Search:vent

Styles
All
Planet P - PINK WORLD LP 2x12"

Planet P Project is Tony Carey's pseudonym for his science-fiction themed progressive rock side venture from his more pop-oriented rock releases. Its first three albums, Planet P, Pink World, and Go Out Dancing, Part I (1931) were released in 1983, 1984, and 2005, respectively, and the first two saw a fair amount of MTV video airplay. Planet P's most well known singles were Why Me?, a sweeping, energetic romp about outer space and isolation, and the downbeat Static. Go Out Dancing, Part I (1931) is the first of a trilogy; part two, titled Go Out Dancing, Part II (Levittown) was released in May 2008 and Go Out Dancing Part III (Out in the Rain) was released in 2011.

pre-order now23.10.2023

expected to be published on 23.10.2023

46,18
CHRISTIAN  PFLUGER - WIE DIE LIA LATERNENMACHERIN WURDE ... UND WE

Seit mittlerweile über 40 Jahren arbeitet Christian Pfluger an einem faszinierenden Universum aus Zeichnungen, Texten und Liedern, in dessen Mittelpunkt das imaginäre Trio Die Welttraumforscher steht. Während Pflugers musikalische Kollegen Sun Ra und Karlheinz Stockhausen mit ihren Ausflügen zu den Sternen den Weltraum als utopischen Sehnsuchtsort bereits prominent und vom Feuilleton gefeiert durchmessen haben, warten Die Welttraumforscher noch auf entsprechende irdische Würdigung. Einen weiteren Schritt in Richtung Ruhm und Erfolg hienieden machen jedoch die 16 Geschichten in Pflugers literarischem Debüt. Hier geben die Held:innen aus dem vielgestaltigen musikalischen und künstlerischen Repertoire der Welttraumforschung ihre ganz eigenen Geheimisse preis - und entführen mit leichter Hand die Leser:innen in ein kindlich-surreales Paralleluniversum, das in seiner liebevollen Ausgestaltung wohl einzigartig ist. Mit 16 Abbildungen aus dem Welttraumforscher-Kosmos versehen. "Sehr schön mal wieder, was der Ventil Verlag da drucken lässt, ich bin jetzt schon total überfordert: Die Welttraumforscher, die seit 40 Jahren Musik für die geschmackvollsten Wesen des Universums machen, erobern das Reich der Literatur. Und treffen dort alle ihre alten Freunde wieder: Leguan Rätselmann, Kip Eulenmeister, die Muschelmänner und was da sonst noch so lebt im Welttraum. Man braucht zehn, nein, sagen wir: sieben Minuten Lektüre, bis man sich wünscht, man wäre auch solch ein Strichzeichnungsgeschöpf, irgendwo da draussen im All. Wunderbare Geschichten sind das, wie LSD, nur aus Buchstaben." (Philipp Theisohn, Autor von "Einführung in die außerirdische Literatur" "Alle, die 4-Spur-Homerecording und Audiokassetten lieben, werden irgendwann den Welttraumforschern verfallen. Sie sind die ultimativen Kassettentäter. Täter? Nein, Träumer. Wann immer der Blick in der Ferne verlorengeht, sind Träumer am Werk. Sie sind die letzten Utopisten." (Felix Kubin, Musiker) Hardcover 224 Seiten

pre-order now20.10.2023

expected to be published on 20.10.2023

24,79
Poolside - Blame It All On Love LP

Auf „Blame It All On Love“, Poolsides viertem Studioalbum, verlässt Jeffrey Paradise (aka Poolside) seine eigene Komfortzone und taucht in die Tiefen seiner eigenen kreativen Stimme ein. Die elf Tracks sind funky, gefühlvoll, entspannt und voller Hooks, die Poolsides Sound zu ergreifenden Pop-Höhen erheben. Anstatt erneut seine elektronischen Fähigkeiten zu demonstrieren, markiert die aalglatte Produktion eine Rückkehr zu seinen Live-Musik-Wurzeln und findet Leichtigkeit in einfachen und strahlenden Klangschichten. Es ist ein wahres Produkt all der Orte, an denen er war, und der langen und abenteuerlichen Reise, die er unternommen hat, um zu diesem Moment zu gelangen, an dem es nichts mehr zu kämpfen oder zu beweisen, sondern es nur noch perfekte Grooves gibt.

out of Stock

Order now and we will order the item for you at our supplier.

