Atom Heart Mutha...Albums of the Year 2016. Ghost Box Orchestra - High Plaine

Read the Atom Heart Mutha Review for High Plaine HERE

The last time Ghost Box Orchestra released an album was in 2013. This year the follow-up 'High Plaine' surpassed all of my expectations, by miles.  The songs featured this time around were far more intricate and focused, yet intensely heavy.  From the opener 'Flutter' and its brain smashing, psychedelic drones, you could tell you are about to hear an album that would refuse to sit quietly, in the background. 

I can't recommend this album enough; it's a record that gives something new with every listen...if you haven't heard it yet, you need to click the player now !

I caught up with Jeremy Lassetter from the band to find out how GBO's year had been.

Hi Jeremy, thanks for catching up, how's this year been for the band?

This year has been great.  It felt fantastic to finish up the record, get the cover art all set and be able to release it through Evil Hoodoo.   We got a great reaction from the record and it's been nice to hear from everybody that has reached out.
My favourite show of the year was Fuzzstival; our local psych/fuzz fest.  Every year it's two full days of the best that Boston has to offer in the psych/garage/fuzz crowd and it's always a blast to be involved.

We've been taking things slower this year, playing less shows and it's been working really well. That's given us all some extra time to do some of the things we've all been wanting to do (some of us are starting families, writing, recording and working on other art). We're getting to a good place where we can all go off and do our own thing to scratch those creative itches. For me, it's been nice to do some writing, spend time working on visual art and making some videos for the album. It takes some time, but I dig it - and it lights up some new parts of the ol' brain.

High Plaine is a deeply focused record; was it difficult to record?

In a way, it was difficult to record.   Tracking was fun, but intense.   We tend to go into the studio chomping at the bit to knock everything out.  It's easy to get ahead of yourself, so it's a matter of allowing a little more time than you'd think to get everything tracked and still allow room for the unexpected.  From minute one, we pretty much turn out all the lights and keep a pretty dim atmosphere; it's intense, but it's by design.   After about a week, it's time to get out and get some sunshine!

Where did you record the album?

We recorded with Dan Gonzales, at a place called Oddfellows, in East Weymouth, MA.  It was a huge live room and we were able to spread out and really use the space.  Some overdubs had us scooting a floor tom across the entire room, whilst letting the reverb change and morph through the take.  We found piles of metal in one of the side rooms and found ways to incorporate them.   I think my favourite over dub was lining up a lane of seltzer and beer cans, then stomping those, in time with the snare.  We probably had close to 100 or so!

You mention Fuzzstival; is there a big Psych Scene in Boston? Do you tour wider than the USA?

Boston has a strong psych scene.  Some of my favs are Creaturos, Magic Shoppe, Doug Tuttle, Prefab Messiahs, Black Beach, December Sound and Beach Toys.  These guys are all busting ass and making some excellent music.  As we've been playing fewer shows, it's been nice to take some time and go see everybody else do their thing.   It's been energising.  We have done wider US tours, but sat it out this year - it's very possible we will next year though.  I think everybody in the band is missing the road - and it's about time we get over to the UK!

What plans do you have for 2017?

Plans for 2017 include revving the engines and writing some new material.   We have a good amount of unreleased material, so it's about time we look at putting those out.  We'll probably play a handful of shows while everyone continues to work on some of their own projects.   There's also a special edition of High Plaine in the works and we're sorting out the final details now.

Do you have a favourite record from this year, and are the any bands you recommend looking out for in 2017?

Psychic Ills put out one of my absolute favourite albums this year.   To say I've been listening to it a lot, is an understatement.   I love what they are doing on 'Inner Journey Out' - lyrics, pedal steel and overall meditative vibe.  It's a special one.   I look forward to anything those folks put out!  Moon Duo has a new one coming out too...always ready for more Moon Duo!
Look out for Ocular Audio Experiment; a really great band if you haven't heard em yet.   Every once in a while, I get to sit in with them live and it's always a blast.


Thanks for catching up Jeremy; it was good speaking to you. Happy New Year!

Thanks y'all, it was great chatting.  Thanks for all the support and spreading the good word.  We'll see you in 2017!


Ghost Box Orchestra Bandcamp

Ghost Box Orchestra Facebook

Evil Hoodoo Records

Evil Hoodoo Facebook

Atom Heart Mutha...Albums of the Year 2016. Slow Season - Westing

Read the Atom Heart Mutha Review for Westing HERE

Californian hard rockers Slow Season released their third album 'Westing' on Riding Easy Records in the summer of this year, having already released an impressive self titled debut in 2012 and the follow up 'Mountains' in 2014.  My expectations were high, even more so, having heard the first single Y'wanna; Westing certainly didn't disappoint, the riffs are heavy and the Zeppelin influenced grooves infectious. 

Like all great albums, Westing just gets better and better with every play.  I caught up with singer Daniel Story Rice to ask him how the bands year has been.

Hi Daniel, its a pleasure talking to you, how has 2016 been for the band?

Ups and downs.
The tour was fun, but tough.  I'm adopting an infant daughter and that's awesome, but challenging when it comes to touring. Westing is the best thing we've done yet, but it's been a slow starter.  We have some cool plans for 2017, in spite of that.

For me, Westing was an attention grabber from the first time I played it, and it felt like a natural progression from Mountains.  Did you write the songs fresh for the new album or do you keep unrecorded songs back for recordings?

Westing is kind of about the political and social climate, in general.  Some songs were completely new, some took pieces of music from even before Mountains and Frankenstein-ed them into new songs. We don't really hang onto material for too long.  If it's hot, we track it; if it's not, we tend to forget it.

