Advanced Mathematics 5: Introduction to Karnatic Rhythms

by Dæv Tremblay

In today’s class, we’ll move out of the world we’re used to–the Western music world, that is–and move to South India, around the region of Karnāṭaka. We’ll have to learn much of their musical vocabulary, although we’ll try to draw parallels with European classical music as much as possible, since I assume we are all more familiar with it. But, even when parallels are drawn, the two terms are never going to mean exactly the same thing, so it’s important to keep in mind the worlds that separate Western music from Karnatic music.

This video has been the instigator of … Read more

Peter Evans & Weasel Walter – Poisonous

by Dæv Tremblay

The Music

The Words

Poisonous indeed, the newest release from free, avant-garde jazz duo Peter Evans & Weasel Walter is a journey into the delirious mind of a poison-afflicted would-be mycologist. In forty-four minutes, the two seasoned musicians craft an album obsessed with venenous fungi that sounds as lethal as its subject. I don’t know how many layers of improvised or forethought material have been arranged to create this fever dream, but the result is a dense hallucinative soundscape as heard through thick forest haze.

Some parts are almost metal in just how harsh and intense they are–see “Sulfur Tuft”. … Read more

Délétère – De hōrae leprae

by Dæv Tremblay

The Music

The Words

Of leper hours–De hōrae leprae–; of Terēdinis the leper–”Terēdinis lepra”–, prophet of the Centipèdes. Dejection of society, leprous and miasmatic, offering sacrifices to Locusta; eat the rich! eat the rich! and offer sigils your rotting canvas. Forty days and countless plagued souls for thirteen Chthonians to rid the world of the light. The heir of boreworms, Terēdinis, ventures into the nine Circles to cast pestilence upon the world.

That’s the concept behind the album, in a nutshell. Délétère, from Québec, offers us the newest release in the exclusive “métal noir québécois” genre. This … Read more

Monthly Recommendations: May 2018

by Dæv Tremblay

Le Baron de Vincèse – Pectine et Grotonus

Every track is compelling and interesting, and help build a compound image of what that band is, one little part at a time. The album is a blast from start to finish, no downturn or less interesting moments to be found. This is a gem.

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Reg Bloor – Sensory Irritation Chamber

There is not a moment where I’d rather not be listening to the music here. With frequent metric modulations, extended and uncommon chords, and surprisingly catchy melodies, Reg Bloor mixes all the right ingredients in the right proportions to

… Read more