26,01

Last In: 2 years ago
Cirith Ungol - Dark Parade

Cirith Ungol

Dark Parade

12inch03984160491
Metal Blade
20.10.2023
also available

Olive Green Marbled Vinyl[26,85 €]


Die legendäre Heavy-Metal-Band CIRITH UNGOL wird am 20. Oktober ihr sechstes Album "Dark Parade" über Metal Blade Records veröffentlichen. Anfang der 1970er Jahre in Ventura, Kalifornien, gegründet, schufen CIRITH UNGOL einen Sound, den die Welt noch nie zuvor erlebt hatte. Anstatt ihre Einflüsse passiv zu kanalisieren, wurde die Band dazu getrieben, einen insgesamt schwereren, dunkleren, apokalyptischeren Sound zu schaffen. Er war obskur und geheimnisvoll, mysteriös und exzentrisch, episch und ausladend, aber vor allem unnachgiebig, knochenbrecherisch schwer, dunkel und doomig.

pre-order now20.10.2023

expected to be published on 20.10.2023

24,16
Cirith Ungol - Dark Parade

Cirith Ungol

Dark Parade

12inch03984160497
Metal Blade
20.10.2023
also available

Black Vinyl[24,16 €]


ltd olive green marbled Vinyl

Die legendäre Heavy-Metal-Band CIRITH UNGOL wird am 20. Oktober ihr sechstes Album "Dark Parade" über Metal Blade Records veröffentlichen. Anfang der 1970er Jahre in Ventura, Kalifornien, gegründet, schufen CIRITH UNGOL einen Sound, den die Welt noch nie zuvor erlebt hatte. Anstatt ihre Einflüsse passiv zu kanalisieren, wurde die Band dazu getrieben, einen insgesamt schwereren, dunkleren, apokalyptischeren Sound zu schaffen. Er war obskur und geheimnisvoll, mysteriös und exzentrisch, episch und ausladend, aber vor allem unnachgiebig, knochenbrecherisch schwer, dunkel und doomig.

pre-order now20.10.2023

expected to be published on 20.10.2023

26,85
BRUIT NOIR - IV/IIIE LP

Bruit Noir

IV/IIIE LP

12inchIDALP159
ICI D'AILLEURS
20.10.2023

Experimental Rock / Abstract Hip-Hop / Post Industrial music Pascal Bouaziz used to be the singer and leader of French rock band Mendelson, and "Bruit Noir" (Black Noise) is his side project. This is a completely new venture, a departure from everything he's done over the last 20 years, bringing together hard-hitting lyrics and biting sounds. Boaziz has improvised lyrics over music by drummer Jean-Michel Pirès, who has played with Bed and Married Monk, a blend of the stripped-down clarity of Pérec's A Man Asleep and the stormy punk of Suicide. Crossing the boundaries of the politically incorrect, Bruit Noir offers a raw, hard-hitting album, where the sincerity of the words blends with the intensity of the compositions.

pre-order now20.10.2023

expected to be published on 20.10.2023

19,29
Tom Berkmann - Journey LP 2x12"

In his childhood home among the Bavarian Alps, where the loudest sounds were the ringing of church bells and the mooing of cows, he discovered the power of music via his sister's collection of rock records: Jimi Hendrix, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana. Improvised music and the double bass were revelations that spurred his next voyages of discovery - first to the Richard Strauss Conservatory in Munich, then north to the Jazz Institute in Berlin, then across the ocean to New York at the Manhattan School Of Music. Since returning to Berlin, he has released two acclaimed albums as part of the band SCOPES. Now we are invited to join him for Journey, his debut album as a leader & composer. With him is a select crew of his peers from among the brightest young stars of the thriving Berlin scene - Ben Kraef on tenor sax, Carl Morgan on guitar, Simon Seidl on piano and drummer Fabian Rosch - Tom has embarked on a fascinating journey of musical exploration; producing a superb culmination of all he has learned along the way and venturing to another level.