Where did you record the album? What was the process like?

We recorded it at Cody's house again and one track in an empty industrial office space, but this time with our new MS16 tape machine.  We then mixed down to a half-track for a true, all-analog process. The good thing about home recording is that you don't have to rush it or fake a vibe - you can wait until the time and take are right.

You mention touring.  Will you carry on taking the record out on the road? Is it an opportunity to write and rehearse the next one?

We will be taking it out on the road some more this Winter and Spring.  I'd like to write some more, but our family obligations are tying that one down for the moment. We'll see - maybe we can pull a surprise or two off.  A live album would be rad, I think.

So what are your immediate plans for 2017; are there plans to tour outside of the States?

We hope to go overseas this Summer.  Hopefully our booking agent gets a good offer.  We don't wanna run up a bunch of debt either, so we'll take what makes the most sense.  We want this band to be sustainable.

Do you have a favourite album from this year and are there any bands to look out for in 2017?

Bowie's Blackstar is great.  Mondo Drag's Occultation of Light is tops as well.  I've mostly picked up older records and reissues this year.  I'm on a big Lester Young kick, at present; the Stonewall reissue is killer too.
Look out for OutsideInside (former Carousel), High Definitions (Columbus), Stuyedyed (NYC), Crypt Trip (TX), Cloud Catcher (they recorded their next record at our place).  There were a bunch that were cool to play with, but I don't remember all the names.

Thanks for catching up Daniel, good to hear from you.

Thanks dude, anytime!

Slow Season Facebook

Slow Season Bandcamp

Riding Easy Records

Atom Heart Mutha...Albums of the Year 2016. Sula Bassana - Shipwrecked.

Read the Atom Heart Mutha Review of Shipwrecked HERE

Shipwrecked was the first record of this year that I loved from the very first time I heard it.  It's a Kosmische masterpiece made on vintage equipment that takes in Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk and cool cinematic soundscapes. Once in a while an album comes along that's so brilliant you want to share it immediately; this is one of them. Dave Schmidt is a member of Electric Moon, Zone Six, Krautzone, Interkosmos and the head of Sulatron Records. He also makes solo music under the name Sula Bassana.  I caught up with him recently to ask him how his year has been.

Hey Dave, great to hear from you! How was 2016?

Hi Jaf! Yes, it was a busy year, but not as busy as the previous years; I need to do less so I'm doing less gigs in the future; that's more time for nature and my studio! It was a bad year for the health of some loved friends and us as well (but for us thankfully not too bad).  Let's hope the next year will bring back more positive energy! However, there were absolutely great moments, great releases and great concerts!



For me, Shipwrecked was the first great album of 2016, was it an easy record to make?

Thank you! Yes, it was very easy! The ideas came quickly and it was fun to make the songs.  I totally enjoy producing electronic music with all the great old gear I collected over the years. And there will be more of this kind in the future. I've already finished a complete album with tracks I made basically on organs and portable keyboards, but also added synthesisers, drum machines; I've used guitar and bass in one of the songs, the album will be called Organ Accumulator.  This and a 7" single with two more songs of this kind will be released in early 2017 on Deep Distance records (UK) on wax. Also I recorded a side-long track in the Berlin School like elektronic direction. For another new album :-)


It sounds like you keep yourself busy! Do you write and record the Electronic music by yourself or do you use bandmates from Electric moon, or perhaps some of the bands on the record label?

Mainly I do everything by myself, but from time to time Lulu  joins on vocals, like on 'Disappear' (from the split LP with 3AM), or on 2 songs from my next psychedelic rock album.  For this album' I just need to record the vocals (on 2 tracks) and one complete song. :-)  In the past, I've made some albums together with Modulfix (Martin Schorn), they were mainly electronic music albums as well.

Where do your influences come from? Especially as you make very different types of music.

I am an open minded person, so I always get inspiration.  I let musical instruments influence me. Every Guitar or Synthesizer or whatever has it's own feeling and creates a different mood in me. Sometimes I wake up with a melody, sometimes I just let it flow... but the deepest inspiration, for sure, is life.  It takes me up and down and I need to make music to stand all the pressure.

How do you choose the artists that you sign to the label?

Oh, most of them are friends or our own bands/projects. But sometimes I get a really nice promo (in case of Giobia and Sherpa) or find a band somewhere that keeps my attention (Deep Space, Polska Radio One...). Or I just ask a band that I love, like I did with Sun Dial, and suddenly they are on Sulatron!

The live show recordings are incredible, particularly the last Planetarium one, it's hard to believe they're not studio recordings, how do you make the sound quality the recordings  so good?

Wow, thanks a lot! It was recorded on a very cheap 8-track recorder, just the main instruments. It's hard work to make it sound nice, hehehehe. But in this case it worked more or less. The new concert recording (from 2016) sounds awful, we can't do anything with it.



Are there any new upcoming bands you recommend looking out for in 2017?

Hmmm... I really can only recommend Sherpa from Italy! Their debut album "Tanzlinde" is out on CD on Sulatron already and the vinyl version comes out in very late December, it's a really good trip, Something that crawls into your body from the back, very slowly, but when it's got you, you can't stop listening to it! Hopefully I can see them live one day.
I'm very much into producing at the moment and I'm looking forward to releasing it all. There's also more Sun Dial stuff, they've already recorded a new album. I will be re-releasing all the QUAD albums (Gary Ramon's solo project), which I love totally; some of the most trippy stuff around!

