The Needle Drop

hypnotic

Zs- "Corps"

UncategorizedContributor JonesComment

Hypnotic: a term used too often to describe anything slightly disorienting. Repetition: often overemphasized by writers to manufacture effect that isn't there.

Jolting: applied to the softest of transitions.

Impressionistic: used to delineate music that barely hints at being allusive.

With Zs however, bold descriptors often apply simply because their music is doing bold things. This group boils musical ideas to their purest and most elemental forms before stacking another idea onto the fold. To employ so many strong musical expressions in the span of twelve minutes, lapsing into and out of focus yet maintaining a cohesive thought throughout is undoubtedly impressive. Free jazz, blues, industrial, and many more forms of music, some that I probably can't even name, meld into each other here. "Corps" can be found on Zs' upcoming album Xe, which was recorded in one sitting and is sure to contain similar experimentation.

-Garrett Cottingham

Sea Oleena- "Island Cottage" ‡ STREAM

New Tracksadmin1 Comment

Canadian singer-songwriter Sea Oleena released and album of self-recorded demos back in April, and titled it Smudges. The acoustics on the recording are a little rough, but the vocals and serene songwriting stand past any restrictions the recording might have put on them. The music on Smudges has now been remixed as as self-titled album, courtesy of Sea Oleena's very own brother, Felix Green, who produces quite a bit of music himself.

"Island Cottage" is one of the most skeletal moments on this new album, and favors atmosphere over filling space. The piano and subtle studio tricks are a real treat, making the track something worth exploring again and again. Stream "Island Cottage" below, and grab the album on a pay-what-you-want basis at Sea Oleena's bandcamp.

How do you feel about this song? Did it put you to sleep? In a good way? Did you have a dream about anything cool? Did the vocals feel like a breeze on your ears? -