pre-order now17.10.2023

expected to be published on 17.10.2023

36,93
Dora Morelenbaum - Vento De Beirada LP

Singer-songwriter Dora Morelenbaum is one of the stunning voices at the forefront of Brazil’s exciting new musical wave. Her sublime 'Vento De Beirada' EP takes you on a trip into the sensuous sounds of Dora's world. On first hearing her music, we were reminded of the transformational moment when we first discovered the Brazilian singer-songwriter, Joyce. The music is completely new to you, yet instantly familiar, like rediscovering a past love.

Dora is a member of the Brazilian Latin-Grammy-winning superstar quartet Bala Desejo; a trailblazing light opening up Brazilian music to a whole new audience outside of the country. 'Vento De Beirada' EP showcases a different sound to the riotous, joyful, avant-garde Tropicália sound of Bala Desejo. This solo set takes a more dream-like, downbeat, MPB stance. It is firmly contemporary, yet you can also trace the lines of influence back to idols such as Gal Costa and Maria Bethânia.

The EP is comprised of four tracks that have already garnered critical acclaim following their digital release. It starts with the tender and gentle 'Japão', which was inspired by the melodies of the legendary Japanese composer, Ryuichi Sakamoto. Sakamoto once collaborated with Dora's musician parents, Paula and Jaques Morelenbaum, when she was young. 'Dó a Dó' is drenched in lush, sweeping strings that were arranged by her father himself, and is co-written by Dora and Tom Veloso of the band, Dônica. There’s further collaboration on the EP, including production from one of the lynchpins and stars of the current Rio scene, Ana Frango Elétrico. Fellow Bala Desejo band member, Lucas Nunes, contributes towards the production, writing, and guitar with Guilherme Lírio also on production, guitar, and bass. Whilst Bala Desejo’s Zé Ibarra penned the song 'Vento De Beirada' with Lucas and Victor Vasconcellos.

The four-track EP has been cut to 12" and mastered for vinyl by Joker (Liam McLean). With crystalline beauty and a breezy sense of ease and serenity, sounding classic yet contemporary. This release serves as the perfect introduction to an extraordinary talent.

out of Stock

Order now and we will order the item for you at our supplier.