Thanks for catching up Dave, Happy New Year!

Have a great 2017, Jaf, and thanks a lot for the Interview! I'm glad you like my electronic music adventures! :-) May peace be everywhere on this planet one day!

Sula Basanna Facebook

Sulatron Records

Sulatron Records Facebook

Atom Heart Mutha - 2016 Review...AHM's Favourite Albums of the Year.

As 2016 draws to a close its time to look back on some of the highlights of the year.
Over the coming weeks i'll be looking back at some of the Albums that shaped 2016 for Atom Heart Mutha.  First off is a List of my favourite albums and below You'll find playable versions of 20 of them !

Over the the next few weeks i'll be discussing 10 more and interviewing some of the bands that recorded them so please keep checking back.
Decembers RadioShow will feature some of my favourite tracks of the year as well as a few brand new songs off albums out in the new year; i'll also be looking back on some of my favourite reissues.

Enjoy the list and if you like what you hear, please support the bands and artists.





Asteroid - iii
Autumn of Pækward - Cern
Boobs of Doom - 08: Wow is Dead
Causa Sui - Return to Sky
The Cult of Dom Keller - Goodbye to the Light
Dreamtime - Strange Pleasures
Filthy Lucre - Mara
Ghost Box Orchestra- High Plaine
Glitter Wizard - Hollow Earth Tour
Hotel Wrecking City Traders - Phantamonium
Jakob Skøtt - All the Colours of the Dust
The Judge - The Judge
JuJu - JuJu
Kikagaku Moyo - House in the Tall Grass
Kungens Män - Stockholm Maraton
Mythic Sunship - Ouroboros
The Myrrors - Entranced Earth
No Man's Valley - Time Travel
Psychic Ills - Inner Journey Out
Psychic Lemon - Psychic Lemon
Salem's Bend - Salem's Bend
Sergeant Thunderhoof - Ride of the Hoof
Sons of the Void - Sons of the Void
Slow Season - Westing
The Spacelords - Liquid Sun
Sula Bassana - Shipwrecked
Svvamp - Svvamp
Telstar Sound Drone - Magical Solutions to Everyday Struggles
West, Space and Love - West Space and Love II
Zed - Trouble in Eden

        

Album Review...Dreamtime - Strange Pleasures

Three years have passed since Brisbane's Dreamtime released their last album 'Sun'. For the development of their latest opus, Dreamtime went about creating an imaginary, dream-like sci-fantasy, that follows a spirit's journey from the human body through death: mystic rituals; the spirit world; a soul's liberation into the cosmos; multiple reincarnations, and out into astral journeys and alien encounters.

The Synthesiser driven 'Luminous Night' kicks off the proceedings through science fiction laden drones and seventies rock guitar freak-outs.  Amazingly, within the background, there are elements of eighties electronic, cinematic soundscapes, as well as sixties tinged pop- beat breaks.  Somehow, they all come together in a near perfect eleven minutes.

'Golden Alter' commences as a spiritual tribal chant complete with mystical vocals and evolves into a heavy duty trance, that seems to smash its way forward in to your mind, whilst remaining focused and engaging.  'Fire' is reminiscent of the band Goat in its fuzzy Guitar sounds and structures, but also vocally connected too; this is easily one of the records many highlights.

'The Sentient' is a stomping, cosmic freakout and continues onwards before ending in strange intergalactic sounds and blurbs.  The title track is an epic, trippy number that slowly grows in to a heavy psychedelic rock without letting go of the intensifying pace from within the grooves.
'Spectral Entropy is easily one of the best tracks you'll hear this year; a mammoth space age, Floydian acid soaked, rock masterpiece.  It draws you in from the first brain frazzling oscillations, to the moment the drums kick in and take you out into the beyond for ten fantastic minutes. Closing track 'Serpent Tongue' is another sonic assault on the mind; energetic and fierce, this album won't go out on a gentle note!

Strange Pleasures is by far the bands most accomplished piece of work to date; the arrangements are meticulously thought out and realised.  It's a pleasure indeed to hear a bands evolution in such a magnificent way. I was new to Dreamtime when I was fortunate to review the Reissue of 'Sun' via Cardinal Fuzz earlier this year and its really nice to be able to pass comment on their latest release.
This a record without space (ironically given its Sci-fi sound) every note and noise has its place and brings something different, this makes for a richer record, elevating it towards the stars.
Australia continues to produce some really fascinating artists; it'll be good to see Dreamtime gain more acclaim following this release and surely some UK shows too. Listen to the album on the player below and look out for the physical links via the Labels supporting them.
Highly Recommended.

Dreamtime on Facebook

Dreamtime Bandcamp

TYM Records (Aus)

Sky Lantern Records (U.S)

Cardinal Fuzz (Europe)

Strange Pleasures was recorded by Darek Mudge at The Shed Recording Studio over two days on a old automated analogue desk, the warm, vintage sound of the recordings perfectly captures the tripped out visions, mys cism, and spirituality of the music herein. Presented on all-black double vinyl housed in a gorgeous gatefold sleeve featuring original artwork by Indonesian ar st Riandy Karuniawan.

Album Review... E GONE - Advice to Hill Walkers

There have been some interesting reissues this year.  'Advice to Hill Walkers', the second album by Swedish E GONE is without a doubt one of them. Originally released on limited cassette only in 2015, ATHW finally gets a Deluxe remastered and repackaged upgrade by Deep Water and Sunrise Ocean Bender. The album features 2 new tracks and fold out poster artwork.

