Luo – Unspoken

Luo is the duo of Josh Trinnaman and Barney Sage. Musically, it is also a duo of sorts, combining electronic music and metal in what could perhaps be coined “post-djent”, although the “electro-djent” category is still very much adequate, here. Unspoken is definitely up there among the best of the genre, with its odd rhythms, lush textures, and compelling song structures. Check it out!

---

Project 206 – Volatile

Galen Bundy’s Project 206 is one of messing around with jazz and pushing personal limits. On the Volatile debut EP, we’re met with a lot of interesting ideas coming from all sides that coalesce into one beast of a record, challenging both the musicians who have to play it and the listeners who have to listen to it. Give yourself that pleasure.

---

Plastic Dogs – Growl

Known for her contribution to Sax Ruins, saxophonist 小埜涼子 (Ono Ryōko) is now up to more bewildering stuff. If it’s not the zeuhl machine Ryorchestra, it’s the progressive metal of Plastic Dogs, with “grind-guitar” and “heavy-guitar”! Growl was released either last October (according to Youtube) or this January (according to Bandcamp), but either way it’s never too late to enjoy this incredible music piece.

---

Ted Byrnes – Tactility (Arkeen)

I’ve probably said it before, but Ted Byrnes is a maniac on drums! His solo percussion improvisation albums are a thing to hear, and another thing yet to behold (see the double solo album release quarantine live show video, with fellow maniac Patrick Shiroishi). Tactility is a haptic abuse of percussion, and that’s what I like.

---

Cursed Mantis – Cursed Mantis

Cursed Mantis is an international project from Montréal, Québec, and Sweden labelled as “grindwave”. I don’t have to tell you that this tag alone sufficed to fan the embers of my intrigue into a blazing fire. It turns out that Cursed Mantis is an eclectic album taking inspiration from all across the board, from grindcore and synthwave, as expected, to dance music, melodic death metal, and black metal. Apart from the novel factor of these uncommon genre crossings, the album as a whole is a cohesive experience that’s ridiculously enjoyable.

---

Taupe – Not Blue Light

British “not-jazz” trio reminiscent of Trio VD, Taupe releases their third release: Not Blue Light. Just as expected, it features angular themes, abrasive textures, and an eccentric sense of harmony and rhythm, much to my delight. Be sure to grab this amazing little album!