18,07

Last In: 2 years ago
SPURV - BREFJAERE

Spurv

BREFJAERE

12inchPELVC233
Pelagic Records
13.10.2023

Mit ausladenden Studioalben und fesselnden Live-Shows haben Spurv in den letzten zehn Jahren einen unauslöschlichen Eindruck in der internationalen Post-Rock-Szene hinterlassen. Das norwegische Sextett hat bisher drei herausragende Alben veröffentlicht, aber ihr neues Album Brefjære eröffnet eine völlig neue Dimension in Bezug auf Komposition, Musikalität, Umfang und Produktion. Brefjære verbindet die orchestrale Erhabenheit von MONO mit den wehmütigen Texturen von This Will Destroy You und der skandinavischen Mystik von Sigur Ro's. Ein Oratorium für eine verzweifelte Welt, mit dem Spurv die Grenzen von Symphonic Rock und Post-Rock neu definieren und Schönheit und Trost in der Schnittmenge von Zeit, Natur, Geschichte und Menschlichkeit finden.Als Sammlung von vier Monologen ist Brefjære weniger eine Konversation im Sinne eines Satzaustauschs als vielmehr eine Konversation im akademischen Sinne, bei der das Gespräch im Austausch von Ideen stattfindet. In acht Liedern halten die vier Figuren, die von Chören oder Solisten dargestellt werden, jeweils einen eigenen Monolog in norwegischer Sprache, in dem sie in reicher Poesie sowohl ihre eigene Realität als auch ihre wechselseitigen Beziehungen kommentieren. Von der Zerbrechlichkeit der Motte, die mit dem Wind tanzt, bis zur Birke, die ihren Durst in den Tiefen des Berges löscht, wird ein dynamisches Gefühl für sich verändernde Zeitskalen und Beziehungen vermittelt, das sich in der Musik widerspiegelt.Von seiner makellosen Konzeption während eines ahnungslosen Blicks aus dem Fenster bis hin zum umfassenden Entstehungsprozess ist Brefjære ein Kunstwerk, das das Zeitliche und das Ewige sowohl in der Musik als auch in der Poesie zusammenbringt und die universelle Wahrheit offenbart, dass wir alle gleichermaßen ewig und ebenso vergänglich sind. Von den bescheidenen Solo-Gesangsdarbietungen gegen die riesigen dröhnenden Noten von "Under himmelhelvingen" und "A° vente er a° endre" bis zu den herrlichen himmlischen Melodien von "Som skyer" und "Til en ny va°r" berührt Brefjære flüchtig und ewig jene unvergängliche Qualität, die Spurv mit ihrer Musik unbedingt erreichen wollen. Eine klangliche Saga für die Ewigkeit. Ltd Single Gold Colour (XXI Edition), Gatefold sleeve printed on mat all black-died special fibrous paper with a gold foil embossing.

pre-order now13.10.2023

expected to be published on 13.10.2023

28,99
GEREON KLUG - Die Nachteile von Menschen - 132 Beschädigungen aus dem reflektierten Leben

Wenn Gereon Klug nicht gerade Songs (etwa Deichkinds "Leider geil") erfindet, oder revolutionäre, den Alltag verschönernde, noch nicht zur Marktreife gelangte Gegenstände (das bisher einzig essbare Kochbuch der Welt) entwickelt, dann schreibt er "psychedelische Schlachtengemälde" (taz) oder als Hans E. Platte den "besten Newsletter Deutschlands" (FAZ). Klug publiziert(e) in "DIE ZEIT", "titanic" und angeblich auch im "Handelsblatt". Da kommt über die Jahre natürlich ein ordentlicher Batzen Text zusammen. Zeit also für ein neues (leider nicht essbares) Klug-Buch. "Die Nachteile von Menschen" enthält sämtliche ZEIT-Kolumnen, sowie noch mehr zuvor unveröffentlichte Texte. Allein schon das Inhaltsverzeichnis* ist das Geld wert, da sieht man gleich: Hier prosten sich Hirn und Zwerchfell zu. Klug ist nicht nur Tüftler, Bonvivant, Songerfinder und Listenschreiber, sondern übrigens auch der einzige Mensch, den Harry Rowohlt vom Deutschen ins Englische übersetzte (und nicht umgekehrt) - womit seine Welt auch ganz gut umschrieben ist: Seine Texte machen Ernst mit lustig und erfinden die Wahrheit. Mit einem Vorwort von Jan Weiler Hardcover ca. 224 Seiten

out of Stock

Order now and we will order the item for you at our supplier.