'Mark the Spot Where you Leave the Injured' sets the tone, within the electronic drones and whispers, as the track plays out and ends with a note that seems to never come up for air.  The Eastern flavours that are served up throughout the record become apparent on 'Your goal is to Know Everything and Say Nothing' and 'Follow Moonmilk Rivers'; rhythmic and trancelike instrumentations lead an Eastern psychedelic journey through a nomadic mind.

'Build your Camp out of Alpine Moss' is more in keeping with 70's horror movie scores; synths and trippy downbeats play out slowly, in a sinister manner. 'Dwell in Tents by Day, Hike at Random by Night' is very much like the sort of tripped out hip hop beats and tones favoured by DJ and Artist The Gaslamp Killer; in fact this is music that would not be out place on his records or mixes.  'You Don't Know it Yet But We Are Losing you' also follows a similar path.  Both are fantastic tracks.
'Bring Ice Axe and Rope' has a subtle urgency to it; the track is mysterious and Cinematic. 'Record the Humming of Melodious caves' has its roots set in Eastern folk music and the album closer 'Reach the Summit, Egg' seems to melt all that has gone before together into an epic, Eastern, folkedelic tapestry of spiritual enlightenment.

There's little doubt that this release has been treated as a labour of love for all involved. The CD packaging itself is well presented, but the remastering process has elevated the original sound from the cassette release, into something that feels much more lushly textured and deeper tonally.  It's great to see that this lost gem can be discovered by a wider audience. Psych-heads, lovers of cinematic electronica and adventurous listeners will find much to cherish within; this is an album totally worthy of reissue and absolutely deserved of a wider audience.  Seek this out and spread the word brothers and sisters!

E GONE Official Site

E GONE on Facebook

Buy Advice to Hill Walkers from Sunrise Ocean Bender HERE

Album Review ... Wolf People - Ruins

Wolf People are time travellers.  Their tools are mythology, history, hauntology, big riffs, bigger beats and electricity.  They've just made a welcome return with ‘Ruins’ their third LP, which is out now on Jagjauawar.
The record opens with a bluesy, rock fog of 'Ninth Night; a beat led track that confidently struts its way on to the harder rocking 'Rhino Sagas'.
Those familiar with past releases, especially the fantastic 'Steeple', will  undoubtably realise just how much heavier the band have become. By the time the solo kicks in on 'Night Witch' your ears will already be bleeding!

Without giving up the pace, the album continues to progress its 70's rock influenced way on tracks such as 'Thistles' and 'Crumbling Dais' before the driving grooves of 'Not Me Sir' burst in.
'Belong' and 'Salt Mills' slow the pace as the album begins to close. The Final track 'Glass' has a very British Sixties beat feel to it, whilst still managing to sound like modern day rock.
"Ruins" marks a progression from previous releases; their sound remains distinctive but, seems heavier, comparatively, whilst remaining incredibly tight.

There’s something very English about their style, musically and within its production; something thats been described as Medieval.  It's rustic for sure, yet remaining in keeping with traditional psychedelic rock, whilst not exactly retro.  There have been comparisons to Jethro Tull, but these will be more in the line with the instrumentation (flutes!), and not necessarily the songs structures. Although, there are undeniably, elements of Ian Anderson in the vocals.

"Ruins" is a confident recording; its strengths lie within the hooks; the lyrics and in the vocals of Jack Sharp.  The band themselves are on good form and this is a weighty step in the right direction in terms of the bands evolution from 2013’s ‘Fain’. The flow within the tracks make the record work much better as whole, despite individually the songs standing up for themselves.  2016 is coming to a close and the quality of music being released seems to get better and better.
"Ruins" is an album that will reward the listener with every play. Also serving as a promise of greater music to come from the band; this is recommended. Play it loud; very, very, loud!

Official Website

Wolf People on Bandcamp

Wolf People Facebook

Jagjaguwar

Album Review... Sherpa - Tanzlinde

Sulatron Records are bringing Neo Psychedelia from Italy via Sherpa and their debut album Tanzlinde. The inspiration for the music within is said to come from the mountains, Eastern cultures and Ancient songs as well as psychedelia and krautrock.
Tanzlinde (meaning Linden Tree) is a place, where apparently, under its leaves people can find time to connect with their deepest feelings: It's a metaphor for strength and fast growth and you can hear those themes within the songs themselves

The album begins with the slow burning and glistening 'Elven'; a euphonic trip, beautifully played out as a captivating opener to the album. 'Robert W' is hazy and dreamlike in its tone as the guitar rolls over layers of cymbals and synths and a beguiling vocal.
Elsewhere, there is intensity on the title track itself 'Tanzlinde' and 'Sherpa'. These wonderfully constructed songs encompass heightened elements of 70s Psychedelia and Eastern flavours, drawing you in as the songs build around your mind.
'Big Foot' is a wondrous, pastoral chant that breaks into a wondrous drum beat, whilst the song evolves on to the metaphysical 'Magnetic'.  'Of Coke and Steel' draws the album towards its end in a euphoric and atmospheric manner.

There's so much to enjoy here.  There are elements of folk, whilst fans of more contemporary acts, such as Tame Impala and Wolf People, will find plenty to satisfy . The songs are deeply heavy yet without fuzzed up riffs and ear bleeding guitar solos.
In terms of the songs themselves, they benefit from the eastern styles that the band have injected into the music.  There is certainly a spiritual feel, at times, which is very much in keeping with the albums meaning. You'll need to hear this album more than once to unlock its true wonder; this is a great record that compliments Sulatrons already diverse and unpredictable output.

