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Sure enough, another quality act out of Ireland has arrived. Debut EP released May 2011, it’s even free. So if you’re unhappy about the short supply of instrumental post-indie-rock, here’s some pretty straight-forward amends. Non-stop creativity, sweet and soft melodies, just the kind of thing that’ll bring energy and smiles to you and all your friends. Seems like they’re also looking for someone to do a split with.
Embodying Villarreal’s distinctly innovative and other-worldly guitar style, this album includes a wide spectrum of sonic variety. Hinged on the tumbling rhythms of Villarreal’s unique guitar work, the music on “Invisible Cinema” ranges from lush indie-rock-slow-dance (“Enters”) to meditative-percussive-drone (“Out Of My Hands”) to what Victor does best: how-the-fuck-did-he-play-that-on-one-instrument-and-what-the-hell-is-the-time-signature acoustic guitar work.
Often credited as a pioneer of modern indie rock through his work with Cap’n Jazz, Owls, Ghosts & Vodka, and more recently, Joan of Arc, Victor Villarreal’s solo venture brims with unpretentious, child-like optimism. Elements of classical and spanish guitar, as well as indie and metal are all present in this diverse batch of songs. Utilizing a plethora of instruments, and a few recording studios, “Invisible Cinema” is the first fully-realized Victor Villarreal solo material.
Denovali wrote This is maybe the most awaited (instrumental) metal record of the year. And it’s not like they don’t release any other instrumental records.
Tonight @Loppen, Copenhagen!
The Drift has released a new album, Blue Hour, that I’ll hopefully hear the full version of soon. Much excitement, especially because this track, Dark Passage, sounds amazing. What I like a lot, also, is the video that truly reminds me of these French railway commercials featuring Turing Machine.
Secondly, Pinback has promised to release a new album in early 2012! As a fore-runner they’ve released this little 7″. A trailer for the Record Store Day.
Little Kingdoms has released their second EP, Home. They have abandoned the acoustic sounds and are venturing into a still laid-back yet more indie/post-rock/emo-ish territory – perhaps a bit like Owen or The Curtains. The overall sound is much more complete than before, and still rich with melody. Hope to hear more from them!
From France, Vialka combines folk music in a guitar/drums duo and sounds absolutely outstanding. If you like The Evens, you’ll LOVE Vialka. I’ve had the joy of listening to their two latest albums, Science & Superstition (2011) and La Poursuite de l’Excellence (2010) both of which are excellent. A real tribute to a world of so many different and beautiful cultures. And they’ve got a discography of 9 releases to check out!
Vialka - Science & Superstition
self-released, 2011
From the ATP newsletter:
All Tomorrow’s Parties second festival weekend for December 2011 at Butlins, Minehead is the Nightmare Before Christmas – this year curated by three of the most stunning live acts on the planet – Battles, Caribou and Les Savy Fav. As previously announced each band will headline and choose a line-up of 14 artists for one day of the festival. Today we can confirm a new set of additions with more yet to be chosen by our illustrious curators…
First up we are very excited to confirm that HOT SNAKES will reform for this event at the request of Les Savy Fav – this American rock group led by Rick Froberg (Drive Like Jehu, now of Obits) and John Reis (Drive Like Jehu, Rocket From The Crypt, now of Night Marchers) formed in 1999 and were one of the most vital and exciting live acts of the era.
I was just listening to this French podcast (June 30th), Rien à Branler, and it has a nice mix of new discoveries and old friends. Check it out!
I now see that I’ve never mentioned Manacle. I wish to apologize. Manacle are from Reno, they released a debut last year. Give it time, and it will grow.. Quiet EP only has good moments. Extra props for the Shellac reference in the intro.