20,97

Last In: 2 years ago
The Courettes - BOOM! DYNAMITE

The Courettes

BOOM! DYNAMITE

12inchDAMGOOD600
DAMAGED Goods
13.10.2023

To coincide with The Courettes' first US tour, Damaged Goods put out this special compilation album. Boom! Dynamite includes singles, deep cuts from their studio albums, with B-sides and rarities thrown in for good measure! First pressing on orange vinyl is limited to 1000 copies only! The Courettes are two souls in love with each other and in love with rock 'n' roll. They've been touring nonstop throughout Europe since 2015, bringing their "perfect blend of garage rock, '60s Girl Group, Wall of Sound, surf music and doo wop" to the delight of any audience even remotely interested in rock 'n' roll. Expect excitement, danger, sweat, explosive performances, and most importantly, GREAT tunes! The "hardest working band in showbiz" now venture further away - After visiting the Land of the Rising Sun in 2022, The Courettes are thrilled to tour the USA for the first time in 2023. Described as "The Ronettes meet The Ramones at a wild party at Gold Star Studios echo chamber", The Courettes have released four fantastic albums on the legendary label Damaged Goods Records, each one praised by magazines such as MOJO and Shindig!, most notably the Back In Mono album in 2021, a true milestone in their career. This new compilation, Boom! Dynamite, released exclusively for the US market, guides you through their albums from the very beginning, from the early raw power garage rock onto their present Spector/Levine Wall of Sound Gold Star sound, made using complex recording techniques at StarrSound Studios in Denmark with top producer Soren Christensen and mixing genius Seiki Sato from Japan. Featuring Brazilian Flavia Couri on guitars and vocals, and Danish Martin Couri on drums, The Courettes were born international. For them there are no nations or borders. Their mission is to connect, cherish, and inspire rock 'n' roll souls around the world, including now, in the USA. The Courettes are pure dynamite! Turn up the volume and fuzz out! BOOM!

pre-order now13.10.2023

expected to be published on 13.10.2023

19,29
Various - Mille attaques, le vents contrèrent 4x12"

On October 20, 2023, Anetha will release her third tempetuous compilation on her label Mama told ya entitled MTY-AIR «Mille attaques, les vents contrèrent», just one year after MTY-TERRE «Contre tout, toutes et tous, la terre demeure» and two years after MTY-EAU «L’eau repousse les feux agressifs».

Through air element, the compilation comes up with the collaboration of 22 artists with 20 tracks, divided into 4 vinyls: Once again, Anetha carried away with her a generation of electronic artists from around the world to simply blow our mind.

------

ON AIR: After twelve successful releases on Mama told ya, Anetha paraglides in our skies with the stormful MTY-AIR, a volatile new compilation: 4 swirling vinyls, 20 aerodynamics tracks, 1 wind blowing perfume.

Entitled «Mille attaques, les vents contrèrent», it will be the third of a series around the four elements. Capricious yet vigorous, air sweeps out everything on its way. Nothing can save you when you’re in the eye of the cyclone: prepare to fly hard. Alongside our windbreaker artists, skydive into the celestial vastness of sound: Gusts of disturbed techno, squalls of groove, mental tornado, minimal bass hurricane, cloudburst of psytrance… Time to get some fresh air.

Piercing pampero, mad mistral, forceful cierzo are blowing, blazing khamsin, steady sirocco, sharp shamal, dank nor’wester are entwining… Techno winds from all around the world are joining the fight against humanity. This is « Endgame » (B2). Final chapter, twisters and typhoons are cleansing the surface of earth, overthrowing everything on their path. Poor soul, don’t try to confront air’s blast as it will « Facelift » (D2) the shit out of you in less than a second. Take shelter as air is untouchable, unpredictable, unstoppable. Or if you’re brave enough, you’ll jump into the sky, looking for the currents to carry you up, sailing whirlwinds, riding airwaves, on the road to the « Temples of Quantum » (H2). Now jump!

The artwork has been once again entrusted to visual artist Karin Kimel, who worked on MTY-EAU’s artwork. She delivers an aerial scenery where supernal wafts are swirling, embalming our air. Diplomatie Studio took care of the design, mastering was entrusted to Sixbitdeep. And for the second time, with a direct message from earth to Earth, we opted for recycled vinyls.

out of Stock

Order now and we will order the item for you at our supplier.

40,29

Last In: 10 months ago
DJ 3000 - Mezë EP

Dj 3000

Mezë EP

12inchMT170
Motech
09.10.2023

DJ 3000, Presents 'Mezë EP’ – A Fusion of Music, Culture, and Life

Franki Juncaj, globally recognized as DJ 3000, is set to launch his fifth album, 'Mezë.' This release marks the culmination of an extraordinary artistic journey, inviting everyone to revel in the beauty of music, culture, and life while breaking down boundaries and uniting people through its masterfully crafted tracks.