Sulatron Records release the Green 180g vinyl on December 16th 2016 but the jewel case cd Edition is available now.

Sherpa on Facebook

Buy the Cd and Vinyl from Sulatron Records.

Listen to November's Atom Heart Mutha Show on Mixcloud anytime

November's Atom Heart Mutha RadioShow is now available to listen to anytime on the Mixcloud page or on the player below.
This show was originally broadcast as part of BigJaf.net's Rockshow and again on American Radio Station Grip of Delusion . Many of the tracks this month were from brand new and soon to be released albums, if you like any of the music you hear please support the bands by buying from them, all bands will be tagged on the AHM Facebook page for this post.

This Months tracklist...

Telstar Sound Drone - Someone
Kungens Män - Second Third War Three
Whitenails- In My Blood
Arrowhead - Bone Mountain
Hair of the Dog - Don't Know My Name
Glitter Wizard - Scales
Jean-Claude Vannier - L'enfant au Royaume des Mouches
Wolf People - Not Me Sir
Goat - Goatfuzz
Mugstar - Axis Modulator
Chickn - Omens

The Atom Heart Mutha RadioShow will return in December.

Bandcamp Round-up...More Great Music to stream Right Now !

There's so much great music out there right now, its been a decent year for new bands and new finds.
Enjoy the following, they come direct from the bands bandcamp pages; click the players to listen or click the title to be taken to the bandcamp page.
As always, some of these albums will be available in physical formats, some have special editions that you can buy too.
If you enjoy any of the Albums or Ep's here, please support the artists and labels.







Nopes - Never Heard of It

Psych-Punk or Skate Punk, or something in between?
California's Nopes have put out a cracking album, hard edged and upbeat and infectious too, If you're quick you'll catch one of the beautiful splatter vinyls from Magnetic Eye records




The Well - Pagan Science

The coolest thing in Austin Texas right now, The well play doom with a really nice psych stoner touch, the riffs are Sabbathesque in magnitude, this records what reverb was invented for, out now on Riding Easy Records.

Whitenails - First Trip

First Trip is a brilliant ep released in October from Quebec's Whitenails, the band know their way around a heavy riff and there's no messing around over the 5 tracks. If this is the shape of things to come, i hope theres another release due soon.

Hornss - Telepath

Ripple Music are once again proving to be more a force of nature than a record label of late, this autumn has seen a spate of high quality rock releases including this fuzzed up stoner doom from San Fransisco, highly recommended.

Zac the Zombie - Zac the Zombie ep

Ahead of the highly anticipated full length in 2017, Zac the zombie have released this ep of excellent desert rock as a taster. Zac the Zombie is an instant hit and demands multiple plays, I'm incredibly excited to see what they do next.
Great stuff

Mantra Machine - Nitrogen

SpaceRock from Amsterdam, hell yeah! Originally released in 2014 this is a cosmic tip of the heaviest and highest calibre, compared to Causa Sui this an album thats as experimental as it is progressive and well worth seeking out if you missed it the first time around.

Cosmic Flanders - Cosmic Flanders

Australia has been an interesting place to find StonerRock this year, if you haven't checked out Mala by Filthy Lucre or Phantamonium by Hotel Wrecking City traders, you need to.
Cosmic Flanders self titled Ep takes in stoner grooves in a gloriously uplifting and melody laden manner, whilst maintaining its Psych and Spacerock credentials, highly recommended.

Sergeant Thunderhoof - Live on Earth

Ironic that Bath's Sergeant Thunderhoof called their  live release 'Live on Earth' as I'm sure they're not of this planet! Recorded at Moles in their hometown this Lp cements the band as one of the best Stoner Rock bands around right now. Both studio Lps are also essential listens, give this band some attention, they fucking deserve it.

The Next Atom Heart Mutha RadioShow goes out....

....on November 12th on Bigjaf.net at 9pm and again on Grip of Delusion Radio on Sunday 13th at 10amEST/4pmCET/3pmUK.

This month features a brain expanding dose of Heavy Psych Space Desert Rock; theres brand new tracks from Arrowhead, Hair of the Dog, Glitter Wizard, Kungens Män and Wolf People and much more besides.

You can hear the show live online as it happens by clicking HERE from 9pm UK time or by going to G.O.D. Radio HERE on the showtimes on Sunday.

Until then, click on the player below to Hear November 2015's Show, Enjoy !!

Tracklist...

Intro
Early Mammal - The Great German
Serpentina Satellite- Fobos
Mondo Drag - Shifting Sands
The Band Whose Name Is A Symbol - LM
Pharaoh Overlord - Unseen Eye
Matushka- As Bartenders and Bouncers Dance
Sergeant Thunderhoof - When Time Stood Still
Witch - Seer

Album Review... Autumn of Pækward - Cern

'Cern' is a project of "sound and composition" based around The European Organisation for Nuclear Research (French: Organisation européenne pour la recherche nucléaire) known as CERN. The European Research Organisation   operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. Established in 1954, the organisation is based in a northwest suburb of Geneva, on the Franco–Swiss border. It is also the concept around the latest release from Jocken Koch from Leipzig, Germany

'Cern' is one of those albums that takes its time to unfold. Opening track 'Canteen' is very much in keeping with cinematic electronic soundscapes, slowly building its  way, along an enthralling female vocal, that haunts through gothic drones. 'Wardrobe' has a pulsating rhythm, leading to sombre, spoken word before becoming a wonky synthetic pattern, with white noise droning.
What follows is a change of pace; 'Director's Office' at first, feels in keeping with the tone previously set but suddenly, reveals a Gilmouresque solo over laid a laid back staggered beat, its arrival is a surprise and elevates the album into a different galaxy.
'Cupboard' is atmospheric and befitting with the synthetic tones of the album and moves on to wonderful 'Attic', a track that, once more, evolves in an unexpected direction; this time into soaring Post Rock.  The record closes with the more ambient and mellow in mood ' Collider' bringing the record to a beautiful and wistful conclusion.

