I had that in mind the whole time. I list off some topics I'd like to write about. However, I generally come up with musical ideas first, build those up, then work on lyrics and melodies last. I am the entire band, so I basically just layer things as the mood strikes me.

CMM-Any particular gear you used in the making of it. (Guitars, pedals, amps etc)

Allister-Since it's a one-man project, I don't have a lot of gear-head stuff to say. I use a really good acoustic guitar by a Canadian manufacturer called Larrivée. I have a hollow-body electric guitar, the Ibanez Artist, that I've had since I was sixteen. You can make it sound like anything, really. I've had all kinds of name-brand electrics and sold them all. And my bass is a vintage 1982 Peavey T-40, once endorsed by Ross Valory of Journey! It's so heavy, you need a special elasticized strap to wear the damn thing. But it sounds as huge as it weighs.

CMM-If you could score a soundtrack for any film director who would it be and what would the film be about?

Allister-I'd love to do something for Herzog, like Popol Vuh used to do. Documentary, drama, anything!

CMM-What's the scene like in your part of Canada? Any bands or venues worth mentioning?

Allister-The scene outside of major cities in Canada went downhill for a while but is reviving with the enthusiasm of younger bands. There are a couple of good small-scale indie festivals in our town now, and some bands do come through. The local talent is good, as far as I've heard, but it's been a while since anyone got famous in the music industry from this area...I think. Since this is currently a "studio" project only, I haven't played the local scene. My history with gigging and touring all took place when I lived in Toronto, Canada's largest market. I moved here for peace n' quiet!

CMM-What direction do you see the next Twilight Fields recordings moving in and what do you have planned for a follow up release?

Allister-I do have a concept in mind. I used to write a lot of heavy material (mood-wise) about war, climate change, animal rights, all sorts of topical stuff, before turning inward to more philosophical stuff with Twilight Fields; I felt that I needed to express those more positive, personal things. However, if I have a chance, I have ideas for an album that will draw upon the same genres but be much harder-hitting, lyrically. I do not like the things people have done to the planet and to each other, not one bit, and I might have a few more things to say about that! So hopefully I do end up making that album.

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.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Hot Glew "This Side of Wherever" E.P.

Hot Glew return with another E.P. made up of truly unique tracks. Opening piece "Bunker" is a soothing almost tropical number backed by a minimal electronic beat and Brett Keller's laid back vocal style. "Be My Lady" is a soul inspired lo-fi gem that reminds me of a less flamboyant Har Mar Superstar while "Haunted Love Song" would be the perfect track to play during a critical love scene in an 80's teen-angst fueled B-Movie. The jangling drive of "Subjugated" conjures up memories of acts like Dog Bowl and DJ Lebowitz. It's got a charming, quirky feel to it that reeks with universal appeal. Closing number "I Can't Sleep" serves as anthem of sorts and winds things down in fine form as an ominous piano rings out a showering of beautiful, glistening tones. Overall "This Side Of Wherever" creates it's own spirit and own world that is captivating in every sense of the word.

Spearmint Tongues "No One Left" Single (spearminttongues.bandcamp.com)

Loving this track from Spearmint Tongues debut release "Easy Peasy". It's got a cagey, mysterious guitar riff that eventually breaks into a more melodic yet distorted frenzy. The pumping bass line and straight forward percussion keep things rolling along and only add to the cinematic presence of the piece. There's also an orchestral feel to everything but it's very shuttle. The vocals are passionate and show off amazing range as everything flows together brilliantly. Looking forward to hearing a lot more from this promising new project.

The Esskays "Rain Drop Garden" LP (thesskays.bandcamp.com)

A very impressive album from Nashville's The Esskays. Lead off track "Psychedelic Love" really brings a power and energy that kick starts everything off well. There's a lot of bite to this track as the drums and guitars seem to take a heavy handed approach to the performance. "Girl, Tell Me What's Your Game?" also has a lot of drive and fire to it but is more of a straight forward British influenced psych pop piece. There's a bit of a Ween feel to "I'm An Alien" while "Oh Jolie" is more folk based and features some excellent harmonica work. The shuffling rhythm of "One Day At A Time (I'm Losing My Mind) has a fun upbeat flavor that follows in the spirit of early T Rex and sits well next to the Magical Mystery Tour style sounds of tracks like "Brahma Kamal! (The Night Flower" and "To Want To Be Loved". "ATM" has more of a modern indie rock feel to it that's perfect for Summer. It's one of those songs that you can dance to that certainly isn't a "dance" song. I'm really impressed by everything that "Rain Drop Garden" has to offer. It's got a throwback sound but with modern elements that balance it out well. A top notch release delivered with prime execution.

The Pixies "Um Chagga Lagga" Single (pixiesmusic.com)

The Pixies have one of the most definitive sounds of all time and this new single harnesses that trademark Black Francis snarl and lyrical flair like only he can. The absence of founding member Kim Deal is certainly missed and it will never really be The Pixies without her but "Um Chagga Lagga" is still very much a Pixies song that fans can get behind. I'm happy to see that the band continue to make new music instead of going the nostalgia route that so many other bands of their era have comfortably snuggled up to. Look for the band out on the road for most of 2016. You can pre-order their new album 'Head Carrier' at www.pixiesmusic.com

Tuval "By The Sea" Single (tuval.bandcamp.com)

19 year old song writer Tuval Schneerson delivers once again with his latest single "By The Sea". His lush vocals set the pace alongside a collection of vibrant guitars and a swinging beat that complements the track perfectly. Tuval has a certain charm to his songs that really invite the listener in and make it a very intimate listening experience and this is another essential piece in his constantly evolving catalogue of remarkable achievements.

Twilight Fields "Will I See You Again?" B/W "I Will Light Your Way, Part 2" (twilightfields.bandcamp.com)

Breathtakingly beautiful is what I'd use to describe this recent effort from Twilight Fields. "Will I See You Again?" is rich in honesty. Flourishing swells of ambience welcome you in with open arms. It sounds like it was recorded in a cathedral as it's massive reverb filled sounds are truly elegant. "I Will Light Your Way, part 2" is more guitar based and makes great use of the grey tinted riffs that move throughout the piece. It's all very intense, very emotional and very welcoming all at the same time. A stunning release well worth seeking out.