Heavy Winged - Alive In My Mouth

The latest release from Three Lobed Recordings continues their trend of an LP on 180g black vinyl with a CD of the material with a bonus track. Heavy Winged have a previous release on TRL that featured material released on a pressed CD for the first time. That was my introduction to the trio. Since then I've bought their Archive release 'Feel Inside' and the vinyl-only 'We Grow' LP which I think is their best material to date.

Until now. Side A offers the familiar sound of Heavy Winged with a few new elements/textures to keep things interesting. Then comes Side B which contains the most crushing song they've yet to record. The first half the 16+ minute track is a wall of sound that comes crashing down half way through and then simmers until the end. The CD contains a third song clocking in over 17 minutes alternates between a frenzy of sounds and quieter, moody parts. Chalk up another stellar release from Three Lobed.

Mailorder From Tequila Sunrise

After a long time waiting, an order from Tequila Sunrise has arrived. I ordered the LP-only 'A Symphony Of Sound' by The Velvet Underground but unfortunately it was out of stock and another could not be found.

What did make it was an import copy of Flower Travellin' Band's Anywhere on CD and Alexander "Skip" Spence's Oar on vinyl. A couple of old classics that I'm grateful to finally own.

Jandek - The Myth Of Blue Icicles

After a delay that should have had it out in 2007, the 52nd Jandek album has finally seen the light of day in 2008. For 0790, we get a studio album by Jandek featuring acoustic guitar and vocals. I've given it one spin so far, but it sounds like there are two acoustic guitars on this album for the entirety. Vocally this album doesn't hit the higher notes of past Jandek albums. There's much less wailing making it sound like a more confident delivery of the lyrics. The guitar playing remains distinctly Jandekian but there are times when it almost becomes conventional in the approach. Overall it's one of the better studio albums this decade from Corwood Industries.

Bass Communion's Pacific Codex

The latest release from Steven Wilson's Bass Communion project has finally seen the light of day on Equation Records. Originally I believe it was supposed to be a vinyl release (which makes sense considering their are two tracks that could each take up a side of vinyl), it has arrived on CD and DVD-A mixed in surround sound. While pricey for the limited release, it does come nicely packaged in a nice sleeve with a thick booklet of photography and a mini gatefold to house the discs.

The Most Expensive Short Album (Ever)?

While I'm glad to have new release from Buried At Sea, their new album 'Ghost' is a single track clocking in at 29 minutes and 58 seconds. The problem is that it's being sold as a full length album at a full length price. Directly from the label it's $14 but I was able to get it for $15 (and with free shipping) from Amazon after purchasing a separate Christmas gift. I'd expect the price would be a lot better coming from an independent record label. The price could of been forgiven if the disc came packed in some awesome packaging but all you get is a standard jewel case. Oh well, at least the music is crushing.

Nil Recurring

Just a quick update this time.

Arriving from the UK was the latest release from Porcupine Tree. An EP called 'Nil Recurring' featuring four tracks that didn't make the cut on their recent album. Robert Fripp contributes some lead guitar work on the title (instrumental) track. The EP really shows the diversity of the band throughout the four songs. A welcome edition to the PT catalog.

Robotic Empire

Picked up a CD and double LP from Robotic Empire. After being out print for years now, RE has reissued Isis' epic 'Panopticon' on vinyl. I went for the silver wax. The CD is the self-titled album from Floor, who no longer exist but whose members went on to form Torche. Floor certainly shares a similar sound.