Tonzonen are really switched on when it comes to the diversity of sounds that the label releases. One of the great things about their output is they often don't follow expectations; 'Cern' is one such record; never quite conforming to a style considered ambient nor score-like, but not quite conventional in terms of rock music.

The album is mostly a peaceful trip, ambient in nature with an orchestral feel and multifaceted layers, but never afraid to expand into something grand and magnificent.  Real care has been made, in regards, to the feel and flow of the music.  The record is an unexpected treat.  Despite the mundane sounding song titles, this LP is anything but.
Recommended.


Tonzonen Records have put "Cern" out as a run of 500, 200 on regular black and 300 of clear vinyl.

Autumn of Pækward on Facebook

Buy Cern on Vinyl from Tonzonen Records HERE

Listen to Cern now on the Bandcamp player.

6 Brain Smashing Albums available to stream right now on BandCamp.

As the year comes to close there still appears a wealth of brilliant music out there getting released, especially right now.
Below is the Bandcamp Links to show Brand new and recent stuff you can stream and hear now.  Take some time and check this stuff out, theres some absolute gems.
And as Always, if you like what you hear support the artists and pay for the download, or check out their pages and buy a physical version.
A lot of the artists here will be selling vinyl versions and special edition packages

Enjoy!

Jungle City - Jungle City III

This is the third record by the Blues Stoner Trio from Adelaide and their strongest album to date. Taking in irresistible riffs and grooves as well as the blues edge that gives them a sound all of there own, theres  plenty to get stuck in to here within the Psychedelic magic.  Right now theres a strong stoner rock scene in Australia, check out Filthy Lucre and Hotel Wrecking City Traders, seriously fucking great music. !

Chickn - Chickn

Brilliant Psych Rock from Athens Greece and recently given a 180g vinyl release by INNER EAR RECORDS. Chicn deliver brilliant rock with a Psychy- Jazzy- Edge. The Bands bandcamp page says it best ....!!
This is a radio zapping on a 68-minute car drive. This is a field unfolding in front of your very eyes and at the same time a call of wandering. This is an attempt of some people to invent themselves through playing. This is Jetztzeit rock. A sound conceived as jump in the free sky of history.  Surely that sells it to you?!

Glitter Wizzard - Hollow Earth Tour

Glitter Wizzards new lp gets a welcome release on HEAVYPSYCHSOUNDS
As the group enters it's ninth year, Glitter Wizard are set to release their most ambitious album yet. Hollow Earth Tour is a concept album of sorts; chock-full of reptilian overlords, underwater fascists, and inner-earth explorers. This band of California rifflords pillage the best of vintage hard rock while keeping their laser eyes on the future, creating a unique brand of oddball psychedelia. Absolutely essential listening !!

Kungens Män - Stockholm Maraton

We bid a welcome return to Sweden's Kungens Män to 2016 following last years LP Förnekaren.  The band are best known for their unique blend of Post rock style but the band are so much bigger than that, taking in Spacerock Jams and Krautrock Stockholm Maratan is so much more. You can Purchase this now to download or buy one of the super limited CDs in vinyl style packaging.

Arrowhead - Desert Cult Ritual

RIPPLE MUSIC  release the mammoth stoner rock masterpiece by Californian hard rockers Arrowhead Now ! 200 Virgin Black (9!!?) Los have been pressed to go along with the ltd CDs in 4 panel packaging.  Ever nicer is the beautiful Desert Moon Blue Lp, with only 100 pressed you need to catch one quick. The album is an absolute treat for fans of Desert Rock and Fuzzed up riffs and yet another quality release from Ripple music, a label thats dominated 2016.

The Gaslamp Killer - Instrumentalepathy

More likely to fall under the Hip Hop tag, William Benjamin Bensussen aka The Gaslamp Killer blends hard beats with psychedelic styles and eastern psych flavours, anyone lucky enough to see his live DJ sets will know that he can throw obscure middle eastern hip hop in with Dungen, Tame Impala, Fuzz and John Carpenter style horror soundtracks as well as a shitload of brilliant tracks you haven't even heard yet, a true master of the craft. Instrumentalepathy is the eagerly awaited follow up to 2102's 'Breakthrough' and is available on 2x 10" Splatter Vinyl and its all killer.

Album Review ... Asteroid - III

As 2016 comes to a close, it's fair to say that it's been a great year for new music. However, what is unusual, is that this year, in particular, the exciting new releases show no sign of slowing down. A wealth of accomplished new LP's are due for release in November.
In particular, III; the brand new album from Örebro's heavy, psychedelic rockers Asteroid, stands right out there.

The last release from the band was, unbelievably, in 2009, when the band released the highly acclaimed 'II'.  Fans of Asteroid will know that they have an incredible live reputation and continue to thrive as heavy touring trio.
 Following extensive time on the road, the band went into hiatus in 2013, and now (thankfully!) they're back.

