Loop - Array 1 [12"]

Reunions of bands like Slowdive and Ride are getting (most rightfully so) a lot of attention in the press, but the fact that LOOP -although musically quite different than the other bands i just mentioned- came back to make music again at the end of 2013, shouldn't be overlooked either. And this ARRAY 1 EP is their first release since 1990's A Gilded Eternity - and apparently there are two more EP's to follow. They have not lost any bit of their strength with this EP. The first two songs on side A sound like the band we know from the late 80's/early 90's, yet still very modern. Coma, the third one on side A, is a (rather uncomfortable) ambient soundscape. The whole B-side is taken by Radial, a song in 3 parts. An instrumental beginning (vaguely reminding me of Bowie's instrumental tunes during his Berlin period, like Warszawa), then an uptempo part with vocals, and at the end another instrumental ambient part. This 17-minute song is definitely my favourite one of the EP. Great to have them back, and looking forward to hear EP number two, which is scheduled for the autumn.

Label: ATP Recordings
Cat.nr.: ATREP07
Year of release: 2015

SIDE A:
01. Precession
02. Aphelion
03. Coma

SIDE B:
01. Radial

Girls Names - Zero Triptych [12"]

GIRLS NAMES have recently announced that their new album Arms Around A Vision will come out in October, and i can't wait. This 11-minute long ZERO TRIPTYCH one-sided 12" single came out in May this year, as a little taste of what to expect of Girls Names anno 2015. And man, it's fantastic! Simply a brilliant piece of post-punk/krautrock that proves that this three-quarter Belfast/one-quarter Dublin band is one of the best in their league. Adventurous, tight and in-your-face. The song won't be on the album, but i can only imagine at this point that it will become one of my favourite albums of the year. There were 500 copies made of this 12": 350 on black (like mine is) and 150 mailorder copies on clear transparent vinyl.

Label: Tough Love Records
Cat.nr.: TLV079
Year of release: 2015

SIDE A:
01. Zero Triptych

SIDE B:
-

Tess Parks & Anton Newcombe - I Declare Nothing [12", LP]

When i wrote about their RSD release some months ago, i already mentioned that TESS PARKS and ANTON NEWCOMBE would release a full length later on. So here it is. Both songs of the RSD 10" (Cocaine Cat and Mama) are featured on this album, and 8 other songs in the same vein. I find it hard to choose a favourite one because i think they're simply all great. Listening to I DECLARE NOTHING is like a 40 minute trip, and certainly not a bad one. Tess' husky vocals go extremely well with the duo's music. It's not only a humble gesture of Anton to let just her pretty face grace the front cover of the album, but also a smart move because, hey... she's ten times better to look at. No offense, mr. Newcombe ;) It's a damn shame i can't make it to any of their shows in a few weeks when they end their tour in Holland, but hopefully i'll get a second chance some day.

Label: A Records
Cat.nr.: AUK120LP
Year of release: 2015

SIDE A:
01. Wehmut
02. Cocaine Cat
03. Peace Defrost
04. German Tangerine
05. Gone

SIDE B:
01. October 2nd
02. Mama
03. Voyage De L'Âme
04. Meliorist
05. Friendlies