Renowned for his ability to infuse Detroit's musical vibrancy with his Albanian heritage, DJ 3000 embarks on a fearless exploration of his roots. 'Mezë EP' harnesses the power of food as a metaphorical "glue" that harmoniously binds the realms of life and music.

The title track, 'Mezë,' transcends mere genre classification; it is an artistic masterpiece that captures the heart-pounding communal essence of a party while reflecting the vibrancy of sharing a meal together. 'Humble Quest' delves into the depths of Detroit's musical heritage, while 'Tanbur' is a global celebration, gracefully incorporating ethnic stringed instrument samples that ride atop a steady drumbeat. 'Snake Eyes' ventures into the realms of Electro, underscoring Franki's mastery across diverse electronic dance music genres.

'Mezë EP’ is a testament to the power of music, culture, and the universal joy of life. Join DJ 3000 on this extraordinary journey, where boundaries disappear, and we are brought together through music, food, and family.

out of Stock

Order now and we will order the item for you at our supplier.

13,24

Last In: 2 years ago
Melanie De Biasio - Il Viaggio  2x12"

Melanie De Biasio veröffentlicht ihr viertes Album 'Il Viaggio' (italienisch für 'Die Reise') und begibt sich auf die titelgebende Reise zu ihren familiären Wurzeln in Italien. Zum einen aufgenommen in ihrer belgischen Heimat und zum anderen in Italien, beschreibt 'Il Viaggio' die Suche nach musikalischer Erneuerung. Melanie De Biasios sanfte Stimme, wunderschöne Melodien und atmosphärische Klangteppiche laden dazu ein, sich voller Gelassenheit mit ihr auf diese sinnliche Reise zu begeben.

pre-order now06.10.2023

expected to be published on 06.10.2023

32,35
AXIS: SOVA - BLINDED BY OBLIVION LP

Axis:Sova

BLINDED BY OBLIVION LP

12inchGOD27
God?
06.10.2023

Chicago"s Axis: Sova hit the beaches of southern California with Ty Segall to make a total hi-fi classic. Often feral and consistently catchy, Blinded By Oblivion is lit up with interlocking drum kit + drum machine, adventuresome guitar, bass, and harmonic vocals on every song. Icy lyrical perspectives, rendered in a sunshiny natural paradise, transmit the fun and fraud of human polarities with urgency and an occasional eye roll. Making for an undeniably good/bad time, streamlined and more reflexibly physical than previously known, Blinded By Oblivion begs the universe to bring back rock and roll radio. All the elements are there: compassion for our collective fallibility, rebuke on the tip of the tongue, all rolled tight with hook-laden, high-energy construction. "Bout halfway through Blinded By Oblivion, we hear Sova say, "I think my heart is made of metal." Yuuuup. But we"d argue there"s at least a ventricle or two made of post punk! And with vena cavae split between psych and southern boogie. And cardiac veins of glam, power pop, and punk Sometimes the heart is simply filled with sweet melody - so man, the beats of this metallic muscle are insane!

pre-order now06.10.2023

expected to be published on 06.10.2023

29,83
AXIS: SOVA - BLINDED BY OBLIVION

Axis:Sova

BLINDED BY OBLIVION

CassetteGODC27
God?
06.10.2023

Chicago"s Axis: Sova hit the beaches of southern California with Ty Segall to make a total hi-fi classic. Often feral and consistently catchy, Blinded By Oblivion is lit up with interlocking drum kit + drum machine, adventuresome guitar, bass, and harmonic vocals on every song. Icy lyrical perspectives, rendered in a sunshiny natural paradise, transmit the fun and fraud of human polarities with urgency and an occasional eye roll. Making for an undeniably good/bad time, streamlined and more reflexibly physical than previously known, Blinded By Oblivion begs the universe to bring back rock and roll radio. All the elements are there: compassion for our collective fallibility, rebuke on the tip of the tongue, all rolled tight with hook-laden, high-energy construction. "Bout halfway through Blinded By Oblivion, we hear Sova say, "I think my heart is made of metal." Yuuuup. But we"d argue there"s at least a ventricle or two made of post punk! And with vena cavae split between psych and southern boogie. And cardiac veins of glam, power pop, and punk Sometimes the heart is simply filled with sweet melody - so man, the beats of this metallic muscle are insane!