The record opens with 'Pale Moon'; a confident rocker that unravels itself over a bounding bass line and some nifty psychedelic slide guitar.  When the vocals kick in, with a 70's rock feel, the song really opens up.  'Last Days' confidently bounds on in similar tones, but has a more psyched-up, trippy feel to it, within the riffs and rhythmic beating of the drums.  Follow on track 'Til Dawn' is a stoner boogie, and much more in keeping with the feel of past albums; it's got a killer, fuzzed out riff too!

Next up, is the standout song for me.  'Wolf & Snake'; a monster of a track, races along, over its grooving beats and bass like, QOTSA's dirtier cousin, whilst the shredding of the guitar leads to one massive stomping doom laden finale.

'Silver & Gold' offers a more spiritual layer to the feel of the record over guitar work that nods its head gently towards mid 70's Page or Gilmour. 'Them Calling' is a solid nuts and bolts, mid tempo stoner rock piece; a heavy stomp that you know could threaten to bring a building down whenever it's played live. The album concludes with 'Mr Strange', another cosmic rocker with some fantastic guitar work and more nods to Zeppelin and Page; the feel remains consistent with the rest of the album and it's a perfect track to close on.

Asteroid have delivered a striking and predominantly heavy record; the songs within aren't just written, they're crafted and developed in such a way that its almost impossible to forget them. There's a vintage rock feel within the contemporary style of heavy, psychedelic rock.  The band have retained their distinctive identity.  You get the sense that these tracks have been built to take to the road; something that the band have already made sure of.  A huge European tour has already been announced. This is a brilliant record that deserves to be sought out and heard. Also, check them out on tour.

Asteroid on Bandcamp

Asteroid on Facebook

Fuzzorama Records

Electric Moon - The Doomsday Machine

Sulatron Records have reissued the third Electric Moon album 'The Doomsday Machine on CD.

Originally released in 2011 to great acclaim, the music is intense and rhythmic and unveils itself over 5 wonderful tracks and 80 minutes. The idea behind this release was to look at combining music with visual art. The artwork included in this reissue are brilliant charcoal paintings by Ulla Papel aka Ulrich Mahn, The visuals are a perfect accompaniment to the sound of Electric Moon.
Sulatron are releasing the jewelcase edition with an 8 page booklet, the cover design was made by Lulu Artwork and is based on the trippy paintngs made by Ulla Papel. Recorded, mixed and produced by Sula Bassana and mastered by Eroc. The Doomsday Machine is another solid release by Electric moon and worthy of every Psychtrippers attention, click the link below to stream the album, theres a clickable link to purchase from Sulatron Records too, Dig It !



Electric Moon - The Doomsday Machine on Bandcamp

Listen to Octobers RadioShow anytime on Mixcloud

Octobers RadioShow is now available to listen to anytime via the Mixcloud page and player below.
This show was originally broadcast as part of BigJaf.net's online RockShow and again on American Radio Station Grip of Delusion

As always the artists from this months show will be tagged on the AHM Facebook page, and if you like what you hear, please support the artists by buying their music.
Band, Labels and PR Companies are always welcome to contact me to be considered for airplay or review via email. Until next time, play loud and enjoy!

TrackList:
Asteroid - Pale Moon
Wolf People - Ninth Night
Pinkish Black - Brown Rainbow
Black Explosion - Location 9
White Hills - No Game to Play
Jonathan Morgan - Xvarenah
Spaceking - 44
Salem's Bend - Sun and Mist
Grand Theft - Scream ( Its Eating Me Alive )
Geezer - Sunday Speed Demon
Kadavar- Come Back to Life
New Planet Trampoline - There is Nothing More to Say

Album Review...Salem's Bend - Salem's Bend.

Salem's Bend, from California are the brainchild of guitarist/vocalist Bobby Parker.  Following some time experimenting, in his garage, with recording techniques; Bobby mastered the album last year and it went up on to Bandcamp in December 2015.  It was there where the music gained a lot of attention and things started gathering pace.  Now a three-piece touring band, Salem's Bend are signed to rock label Ripple Music and are about to formally release the album on physical formats.

Right from the tapping intro and racing beats of opener 'Balshazzar' it is clear where this record will take you. Coming off like a desert rock Thin Lizzy, Bobby's vocal stands out over the brilliant guitar work. 'Queen of the Desert' builds to its screaming climax by way of a Plantesque vocal style and fuzzed up riffs, whilst the influences of band become more apparent.
The brilliant 'Losing Sleep' is wrapped up in a massive QOTSA bundle, from the guitar, right down to the smashed up drums.  'Sun and Mist' offers up a 70's hard rock track, with a funked up bass and sonic shredding guitar solo.  As with a few other album releases that come to mind from this year, there's also the spectre of early Sabbath or mid era Zeppelin being invoked, particularly on tracks like 'Mammoth Caravan'.  Not that it matters, but if you want to wear your influences on your sleeve, what better bands are there?
The LP closes with 'A Tip of Salem', a dark bluesy crawl, that grows into an epic explosion of blistering guitars and ends heavy and pounding over some spectacular guitar riffs and cymbal work just like witches at black masses!

Bobby and his crew make this sound all too easy, given the technical processes that have been employed to write and record the songs; the music just flows effortlessly.  As debut albums go, this and the debut record by The Judge (also on the same label) has to be one of the best I've heard in a while; the record is an instant hit, and it's a great listen, rocking from start to finish. You can really tell that this is a set that will blow your ears and mind live.
It seems that Ripple have had an incredible second half to 2016; I don't know how and where they are finding these bands, but long may it continue.


