Live Show Review: Poil Ueda and John Zorn at the FIMAV

FIMAV, photo by Martin Morissette

It is well known that I seldom venture out of the comforts of my abode to seek the fellowship of likeminded individuals in a live music ritual. However, upon seeing the delightful programme that the FIMAV (the French acronym for Victoriaville’s International Contemporary Music Festival) had to offer this year, I was tempted—and later fulfilled these temptations—to journey beyond the borders of my realm and into the unknown. You have to hand it to the organizers of this festival for the awe-striking programme: Poil Ueda (opening the festivities), Ikue Mori, Zoh Amba, Fred Frith, Guy… Read more

Licho, Deadeye, Pyrithe, and Balungan

Licho – Ciuciubabka (Pagan)


Born from members of bands such as Koniec pola, -S-, Wędrowcy-Tułacze-Zbiegi, and Gruzja, Licho has quite the pedigree! With this project, however, the members steer away from black metal and into a very unique and dark psychedelic post-punk aesthetic. The result is simply astounding. Guitars full of effects, hypnotic rhythms, Sprechgesang-ish vocal delivery, and droning harmonies will conspire to suck you into a dark vortex. This album got a lot of spins from me, and I hope you too!

Deadeye – Deadeye (Dox)

Hammond, guitar, and drums. You know the drill. This is going to be… Read more

Best of Tzadik Records 2021


Tzadik Records is a very special thing to me. John Zorn’s label showcases his own compositions, ranging mostly from jazz to classical, as well as other groups and albums who are spearheading their respective genres. It’s often pretty difficult to listen to these albums, since they are usually not streaming online, so I’ve gathered them all here and got the five best Tzadik releases of 2021. This way, you’ll know where to start looking to dive into the surreal world of Zorn.


Number Five: John Zorn – Heaven and Earth Magick


Heaven and Earth Magick is one of the truer … Read more

Best Synth Music 2021


Let’s dive into the electronic world of synth music!


Number Five: Oh Yung – Godless



Oh Yung released Godless in May, and 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓪 𝓫𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻 it still is! Every song is worthy of praise, but perhaps none so much as “What U Wanna Do” for its complete bonkersness! The only flaw is its shortness!


Number Four: Big Lad – Power Tools


I’ll always remember the time I saw some dude cover a Venetian Snares song on an actual drum kit. I was so impressed by that! Well, Big Lad have turned that energy into the physical world, and play breakcore … Read more