10/12/2007

album release :: sawako

sawako has released her third proper album, madoromi, through anticipate label. hum for me was an ambient/drone masterpiece. the moods set in her works are comparable to brian eno's 'music for airports.' although she introduces more field recordings and less song structure, they both seem to have the same intent. both set the listener in a state of calm space. sawako's madoromi has more instrumentation then hum; in some tracks you can hear definite instruments like guitar where in hum, on loose recollection, i remember chimes and whispered voice.

:: preview album ::

madoromi is also somewhat darker and pensive. hum always felt to me like a good morning sound to wake up to. pieces like 'appled soapbox' set a tone of anticipation and mystery. like walking cautiously through an old house you've never been inside. curious and cautious. i've never really confirmed with sawako, if she creates her music for an audience and purpose, or just as an artistic expression. ambient music allows more imagination for the patient listener. with no decernable lyrics, the moving sounds create a mixed state of impressions and visions. sawako's modoromi gives a feeling of warmth and nurture. she creates an intangible mother of sound that comforts you into a dream state.




i recently saw her album release show at monkey town. nobuko did live analog video and graphics for her. being in a room of four wall graphics, her sounds, and the overly comfortable seating is the best way to calm and clear the hustle bustle thoughts of the city week. oh, and the food and wine were great!

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posted by Unknown @ Friday, October 12, 2007 0 comments

10/04/2007

performance :: boris

boris [photo cred: teamsteam] rocked out last night at the music hall of williamsburg. balls out rock. i don't know how else to blog it out with intellect and indie edge. i'm falling in love with this venue more and more. its floor plan almost identical to bowery ballroom. the space is extremely comfortable, allowing everyone a great view. the crowd was crazy for boris, they bring back a feeling of rock that has been forgotten. seeing michio kurihara on stage with them was perfect. one of the best moments for me was when they played 'rainbow'. michio kurihara's fuzz guitar solo cutting in after whispery vocals from wata.

:: listen to rainbow

my favorite critique of boris is that they "are only living band who have mastered the art of out-sabbathing black sabbath." after the concert, i'd have to say this is much true. they brought the crowd into a frenzy. they brought a gong. their heavy sludge metal songs are so anthem-like. withdrawn from the audience, they keep to their music on stage. a great night complete with drummer stage dive! soooo much fun. they played many of their best songs from rainbow and pink. I highly recommend picking up either. my ears are still ringing and my neck sore from head banging.

damon & naomi of galaxie 500 fame didn't receive much attention from the boris-hungry audience. at times, the audience was louder with banter. their music was too down tempo to survive the crowd's anxiety for boris. damon's historical, cultural lectures on japan for song intros were eye-rolling; then topped with overly dramatic guitar strumming.

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posted by Unknown @ Thursday, October 04, 2007 0 comments