pre-order now06.10.2023

expected to be published on 06.10.2023

15,08
Delta Goodrem - Mistaken Identity 2x12"

Mistaken Identity is the second studio album by Australian singer Delta Goodrem. It was a huge success in Australia, peaking at #1 on the country’s album chart and achieving a certification of five times Platinum. The album was also very well received in New Zealand, UK, and several European countries. Delta’s second number one album can be described as more classically piano driven, venturing into pop rock and pop jazz. The album features five singles, including “Almost Here (feat. Brian McFadden)”, “Out Of The Blue”, “Mistaken Identity”, “A Little Too Late” and “Be Strong”.

Mistaken Identity is available on vinyl for the first time as a limited edition of 2000 individually numbered copies on translucent blue coloured vinyl, housed in a gatefold sleeve and includes an insert with lyrics.

pre-order now06.10.2023

expected to be published on 06.10.2023

46,64
Gratin Carnival - Such December LP

Alien Transistor is proud to announce a reissue of Such December, the fourth album by Japanese indie folk-pop artist, Gratin Carnival. Listeners might already know Gratin Carnival from their appearance on the Alien Parade Japan compilation of indie pop groups working with brass and woodwind; compiled by Markus Acher of The Notwist and Saya of Tenniscoats, it introduced this beautiful genre to the wider world. Gratin Carnival’s “Just Watching” was one of the many highlights of that compilation, and its gentle bossa-folk glide reappears on Such December.

Originally released in 2020, Such December captures beautifully the happy-sad charm of Gratin Carnival. The project of Koreyuki Mitsunaga, Gratin Carnival started in 2011; Mitsunaga had been home recording for some time and decided on the name as an umbrella for his music-making. Mitsunaga’s main instruments are guitar, which he uses to great effect throughout, his gorgeous acoustic playing reminiscent of players like Ueno Takashi of Tenniscoats or João Gilberto, and alto saxophone and clarinet. Those three instruments make up the core of Gratin Carnival’s sound, along with Mitsunaga’s charmingly doleful singing.

Recording at his parents’ home, with a four-track cassette recorder and a MacBook, Mitsunaga created Such December during 2020, though the songs on it stretch back to 2016. The closing “On The Train” was the first song written for the album – “a song about a small trip,” Mitsunaga recalls – and from there, he built a beautiful collection of songs that sit together perfectly. There’s great clarity in Mitsunaga’s writing, with nothing extraneous getting in the way of the lucid arrangements and gorgeous melodies; there’s something of chamber jazz about it at times, so it’s no surprise that Mitsunaga shares his love of Benny Goodman’s small group playing.

He's also a fan of Japanese folk artists like Kenji Endo and Kyouzou Nishioka, and grew up listening to Japanese popular music, The Beatles, and The Carpenters. You can hear trace elements of all this in Such December, in the clear-headedness of the melodic decisions made by Mitsunaga, and the quiet charm of the song’s gentle arrangements. They take on different shapes live, too, where Mitsunaga often invites other musicians to join in – his live band currently includes Masafumi Ezaki (trumpet), Nahoko Kamei (bass clarinet, piano, keyboards) and Tadashi Yonago (trombone, self-made instruments).

As with plenty of musicians from the Japanese underground, Mitsunaga is involved in other music, too – he’s been working with The Otoasobi Project, which performs music in collaboration with individuals with learning disabilities, and their families; and he’s also involved in improvised music. With Such December, though, you get to hear Mitsunaga’s music at its most personal and individual, ten songs of still, gorgeously poised indie folk-pop, where the swooning clang of six strings meets the breathy bliss of woodwind and brass.

pre-order now06.10.2023

expected to be published on 06.10.2023

24,16
Items per Page:
N/ABPM
Vinyl