Salem's Bend on Facebook

Buy Salem's Bend from Ripple Music HERE

Salem's Bend on Bandcamp

Boobs of Doom 8 - WOW IS DEAD

The unbelievably prolific Scottish Technonoizesters Boobs of Doom are back again with a followup to this summers 'Boobs of Doom7/(((WHITE NOISE)))'.
WOW IS DEAD gets an official release on October 30th on Bandcamp for free but is being released as a 'Charityware' album, this means that if you decide to purchase the album, you do so by taking it for free but consider donating the cost to one of the bands notable charities.


The album itself is SadSack and Thumper's most accomplished to date, their usual trademark ear bleeds are still present, this time though there are more beats, much more cohesion and a clearer narrative.  The album is also a love letter of sorts to  World of Warcraft, a game personally important to the band members themselves as it served as a catalyst for the formation of Boobs of Doom. the band themselves offer this explanation around the albums themes, "WOW IS DEAD" is a concept album about grief, sadness, madness and finding solace; one warscarred orc sets out with his best friend, a 2000 yr old undead blood elf, to avenge the death of his beloved, and, in doing so uncovers an eons old revenge plot with world-colliding apocalyptic ramifications; running parallel: one man (and his cat) trying to cope with the recent death of his wife finds escape in an online fantasy world and solace in using his guildmates as an emotional crutch; then, both world start to bleed...

The music itself takes bleak caustic soundscapes and moulds them electronically into something wonderful, taking in nods to Aphex Twin, Animal Collective, Dalek as well as dark doom laden techo and slugs of heavy duty stoned beats.

The links below will take you directly to the charities the band request you donate to:

PDSA

The Scottish Association for Mental Health

Children's Hospital of Orange County

GIFT (Gastroparesis & Intestinal Failure Trust)

Make a Wish

10 Albums you need to hear right now on Bandcamp.

Bandcamp continues to be a treasure trove for new music. Below are embedded players to new and recent music, click the links to hear the albums; clicking the title of the album will take you direct to the bandcamp page.
If you like what you hear please support the artist by buying their music, in most cases the bandcamp page will have links to purchase Vinyl and CD versions too. Enjoy!








Telstar Sound Drone - Magical Solutions to Everyday Problems.

Copenhagens TSD bring Heavy Psychedelia but with Shoegaze Drone, self produced and released earlier this year on Bad Afro Records .  The album is multi layered and dark in ton, it demands  multiple and plays is one of the most rewarding listens of this year.




Monolord - Lord of Suffering/Die in Haze.

Recently released as a 10inch vinyl single, Swedens Monolord showcase a mastery of the riff, whilst comparisons are being made to Black Sabbath these 2 tracks serve to suggest that band have something special up their sleeves yet to be delivered. Coloured versions of the 10 inch are available from Riding Easy Records.

Fuzz Evil - Fuzz Evil

Arizona Trio Fuzz Evil have just released this dirty rocking  Lp on Battleground Records.
Fans of Kyuss, QOTSA and Desert Rock will find plenty to love here over the 6 tracks, if its riffs you want, Fuzz Evil have plenty of 'em.

Various - Meantime (Redux)

Famed for their outstanding Redux of the classic Jimi Hendrix Album'Electric Ladyland', Magnetic Eye Records have just released a redux of the Classic 1992 Helmet album 'Meantime'. Featuring great HeavyPsych bands Ironweed, Kings Destroy and Liver, this version gets a release on handsome looking Tricolour vinyl.

Dead Sea Apes - Soy Dios.

Manchester's Dead Sea Apes Debut ep gets a welcome joint reissue from Cardinal Fuzz and Sky lantern records, released 5 years ago this psychedelic journey takes on Electro/Ambient and Avant-Garde Psychedelic rock, if you haven't heard their brilliant album 'Spectoral Domain' too, seek it out.

Nawksh - Mythic Tales of Tomorrow II

Hailing from Karachi and signed to Tokyo's Gururguru Brain label, Nawksh make psychedelic electronic music in the vein of Animal Collective or bands more associated with record label 'Warp'. Completely original and intriguing, the album moves in unexpected directions. Recently Nawksh played at the liverpool international festival of Psychedelia, weirdly wonderful.

Foghound - The World Unseen.

Foghound recently released this brilliant slab of Stoner/HardRock on Ripple Music, as you'd expect the songs are tight and focused.  Armed with a formidable reputation as a live act, Foghound have also delivered a highly aclaimed album that ranks amongst the best of an already strong year of releases for their label.

Hypnopazūzu - Create Christ, Sailor Boy.

Hypnopazūzu is a joint project by David Tibet of Current 3 and Killing Joke bassist and producer Youth. CCSB is a weird yet compelling album of soundscapes made mostly with Youths Moog and Vox Repeater Vintage guitar. Its strangely cinematic and psychedelic and at times darkly manic, however, its unlike most things you've heard this year, recommended.

Children of Leir - (3rd)

Leicester's Children of Leir recently released this new album as a ltd edition CD with a hand-drawn cover. The music is a wonderful mix of Psychedelic Dream Pop and Shoegaze with instantly memorable tracks. The drones seem experimental and yet the 6 tracks are tight and focused, there's some really skilful songwriting here and much to enjoy.

Salem's Pot - Pronounce This

Released earlier this summer on Riding Easy Records, 'Pronounce This' is a clever blend of psychedelic and stoner rock with its roots planted in 70s inspired riffs and rhythm. The band are clearly influenced by horror movies and John Carpenter, its those themes that elevate this album into something more interesting than the usual stoner/doom fare, good stuff.