RHYTON : kykeon : Thrill Jockey (out now)

Musical history has proved that especially Mediterranean as well as Middle-Eastern scales actually respond rather genial to a psychedelic makeover. Now instrumental trio Rhyton took that approach to the next level and delivered an album that feels rather futuristic even though it clearly cites (almost) forgotten days from the past. Allegedly “Kykeon“ is a drink that was invented by the ancients that had psychoactive properties... it’s safe to say that Rhyton’s third album has a similar effect as aforementioned strange brew. 8/10

 

DISAPPEARS : irreal : Kranky (19.01.2015)

Chicago’s very own Disappears clearly never had the intention to become the next big consensus-thing, and their fifth album certainly underlines that. “Irreal“ perfectly lives up to its title, a brooding dark monolith that just loves to deconstruct post punk and hazy dub any way it wants to - still nothing feels forced or heavy headed. As a matter of fact this paradoxically might  even be their most accessible and stringent album to date. 7.5/10

 

FATHER JOHN MISTY : i love you, honeybear : Bella Union (06.02.2015)

I guess J. Tillman’s musical alter ego is one of those projects you either love or hate. Not necessarily because the music might not be your cup of tea - and even if that’s the case you have to admit that there hardly is any other artist with a similar wide sonic spectrum in the indie-game these days - but because of the coquette vita of its protagonist and shameless flirt with musical grandeur and any kind of debauchery. Me, I clearly belong in the first category, since Tillman’s Harry Nilsson impression, subtle cynicism and general megalomaniac approach and dedication to music is simply unrivaled. This album is big. Huge. Humongous - Las Vegas style. 9/10

 

JONNY FAITH : sundial : Tru Thoughts (02.02.2015)

The Melbourne based Scotsman delivers a rather pleasant debut with “Sundial“, which comfortably places itself between soothing melodies and advanced beatsmithery. The whole thing still is clearly rooted in hip-hop, but definitely sounds a million miles away from the ominous grey skies his hometown Edinburgh usually has to offer. In other words: a lot more lobster sandwich than haggis. 6/10

 

NATIVE AMERICA : grown up wrong : Inflated Records (out now)

New Orleans based garage rock trio Native America plays exactly this kind of music that delivers the heat even after the summer has long gone... which actually is a very welcome attribute considering the shitty weather we’re about to face over here for weeks to come. So, yeah, if bands like Deerhunter, Allah-Las, White Fence or Thee Oh Sees landed a prominent part on your last mixtape, then Native America will certainly take over the pole position on your next one. 8.5/10

 

RONE : creatures : InFiné (06.02.2015)

If you prefer your electronic music sounding rather wide screen than home cinema, then “Creatures“ - the third album by former film student Erwan Castex aka Rone - will be right up your alley. In its best moments, you can sense a closeness to the work of Future Sounds Of London and (early) M83, but way too often you’re reminded that there actually is some truth to the ol’ platitude that less could be more, indeed. 6/10

 

DARK DARK DARK : flood tide : Melodic (19.01.2015)

DDD’s music has always been slightly cinematic, so the transition to actually work on a (strictly instrumental) original score for “Flood Tide“ - a film directed by former band member Todd Chandler set within the “Swimming Cities of Switchback Sea“ project of acclaimed artist Swoon - isn’t too surprising, really. Neither is that it sounds downright gorgeous. 8/10

 

DODOS : individ : Morr Music/Polyvinyl (30.01.2015)

Remember how stunned you were when San Francisco’s Dodos released “Visiter“ seven years ago, and how slightly disappointing each following album felt, even though you still can’t really pin down exactly what was wrong with them. On first impression “Individ“ sounds like a record from a band that doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone no more... which actually makes it the long-awaited consigned successor to their 2008 breakthrough album. Finally. 7/10