Andrew Bernstein – An Exploded View of Time

by Dæv Tremblay

The Music

The Words

Andrew Bernstein is a saxophone player and composer most recognized for his involvement in experimental band Horse Lords. He is releasing his latest album, An Exploded View of Time, through Hausu Mountain Records.

When listening to it, I can’t help but summon a comparison with saxophone virtuoso Colin Stetson. Of course, the palette of solo sax releases is pretty wide even for this relatively niche and narrow canvas, but the choice of techniques and soundscapes with which Andrew decided to paint it are remarkably similar. A short list of those include overblowing, circular … Read more

Weekly Release Dump: Voters’ Rights Edition

by Dæv Tremblay

Today is a special day. Bandcamp is donating all of their profits to the Voting Rights Project, to defend and improve the rights of voters in the United States. To read more on the subject and what Bandcamp is doing for this occasion, please click this link that will lead you to their website. My little contribution is this release dump post (for this occasion, I even included all upcoming releases of which I’m keeping track (you’re welcome). Your contribution can be any amount of money you can spare for one album or more. Alternatively, you can share … Read more

Scherzoo – 04

by Dæv Tremblay

The Music

The Words

French entity Scherzoo is no newcomer to the prog scene, as you might have deduced by looking at the album name—04—referring to it being their fourth. The mastermind behind it, François Thollot, also released music under his own name, but is here joined by Clément Curaudeau of Süryabonali, Grégoire Plancher, and Anthony Pontet. 04 is one the latest release under the legendary Soleil Zeuhl label. So, let’s take a look at it!

In under forty-five minutes, François and Scherzoo take us to the land of progressive rock. 04 being an instrumental release, it … Read more

Byo Noise Generator – Neuromechanica

by Dæv Tremblay

The Music

The Words

Russia’s Byo Noise Generator—stylized as ByoNoiseGenerator—just released their sophomore release: Neuromechanica. The band claims to merge brutal death metal, grindcore, and jazz into a coherent whole, which is an impressive feat if it’s true. But there are a few amendments to make to it.

First of all, the music here on display is indeed brutal and grinding, and the composition, interpretation, and production of it is quite stunning. One thing that sets Byo Noise Generator apart from other similar bands is their permanent use of a saxophonist. Alas, sax does not jazz make, … Read more

Weekly Release Dump

by Dæv Tremblay

Saturday, 15 September

Dysylumn – Occultation (black metal)
On Egregor Records

Geryon – Astomatous (avant-garde death metal)

ハイパーライトニングハイドラ (Haipā Raitoningu Haidora) Hyper Lightning Hydra – 宇宙ヒエロファントX (Uchū hierofanto X) Cosmic Hierophant X (progressive metal, MIDI)

i.o – Within Scattered Systems (free jazz, mathcore)

Mehdi Nabti & Prototype – Les règles de l’Art (ethno-ingénierie) (world fusion, modern jazz)

… Read more